Customer Reviews (2)

Great Story of how it WAS in nascar!
This man had an uphill climb right from the get-go,and it seems that EVERYTIME he got almost to the top, SOMETHING or SOMEONE would chop him off at the knees.Then he would start all over again. The WORST thing a fathercan do is bury a child... HE did 2, plus a couple of close friends alongthe way AND if that ain't enough.. his wife leaves him! HE starts climbingagain. GET the book!

Circle Of Futility The End Result Of A Circle Of Triumph
No NASCAR driver showed greater grit and determination than Robert ArtherAllison.Born in Miami in a large family, Bobby Allison learnedcompetitiveness right away.He started racing in Hialeah, Florida under analias, and his mother's first sight of his racing came when he tumbled downthe frontstretch right in front of her.

Ben White, of Winston Cup Scene,authors this overdue look back at a stock car career filled with triumph -and ultimately destroyed.He includes voluminous quotes from Bobby Allisonon the entirety of his career.

Allison, his new wife Judy, and theiryear-old son David Carl moved from Miami to Hueytown, Alabama in 1962 torace on that state's rich short track circuit.Bobby was soon joined byyounger brother Donnie, and the two built a race shop that soon becamefamous throughout the sport. It was in Alabama that Bobby struck up afriendship with Charles "Red" Farmer, perhaps the state'sgreatest short tracker, and a future winner of Daytona's Permatex 300 forsuperspeedway Late Model Sportsman cars.Bobby and Donnie would also takeunder their wing a happy-go-lucky pipe fitter who competed against them,named Neil Bonnett.

Bobby Allison competed in NASCAR's Modified Tour andfinished high in points several times, but his goal was the Grand NationalSeries.He began competing there almost immediately with his ownequipment, and in 1966 at Oxford, Maine, he drove a well-worn Chevrolet tohis first Grand National victory.He won several more times that year andearly in 1967, but then came the first big break.Holman-Moody was theprimary raceshop for Ford's Grand National efforts, and with Richard Pettydriving his Plymouth to 27 wins that year, Ford went berserk looking for adriver who could stop him.Fred Lorenzen recommended Bobby Allison, and atthe tail end of the 1967 season, Allison won at Rockingham and atAshville-Weavervile, NC.The win at Ashville came after a heatedcar-banging duel with Petty - but the first of such showdowns.

By 1969Allison had left Holman-Moody and joined up with Mario Rossi of Dodge. Campaigning Rossi's #22 Dodges and those fielded out of his own Hueytownshop, Bobby ran for the Grand National title, but finished a frustratingsecond to Bobby Isaac in 1970.

Along the way, Bobby had acquiredsponsorship from Coca-Cola, and it proved vital over the next two seasons. The withdrawal of the factories from NASCAR injured the sport greatly, eventhough in 1971 Winston cigarettes came on board with a series sponsorshippackage that would eventually overcome the recession caused by the factorywithdrawal.Without the factories, Allison left the defunct Rossi team andwas very hard pressed to campaign his own cars.Finally, in May of thatyear, Ralph Moody of Holman-Moody came calling again, and Bobby took hisCoke sponsorship into what would prove to be one of the strongest rideshe'd ever had.Bobby rocketed to nine wins in the Holman-Moody Mercury andduring this stretch challenged Richard Petty week in and week out.Theresult was some of the most exciting racing the sport had ever seen - andsome of the nastiest, for no two personalities clashed more viciously thanRichard Petty and Bobby Allison. The most dramatic clash of the two in 1971came at the Talladega 500.Three wide with Pete Hamilton in the finalmile, Allison slapped doors with Petty, sending him into Hamilton andsending both off the track.

When Holman-Moody disbanded after 1971,Allison took his Coke backing to the Chevrolet team of Charlotte MotorSpeedway president Richard Howard, a car wrenched by winning team ownerJunior Johnson.The key to the pairing was the hiring of engine builderRobert Yates, with whom Allison had worked at Holman-Moody.Thecombination pulled down ten victories and led over 4,000 laps, and it tooeverything Richard Petty could muster to win eight races and stave off thehard-charging Allison in the 1972 points race.This was most decisivelyshown at North Wilkesboro, NC in October of that year.The two foughtferociously over the course of the final 50 laps, and when Allison becametrapped behind a lapped car, the resulting wreck would have eliminatedanyone else, but Petty and Allison still went at it, Petty winning with ahard last lap pass.The crowd nearly rioted afterward, and Petty had to betaken to safety after a fan accosted him.

