New book tells the true story of the world's only female Black professional race car driver, Cheryl Glass

SEATTLE, Wash., March 10 - When Cheryl Glass jumped to her death off a Seattle bridge at age 35, intrigue followed. People wondered how the life of a person once considered the most promising race car driver on the planet, with a sure path to the Indianapolis 500 in front of her, could come to such a tragic conclusion. A new book, The First Lady of Dirt: The Triumphs and Tragedy of Racing Pioneer Cheryl Glass, tells the story of the Seattle icon for the first time.
There has never been another person like Cheryl Glass, a model, race car driver, celebrated wedding dress designer, and business owner. The First Lady of Dirt recounts how Cheryl rapidly became the first successful Black woman in the sport, yet frequently encountered racist and sexist taunts from other drivers and fans throughout her career. While appearing to have it all-talent, ambition, looks-she faced many challenges on and off the track and her life soon spun out of control.
The story is told by Bill Poehler, a career journalist and race car crew member and driver. He spent four years researching Cheryl Glass' life, including interviewing her family and friends, to make The First Lady of Dirt the definitive account of her life.
"The true story of Cheryl Glass is the proverbial rollercoaster," former Indy Car driver Ross Bentley said. "Just when you thought she was making the next step, something goes wrong. But what makes her story so fascinating is the way Bill Poehler dives into the mindset of this complicated woman, and of the supporters around her."
About Bill Poehler: A reporter at the Statesman Journal in Salem, Ore., since 1998, he spent his first 20 years as a sports writer and has been a news reporter since. His work has been published in newspapers and magazines around the world. Poehler's first book, The Brown Bullet: Rajo Jack's Drive to Integrate Auto Racing, was released in 2020. For more information, go to billpoehler.com.
About Rowman & Littlefield: Since 1949, the Maryland-based publisher has been a leader in educational titles, as well as books in diverse of subjects from sports to travel to women's history. Get more information at rowman.com.
For a review copy of The First Lady of Dirt, contact reviews@rowman.com.
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Bill Poehler author is the company of book author Bill Poehler

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