Titles by The Charlotte Observer

<div><strong>A tribute to the late Dean Smith, called a &quot;coaching legend&quot; by the Basketball Hall of Fame</strong><br /><br />When he retired as North Carolina’s basketball coach in 1997, Dean Smith was the winningest coach in NCAA Division I men’s basketball history, leading the Tar Heels to an unprecedented 879 wins in a career that began in 1961. By 2015, when Smith passed away at the age of 83, the coach had become something of a living legend. Beloved by fans and players alike, Coach Smith’s legacy was apparent well before his passing. In <em>Dean Smith: More than a Coach</em>, the <em>Charlotte Observer </em>recalls Coach Smith’s many accomplishments on and off the court, and reveals the impact he had on the lives of countless others. This commemorative tribute features dozens of rare stories and photographs from the newspaper’s archives, and an exclusive introduction from acclaimed <em>Observer</em> columnist Scott Fowler. Whether celebrating Smith’s two national championships, his four Coach of the Year awards, or his leadership in integrating the North Carolina basketball program, the book demonstrates that Smith’s life is one well worth remembering.</div>

Celebrating the life and legacy of one of America’s best-known religious figures in words and photographs, this book traces the amazing journey of the lanky farm boy from Charlotte, North Carolina, who grew up to preach to more than 200 million people in stadiums and arenas around the world. Written by a journalist who covered Graham and his ministry for more than a decade, Billy Graham: A Life in Pictures chronicles the preacher’s rise, his friendship with U.S. presidents, his spectacular crusades, and his work in building a religious organization that continues with his son Franklin as its leader. It also offers a glimpse into Graham’s rich family life and how he managed to maintain his integrity while other religious personalities, despite—or perhaps because of—their large followings, were losing theirs. The book provides a fitting tribute to one of the most important religious leaders of the 20th century, a man of unimpeachable character who influenced millions around the globe.

Examining in great detail six veterans of the sport who have helped bring closed-wheel racing into the homes of millions of fans nationwide, this book features detailed personal profiles and biographies and full-color photos of legendary drivers Bill Elliott, Dale Jarrett, Terry Labonte, Mark Martin, Ricky Rudd, and Rusty Wallace. These older drivers have proven that they still have what takes to lead the sport. They may be older, but that doesn't mean they're any less aggressive or desiring of the checkered flag.

The young stars of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series have never been brighter, and their exciting stories from racing culture, both on and off the track, are collected here in this entertaining book that both profiles and celebrates the next generation of stock car competition. Fans and experts alike once thought that drivers needed several years to get the experience and track time necessary to compete at the Winston Cup level, but these eight young drivers have bucked that trend and are winning on a regular basis. Information in included on Jeff Gordon—one of the first standout rookies—and Jimmie Johnson, Kurt Busch, Ryan Newman, Tony Stewart, Matt Kenseth, Kevin Harvick, and, of course, Dale Earnhardt, Jr.