“Maximum Performance,” Chrysler dubbed them, and these remarkable cars and engines took the Super Stock racing world by storm in the ’60s—and helped bring about what is now recognized as the golden era of stock drag racing. With an unparalleled, intimate knowledge of these cars—from the assembly line to the track—Jim Schild gives a profile of Mopar cars like no other. His book takes us into the era that produced these unique cars and delves into the details behind their creation—the specially prepared engines, ram-induction two four-barrel intake systems, exhaust cutouts, and the like—lightweight cars made strictly for racing, with no back seat, no heater, low gearing, and altered wheelbases. Along with highly detailed and accurate information on the cars’ specifications and equipment, Schild recounts their exploits on the race tracks, where, driven by legendary teams such as the Ramchargers, Golden Commandos, and Sox & Martin, they dominated the world of drag racing, setting class records that still stand today. Scroll down to read an interview with author Jim Schild: Author Jim Schild is a member of the Society of Automotive Historians and has been a noted car collector for years. But if he has one true love, it’s covered in his excellent new racing history Maximum Performance: MOPAR Super Stock Drag Racing 1962-1969. Recently we sat down with Jim and interviewed him about his new book. Highlights are below – PLUS be sure to check out the FREE desktop wallpaper of one of six original 1965 Plymouth altered-wheelbase two-door hardtops, driven by Lee Smith. Details on downloading the wallpaper are below. Motorbooks: Your new book looks at a golden era of racing – not just drag racing – history. Why do you think the Super Stock period was a pivotal time in motorsports? Jim: The Super Stock era was the turning point for drag racing that made it professional. When the manufacturers began to produce cars just for drag racing, it gave other sponsors the incentive to get involved. Professional drag racing would not exist today if not for Chrysler Corporation,s spnsorship and participation in Super Stock and Factory Experimental drag racing. Motorbooks: The book is loaded with color photos, technical specs on engines, but also great stories from the era. Was there any race you recall in particular as your favorite? Was there a favorite racer for you? Jim: If there was any race that was important it was clearly the 1965 Super Stock Magazine Nationals held at York U.S. 30 Drag-O-Way in Pennsylvania. This event has been considered the "Woodstock" of drag racing because everyone who was invited showed up and the crowds of more than 21,000 almost took over the track. The event continued until well into the early morning. I appreciate all of the drivers of that era but Ronnie Sox (and Buddy Martin) probably presented the most professional team appearance and consistent wins. Motorbooks: You were a Chrysler employee in the 1960s, and recently the book was part of a Chrysler company event for some leaders from the company. Tell us about what happened? Jim: Just as the advance copies of the book were being shipped, long-time DaimlerChrysler executive Joe Hilger, vice-president of global service was retiring. Since Joe owns the 1968 Hemi Dart driven new by Larry Griffith, Larry was invited to the retirement ceremony. I acquired two advance copies of the book and autographed one to Joe Hilger so that Larry could take it to the event and present it to Joe on stage at the Chrysler Historical Museum. There were two more copies of the book at the event so a number of DaimlerChrysler executives were able to see it and have the driver of the 1965 Plymouth on the cover tell them about it. The book was very well-received and I was excited to get exposure I would not have had otherwise. Motorbooks: We took 3 advance copies of your book to the Barrett-Jackson auction last month, put them on a table in our booth, and they sold in 5 minutes. Plus, there were some Super Stock cars that did well at the auction. Why do you think there is such a renewed interest in that time with today’s car enthusiasts? Jim: There are fans like myself who have always appreciated these great cars but most people were not aware of them and what they accomplished. Because of more television exposure to the history of high performance and racing cars and more drag racing package cars being sold, more people are beginning to learn of their significance. Someone told me recently that these cars are "America's Ferraris," meaning that these are our factory race cars and they should be recognized for their heritage and history.