Such feuds were common withBobby.White unwisely underplays the feuds Bobby had with other drivers,notably Cale Yarborough, Darrell Waltrip, and Terry Labonte.Such feudsdeserve retelling if for no other reason than for their frequency andferocity.Allison's determination to win was his greatest strength, butalso his greatest weakness, for it led to incidents that were generallyavoidable.

One such incident was the controversial National 500 atCharlotte in 1973.Allison protested the 1-2 finish of Cale Yarborough (inthe Howard/Johnson Chevrolet) and Richard Petty, claiming both cars ranengines with more cubic inches than allowed by the rules.It turned outCale's engine was indeed illegal - White implies that Petty's engine waslikewise illegal, failing to note that only three of Petty's eightcylinders were checked, and that they averaged out to the then-legal limitof 431 cubic inches - and when the race results stood, Allison filed alawsuit against NASCAR, a suit dropped after a closed-door meeting withNASCAR president Billy France.

Losing the 1972 title contributed toBobby leaving the Richard Howard-Junior Johnson team to try again with hisown equipment, but each time he ran his own team, "he brokehimself," said Donnie Allison.It got so bad that, in 1977, hishealth deteriorated, and he required trips to the Mayo clinic - trips thatseemed to catch most observors off guard.

Allison continued to win in the1970s, driving for Roger Penske and Bud Moore, but it was with DiGardRacing that Allison achieved his goal of the Winston Cup championship. This time Bobby's arch-enemy was Darrell Waltrip, in the Junior Johnsoncar.Allison missed no opportunity to taut the Waltrip/Johnson pairing asthe NASCAR-approved "company car," and also missed no opportunityto beat them on the track. Allison's1982 season was what any racercould want - sweeps of races at Daytona and Pocono, and wins at Dover,Michigan, Richmond, and Atlanta - but no championship.The title finallycame in 1983, and was the apex of a superlative career.

It was downhillafter that.DiGard team owners Jim and Bill Gardner - known in the sportas money guys, for their status as businessmen rather than racers - wereessentially con artists, and their race team, built more as a tax write offthan anything else, was neglected, especially after the 1983 championship. Ben White provides the alternately fascinating and depressing details ofthe fall of DiGard Racing, a downfall fully consummated when first Allison,then Robert Yates and crew chief Gary Nelson, quit in 1985.

Allison woundup with Bill and Mickey Stavola, and by the 1988 Daytona 500 his son Daveywas a Winston Cup star.The two finished 1-2 in one of the sport's mostpoignant finishes - a poignancy that took on a more tragic quality thatJune.On the opening lap of the Miller 500 at Pocono, Allison hit the wallin Turn Two, slid low, and was slammed through the driver's door at fullspeed by part time racer Chauncy "Jocko" Maggiacomo.Only quickwork by the track's safety crew kept Allison on the threshhold of life, buteven though he would recover, the crash destroyed Bobby's career.

And itwas just the beginning.Bobby formed a race team out of the remains of theteam he had won Daytona with, and campaigned for seven seasons with suchdrivers as Hut Stricklin, Jimmy Spencer, and Derrike Cope.Bobby had astrong deal with Buick, and with them made a very strong effort for racewins in 1991, but when GM disbanded all non-Chevrolet racing efforts otherthan Pontiac's for 1992, it started the downfall of Bobby AllisonMotorsports.

The deaths of Bobby's sons Clifford and Davey - followed bythe death of Bobby's lifelong friend and protege Neil Bonnett in 1994 -accelerated the downfall, and affected Judy Allison all the worse. Everything - the race team, and the marriage of Bobby and Judy - finallycollapsed in 1996, and by 1997 Bobby was essentially a ruined man; even themammoth collection of racing trophies he had acquired over his years ofracing had to be sold off.

It is a depressing story, not made any betterby a somewhat overly optimistic quality in White's retelling. Even thetitle is a bit deceptive - what had been a Circle Of Triumph has become aCircle of Futility.

But for all that, Bobby Allison's life - and thisexcellent book - remain worth remembering ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (4)

Makes HHF Look As Good As He Is!
I've always been a big fan of Heinz-Harald Frentzen.Even though he's 36 this year, he's still one of the top five drivers on the grid.It's unfortunate that he's been in a downward spiral since his shocking dismissal at Jordan in 2001 (Eddie shot himself in the foot!).

