Silent Thunder: Breaking Through Cultural, Racial, and Class Barriers in Motorsports

by Leonard W. Miller

Book Overview

Every once in a while, a story comes along that enrages, enlightens and inspires all at once. Silent Thunder, the highly anticipated memoir of legendary auto racing veteran Len Miller is one such story. It offers a rare and surprising inside look at the struggles and triumphs of some of the most courageous men and women in motorsports -- African Americans. Whether you're a racing fan or a black history enthusiast, the author's deeply personal chronicle...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1569021767
• ISBN13: 9781569021767
• Release Date: September 2005
• Publisher: Red Sea Press(NJ)
• Length: 201 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Captivating and Inspirational !!

Mr. Leonard Miller is a true vanguard in motorsports! This colorful page-turning account of his life as an African-American in the sometimes brutal world of racing is truly inspirational and eye-opening. From his childhood, Mr. Miller channeled his love and passion for cars and racing into a lifelong pursuit of being the best in motorsports and overcoming near impossible odds to field top racing teams. His struggle to triumph over racism, death and various other issues during the course of five (5) decades is expressed in clear detail. This book is a timely read given the current attention to diversity in NASCAR and other racing formulas. Most of the current crop of active NASCAR African American drivers were trained and had their best results and greatest successes under Mr. Miller's racing teams, which in itself is a testimony to both his spirit, commitment and racing acumen. I highly recommend this book as a real life success story of a great man that has climbed an extraordinary mountain that few have dared to try. It is good to know that he is still climbing with as much vigor now as when he first started.

Captivating!

This story is compelling from the moment you begin to read. The successes achieved while enduring so much hardship is a testament to the passion Miller has for the sport. This story is a true eye-opener, and reveals a lot about how our society has evolved, but also illustrates how much farther we still need to go. This is a genuinely human story of triumph through adversity, and is inspirational whether you're a motorsport fan or not. Highly recommended!

Must read for any race fan

Leonard Miller's story is one of tremendous courage and perseverance in the face of prejudice that will inspire anyone who reads it. It was amazing to me how much prejudice still exists in what is now a mainstream sport and disappointing that no large corporation has had the vision to support someone who is one of the truly inspirational African American role models of our time.

fascinating

As a Brit with an interest in motor racing, particularly racing history, I bought this book over here on a friend's recommendation. I didn't know what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised by this memoir.From Miller's humble beginnings through to his ownership of a NASCAR team today, the story is an enticing account of triumph in adversity and should bring shame on many of the racing sponsors who still ignore the achievements of African-Americans today.