| leecea | 09-01-2006 04:29 PM |
Anyone care to recommend racer autobiographies?
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Search for "biography" got nothing and "book" got way too much!
Based on Randy Pobst's comments in Sportscar, I just read "Janet Guthrie: A Life at Full Throttle". I really enjoyed it and would like to find something similar. I think I'd prefer something focused on road racing (or maybe rallying), but will try a NASCAR autobiography if it is really good.
Can anyone suggest a good racer autobiography?
Thanks.
Based on Randy Pobst's comments in Sportscar, I just read "Janet Guthrie: A Life at Full Throttle". I really enjoyed it and would like to find something similar. I think I'd prefer something focused on road racing (or maybe rallying), but will try a NASCAR autobiography if it is really good.
Can anyone suggest a good racer autobiography?
Thanks.
| BlkWRXWag | 09-01-2006 04:56 PM |
I enjoyed the Nigel Mansell one.
| Jaxx | 09-01-2006 05:07 PM |
Flat Out, Flat Broke: Formula 1 the Hard Way! by Perry McCarthy
| RichardM | 09-01-2006 05:17 PM |
In Like a Lamb, Out Like a Lion - The Story of John Buffum
[BK-JBLAMB] $19.99 $17.99
Click to enlarge
In Like A Lamb, Out Like A Lion-The Story of John Buffum by Tom Grimshaw.
301 Page hard cover overing the story of the Rally Legend John Buffum as written by navigator Tom Grimshaw.
At RallyGrafix.com
[BK-JBLAMB] $19.99 $17.99
Click to enlarge
In Like A Lamb, Out Like A Lion-The Story of John Buffum by Tom Grimshaw.
301 Page hard cover overing the story of the Rally Legend John Buffum as written by navigator Tom Grimshaw.
At RallyGrafix.com
| randy zimmer | 09-01-2006 10:30 PM |
"All but my Life"
Stirling Moss with Ken W. Purdy
Bantam
Moss did everything and it was when racing was very different than now.
He bridged the gap between front and rear engined GP cars, rallied, sports cars, the whole bit. Quite a guy and still at it! Makes J.Stewart look like a teenager.
rz
Stirling Moss with Ken W. Purdy
Bantam
Moss did everything and it was when racing was very different than now.
He bridged the gap between front and rear engined GP cars, rallied, sports cars, the whole bit. Quite a guy and still at it! Makes J.Stewart look like a teenager.
rz
| randy zimmer | 09-01-2006 10:48 PM |
re:
"All but my Life"
I just picked it up and opened it to a page,
"Something around 180 drivers have been killed since the war ended," I said. "Of course, I would think you knew some very well, some only well enough to say hello to - about fifty men."
"Oh, I should think so. All of fifty, I suppose."
Things are a bit different now, eh?
"All but my Life"
I just picked it up and opened it to a page,
"Something around 180 drivers have been killed since the war ended," I said. "Of course, I would think you knew some very well, some only well enough to say hello to - about fifty men."
"Oh, I should think so. All of fifty, I suppose."
Things are a bit different now, eh?
| Tensen | 09-01-2006 10:49 PM |
My Sweetest Victory, by Alex Zanardi (and ghost writer), a MUST read
and way out of print but amazon has used copies, They Call Me Mr 500, by Andy Garanatelli - written in 1969 but a really amusing read, and goes into details on the turbocars of the late 60s at Indy
and way out of print but amazon has used copies, They Call Me Mr 500, by Andy Garanatelli - written in 1969 but a really amusing read, and goes into details on the turbocars of the late 60s at Indy
| kotaro | 09-01-2006 10:55 PM |
Just today I was thinking about getting "Driving Ambition", Richard Burns' autobiography, has anyone read it?
| M. Hurst | 09-01-2006 11:01 PM |
[I][B]The Unfair Advantage[/B][/I] by Mark Donohue
[I][B]Faster[/B][/I] by Jackie Stewart
[I][B]The Art and Scince of Grand Prix Driving[/B],[/I] and [I][B]My Years With Ferrari[/B][/I] by Niki Lauda
[I][B]Faster[/B][/I] by Jackie Stewart
[I][B]The Art and Scince of Grand Prix Driving[/B],[/I] and [I][B]My Years With Ferrari[/B][/I] by Niki Lauda
| greg donovan | 09-01-2006 11:08 PM |
[B][I]Bourne To Rally[/I][/B] by Possum Bourne, if you can find it.
| Butt Dyno | 09-02-2006 08:07 AM |
[QUOTE=kotaro;15107541]Just today I was thinking about getting "Driving Ambition", Richard Burns' autobiography, has anyone read it?[/QUOTE]
I picked it up for 2 pounds in the UK a couple years ago.
