Cult-classic motoring novelist to sign books at the Geneva Concours d'Elegance Aug. 28

He's known as "the world's fastest novelist," and Burt Levy's seven-book series of "The Last Open Road" novels have become genuine cult classics on the motor sports and collector-car scenes. They've also been used in high school and college-level English classes and are on the recommended reading lists at many libraries and book clubs.

"The Last Open Road" is an oft-hilarious, historically accurate coming-of-age story about 19-year-old gas-station mechanic Buddy Palumbo, who gets sucked into the world of fast cars and open-road sports car racing during the Eisenhower '50s.

The original manuscript for "The Last Open Road" was turned down by mainstream publishers who felt there was "no market for "car" fiction.

But author Levy and wife Carol thought otherwise. So they took out a second mortgage, formed a company and published the book themselves in July of 1994.

Thanks to excellent reviews - several of which likened Palumbo to Holden Caulfield in "Catcher in the Rye" - and tremendous word-of-mouth support, that book is now in its 11th hardcover printing with over 50,000 copies sold.

It has also spawned six successful sequels, a short-story book and a unique and celebrated, "best motoring book of the year" audiobook version done in the style of a 1950s radio play.

Author Levy grew up and lives in the greater Chicago area, is an accomplished amateur/semi-pro racing driver and track instructor, served as a stunt driver when "The Blues Brothers" movie was shooting in Chicago and is an award-winning magazine writer and columnist.

Levy will be signing copies of all of his books at the Sports Car Club of America display at the corner of Third and Campbell streets during the Geneva Concours d'Elegance on Sunday, Aug. 28. Stop by and meet the World's Fastest Novelist!