This book is more than an account of one man's 25 year NASCAR career. It is as much a story about perseverance and hard work in life as it is about racing. It chronicles one man's 65 year commitment to anything with wheels, from bicycles and motorcycles to competing at the highest level of automobile racing in the USA. Read as a young man, born in abject poverty west of Detroit, tells of his growing up on a dairy farm, and his eventual transformation from a rural redneck from the North to one of the 'good old boy' rednecks in NASCAR's Southern culture. Read how he was instrumental in jump starting the careers of some of NASCAR's notables like Janet Guthrie, Ricky Rudd, Mark Martin and Dale Earnhardt, Sr. There are some very humorous stories about his involvement in the movie industry, working with such notables as Burt Reynolds, Jim Nabors, Lonnie Anderson and James Garner.

Reading his book was a lot of fun. It's a great book. Will is a great story teller, a little eccentric, and you're going to love reading it.

 Not only did I read it, I was enamored about it. Having read the disclaimer, I'm telling you, I was hooked right there. He puts it all out on the table right there. It's a good racing book. 

It's a great book. Will is an amazing, talented, bright and articulate human being 

He's not just a humble man with gray hair, an old Goodyear hat, and red suspenders. Will Cronkrite is a former NASCAR crew chief and car owner full of amazing stories that Dale Earnhardt Jr. wants the world to hear. His #96 car gave Dale Earnhardt what many consider to be his big break in NASCAR and Dale Jr. gets the low-down on how it all happened. As a "scrawny kid" he stood in his father's truck at Cronkrites shop as they readied the car for the World 600, a part of Dale Jr.'s life that Will brings to life in this fascinating conversation. The story was so much more! How did Willy T. Ribbs and Humpy Wheeler help create a chance that would springboard The Intimidator's career? Cronkrite details the early days of a father and NASCAR Hall of Famer.

Cronkrite's life changed with the tragic death of his wife and children. It was at this moment that everything pivoted to Auto Racing. He took his intense work ethic and desire from the cornfields of Ohio, to Indianapolis, and eventually the top-ranks of NASCAR. Along the way, he worked with legendary drivers like Benny Parsons, David Pearson, Donnie Allison, Mark Martin, Ricky Rudd, Janet Guthrie and more. He also worked around some characters, like tough Minnesotan Joe Frasson. Cronkrite shares a crash story for the ages with Frasson, bloodied, insisting on Cronkrite taping his hand to the steering wheel.

Before he arrived in the southern stock car world, Cronkrite experienced a different side of racing in the Chicagoland area. He reveals how things were different in racing up there and how he was rewarded with diamonds for good performance. He also tells the tale of a gruesome fight that led to jail time and the fear of what was to happen when he was sprung by a "connected" individual involved in the racing operation. It's a story you have to hear to believe.

Cronkrite talks about many racing topics from DiGard Racing, to working with a gutsy racing pioneer named Janet Guthrie. He also shares stories from his months working on the hit Burt Reynolds movie Stroker Ace, including when Dale Sr. shook down the Chicken Pit Special. The colorful Cronkrite also tells a story about actress Loni Anderson and a lucky penny that he still has to this day. 

I have read the disclaimer in the book by and about a friend of mine Will Cronkrite. Here is a bunch of truths in a few short paragraphs. Wisdom comes from actually living a life with mistakes and all. The book is called “ I was a NASCAR Redneck” you should get a copy even if you know nothing about racing. You may just learn about “ life”.  It's a great add to anyones reading room . 

This is a great read for all NASCAR fans, but especially for fans of the sport from the 70's and later. Great stories on the drivers, teams, and how the sport changed during the greatest era in the sport.

 This book is so good I have read it twice. The first time it was one of those "I couldn't put it down reads". Then I re-read it to be sure I didn't miss a thing although I'm sure I still did. Sincerely, as a race fan for 65 years with a big library of racing books, this is my prized possession. If you like racing, buy it, read it and then you will know why this sport and this man are so awesome. 

Some of the best pics I have seen on any site! Beautiful cars and women, and great stories to each pic!

Your truly an inspiration and legend to all of us racing fans. Thank you for sharing your stories and photos with us all. I love reading your book.

 WHOOOOOP, THERE IT IS! I have now sold a book in every state in the US and in 6 foreign countries. I just received an order for a book from SOUTH DAKOTA.  I could not be more happy. I have been blessed with more friends than any one man is entitled to, and many of them are here on Facebook, and many of you have helped me achieve this goal. THANKS TO EACH OF YOU! I will do my best to remember what each of you have done.

Got my new copy, thank you sir, me and dad have been reading the hell out of it, good book, get your own copy people.

If any of you out there are looking for a last minute Christmas gift idea here it is!!! Will Cronkrite has to be one of the most interesting people I have ever met and his book just barely scratches the surface of how interesting his life has been.