Hilton's book is very complementary of HHF.He gives some insight as to HHF's youth and family life, something that you don't find elsewhere.Hilton interviews a lot of people that have worked closely with Frentzen, including former mechanics, fellow drivers, and team managers.I think you get a good idea of HHF's personality and driving style from Hilton's book.He's truly a gem among F1 drivers, without the selfishness and complaining that you hear from most of them!

Hilton spends much of the book talking about Michael Schumacher in order to illustrate Frentzen's speed on the track, as well as his laid-back style in the pits.While there aren't any quotes from Schumacher himself, Hilton uses interviews with Alan McNish, Johnny Herbert, and Karl Wendlinger to illustrate his point.Frentzen was always faster than Schumi when they had equal equipment!

While it has a "cut and paste" quality to it (insert driver's name here), overall, I would recommend it to any F1 fan who wants to know more about one of the truly great drivers in Formula One today.

FAST TRACK TO WHERE ??
I don't know what the tittle of this book means, but Frentzen is a good pilot. What I don't think is that he's destined with a "fast track to glory"... He's just an average driver, like the rest of them all in F-1 nowadays, ( with the exception of Schumacher ). Hilton always writes this kind of book about drivers ( any drivers !!!! ), maybe for love of sport, maybe for the money ...

Hilton on pole with this driver's biography!
This book gave me all the statistics that I needed about this wonderful and versatile driver. Hilton has an amazing ability to recognise talent before it happens and he certainly has done so here. The author has managedto find some unpublished photos of this driver and it is enjoyable not tosee the same old pictures that everyone else uses!I enjoyed the historicalaspects and HHF's rise to glory, however I would have liked more 'in depth'dialogue with the racer himself: His thoughts on winning his first race,his thoughts on his team-mate's horrific accident at Monaco in 1994 and hisstormy year with Williams. Perhaps as Frentzen's star rises Hilton willwrite a sequel and once more we will enjoy his easy, sometimes witty,thoroughly factual style.

Very boring
Mr. Hilton should stop to write cheap bigraphies about any racing drivers and focus only in real sucessful drivers, like he did with Ayrton Senna and Jacques Villeneuve. " Fast track to Glory"? Where? Of courseanyone who arrives in F-1 is a very gifted driver, but reading aboutFrentzen's career adds nothing to an auto-racing fan. ... Read more

Book Description
The hottest racers to hit the tarmac take pole position for this information-packed book, which spotlights their racing careers and memorable moments on the track. Todays top stock car drivers are featured in full-page portraits, along with additional photographs of flat-out racing action, in the pits, shots of them in the winners circle and behind the scenes. Get an inside look at the high-speed drama delivered by racing greats Wallace, Jarrett, Waltrip, Gordon, Elliott and more of todays popular NASCAR personalities. This fact-filled book also includes a loving look back at NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt. A useful data table contains key career statistics. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (2)

Sehr Gut Book
Zis is a sehr gut book. Although a Schuey fan, I think Herr Coulthard ist a fein man and drive very fast. Zis book tells us why. He eats 3 shredded wheatz for breakfast, sausage for lunch and haggis in the evening, zis is the food of a fast man. Herr Rowlinson gives us lots of informations like zis. Vi have ways of making you buy it.

Rowlinson on Pole
Let us not split hairs, Mr. Rowlinson writes as if he was David Coulthard's hairdresser - he has the inside info, he has the gossip, he takes us into all the permutations the intricate world of F1 holds. He keeps abreast of Coulthard's career, the ups, downs, his first Pole and his early exits, no holes barred. You need not be a Coulthard fan - if you like the thrust of F1, this book will put curls in your hair. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

When Stock Car Racing Was Real
This is an excellent book for all the "old timers" who followed real stock car racing through the 50's and 60's when many drivers ran totally unsponsored.Drivers such as Rex White, who ran unsponsored many times but still managed to win the championship in 1959, the Allison brothers, and many others who struggled through the lean years, are the true backbone of stock car racing. Those were tough years for the drivers who were trying to make a living at it but as far as I'm concerned, they were really the best years for us as spectators.I have had the pleasure of meeting Fonty Flock and Fireball Roberts, and having dinner one evening with Rex White.The Flocks, Roberts, Allisons, Whites, Pettys and many others like them, are the real heroes of stock car racing and this book relates the stories of many of them and the sacrifices and struggles they and their families endured.

