Forged in Print: John Bond, Road & Track, and the Birth of Car Guy Culture

This episode of The Logbook, our History of Motorsports series, is a presentation from the symposium series 'Perspectives on Motorsport Journalism 1952-1972', focusing on the influential role of John Bond and Road & Track magazine in shaping American car enthusiast culture. It explores Bond’s editorial vision, his passionate advocacy for American sports cars, and the magazine's focus on mechanical performance, historical appreciation, and automotive design. The session also delves into the gender dynamics within car culture through the lens of Road & Track, examining female representation in the magazine's content and advertising. The third presenter discusses how car culture is transmitted intergenerationally, suggesting that new definitions of car culture are needed to better connect with younger generations. Additionally, the presentation includes reflections on how contemporary publications like Hagerty are working to engage younger audiences, as well as the broader implications of car culture in society.

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00:00 John Bond and the Rise of Road & Track

02:24 Luke Chennel's Personal Journey

03:51 John Bond's Influence on Car Culture

07:13 Bond's Vision for American Sports Cars

10:19 The Role of Racing in Car Development

15:07 Kristie Sojka on Gender Representation

23:56 Advertising and Gender in Road & Track

31:56 Disappointment in Female Representation

32:41 Dedication to John and Elaine

33:01 Ken Yon's Anthropological Perspective on Car Culture

34:12 Exploring Car Culture Through Different Lenses

37:01 Defining and Undefining Car Culture

43:11 Intergenerational Transfer in Car Culture

50:58 Q&A Session and Final Thoughts

57:34 Sponsors and Closing Remarks

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This episode is part of our HISTORY OF MOTORSPORTS SERIES and is sponsored in part by: The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Argetsinger Family - and was recorded in front of a live studio audience.