I didn't think it was that great. No epiphanies or anything.
john
I picked it up for 2 pounds in the UK a couple years ago.
I didn't think it was that great. No epiphanies or anything.
john
| leecea | 09-02-2006 10:59 AM |
Thanks for all the suggestions. I ordered [I]The Unfair Advantage[/I], it sounds like a great book. I'll certainly add the others to my list too.
| makofoto | 09-02-2006 01:23 PM |
There are numerous used book internet providers .... great deals ... especially good for older, out of print books. Just google used books ...
| leecea | 09-02-2006 02:49 PM |
Thanks. I have had some success with used book sites over the years, but be careful to check obvious sources as well.
A new copy of the Donohue book was cheaper through Amazon than used ones on all the sites I could find. I had a similar experience trying to find a rare mountaineering book a while ago. All the used book sites wanted >$75 but I found a climbing book store that had new copies for $25 (hardcover too).
A new copy of the Donohue book was cheaper through Amazon than used ones on all the sites I could find. I had a similar experience trying to find a rare mountaineering book a while ago. All the used book sites wanted >$75 but I found a climbing book store that had new copies for $25 (hardcover too).
| Dan00RS | 09-02-2006 10:25 PM |
Not really an autobiography, but a very good read. Ayrton Senna's Principles of Race Driving.
| gregr01 | 09-02-2006 10:39 PM |
First one's not a racer bio per se, but must reading for anyone into motorsport. Second is fiction, but also required reading for road racers, and fans thereof... click either for link on where to acquire.
[URL="http://www.daveargabright.com/"][IMG]http://www.izoom.com/rev.economaki.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
[URL="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/096421072X?v=glance"][IMG]http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/096421072X.01._AA240_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
[URL="http://www.daveargabright.com/"][IMG]http://www.izoom.com/rev.economaki.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
[URL="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/096421072X?v=glance"][IMG]http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/096421072X.01._AA240_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
| leecea | 11-04-2006 03:04 PM |
[QUOTE=leecea;15110046]Thanks for all the suggestions. I ordered [I]The Unfair Advantage[/I], it sounds like a great book. I'll certainly add the others to my list too.[/QUOTE]
Just wanted to update this thread for anyone who finds it later.
<OPINION>
Unfortunately, despite great reviews, I found [I]The Unfair Advantage[/I] to be a dull read. The book is 100% emotion free and just states a series of facts, one after the other. I'm sure one can learn a lot from the experiences described, but it is like reading a text book.
There is also nothing about driving, it is all about car setup and the process of getting newly designed/preped cars to the point where they are fast and ready to race. The actual race is usually summarized in a single sentance "I won the race ahead of <other driver>" or "I was leading until the engine blew on lap XX".
I supposed someone who is moving into higher level racing and car prep may want a book like this to learn from one of the greats. Armchair racers (me) who are looking for an emotionally engaging and exciting read that helps them experience something they'll never do IRL, should look elsewhere.
</OPINION>
Just wanted to update this thread for anyone who finds it later.
<OPINION>
Unfortunately, despite great reviews, I found [I]The Unfair Advantage[/I] to be a dull read. The book is 100% emotion free and just states a series of facts, one after the other. I'm sure one can learn a lot from the experiences described, but it is like reading a text book.
There is also nothing about driving, it is all about car setup and the process of getting newly designed/preped cars to the point where they are fast and ready to race. The actual race is usually summarized in a single sentance "I won the race ahead of <other driver>" or "I was leading until the engine blew on lap XX".
I supposed someone who is moving into higher level racing and car prep may want a book like this to learn from one of the greats. Armchair racers (me) who are looking for an emotionally engaging and exciting read that helps them experience something they'll never do IRL, should look elsewhere.