Mr. Cronkrite, I really enjoyed this episode. Great to hear your experiences with Dale Sr. Never knew you were the owner of the 96 car. I know letting Dale go was a hard thing to do. That says a lot of your character. Listening to you, was a pleasure. And yes, I'll be buying your book. You take care.

You deserve it! The sport owes you a debt of gratitude! Congratulations!!

Wonderful book! I'm enjoying mine. Unfortunately with limited time I haven't got that far in to it yet. It's hard to put down! Thank you

I’m on page 184...and it’s tragic, technical, hilarious, brave, violent (the hammer and the toe), and really interesting...it’s life! I highly recommend WILL’s book 

Will Cronkite, the most underrated, and smartest man to grace the garages in the 70's.

Great book.... like listening to an old friend tell you stories

Will Cronkrite  we’ve never met, but I recently finished your book. My favorite chapter was “Two Rounds with Jim Croce”.  My family is from Grover and Kings Mountain. Very familiar area to me and brought back a lot of memories from long ago. Even the stories that weren’t NASCAR related were fascinating. Great Book!!

This is a fantastic book! Definitely a must for every racer & race fan. The history & legacy y'all have written is priceless.  I perceive many will find commonalities with your life story. This book should be in the hands of every racer & many fans! Real history here. Thank you for writing this.

 This Book will make you laugh, cry and find inspiration and a wealth of knowledge of how NASCAR was. The episode regarding Lonnie Anderson is a hoot and guaranteed to wish you were in his shoes. A must read for any Racing Fan.The whole Book is full of great stories but the one about the cops and the cat was indeed hilarious.

Enjoyed a week in the mountains and one of the best parts of the trip was sitting by the fire and reading your book. I enjoyed your visit on the Dale Jr download but you have to read the book for the best stories. I'm still having dreams about butterflies!

Will Cronkrite Its a killer book. You built cars from my favorite era of racing. It's not anything like it used to be.

 All of you diehard racers, check this book out. It's by a true founder of NASCAR. Will Cronkrite is a great down to earth guy. For those that would like a copy and don't order online, I am getting a case of them to sell in my store. This book gives you a play by play history of NASCAR from the eyes of a man that helped so many people get their start 

This book has become the prize possession of my relatively extensive racing library. I knew Will was a great guy the first time I met him and after reading the book I had all the back up I needed to support that opinion. One of my all time favorite books. I've read it twice because there is so much to take in one reading won't do it. Sincerely, as a race fan for 65 years with a big library of racing books, this is my prized possession. If you like racing, buy it, read it and then you will know why this sport and this man are so awesome.

 Mate how can I get a copy in Australia, will you post? Really enjoyed your interview on the Dale Jr Download. My favourite episode this year. 

Linda and I along with our VCTS family had the pleasure of spending the weekend with Will Cronkrite last weekend before Will traveled to the NASCAR Hall Of Fame this weekend. He is an amazing man who came thru a tremendous obstacle to live the life he did. He is an inspiration and his book is a must read. Will thank you for making the trip, the company and the friendship. Because of inspirational people like you… Life Is Good!!!

An awesome book to read for sure. Thank you Will Cronkrite for sharing your life of racing in your book. I really enjoyed reading it.

 Maybe your next book could be one of those racy romantic paperbacks they sell at the grocery store.

You can change the names and claim it to be fiction.I noticed in all of your well deserved accolades that have been hard earned by your many amazing talents that somehow Hot Chic Magnet is so frequently omitted from the text.Perhaps you are as graciously humble as the ladies have found you to be dashingly handsome.

 I agree the cannon story was the funniest story. I fell off my chair reading it.

If you're a fan of the ole NASCAR days and the drivers, this is a must read book. The pictures alone are a look into the past ,never mind the stories of Will and his association with many of the greats in Winston Cup. At 611 pages, it's the best story of Will and racing also from Indy, Bonneville and the drag strips where he worked his wonders.

 Everyone needs to read Will's book. Great read, great friend. I love sitting and hearing how it really was  

 That's a pretty good writing there! I would have never known that you could write so well! Since I read your book a few months back I still have not been able to pick up another book and read it. I think I'm going to start reading it again very soon. Thanks again for the great book!

 Enjoyed a week in the mountains and one of the best parts of the trip was sitting by the fire and reading your book. I enjoyed your visit on the Dale Jr download but you have to read the book for the best stories. I'm still having dreams about butterflies!

This book is not just about his racing career but about life. Some of us probably at one time or another have dealt with situations that Will had to contend with. It is just a great read. By the way I don't personally know Will so I am not just hawking a book for a friend. I hope to meet Will at some shows that will be going on later this year. Will is old school as you will find out when reading the book. I am an old NASCAR fan from way back, not so much these days. I do love the old stuff.

