December 2023 MBR The Sports Shelf

The Sports Shelf

Texas Off-Road Racing 2
Mike Kowis, Esq.
Lecture PRO Publishing
www.mikekowis.com
9781732863071, $19.99 Paper/$4.99 ebook

https://www.amazon.com/Texas-Off-road-Racing-Side-Side/dp/1732863075

Texas Off-Road Racing 2: The Battle for ATV and Side-by-Side Championships is the sports memoir of an amateur racer whose humor is embedded even in the reviewer comments quotes. These range from enthusiasm about a second book appearing on the subject to outright dismay

("Growing up, Mike had a promising writing career. So much for that!" - Mike's 8th grade English teacher). Readers needn't be members of the Texas XC racing community to enjoy this book (although it helps!). There are enough description and enthusiasm to allow newcomers to the sport to live vicariously through Mike Kowis's insights, history, and encounters on the racing circuit. The excitement of side-by-side racing is captured in moment-by-moment "you are here" descriptions that feature the vivid experiences of competition and the politics and processes which dictate its progression.

Of special interest are the author's descriptions contrasting different racing experiences over the years: "...it occurred to me how different it is to race both an ATV and SxS with TX4 as compared to the simpler routine of just racing a SxS with the previous series." Readers need not have familiarity with different types of racing in order to appreciate the exuberance and experiences described in Texas Off-Road Racing 2. All that's required is a basic interest in sports competition and moment-by-moment racing experiences that put the reader alongside the author in the driver's seat. Color photos punctuate and capture these vivid racing moments and the hard work of all involved who make such events happen. Libraries seeking books that capture this experience, outlining the allure and results of shifting racing opportunities over the years, will find these stories of racing, competing, and winning to be thoroughly absorbing.

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