Raoul 'Sonny' Balcaen: My exciting true-life story in motor racing from Top-Fuel drag-racing pioneer to Jim Hall, Reventlow Scarab, Carroll Shelby and beyond

Raoul Balcaen grew up in Los Angeles during the epicentre of American motor racing, competing with his home-built Top Fuel dragster and working on the famous Scarab sports cars. He later worked as Jim Hall's crew chief and was involved in the development of the all-American Formula 1 engine. This memoir provides insights into the lives of West Coast road-racing heroes and his own successful business, IECO.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 01 September 2022
Publisher: Evro Publishing

Raoul "Sonny" Balcaen's upbringing in Los Angeles coincided with the city's emergence as the epicenter of American motor racing, fostering a vast talent pool that continues to shape the sport today. As a teenager, he embarked on a remarkable journey in the world of drag racing, competing successfully with his home-built Top Fuel dragster during the formative years of the sport. Alongside Lance Reventlow, he played a pivotal role in the development of the iconic Scarab sports cars, witnessing the first ignition of their all-American Formula 1 engine in the dyno room. Balcaen's expertise expanded further as he served as Jim Hall's crew chief, gaining invaluable insights into the world of road racing. His close association with Carroll Shelby further enriched his knowledge, leading to his successful entrepreneurship and the subsequent achievements that followed.

In this captivating memoir, Balcaen takes us on a personal journey through a momentous time and place, introducing us to a constellation of West Coast road-racing heroes. At the age of 17, he embarked on a remarkable feat by building his own Top Fuel drag racer, the Bantamweight Bomb. He relentlessly refined and drove this vehicle to numerous victories, showcasing his unwavering dedication and engineering prowess.

Balcaen's involvement in the Scarab sports cars, renowned as landmark all-American racers, was a testament to his exceptional talent and expertise. He gained insights into the world of Lance Reventlow, the visionary creator behind these iconic vehicles. Working closely with Reventlow, Balcaen played a crucial role in the development and preparation of the Scarab Eleven and Lister-Chevrolet, laying the foundation for the legendary Chaparrals that would soon dominate the racing scene.

After his stint with Scarab, Balcaen returned to the team, this time for their Formula 1 project. His role in developing the first American Grand Prix car marked a significant milestone in the history of motor racing. He also undertook a special project for Reventlow, converting a Scarab sports racer into a street car, further expanding his skills and knowledge.

Balcaen's journey did not end there. He ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing IECO (Induction Engineering Co). With a focus on creating and selling high-grade performance and appearance accessories, IECO quickly gained recognition for its innovative products, particularly for Chevrolets, including the Corvair and Vega. His many-faceted dealings with Carroll Shelby led to consultancy work and even occasional assignments as a Shelby consultant.

Raoul "Sonny" Balcaen's memoir is a testament to his remarkable life and contributions to the world of motor racing. It offers a glimpse into the inner workings of a pivotal era in the sport, where talent, dedication, and innovation converged to shape the future of racing. Through his personal experiences and interactions with the legendary figures of the time, Balcaen provides a captivating account of a momentous time and place in the history of American motor racing.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781910505779