#60; b #62;A New York Times Bestselling Author #60; /b #62; #60; P #62;Set on a Dale Earnhardt Memorial Pilgrimage NASCAR bus tour, St. Dale looks into the heart of America - its secular saints and cereal-box heroes, wild dreams and unrealized ambitions, heartbreaking losses and second chances - and celebrates it unbreakable spirit. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

A group of stock car racing fans embarks on a bus tour of Southern speedways seven states in eight days as a tribute to legendary NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt in this meandering road novel modeled after the Canterbury Tales. Harley Claymore, a down-and-out race car driver who yearns to be reinstated, is a tour guide with an encyclopedic knowledge of spectacular races and risk-loving drivers. His "Where are you folks from?" introduces a diverse group of tour participants: Karen and Shane plan to be married at the first stop, where the bride's Wiccan mother will be waiting, and the groom will try to come to terms with his grief over the death of his hero, Dale, in the 2001 Daytona 500; longtime fan Jim, married 47 years to Arlene, hopes her incipient Alzheimer's won't spoil their enjoyment of the tour; Bill Knight, an Episcopalian priest in smalltown Canterbury, N.H., is chaperone for a dying orphan who was selected for a Last Wish trip; Nebraska resident Ray has proudly plowed his alfalfa field with a giant three (Dale's racing number). Veteran McCrumb provides a lively illustration of the cult of celebrity and offers instructive speculation about the human need for heroes. Minimal drama and suspense, however, will make this best suited to those who thrill at the sight of a memorial number three. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

Starred Review. Wave the checkered flag, 'cause this one's headed for the victory lane! McCrumb (Ghost Riders) gambles on a Canterbury Tales inspired novel about secular sainthood set in the world of NASCARâä¢. Led by a washed-up stockcar driver, 13 pilgrims from diverse backgrounds set out in August 2002 on a Dale Earnhardt bus tour. In roughly a week's time, the group visits each major southeastern speedway, leaving memorial wreaths for "Number 3" en route. As the transforming trip progresses, the stories of this faithful group, Dale, other legendary drivers, and the history and lore of stock car racing are shared. Earnhardt, like Elvis and Princess Di, drew millions to him in life; his death in February 2001 only served to increase his magnetism as the embodiment of the American dream. McCrumb's latest should attract a large and varied following, just as NASCARâä¢ does, now one of the top three U.S. sports. Rebecca Kelm, Steely Lib., Northern Kentucky Univ., Highland Heights Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information