Racing Reviews

This book is one of the best books that I've ever read. It does not concentrate on the stats or indeed particularly on the winners of the World Championship. It takes a personal look at the people, races and years that have shaped F1 from it's very begining. It is a great read for any F1 fan as Roebuck succeeds in not only jogging our memory of the past but also telling untold behind the scenes stories in detail not to mention a tinge of humour. I trully love this book, in fact I think I've read it cover to cover at least 3 times if not more.

Nigel Roebuck, one of the finest journalists to cover motorsport in general and Formula One in particular, presents in this book a wonderful series of sharp vignettes covering the entire period of the modern World Championship. Roebuck begins at Imola in 1994, when, as he puts it aptly, "everything changed" with the tragic death of Ayrton Senna and the introduction of knee-jerk "safety" improvements which have led only to boring racing and have not, as we learned earlier this season, prevented what are, given the nature of the sport, inevitable tragedies. Hard as it is to believe, the "turbo years" of the late 70s and 80s are beginning to look suspiciously like a final golden age, which they certainly weren't at the time, but, given the emasculation of tracks, over-dominance by a few teams, and drivers who do not understand the history of the sport and drive like they're the only man on the track, they're beginning to look pretty good in retrospect. But I digress. Between the covers of this book you'll find incisive portraits of several great drivers (among them Phil Hill, Piers Courage, James Hunt, Ayrton Senna, and Jochen Rindt), car owners (the great Rob Walker, who long after his car-owning days were over wrote wonderful F1 journalism for Road & Track when R&T was still a great magazine), and others associated with the F1 scene (journalist Denis Jenkinson, F1's official doctor Professor Sid Watkins, and current F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone). He also writes of several races - the great slipstreaming duel at Monza in 1971, the first win for Renault in 1979, Dallas 1984 which ended with Nigel Mansell trying to push his car over the finish line in the blazing heat. As an added incentive, there are sections of black and white and color photographs. More and more nonfiction books seem to be doing away with illustrations, and with F1 being the visual spectacle that it is, we can be glad that Roebuck and his publisher resisted this new and unfortunate trend. Turn to the section of color plates and feast your eyes on the first photograph - Fangio in the Maserati 250F at Monaco in 1957. The greatest driver, the greatest car, the greatest race; one picture says it all. Highly recommended to anyone interested in Formula One.

When I first saw this book's title, I nearly gave it a pass, thinking it was just one more in an already well-covered niche. But Nigel Roebuck's name was enough for me to chance it. (If you've read his columns you know he's always interesting.) This book is really unique. Despite the title, it's not an attempt to condense a history of 50 years of racing. It's more like a collection of essays about people and events that are not well covered elsewhere. I've read a LOT of books about F1 (cars, teams, drivers, ...) but each chapter of this book had new and intriguing things to say. It was a really enjoyable read, as well.

I have been looking for "The Cobra Ferrari Wars" for many years. I am thankful for libraries and interlibrary loans. Only about 4 libraries in the country have this book. The story of Carroll Shelby's quest for the World Championship is one of the best in U.S. racing history. The information about the GT cars of that era, such as the Ferrari 250, Aston Martin, and Cobra is outstanding. The stories of the development of the Cobra and Daytona Cobra, gave me a new insight into the creation of these great racing machines. These stories are told from the point of view of the people who where there. This is one of the many strengths of this book. Another great feature is the race-by-race summary of every race the cobras competed in from 1963 until the final race of the championship season of 1965. Each race is told in the words of the mechanics, drivers and team members who were there and played a vital role in the winning of the championship.
The Cobra Ferrari Wars took place during a time when the U.S. had some of the best racing cars and drivers in the world. These cars and drivers won the biggest and best races in all of the major racing series. They won in F1, Sports Cars, and Indianapolis. We don't seem to produce drivers that can win F1, Le Mans or even the Indianapolis 500 any more. What happened!

I hope that the producers of this great book will come out with a second edition. I don't need to have a signed first edition. If this book was put back in print, more people could have the opportunity to read about Carroll Shelby's 1965 GT Championship. I can afford to pay $...for this book but not $...or more. This new printing would give more racing fans a chance to own this book.

AUTHOR MICHAEL SCHOEN was there when the Cobras were rewriting the record books, a fact clearly reflected in his landmark work, "The Cobra-Ferrari Wars" (CFW). Escorting the reader into the thick of the story from the very first page, Schoen eloquently describes the rare brew of ambition, focus and raw talent that propelled Carroll Shelby's youthful and capable team to the 1965 FIA World Manufacturer's Championship. At the same time, the author recounts the fortunes of other opposing teams, details the politics rendered behind the scenes by both Shelby and Ferrari and, perhaps most importantly, provides ample first-person narratives by almost everyone who was involved in the Cobra effort, including an impressive line-up of the great drivers of the day. Complemented by a wealth of evocative period photographs, "The Cobra-Ferrari Wars" stands head and shoulders above anything else in the motorsports history genre, and belongs in every enthusiast's library.

