Lou Hart

Have you ever wondered what it takes to make a legend? Dive into Lou Hart's captivating book "Roland the Hawaiian Leong," which captures the life of the man who became a legend in drag racing. The book tells fascinating tales of triumph, adversity, and non stop determination in the annals of motorsport history. Lou Hart weaves a spellbinding narrative about Roland Leon, a name that resonates with power and prestige in the world of motor racing. Born and raised on the island paradise of Hawaii, Roland's journey to the pinnacle of drag racing is a testament to his indomitable spirit. The book offers us a glimpse into Roland's early fascination with speed. It’s a story of dreams, determination and the sheer will to succeed against all odds. The book takes us on a thrilling ride along the racetracks of the 60s and 70s where Roland Leong's name became synonymous with victory and innovation of his relentless pursuit of speed. His talent for engine tuning made him a force to reckon with in a sport dominated by mainland American racers. Harts’ portrayal of Roland as an innovative and driven individual is interesting. The book beautifully chronicles Roland's life, his victories, setbacks, and good friend and teammate Don Prudhomme who later drove for Roland. It's a thrilling tale of high-speed chases, roaring engines and the smell of rubber, but it's also a story of resilience to a man who, despite the challenges and failures, never lost sight of his dreams, but had to adapt to achieve them. Roland the Hawaiian Leong is more than just a motor sport biography. It's a study in perseverance, a testament to the human spirit's resilience and a tribute to a man who dared to dream big and had the audacity to make those dreams a reality. Lou Harts' narrative style is engaging and conversational. He masterfully transports us into Roland's world, making us feel every victory, every defeat, and every moment of sheer exhilaration that comes with being a part of the drag racing world. The book is meticulously researched, and Hart’s passion for the sport is quite evident in every line he writes. To sum it up, Roland the Hawaiian Leong by Lou Hart is a riveting read. It's a reminder of what one can achieve with unyielding determination and an endless passion. It's a book that will captivate motor racing fans and anyone who appreciates a good story of triumph against all odds. So, dive into this fascinating book and get lost in the thrilling world with Roland Leong the Hawaiian legend of drag racing. I highly recommend it for those seeking the bio of a racer behind the wheel.… (más)

I received a copy of this book through the Library Thing Early Reviewer program but having been sick it took me a while to actually get to the book.
With a supportive mother and an early love of racing, Roland Leong quickly made a name for himself on his native Oahu but to make it big he'd have to go to California. His early ambition was to be a driver but ended up building cars instead and connected with another soon to be NHRA legend and lifelong close friend Don Prudhomme. The rest, they say, is history and this is the first ever book to chronicle that history from Leong's earliest days in racing. Published by CarTech, it is of course filled with beautiful, high quality, glossy photographs, both black and white and in full color. It also includes a foreward written by Don Prudhomme. Author Lou Hart conducted an impressive amount of research and collecting of photographs and any true drag racing fan is bound to love this book. Sadly, Roland Leong recently passed away in December 2023 at the age of 79.… (más)

Roland Leong "The Hawaiian": Drag Racing's Iconic Top Fuel Owner and Tuner by Lou Hart is a great biography. The author includes tons of photos and memorabilia images that are fun to look at, and keep the pages turning. Hart details Leong’s career (including the low’s) and includes many personal details so the reader gets a complete picture. A great book that already has my racing friends asking to borrow it! My appreciation to Lou Hart and CarTech Books for the LibraryThing Early Reviewers printed copy.… (más)

This book provides detailed insight to the life and work of Roland Leong and the many drivers he worked with. Included are his career highs and lows and the struggles even well-known successful owners had obtaining sponsorship. There are numerous black and white and color photographs of the cars, family, drivers, crew and friends of Roland that help provide a complete story of his life. This book is recommended for the novice as well as the highly dedicated race fan. This review was written as part of the LibraryThing Early Reviewer program.… (más)