</OPINION>
| 04 silver bullet | 11-07-2006 08:29 AM |
I'm currently reading the Petter Solberg biography, 110 per cent. Truely an awesome book. It is the first book I have read since high school and I am captivated!
| sachilles | 11-07-2006 09:01 AM |
[QUOTE=RichardM;15104761]In Like a Lamb, Out Like a Lion - The Story of John Buffum
[BK-JBLAMB] $19.99 $17.99
Click to enlarge
In Like A Lamb, Out Like A Lion-The Story of John Buffum by Tom Grimshaw.
301 Page hard cover overing the story of the Rally Legend John Buffum as written by navigator Tom Grimshaw.
At RallyGrafix.com[/QUOTE]
I'd suggest this one too. The above website has signed copies for sale, if you are in to that sort of thing.
[BK-JBLAMB] $19.99 $17.99
Click to enlarge
In Like A Lamb, Out Like A Lion-The Story of John Buffum by Tom Grimshaw.
301 Page hard cover overing the story of the Rally Legend John Buffum as written by navigator Tom Grimshaw.
At RallyGrafix.com[/QUOTE]
I'd suggest this one too. The above website has signed copies for sale, if you are in to that sort of thing.
| rallymaniac | 11-07-2006 12:13 PM |
"Driving Ambitions" by Richard Burns (RIP) - pretty cool book/album with some insights of Richard's career, first wins, first seasons, and of course World Rally Championship.
"The real McRae" by Colin McRae - great rally book with in depth descriptions of Colin's professional rally seasons. Great insides on teams, drivers and overally "behind the stage" rally. Awesome read with good dose of humor.
"The real McRae" by Colin McRae - great rally book with in depth descriptions of Colin's professional rally seasons. Great insides on teams, drivers and overally "behind the stage" rally. Awesome read with good dose of humor.
| TyrannoSullyRex | 11-07-2006 12:24 PM |
I would say check out "The Best Damn Garage in Town", autobiography of Smokey Yunick, truly fascinating (and funny) stuff.
| Draken | 11-07-2006 12:59 PM |
[QUOTE=leecea;15868215]Just wanted to update this thread for anyone who finds it later.
<OPINION>
Unfortunately, despite great reviews, I found [I]The Unfair Advantage[/I] to be a dull read. The book is 100% emotion free and just states a series of facts, one after the other. I'm sure one can learn a lot from the experiences described, but it is like reading a text book.
There is also nothing about driving, it is all about car setup and the process of getting newly designed/preped cars to the point where they are fast and ready to race. The actual race is usually summarized in a single sentance "I won the race ahead of <other driver>" or "I was leading until the engine blew on lap XX".
I supposed someone who is moving into higher level racing and car prep may want a book like this to learn from one of the greats. Armchair racers (me) who are looking for an emotionally engaging and exciting read that helps them experience something they'll never do IRL, should look elsewhere.
</OPINION>[/QUOTE]
Exactly why i loved the book. Mark was an Engineer first, driver second. He rarely gave himself the driving credit he deserved. I love the Engineering side of car prep.
I was lucky enough to pick up a 1st edition of "The Unfair Advantage" many years back when I turned 15, and started autocrossing. I've prolly read it 20+ times. It now has the autographs of David Donohue and Roger Penske.
Another good read is Piero Taruffi's "The Technique of Motor Racing." I have an original copy of that dating back from 1959. Chapter 2 is comedy, as it gives figure drawings for proper work out techniques to be a fit driver, as well as suggestions for proper clothing for racing!
Chris H.
<OPINION>
Unfortunately, despite great reviews, I found [I]The Unfair Advantage[/I] to be a dull read. The book is 100% emotion free and just states a series of facts, one after the other. I'm sure one can learn a lot from the experiences described, but it is like reading a text book.
There is also nothing about driving, it is all about car setup and the process of getting newly designed/preped cars to the point where they are fast and ready to race. The actual race is usually summarized in a single sentance "I won the race ahead of <other driver>" or "I was leading until the engine blew on lap XX".
I supposed someone who is moving into higher level racing and car prep may want a book like this to learn from one of the greats. Armchair racers (me) who are looking for an emotionally engaging and exciting read that helps them experience something they'll never do IRL, should look elsewhere.
</OPINION>[/QUOTE]
Exactly why i loved the book. Mark was an Engineer first, driver second. He rarely gave himself the driving credit he deserved. I love the Engineering side of car prep.