A MUST FOR NASCAR FANS
Whether you are a long time follower or a newbie to the sport this book is for you.It documents the careers and tells about the legends of the sport who made it become the most popular motor sport today.
From the moonshine runners like Buddy Baker and Fonty Flock to the modern hero, Dale Earnhardt reading about their careers and seeing more than 200 pictures (many in color) will educate each of you.
The Allison family, Buck and Buddy Baker, Dale Earnhardt, Bill Elliott, The Flock family, Ray Fox, Dale Earnhardt, Sr., Bill France, Sr., Junior Johnson, Alan Kulwicki, Fred Lorensen BanjoMatthews, Ralph Moody, Bud Moore, Cotton Owens, David Pearson, The Petty Family, Fireball Roberts, Herb Thomas, Curtis Turner Darrell Waltrip, Joe Weatherly, the Wood brothers Cale Yorborough and Smokey Yunick are profiled. ... Read more

Book Description
For NASCAR fans, the mere mention of Bobby Allison causes excitement. Hes not only one of NASCARs greatest drivers he is a true legend of the sport. Nothing was handed to him that he didnt earn through hard work and determination. But the Alabama Gang had their share of tragedy as well. In 1992, Bobbys son Clifford died in a crash at the age of 27, his other son Davey died a year later in a helicopter accident, and the Gang lost Neil Bonnet in a 1994 crash. Through it all, Bobby Allison persevered, leading a fascinating and dramatic life. Along with the Earnhardts, the Jarretts, and the Pettys, the Allisons are racing family royalty. Miraclea family saga of determination, loyalty and love, filled with some of the greatest racing stories of all timewill appeal to the tremendous number of NASCAR fans everywhere. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

BOBBY'S STORY
Hmm...I'm not sure about this one. If you know Bobby Allison's story, you know that it's one of the most heart-wrenching, sad stories in all of sports. The beauty of Bobby Allison is that after all he has been through, he has soldiered on. He has overcome obstacles that would have killed most others, and he has done that with an inner strength that is truly amazing. Most people would be bitter and demoralized, yet Bobby remains positive, spiritually strong, and still a "racer". Racing took so much away from him, yet he still obviously loves the sport. His really is a great, inspirational story. The problem is, that doesn't come through very well in the book. The story of Bobby Allison and the Alabama Gang is a great one, and one that needs to be told... I'm just not sure this is where you want to read about it.

Still Waiting for the Last Word from Bobby Himself
Golenbock can be credited for researching and releasing a book no one else has done; for that we should be thankful. Is the book anywhere close to the "last word" on Bobby Allison?..not by a long shot. I admire Bobby to no end; just a super, decent guy and one of the best American drivers ever, regardless of type of car.But..here's wishing that somehow Bobby and the Allison clan / Alabama gang will pen the perfect memoir.There are obviously holes in the information that might be shared due to Bobby's horendous accident that closed his career, but that must be expected. One thing's for certain, Bobby Allison was as fine as racer as you could find.I'd love to see him do a similar book to his brother Donnie's, one of the best memoirs from a driver I've ever read. Other reviews of Golenbock's book take issue with statements of fact. Hope authors learn from the critique; factual errors easily checked just can't happen, nor should they get by a good publisher / editor.

Massively inaccurate
The interviews are compelling, but you really have to wonder about how accurate even they are considering the glaring errors in this book:

Greg Sacks won the Firecracker 500.There has never been a Firecracker 500; it's the Firecracker 400.

Gary Bettenhausen injured in a "spring car" race.Should be Sprint Car.

Gil de Ferran winning 100 Indy Car wins for Penske and Rusty Wallace winning 55 stock car races for him.Poor sentence structure; A number of drivers got Penske to 100 Indy Car wins, and Rusty won 55 races in all, but not all of them with Penske.

The list goes on.Amateur mistakes.

Some errors, but entertaining
O.K., granted there are some errors in this book, the most glaring being when it was stated that Dale Earnhardt was killed in the 2002 Daytona 500...! Some of the descriptions of the racing action are also inaccurate, as I learned when I looked up Davey Allison's Pocono crash on Youtube. The contact with Waltrip that caused the wreck was nothing like the book describes.

