Magnolias, Sweet Tea, and Exhaust

“The book is a great read for any die-hard fan, or the new fan with an interest in NASCAR.” —David Ragan, winner, Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway, 2013

“Like so many others, Carole Townsend has discovered the magic and intoxicating allure of NASCAR. Magnolias, Sweet Tea, and Exhaust is a highly entertaining account of a ‘properly raised’ Southern lady’s indoctrination into the high-speed arena of fast cars, racetrack culture, and the extremely interesting people who participate and those who come to watch. Along the journey, she finds the passion that the sport of NASCAR racing represents to so many of those she meets. This is a must-read for those who may have been hesitant to personally experience what the buzz about NASCAR is all about.” —Ed Clark, president and general manager, Atlanta Motor Speedway

“Townsend’s venture into the male-dominated sport of NASCAR is immensely entertaining and informative for race fans and those just looking for a good read.” —Gregg Loomis, former race car driver and author of the Lang Reilly thrillers

“Part stock car racing primer, part Southern-fried travelogue, a compelling and often hilarious account of a full-blown conversion into the religion known as NASCAR.” —Andrew Giangola, author of The Weekend Starts on Wednesday

“This is the perfect ‘beginner’s book’ for new NASCAR fans. Carole Townsend tells us the story of a newbie fan who wanted to learn about the sport and went all out to do just that. There is even information in the book that many longtime fans do not know. I highly recommend it for all fans—old and new.” —Ron Fleshman, editor, Racing Information Service

“A good read. I highly recommend it.” —Jay Guy, NASCAR crew chief

“I highly recommend this book not only for the novice, but also for the long-time fan.”
- Ron Fleshman, Racing Information Service

“Carole describes with much humor her journey into another world she refers to ‘as out there as Mars’ that will make you laugh out loud and understand her first gaffes and journey to becoming a better educated and true fan.”
--Auveed Bagheri Cawthon and Beth Volpert, Gwinnett Citizen

“Part narrative, part primer on the hypnotic sport, part funny book, part homage to the magic and mystique of a special sports culture, this book is a very good read.”
--Harvey Frommer

“The book is a great read for any die-hard fan, or the new fan with an interest in NASCAR.” —David Ragan, winner, Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway, 2013

“Like so many others, Carole Townsend has discovered the magic and intoxicating allure of NASCAR. Magnolias, Sweet Tea, and Exhaust is a highly entertaining account of a ‘properly raised’ Southern lady’s indoctrination into the high-speed arena of fast cars, racetrack culture, and the extremely interesting people who participate and those who come to watch. Along the journey, she finds the passion that the sport of NASCAR racing represents to so many of those she meets. This is a must-read for those who may have been hesitant to personally experience what the buzz about NASCAR is all about.” —Ed Clark, president and general manager, Atlanta Motor Speedway

“Townsend’s venture into the male-dominated sport of NASCAR is immensely entertaining and informative for race fans and those just looking for a good read.” —Gregg Loomis, former race car driver and author of the Lang Reilly thrillers

“Part stock car racing primer, part Southern-fried travelogue, a compelling and often hilarious account of a full-blown conversion into the religion known as NASCAR.” —Andrew Giangola, author of The Weekend Starts on Wednesday

“This is the perfect ‘beginner’s book’ for new NASCAR fans. Carole Townsend tells us the story of a newbie fan who wanted to learn about the sport and went all out to do just that. There is even information in the book that many longtime fans do not know. I highly recommend it for all fans—old and new.” —Ron Fleshman, editor, Racing Information Service

“A good read. I highly recommend it.” —Jay Guy, NASCAR crew chief

“I highly recommend this book not only for the novice, but also for the long-time fan.”
- Ron Fleshman, Racing Information Service

“Carole describes with much humor her journey into another world she refers to ‘as out there as Mars’ that will make you laugh out loud and understand her first gaffes and journey to becoming a better educated and true fan.”
--Auveed Bagheri Cawthon and Beth Volpert, Gwinnett Citizen

“Part narrative, part primer on the hypnotic sport, part funny book, part homage to the magic and mystique of a special sports culture, this book is a very good read.”
--Harvey Frommer