Augie Pabst - Behind The Wheel

Author: Robert Birmingham, ISBN: 9781854432773, 368 pages, Published by 16 Ton Press in 2016

Augie Pabst was one of the best American sports car racers in the late 1950s and early 1960s. He started driving small production cars and progressed rapidly to the best and fastest racing machines of the day. Along the way he scored many major victories and won two National Championships. He not only raced on all the major US and Canadian courses, but also on the international stage at Le Mans, Brands Hatch, and Nassau. His career was marked by two-year stints at three of the best American teams; Meister Bräuser, Briggs Cunningham, and Mecom. He raced against and often beat not only the top US drivers, but many international stars as well.

Pabst has a disarming boyish charm, accentuated by a wide smile and engaging personality, and is a favorite on and off the track, well-liked by all who come into contact with him: fellow drivers, team members, and fans everywhere. His story is told here and profusely illustrated with racing scenes showing many of the cars he drove – among them; Ferraris, Maseratis, Lotus, Porsches and of course the famous Scarabs.

Author, Bob Birmingham was employed by Pabst Motors for ten years, the last few as Sales Manager. During that time, he was privileged to witness countless Pabst racing victories, and on occasion participating himself, starting well back on the grid and driving a Fiat 1200 roadster, Stanguellini Formula Junior, Triumph TR3 or Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta coupe. Bob served on the SCCA Milwaukee Region's Board of Directors and, upon retiring from competition, as a National Chief Steward. Bob resides in Mequon, a suburb of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Automotive historian, Tom Schultz, contributed with proof reading, editing and provided additional photographs and materials.