However, I can look past those errors, because the last third of this book is simply engrossing. The Allisons, and the so-called "Alabama Gang," endured so much tragedy, and it has probably never been more fully chronicled in one book. Also, I found Bobby's crustiness, and his deep-seated enmity toward Waltrip, revealing.

This book is short on primary sources. It's a lot like other Golenbock books, which can at times read like long Q and A sessions where the source just talks on and on in unedited form. This book mainly relies on interviews with Bobby and his brothers, Donnie and Eddie. Eddie is extremely opinionated, and you take what he has to say with a grain of salt. Some of the best interviews come from folks outside the family circle - Humpy Wheeler and Larry McReynolds offer some amusing anecdotes.

Bobby Allison may not get the credit he feels he deserves as one of the best race car drivers in history. After reading this book, one gets a good idea why.

This one's worth a read - errors and all.

Lots of errors
While at it's core, this book does tell a compelling (and sometimes heartbreaking) story of the Allison clan, it is seriously handicapped by the author's failure to thoroughly research the subjects discussed in order to be accurate. Another shortcoming is the numerous mis-spellings, which should have been corrected during the editing process. An example is the author stating that Bobby Allison test drove the Buick Riata before it's release, when a simple Google search reveals the correct spelling is Reatta. In the end I found this book very frustrating and confusing to read. My advice is to pass it by. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (9)

Sid's very interesting life!!!
Safety and medical rescue in Formula One have come such a long way, and Sid Watkins has been instrumental in not only initiating and implementing the necessary changes, but also in transforming the way the whole issue of safety was viewed by almost everyone within, as well as outside F1.
Aside from all the serious stuff though and, without a doubt, the outstanding job done by the man, I have to say that the most fun part of the book were the anecdotes from Watkins's personal encounters with countless F1 personalities, his short and witty portraits of the sport's top drivers, his lists of favorite and less favorite circuits, his first hand accounts of all major racing accidents since 1978 when he became actively involved.
Disregarding the fact it's a bit outdated, "Life at the Limit" is also a very sweet and nostalgic book as it takes one back to when Formula One was actually fun, back to when "James Hunt, ever the gentleman, saluted each time he drove into the pits!"...

He's earned respect, never demanded it.
Viewing Grand Prix motor racing through the wonderfully perceptive eyes of Professor Watkins means that anyone interested in the sport should read this excellent account. Obviously respected, often revered by those with whom he works, he gives vivid and sometimes moving recollections spanning the many years of his involvement. Humour and pathos make regular appearances; his dry wit, an essential tool of his trade perhaps, serves to punctuate what is essentially a serious book. His incisive précis of drivers from the last three decades make for compulsive reading, the character analyses are intriguing and revealing. Undoubtedly a pivotal character in the world of Formula One, the professor has been instrumental in saving many lives. However, he's also witnessed intimately the consequences of appalling accidents in which lives were lost. He is perhaps uniquely qualified to commentate on the sport; his dedication and professionalism making him a hero in this modern amphitheatre which now embraces the globe. Superbly readable. Once is not enough.

Destined to become a classic in motorsport literature.
Professor Watkins provides his insights into the personalities and events of formula one racing based on over two decades involvement with the sport. He has completed more circuit laps in medical vehicles than some driversare able to accomplish in their F1 career.His humor,dedication to thesport,and commitment to improving safety standards are reflected in this well written book that should appeal to everyoneinterested in the humanaspect of the F1 circus.

A must have for every F1 fan.
I have never thought that this book could contain such historical moments. I have only followed F1 since 97 and I had a thirst for knowledge. This book has lots of it. Knowledge and feelings. We are brought inside theauthor's life. I thank him for this book, which I consider a remarkableachievement.

