Mike Downs Mysteries

My goal in writing is to bring entertaining stories of early auto racing to the reading public.  The stories commemorate the accomplishments and innovations of the legions of auto racers of the past, who risked their lives in the pursuit of speed.

Mike Downs

I began working in the sports car world at the age of 10, when I started sweeping the floors of a foreign car auto parts shop in Falls Church, Virginia.

At 16, I became part owner in a foreign car repair shop and got involved with Bob Tullius' Group 44.  I started working on the Group 44 cars, and later began to race the cars for Bob. During my tenure with Group 44 I won many races, and a National Championship. 

Next I moved to California to race Titan Formula Fords for Roy Woods Racing. And then to BRE to race Datsuns in TransAm.

I raced for Porsche of America Racing Team for the endurance events in America. In the 1970's I raced Porsche Carrera's for Silverstone Enterprises, culminating in a win at the Daytona 24-hr race. 

In the late 70's I opened Downs Engineering in California to build race cars and engines, and raced Formula Atlantic, Trans Am, and IMSA GTO.

I've worked with the film industry, creating remote camera mounts for film crews, and driving in commercials. I've met many interesting people in the film industry who may  inspire characters for future novels.