Welcome to Manzanita Speedways Desert Thunder and Thunder in the Desert Arizona auto racing books by Windy McDonald. Those who know Windy, know how much racing means to him. He was honored in 2007 for his fifty years behind the microphone at different tracks but primarily at Manzanita Speedway. Much of the information in his books come from his knowledge and the records he has kept throughout his tenure.
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Several fans went to Windy and urged him to put the history of auto racing in the valley in a book. They said in effect that he was the only one who knew the history, that he was old and they did not want the history to die with him. That brought about his first book Thunder in the Desert and he quickly found that he did not know it all. For instance he did not know that auto racing in the Phoenix area began in 1909 at the Arizona State Fairgrounds on the horse racing track. He also learned that midget racing began on a weekly basis in 1935.
When fans found out that he was writing the book several called offering him the use of their father's scrap book. That allowed him to get many midget pictures from the thirties and forties.
When the track helped Windy celebrate his fiftieth anniversary they permanently named the press box for him. They also gave him a rocking chair, trophy, plaque and many kind words from his friends. Congratulations from a number of nationally known people involved in motorsports were printed in the Manzanita program. Among them were Al Unser and Al, Jr., Gary Bettenhausen, Dee Jones, Billy Vukovich, Jr., Dick Jordon and many others.
This Website is designed and maintained by Windy McDonald. No part of this website may be reproduced in any form without written permission by Windy McDonald. All Rights Reserved Copyright © 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