VultureElf 1/8 Irish Proud FOSA member

A memoir from the front lines of F1 safety and medicine
A fitting testament to Professor Watkins' work in Formula One -- in which he waged a long battle to improve circuit safety and medical care facilities for drivers -- this memoir is filled with both poignant andjoyful moments. It starts with the weekend of the San Marino GP in May1994, where Watkins was told by Ayrton Senna, "Sid, there are certainthings over which we have no control. I cannot quit, I have to go on."Covering the deaths of Senna, Gilles Villeneuve, Ronnie Peterson and othersby the man who was first on the scene of their accidents, one might expectthis to be a maudlin tale of lost glory. But Sid Watkins is not that typeof person, and neither is his book. ... Read more

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Book Description
Young readers will love following the career of NASCAR favorite Bill Elliott, from his racing roots in Dawsonville, Georgia, to his Winston Cup Championship. Elliot's comeback in 2001 after a seven year slump inspires the young and the old alike. Learn just why "Million Dollar Bill" has won more Most Popular Driver awards than any other d ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (4)

LONG LIVE SENNA!
This book is great!If you are an Ayrton Senna fan or just want to learn about the legend, pick up this book!You won't be disappointed!

Great Insight
Very detailed. Better if more pictures were added.
Truly explains how unique Senna was mainly as a driver and in all that he does. Without a doubt, he was the greatest.

Very informing for Senna fans
I don't want to write a long review since I don't think of myself as a qualified book reviewer.
I was and am a true Ayrton Senna fan so the book was almost mandatory for me to own, it gave me good insight into what he was like and what modivated him through his short but very successful life.

I recommend this book to anyone who truly is an F1 and Ayrton Senna da Silva fan and has some questions about his career as a driver.

Unbiased and thorough
Very thorough recount of Sennas life by someone who followed his carreer closely.
Each of the events are well written and exceprts of interviews from all the sides are included.Very unbiased !
It took me a few days to read, I enjoyed and my heart leaped with excietement remebering each season, each headline, etc.
A fantastic recollection of the Incident in Suzuka, and of "the lap" at Donnington.
But as soon as I arrived to Saturday Apr 30th 1994 my eyes were filled with tears and had to put the book back.
... Read more

Book Description
Perry McCarthy decided at the age of 18 that he wanted to reach the top in the world's most expensive sportThis is his autobiography. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Flat Out, flat Broke: Formula 1 the hard way
Great book.It's amazing what Perry has been through and the things he has sacraficed for auto racing.

Great read
This is an outstanding book detailing the trials racers go through just to get a ride.This is one of the few books I have read over the past few years that I could NOT put down.I read it in one sitting.It was captivating and a great read.

Flat out flat broke
Even if you don't remember Perry you have to read this book. After reading Perry's story I became totally selfish and said "I'm glad all that happened because that was one gripping, funny read".
Not only is Perry's story a fascinating insight into the old days of F1, he's a damn good writer and a very funny man. Even if you're not an F1 fan this is a very interesting read.

Fast read of F1 from the non-glamorous side
In someways, reading this book you are constantly thinking: no way this can all be true.It would seem that lightning can strike not only twice but multiple times.F1 officially always portrays (especially in current era) a gloss of glamour and flash.You rarely hear the story of one that fights and struggles beyond those that may come up, not perform and fade away.Perry seems to have perfected the art of pulling up from the bootstraps, getting kicked hard and starting all over again.In this book you can see the scramble for sponsorship, the stretch to make ends meet and how it becomes an undying desire.I have had acquaintances whose dream to make it in the NFL eventually lead to the loss of marriage and all else and I can connect with that dream of reaching for the golden ring but falling off the horse instead.This book moves along well but you are always juggling is it true, is he really good or just really crazy.You want the pieces to fit together but fundamentally the dogged determination to keep going provides not only humor but motivation.

Flat Out Laughs
Not all racers are as determined to succeed in racing, nor as articulate as Perry McCarthy, and damn few are as funny! This is a great, quick read with a laugh a minute. ... Read more

Book Description
In 1974 Mark Donohue took a year off from driving at the height of his racing career and wrote a candid and revealing book about his journey through the world of auto racing - from amateur races in his own '57 Corvette to winning the Indy 500 in Roger Penske's McLaren M16.

Now, 25 years after it's original publication, The Donohue sons and Bentley Publishers have re-released a new edition of The Unfair Advantage. The new edition contains all of the original text. Expanded content includes photographs and separately appended material that fills out the Donohue story in words and pictures and provides historical context.

The Unfair Advantage captures a uniquely American blend of intellect and scrappiness. A graduate in engineering from Brown University, Donohue integrated creativity, openness to new ideas, humor, and his persistent will to win into every part of his approach to racing.

