The Cactus Derby, officially known as the Los Angeles to Phoenix Endurance Run, began in November 1908. The 1914 race was 728 miles spanning three days with stops in Needles, California, and Prescott, Arizona. This was a test of the mettle of the participants—both men and the cars.

Mark Dill uses the 1914 Cactus Derby to introduce Barney Oldfield, one of the premier drivers of the early years in auto racing. Oldfield was like Rodney Dangerfield—he couldn’t get any respect despite his accomplishments on the track. He was the first man to go a 100 mph in a minute at the Indianapolis Speedway and in 1914 finished fifth in the Indianapolis 500 in a Stutz, the highest finish of any American-built car in the race was dominated by European cars and drivers. In the 1920s and 1930s, Oldfield was so well known that when stopping a speeding car, policemen would often ask the driver “Who do you think you are, Barney Oldfield?”

He was also a rebel. Oldfield had grown up with humble beginnings in Ohio and was a self-made man. Despite his accomplishments, Barney was shunned by the auto racing establishment—the American Automobile Association Contest Board and the Eastern establishment. In frustration, he started barnstorming at fairs across the country. In these races, which were more theatrical productions than real races, Oldfield would cross the finish line first in what appeared to be a closely fought race. Never mind the finish was predetermined but those in the crowd were thrilled with the action on the track.

Because of his barnstorming activities, which brought greater financial reward than the racing sanctioned by the AAA, Oldfield was banned from the official races. In a throwback to 1910, Dill covers the unsanctioned race with Jack Johnson, who had defeated Oldfield’s friend Jim Jeffries in a heavyweight boxing match for the title of world boxing champion. Oldfield and his publicist, Will Pickens didn’t care if they were banned---they could earn more money running this outlaw race. Johnson saw this race as an opportunity to capitalize upon his fame.

Oldfield’s goal was to win the 1914 Cactus Derby and collect not only the prize money but, more importantly, the “Master Driver of the World” medal presented by the Western Automobile Association. It promised to be tough competition as some of the best drivers were participating. There was also the challenge of being thoroughly prepared for the race. The competitors had to make sure that they had all the gasoline, water, oil, and spare parts for the race. They would face a path through mountain passes on rough roads that could easily break suspensions and wheels. The winner was determined not by who first arrived at the finish line in Phoenix, but by the elapsed time.

Weather played a significant role. It was the rainy season and the participants left Los Angeles in the rain. The streets were very wet and muddy and many of the racers slid while trying to leave Los Angeles. Despite having put on chains, Oldfield found driving the Stutz was like driving on ice. The rain continued intermittently, but when the road was dry, Oldfield would use the powerful Stutz to gain the lead. At Needles, they were greeted by a train filled with partyers and journalists following the action. As the train pulled into Needles, Oldfield and his riding mechanic, George Hill were leading the race by over six minutes.

Disaster nearly struck Oldfield on the drive between Needles and Prescott. The racers were pelted with sleet as they tried to climb the steep grade about thirty miles outside of Needles. The Stutz racer was made for speedway racing, not going up a steep hill. Near the top of the grade, the car sputtered to a stop. Meanwhile, the other racers’ cars could handle the steep hill and were drawing closer. By offering miners, who had gathered to look at the Stutz, money to push the racer up the remaining grade. After returning to level ground Oldfield gained momentum. The Stutz was running at 65 mph when it hit a rock denting the wheel and puncturing the tire. Rather than change the tire, they limped into Kingman where Oldfield changed the tire.

The rain continued overnight in Prescott. On the final day of the race, there were two rivers to cross. Although the first river had swollen to over three feet deep, a bridge made it possible to cross one at a time. It was a different story when they reached the second river. Oldfield had a substantial lead, but the river was too deep for the Stutz whose profile was lower than the other racers. Having no option but to drive through the water, Oldfield got a running start. About midway across the river, the Stutz’s engine died. The car was too deeply mired in the mud to be pushed out of the river. A team of mules joined by four men were able to get the car out of the water. Having lost about twenty minutes, Oldfield ran at full speed the remainder of the way to Phoenix. Oldfield was not the first to reach the finish line, but because he had built a substantial lead during the first two segments, he won the race and was declared the Master Driver of the World.

This is a fast-paced book where the reader feels part of the action. It gives the reader a feel for the challenges of those who participated in endurance races during the early twentieth century. It also gives a full account of Oldfield who was not only a hard driving but also a hard drinking individual.