Where They Raced: Lap 2
Auto Racing Venues in Southern California, 1900-2000
By Harold Osmer
Where They Raced: Lap 2 is an extensively expanded second edition of Osmer’s original book on the history of racetracks in Southern California. As a graduate student in geography and land use, Osmer became interested in the rise and fall of the 150 racetracks that have peppered the Southern California landscape over the last 100 years. Focusing primarily on the early board tracks and ovals of the first half of the century, his research and the resulting thesis caught the attention of several local racing enthusiasts who urged him to publish his work. According to Osmer, “Where They Raced was almost published by accident.” Be that as it may, the first limited print run was so successful (and now unavailable) that Osmer decided to go back to the word processor and expand the book to include both a broader geographic area and include all racing venues from 1900 up to the present day.
Osmer’s updated work is organized into two main sections. The first essentially encompasses the first book and includes segments on the early road courses used for the Grand Prize and Vanderbilt Cup races, as well as the histories of area board tracks and small ovals.
The second half of the new edition picks up where the first book left off. Sections cover the history of racing venues by region, including greater Los Angeles, Bakersfield/Ventura and San Diego areas. Additionally, there are also supplemental sections on drag racing and the recent proliferation of new venues such as California and Irwindale Speedways.
Where They Raced: Lap2 is a thoroughly researched and well-written book that brings to light the history of one of the world’s true hotbeds of racing activity. Though soft bound and printed in black and white, this book is a must have for any serious history buff.
Available directly from the author for $28 (postpaid) at Harold Osmer Publishing, PO Box 4741, Chatsworth, CA 91313. (818) 999-1878.
