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Speed King, the novel, is an adaptation of my screenplay. It is an historical romance thrown on top of the Uniontown Speedway, "inspired by" the true story, but a few names and characters are changed.  Patch kid Seamus McBay loses his parents and is dumped at the Hotel Steele on top of Summit Mountain at 14. Gideon Steele, hotelier and coal baron, takes him in and mentors his mechanical and driving skills until they have a blow out over Gideon's niece. Seamus builds the Uniontown Speedway board track, but does he get the girl? 

Charley Johnson, Speed King, tells his story. "They started calling me the Speed King at the 1912 drag race during Uniontown's Old Home Week. I wondered if Barney Oldfield would be upset if he knew I had his nick name. Later, I got to ask him. He laughed. I laughed." Charley takes us on a ride from 1911 through his Speed King days and even Cuba and his 1940 return. Was he a thief after all? Find out from Charley himself!

Barney Oldfield (L) and Charley Johnson (R) shared the nickname, Speed King. This early May 1917 day, Oldfield brought his new, $15,000 Miller built Golden Submarine, to Uniontown, making history as the first race car with a roof. Charley had paid Barney $4,000 to display the car at the Grand Opening race May 10 at the Uniontown Speedway board track. Charley soon tried to buy the Golden Sub!

Note: $15,000 in 1916 = $446,717.48 in 2024! 

The historical research it takes to uncover the stories behind these events and characters is endless and extraordinarily interesting. As an Author/Screenwriter/Producer, I am committed to preserving the story of the significance of the Uniontown Speedway in promoting early motor cars, safety and improved roads.

The best way to assist the author in her work is to donate or purchase books. Buy a dozen, pass them out!

Contact Marci McGuinness: 304 698-6207