Umbrella Mike: The True Story of the Chicago Gangster Behind the Indy 500
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | 4.53 (581 Votes) |
| Asin | : | 1560257768 |
| Format Type | : | paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 250 Pages |
| Publish Date | : | 2017-11-04 |
| Language | : | English |
DESCRIPTION:
Passionate about high-class automobiles, Umbrella Mike was one of the few who could afford the luxury of racing during the hardship of the Depression. In 1937, dogged by adverse publicity and a barrage of disasters, the prestigious Vanderbilt Cup was held on Long Island.Brock Yates — noted editor, columnist and sports analyst and commentator — remarkably chronicles the dramatic events that unfolded during this most controversial of races — pitting against one another a Nazi poster child, a German-hating Swiss, and the brilliant American underdog who has a trick or two up his sleeve.. He was known as "Umbrella Mike": a hard man among the beautiful people. He moved among the elite of New York society with little notice, his sharply cocked fedora, his broad Irish face and his ever-present cigar setting him apart from the celebrities and socialites.Umbrella Mike is Michael Joseph Boyle, the corrupt leader of Chicago's most powerful union and himself a Chicago gangster on friendly terms with Al Capone
He is the author of many works, including the screenplay for "The Cannonball Run." He lives in upstate New York.. Brock Yates is editor-at-large and featured columnist for Car and Driver magazine, erstwhile CBS Sports analyst, and commentator for the Speedvision Motorsports Cable Network
The Vanderbilt competition, which flourished 1904-16 and was revived in 1936 and 1937, attracted European as well as American drivers, thanks to a hefty prize purse. From Booklist Umbrella Mike, aka Michael Joseph Boyle--union official, friend of Al Capone, and auto-racing aficionado--is spiritedly limned in this Depression-era chronicle of a gangster's progress and the establishment of the Indianapolis 500 as the nation's preeminent auto race. Until now, Boyle has been overlooked by students of the Chicago Outfit, and Yates does much to make amends. That auto racing got mixed up in the times' turbulent po
"It's a fun read and was my introduction to vintage Indy racing" according to Robert R.. Undeservedly over looked. It's a fun read and was my introduction to vintage Indy racing and history.. James A. Kroeger said "Boyle" of the Boyle Special. Interesting book that provides the real story of the owner of Wilbur Shaw's last two Indy-winning rides. Gives you a real feel for racing in the 19"Boyle" of the Boyle Special Interesting book that provides the real story of the owner of Wilbur Shaw's last two Indy-winning rides. Gives you a real feel for racing in the 1930's. Only negative is that some of the details are repetitive (Yates described the differences between 1930s Indy Cars and the high-tech German racers at least three times).. 0's. Only negative is that some of the details are repetitive (Yates described the differences between 19"Boyle" of the Boyle Special Interesting book that provides the real story of the owner of Wilbur Shaw's last two Indy-winning rides. Gives you a real feel for racing in the 1930's. Only negative is that some of the details are repetitive (Yates described the differences between 1930s Indy Cars and the high-tech German racers at least three times).. 0s Indy Cars and the high-tech German racers at least three times).. Timothy D. Pyle said I.M.S. Influence of Mobsters on the Speedway?. Excellent expose by autoracing expert Brock Yates of Chicago gangster Mike Boyle and his dominance in Indy-car racing in the late "I.M.S. Influence of Mobsters on the Speedway?" according to Timothy D. Pyle. Excellent expose by autoracing expert Brock Yates of Chicago gangster Mike Boyle and his dominance in Indy-car racing in the late 20's through the early post WWII period. Yates brings out the links between Boyle and nearly all of the big name drivers and engineers of the day. With Favorite driver Wilbur Shaw, Boyle's Maserati won Indy twice, and became the most successful Indy car in history. But one wonders how much influence Boyle had, through Shaw, in convincing Tony Hulman to purchase the track after WWII? Although not. 0's through the early post WWII period. Yates brings out the links between Boyle and nearly all of the big name drivers and engineers of the day. With Favorite driver Wilbur Shaw, Boyle's Maserati won Indy twice, and became the most successful Indy car in history. But one wonders how much influence Boyle had, through Shaw, in convincing Tony Hulman to purchase the track after WWII? Although not