I was lucky enough to pick up a 1st edition of "The Unfair Advantage" many years back when I turned 15, and started autocrossing. I've prolly read it 20+ times. It now has the autographs of David Donohue and Roger Penske.
Another good read is Piero Taruffi's "The Technique of Motor Racing." I have an original copy of that dating back from 1959. Chapter 2 is comedy, as it gives figure drawings for proper work out techniques to be a fit driver, as well as suggestions for proper clothing for racing!
Chris H.
| AndyRoo | 11-07-2006 01:12 PM |
[QUOTE=randy zimmer;15107385]"All but my Life"
Stirling Moss with Ken W. Purdy
Bantam
Moss did everything and it was when racing was very different than now.
He bridged the gap between front and rear engined GP cars, rallied, sports cars, the whole bit. Quite a guy and still at it! Makes J.Stewart look like a teenager.
rz[/QUOTE]
amazing book....i loved it.
- andrew
Stirling Moss with Ken W. Purdy
Bantam
Moss did everything and it was when racing was very different than now.
He bridged the gap between front and rear engined GP cars, rallied, sports cars, the whole bit. Quite a guy and still at it! Makes J.Stewart look like a teenager.
rz[/QUOTE]
amazing book....i loved it.
- andrew
| Nargaredama | 11-07-2006 07:41 PM |
Aryton Senna - The Whole Story by Christopher Hilton.
Bio of if the greatest driver of all time, Aryton Senna da Silva (RIP).
Bio of if the greatest driver of all time, Aryton Senna da Silva (RIP).
| Bob_Sagget69 | 11-07-2006 11:17 PM |
I've got two. The first divulges the competitive business/fast paced attributes of Formula 1 and how they might be applied to modern business. It's "Performance at the Limit: Business Lessons from Formula 1 Motor Racing" by Jenkins, Pasternak and West. It's like a textbook analysis, nothing exciting or invigorating except for maybe the first few pages but still an interesting read and pretty new (2005 by Cambridge University).
The other is "Racing Drivers' Manual" by Frank Gardner. It has a good look into 1970-80's racing techniques and equipment used to become a competitive racer. It has a lot of interesting racing stories with a bit of humor.
The other is "Racing Drivers' Manual" by Frank Gardner. It has a good look into 1970-80's racing techniques and equipment used to become a competitive racer. It has a lot of interesting racing stories with a bit of humor.
| Tensen | 11-08-2006 12:48 AM |
for reference, the unfair advantage has been re-issued, i've found both hard and softcover at B&N
| ghschirtz | 11-08-2006 02:25 PM |
Graham Hill, Life at the Limit.
I grew up when Donohue was making the history for [I]The Unfair Advantage***********[/I]. If you followed the sport then you knew about Mark's ups and downs, the intense pressure to succeed and what some of this meant to people around the sport. I suppose it is this background that makes me feel the book is emotional enough, and an insight into the mind of a very talented engineer and driver. His career cost him two marriages, IIRC, but this is understandable more even when you read the book. The ending, as he got back behind the wheel to drive again for Penske in F1, the optimism there is palpable, as was his death, and that there would be no more stories to tell for this man.
I grew up when Donohue was making the history for [I]The Unfair Advantage***********[/I]. If you followed the sport then you knew about Mark's ups and downs, the intense pressure to succeed and what some of this meant to people around the sport. I suppose it is this background that makes me feel the book is emotional enough, and an insight into the mind of a very talented engineer and driver. His career cost him two marriages, IIRC, but this is understandable more even when you read the book. The ending, as he got back behind the wheel to drive again for Penske in F1, the optimism there is palpable, as was his death, and that there would be no more stories to tell for this man.
| Grintch | 11-08-2006 03:46 PM |
[QUOTE=M. Hurst;15107579][I][B]The Unfair Advantage[/B][/I] by Mark Donohue
[/QUOTE]
I second this one.
[/QUOTE]
I second this one.
| ultrasonic | 11-09-2006 01:39 AM |
Not a book, but some interesting reading along with some great photos can be found online at Tony Adamowicz's website. Tony drove sports car endurance races including Daytona, Sebring, and Le Mans in the early '70's, plus Can Am, Trans Am, and open wheel stuff, too.
100 pages of photos and captions...
[url]www.a2zracer.com[/url]
100 pages of photos and captions...
[url]www.a2zracer.com[/url]
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