SPEED KINGS

Speed Kings, by John Smailes, tells the story of the 17 Australian and New Zealand drivers who’ve tried to win the world’s greatest Super Speedway race – the Indianapolis 500. Only two, New Zealand’s Scott Dixon and Australia’s Will Power, have succeeded. John tells the story of the drivers, team owners, engineers and commentators who’ve made the Brickyard their quest.

John tells the full story of Rupert Jeffkins for the first time – the Australian who drove in the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911 and almost won it in 1912. The lure of the Brickyard has drawn champions from both sides of the Tasman. Sir Jack Brabham, his son Geoffrey and grandson Matthew have each tried to win. So have the ‘ big three’ of New Zealand motor racing: Bruce McLaren, Denny Hulme and Chris Amon. And now three times Australian Supercar champion Scott McLaughlin – NZ born and Australian raised – is set to become the next driver from Down Under to chase American motor racing’s greatest prize.

Indy doesn’t offer up victory lightly. Blinding speed – nudging 380kmh and averaging 280kmh over 500 miles – makes the Brickyard one of the most precarious racetracks in the world. Forty-two drivers have died attempting the 500.