1. The 200mph Steamroller introduction schedule

a. "OK, so I've had the old speed needle in my arm again and have been off racing other peoples' cars at Mosport and Mid Ohio. But I could do it with a clear conscience this time because THE NEW BOOK IS ACTUALLY AT THE FREAKING PRINTER! NO SHIT!!!!! And I sure hope it's good, because it's too late to do anything about it if it isn't....

b. Naturally I was running late (so what else is new?) and so there was no way we could have the hardbound editions ready for our planned debut at the big KIC vintage event at Road America July 16-18 or maybe even the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix a week later. And then I had a deliciously crafty, devious and money-grubbing idea: Why not make up a very short run (400 copies) of a perfect-bound (paper cover) "PREVIEW EDITION" that we could actually have in time for those events! And then not offer them up for sale! That's the crafty and devious part, in case you weren't paying attention. The Wall Street Derivatives Salesman-Worthy scam I've cooked up is that we'll use these preview copies to send off to reviewers, etc., in advance of the hardbound books arriving. But we've got a lot more than we need for just that. So here's the deal:

c. At Road America, I'll be signing my other books with Green Mountain Motorbooks and taking pre-orders for the hardbound edition of The 200mph Steamroller @ $35 ea./we pick up the freight (USA only) since it's my fault they're not ready yet. HOWEVER, for an additional fifteen bucks (that's fifty total in case you've run out of fingers and toes), you can also take one of the sure-to-be-rare-if-not-assuredly-valuable "preview editions" home to start reading right away. And then pass it along to somebody else or save it as a "collector's item" that may someday fetch a hell of a lot of money on ebay. Or not. But you can always use it to shore up a low workbench or a short table leg....

d. We'll most likely be working the same scam at Pittsburgh (unless the hardbound books surprise me by arriving early) but should have the finished hardcovers in hand by Monterey. See "Burt's Gauntlet-Run, Ride-Mooching Book Tour" link for more info on where he'll be with the books for the rest of the racing season.