JOIE RAY’S HISTORIC CAREER RECALLED IN NEW BOOK

INDIANAPOLIS – Joie Ray died one year ago at the age of 83 in a Louisville, Ky. hospital, the result of a respiratory infection. Although his voice is now quiet, his story lives on, sure to inspire this and future generations as a tale of courage, grace, and determination.

Ray was a pioneer in auto racing, the first African American driver to obtain a license from AAA on October 9, 1949 at Indiana’s Salem Speedway. Throughout the next 14 years Ray raced sprint cars and stock cars until retiring from competition in 1963.

In the months before his death, Ray collaborated with noted racing announcer and writer Patrick Sullivan on “Brick by Brick,” an autobiographical look at Ray’s life and career. The official release date was April 13, the one-year anniversary of Ray’s death.

“It’s an appropriate way to remember Joie, and commemorate his passing,” said Sullivan, who spent countless hours with Ray as he described the events and anecdotes of his career. “It’s sad that Joie isn’t here to see the book, but I’m pleased we were able to spend so much time together during the creative process.

“Joie’s life and career are not only historic, but compelling. He lived and raced in a world we can hardly imagine today. In the end, this is a story not just about racing, but about courage and grace and the triumph of human spirit.”

The 208-page softbound volume is filled with dozens of historic photos throughout the text, and racing author and writer Dave Argabright penned the foreword. The book is published by American Scene Press, an independent Fishers, Indiana publisher.

Books are now available at www.americanscenepress.com. Plans call for Sullivan to appear at a variety of book signings in the Indianapolis area over the next few weeks.

Brick by Brick - The Story of Auto Racing Pioneer Joie Ray

By Patrick Sullivan -Foreword by Dave Argabright

Softbound, 208 pages, 119 historic photos

American Scene Press

www.americanscenepress.com

(317) 631-0437