You have awesome Lady stories in the book, a great book that every NASCAR fan needs to own and read. It should be in the Downtown Charlotte at the Hall of Fame museum.

Your book is a treasure Sir. It should be displayed in Downtown Charlotte at the Hall of Fame museum.

BUY THIS BOOK!!!! Will has put his life into these pages with the skill and deftness of some of the best storytellers to ever put pen to paper. It doesn't even matter if you are into racing or cars, this book is going to entertain and amuse you! Plus, for those of us that are gearheads, there is plenty of information to be gleaned from this absolutely amazing book!!!  Will is  one HELL of a storyteller,  Awesome.

Your contributions on Dale Jr. Download show and to auto racing itself have been excellent. I love the stories and insights you have shared.

I just finished Will's book and I recommend it highly, it's well written and informative, and it will not disappoint you in any way. 

An awesome book to read for sure. Thank you Will Cronkrite for sharing your life of racing in your book. I really enjoyed reading it 

Great book! I highly recommend, great stories, I liked the behind the scenes stories about the Stroker Ace movie.

I bought mine long ago, it's awesome if you are a race fan, it's better than expected.

It is one of the best books i have ever read I cant seem to put it down . Will's book is doing more to rekindle interest in NASCAR again than most of the things NASCAR tried!  

 Will's book is doing more to rekindle interest in NASCAR again than most of the things NASCAR tried!  

I’m 3/4 thru the book. Good read and very interesting.

Will, your book is fantastic! I'm only in chapter 5 or 6 & it is captivating. I perceive many will find commonalities with your life story. This book should be in the hands of every racer & many fans! Real history here. Thank you for writing this

 It came today and I read the "forward." It took me back to my days on the family farm, milking and caring for cows and other livestock. Looks like it's easy reading and well written. Thanks

This is a great book about Will’s life and racing. I recommend it for all racing fans. Got to love how this book just took off in sales. Thank you for sharing your life with us Will.

 You know how many racing books I have. Will's was one of the best I have ever read and I found it hard to put it down until I was finished. 

Great book, must have if you love NASCAR. So much information and great stories. I love it!

Will Cronkrite, is a very amazing man! You need to read his book. 

 I just started reading your book . I'm at the beginning when the rabid dog got you! You & I have something in common...I had my head chewed up badly by the bully neighborhood dog when I was a kid (but he wasn't rabid......just mean). I can tell this is gonna be my kind of book to read too!

 I just started reading your book Will. I'm at the beginning when the rabid dog got you! You & I have something in common...I had my head chewed up badly by the bully neighborhood dog when I was a kid (but he wasn't rabid......just mean). I can tell this is gonna be my kind of book to read too!

Great slice of history by the man that was in the mix. Every car nut should have one.

 I received Will's book & enjoyed it tremendously! A great gift for any fans of the Earnhardt family! Excellent NASCAR reference book!

 Some of the best pics I have seen in any book! Beautiful cars and women, and great stories to each pic!

I have this book and it is some great reading!

  Good book Will. I enjoyed reading it 

 I’ve had the opportunity to interview many interesting and great people The latest guest, Will Cronkrite, was amazing. His mechanical and engineering mind in the 70s and 80s of Racing was way ahead of its time. He gave Dale Earnhardt his first five starts, he helped Ricky Rudd become rookie of the year and other great stories were shared. He is also an author who wrote the book “I Was a NASCAR Redneck” …get it, you won’t regret reading Will’s work and stories. Amazing man, amazing book.

Thank you for sharing some of your life with us with your new book.  I listened to the Dale Jr. Download episode the other day while working and thoroughly enjoyed it!!! You’ve lived such an interesting life and had some amazing opportunities!  

 If you're wondering who Will Cronkrite is, go to youtube and watch the Dale Jr download podcast episode with Will as the guest. Former Dale Earnhardt car owner and crew chief and so much more. BUY THE BOOK YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT! 

Will I Am Enjoying Your Book Very Much

 Check out Will Cronkrites book "I Was A NASCAR Redneck".  Will was guest speaker at the Vores Compact Touring Series banquet Saturday night. This man has built many cars and worked with NASCAR legends including Dale Earnhardt. His stories are incredible.  

Wills book is some fine high performance writing!

 This book has become the prize possession of my relatively extensive racing library. I knew Will was a great guy the first time I met him and after reading the book I had all the back up I needed to support that opinion.

  I think your book has rekindled a lot of good memories for the NASCAR community. Good job! 

 I have really enjoyed reading your book 

 Successful player in NASCAR racing and a successful writer, a life that many can only dream of and most of all a man that likes to share his stories. Thank Will.

Truly amazing to be able to read and see everything you had to do and how you created so much. Amazing read !!! Thank you Will