Michael Argetsinger has written a pair of fascinating books that belong in the library of every self-respecting RRDC member. One is the biography of Walt Hansgen and the other of Mark Donohue, and together they masterfully chronicle the glory years of road racing in America – from the early days at Watkins Glen through the Can-Am era.

_{Donohue and Hansgen - two former RRDC Presidents}

Walt Hansgen was one of America’s greatest road racers in the 1950’s and 60’s, driving the world’s fastest sports cars for Briggs Cunningham and John Mecom. He also distinguished himself in F1, the Indy-500, and NASCAR.

Mark Donohue was his protégé and enjoyed an equally illustrious career driving in the 60’s and 70’s for Roger Penske. He was a Trans-Am and Can-Am Champion and Indy-500 winner.

Both were active RRDC members, served as Club Presidents, and proudly sported RRDC logos on their helmets. Naturally there are multiple references to the RRDC and its activities in both books. In Hansgen’s case they center around his attempts to mediate battles between the purely amateur Sports Car Club of America and the drivers who wanted to see their sport turn professional.

_{Walt and Mark share the cockpit of a Lola T-70}

One interesting excerpt comes from an article that Donohue authored for Sports Car Magazine in 1964 explaining what was required to become an RRDC member at the time: “ One must be a competent and accomplished driver, a sincere gentleman, and well-liked by the existing members”, he wrote. (Clearly those requirements have been somewhat relaxed in recent years – ed)

_{Walt driving a Lotus F1 car at Watkins Glen in 1964}

_{Mark on the grid at Lime Rock in his Lotus 20 in 1965}

Both books are filled with great inside stories and Michael Argetsinger is ideally suited to tell them. The son of Watkins Glen Grand Prix founder Cameron Argetsinger, he was the proverbial “fly on the wall” at many of the events recounted. And he has backed this up with meticulous research along with extensive interviews with many of the key players.

And like his championship-winning subjects, he has received many accolades for his efforts - including this year’s International Automotive Media Award for best biography, best book, and best overall 2009 – for the Donohue book. The Hansgen book took best biography and best book honors in 2006.


Walt Hansgen – His Life and the History of Post-War American Road Racing.

Mark Donohue – Technical Excellence at Speed.

Both are published by David Bull Publishing and can be purchased at www.bullpublishing.com

TD