When Donohue puts that formula into words in The Unfair Advantage the result is as much an attitude and perspective as anything else. As such, it has had wide reaching and particularly personal impact for almost 30 years in the world ofmotorsport participants and enthusiasts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

A real insight to Trans-Am racing
I saw this book last weekend at a Vintage Race being held ther by HSR-West and figured it would be a great collectos item. But it is a lot more than that; it is a real insight to the trials and tribulations of racing and race car development. Donohuecomes out as a very humble driverand he is not afraid to admit his mistakes and thatof the team. This is a book that you don;t to put down but you also don;t want to be finished with it. I did see Mark Donohue at one of the Riverside Trans-Ams in 1968. I was always wondering what really happened at the end of the 69season to makePenske swith to that AMC junk and now I know.. Do not miss this book.

One of the great racing tomes
This book is easily one of the best narratives about racing I've ever come across.It is a personal and honest account of the late Mark Donahue's racing career from his impromptu start to the zenith of his career in Formula 1, Indy Racing, and Can Am to his retirement.

Anyone who races or aspires to race will delight in his firsthand recollections of his racing exploits and his perspective on one of the great programs in motorsport history (the Can Am Porsche 917).

Highly recommended.

A Must-Own Classic
There are very few motorsports books extant that can be called true classics or world-changers. This is one of them, and it's one of the best on top of that. Mark Donahue was an extrordinary individual, not only a blindingly fast driver, but also a talented, disciplined, and most importantly, curious engineer.

To have the virtues of both top-level driver and top-level engineer embodied in the same person is a very rare combination. To have been present - indeed, to be one of the driving forces behind - a revolution within a sport and an industry is even rarer. To have this person write about his experiences while busy changing the world is precious beyond price.

To put it simply, you cannot be a student of the profession of motor racing without reading this book.

I offer this as evidence: while I am by no means an autograph hound, I do, from time to time, have occasion to encounter people within the motorsports family whom I admire enough to want to collect an autograph from. I use my copy of The Unfair Advantage as my autograph storage device. Putting this book in front of people like Jackie Stewart, Carroll Shelby, and Carroll Smith results in a shock of recognition, followed by praise for the author. What greater endorsement could you want?

Changes your life
Donohue's apparent candidness and ability to give about the right amount of technical detail without getting boring weaves you through a history of this period of racing when a few guys could do all the race prep. They lived a hard life on the road. Donohue divorced. A rare look from an engineer driver's point of view and the sometimes austere and lonely life of racing. Roger Penske was his team owner and is commented on from Donohue's point of view. Somehow this book changes you as a person as you seem to experience Donohue's racing life though an un-glossed writing style. This style is part of the secret of the books greatness. Though it was likely edited by someone it was NOT "normalized" to be a standard bland coffee table book. Instead it remains in character to the situations and people involved. A rare look into someone else's professional life. Highly recommended.

The Unfair Advantage of Intelligence
This is a book I waited to be reprinted for a long time. Mark's honesty about his weaknesses and fears is a sign of his strength and desire to be the best. I admired him for his accomplishments and even more for his drive after reading this book. He helped make Roger Penske the racing legend he is. Will we ever see a man like Mark again? I doubt it! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Jeff Gordon: Racing's Superstar
Biography of Jeff Gordon, whoexcelled in car racing at a young age and is currentlyconsidered a leader in the sport. His story is one of not quitting, even when the odds are against you.When he ws 4 years old, his stepdad threatened to take away his two wheeler if he could not master riding without training wheels, so he practiced all day and when his stepdad returned, he could ride. Later, when he startted racing, he was underage for many races, so he tried to look older by using eyebrow pencil on his mustache in order to compete.Eventually his family moved to the midwest where there were no age barriers for races, so he could regularly compete. Besides being an excellent racer, he is a positive role model to youth, giving much of his earnings to charities. Includes photographs, glossary, index, and bibliography. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

Lookout Matt, Dale, and Jeff !
At age 25, Kurt Busch is an excellent contender in the 2003 WC season.Straight from the Craftsman Trucks, his talents on the track compare to Gordon, Earnhardt, and Petty.
Young Gun starts with Kurt's days of dirt tracks in Nevada up through present day.Understand that a lot can be written even though it is only his 3rd season in WC.The pictures are great, except I was hoping for the historic photo finish at Darlington.The book makes you appreciate all of his hard work.And he's a Cub's fan !Even both of Jimmy Spencer's fans will enjoy this masterpiece. ... Read more