Cole Coonce (who recently became a member of our forums) penned Infinity Over Zero, a tome about the history of land speed racing. It’s something that every enthusiast of the genre should have in his collection.

Here are some words of warning to begin: Coonce does not write boring, bland, straightforward stuff. He uses 50-cent words and takes the long way home in telling the very interesting story of land speed racing through the ages. This is not a bad thing, unless you are a person who demands newspaper-style directness in literary delivery. If you can appreciate a guy who takes for granted that the reader has a brain and is willing to go on the trip, this is totally a book you need to own.

It is interesting to note that the book takes the time to look at jet dragsters as well as just the stuff on the Salt. The stories are just as good and provide interesting contrast to the LSR stuff.

There have been many controversies and struggles along the way in the quest for the land speed record, and we mean the ultimate land speed record as is currently held by Richard Noble’s Thrust SSC (driven by Andy Green). The behind the scenes looks at Craig Breedlove’s failed final attempt and the infamous Hal Needham effort of decades ago are fascinating to read and alternate the reader between sorrow and frustration.

There are heroes and villains in this book. Coonce was smart enough to allow the reader to decide who’s who. You are not directed in any kind of heavy handed manner to believe one thing or the other. He does a wonderful job of presenting information and allowing you to size it up and pick sides.

The book revolves around the Thrust SSC/Breedlove race of 1997, but it is very clear from the outset which side has the advantage. That certainly does not prevent the reader for pulling for the other though. Breaking in and out of that time period are dozens of great stories that provide killer details and perspective into this chase to be the fastest on earth.

If you want  copy, pick it up for $14.95 from our pal Dave Wallace by clicking here. Infinity Over Zero is about halfway down the page.