It would be easy to hate Michael Keyser, or at least be jealous of him. He combined several dream careers: sports car racer, writer/photographer, filmmaker. And he did so in one of racing's true golden eras: 1969-'72. In 1971 alone, he attended or raced at Daytona, Sebring, Monza, the Targa Florio, Le Mans, Monaco, Indianapolis, and others. The result of his travels and travails is "The Speed Merchants." Actually, the title yielded two products of the same name: a book, originally published in 1973, and a documentary film that traced the '72 World Championship for Makes sports prototype season. Both are classics.

Keyser has redone the book, more than doubling the photo content in the process, and adding a perspective that has no doubt richened after nearly 30 years. The text is very first person?the reader is invited along for the ride. But it's the photos that steal the show: a youthful Roger Penske and Mark Donohue chatting at Le Mans in 1971; Jackie Stewart blurring his Tyrrell Elf around Monaco; Al Unser Sr.'s first victory lap at Indy. Though there are plenty of full-page photos, we'd wish for more, as the images are so worthwhile. Brian Redman authored the forward, and the book's final chapter discusses the making of "The Speed Merchants" film.

One of the best-ever motorsport titles is back in print and, unlike most sequels, is even better that the original. Not cheap at 70 bucks, but a keeper if you appreciate the motorsport era that was the early '70s.
?Matt Stone