I have about every book extant on vintage motor racing--COBRA-FERRARI WARS is the best by far. The quality of the research is staggering, the photos superb--it puts you into the pits as American motorsports came of age.

I am a NC State student, and I cheeked this book out from the library here at school. I just have to say this is the best book I have ever read. I have had it only a few days now and I have already read around 150 pages. I can't put it down. I wish I had to read this in school instead of something like Withering Heights (It was a good book too, no car stuff though). But hey, what am I doing this for I need to get back to reading... So my suggestion is that you buy this book, or at least check it out like me. Who ever said that a library was not a cool place? I would also recommend buying and MGB.

I bought this book back in 1979, a year after I got my driver's license, 4 months after I bought my 396 Chevy, and about a month after a buddy of mine dropped a Car Craft Magazine on my desk in open class in High School, thus starting a life-long passion with cars and motorsports.

At that time I was thirsty for "true" knowledge about engines, especially high-performance engines, and quickly came to the conclusion I wasn't going to get that from my buddies who inanely swore that their 2-barrel 350 Novas were turning 10-second 1/4-miles ("I'm certain of it man, I clocked it myself"). This book was reviewed in a Road & Track issue, I picked it up, and became truly educated about all facets of basic engine design and the physics and principles behind true horsepower production.

I found the text easy to read and understand, and the delivery of information, although technical, certainly not above anyone's understanding. This is not a "get out your slide rule" type of book; but it does lay things out in a clear, direct manner, making it easy to absorb and understand, even as a newby 17 year-old gearhead.

Even though we've seen a tremendous advance in engineering regarding the internal combustion engine since 1979, to this day the principles delivered in this book ring true. You cannot go wrong, nor do I think you can do better, than starting here on your quest for horsepower knowledge--learn the basics first, and go from there. (For real slide-rule stuff, consult the book Scientific Design of Exhaust and Intake Systems, to learn where the heart of any internal combustion engine resides.)

I still have guys my age swearing that they're doing truly unbelievable things with a certain engine and car; the crazy stories never fade, but you'll do better than tell stories after learning what this book has to say.

Absolutely awesome book! A book that is a must, for the library of every mechanic or racer. Even if you are just a enthusiast, the book is incredibly informing, whether you are a certified mechanic or just an everyday driver, that wants to know what's going on inside the engine. I've owned the book for years, and I plan on buying a new copy, to give to my son, when he hits the driving age. This book is a must, for any engine builder, from the weekeng warrior to Nascar or the IRL. This book is a must!

Fill the yearning you have for a new horse story. We've all worn our Margaret Henry's and Walter Farley's to a dog-eared, well loved, memorized place in our hearts and minds. DOLLARS IN THE STREETS adds new ideas, and fondly recounted hours of horsey dreams, and realities in a novel based on the life of an amazing young girl who came to a new country, alone, and with little to go on but her dreams, who made those dreams come true.

Beginning fifty something years ago, the author leads us through a straight from the horse eye view of the horse industry. From arriving at the stable at four AM, to the dark nights walking out a racehorse, long after the fans, and fanfare have died down, this is a great inside look at the care and love of horses from someone who experienced it daily for many decades.

A book filled with tears, laughter, miracles and satisfaction, this book, shows a young woman who gathers her dreams, stamina and like the horses we have loved "Phar lap, and Black Beauty" continues on through a life filled with ups and downs, wins and losses to fulfill her life.

A beautiful book for the race horse lover, and for young girls who need inspiration to make their dreams come true. After September 11, when so many woman are having to rebuild shattered lives, and so many young girls will be growing up with the terrible loss of parents to a horrifying situation, this book is a thoughtful way to show young girls you can make it. A girl who not only made it through a terrible war, but came to America alone, and not only made her own dreams come true, eventually made it possible for her whole family to come here and escape the poverty of a war torn country trying to recover from the ravages of that war. Laughs, and dreams, and miracles, and a toughness that gives us a clue that God, and our own endurability will get us through anything.

This is a story of a truly incredible woman, who never gave up her dreams. It was very inspiring. A long journey encompassing many aspects of a multi-faceted life, and centered around the backside of the racetrack, where a woman is STILL not greeted with much more than distain from "the good old boys". This lady tells a story of being a pioneer in that field. It was truly inspirational. This book showed both the hardships and joys of living one's dreams to the fullest. I feel that there a lot more stories than the one in this book. I hope that the author will be enouraged to elaborate and write another more detailed book in the future. A very good first effort!

The definitive motorsport engineer's handbook. It is an absolute must for anyone who considers themselves a professional in this industry. Buy this book through Amazon, or if you want a signed copy, try doing a google search on Carroll Smith to find other useful Carroll Smith links. He is one smart man!

Engineering is the crux of it all, no question about it. I bought Carroll's whole set of books begrudgingly, but they helped me improve my game BIG TIME. I am much more able to discuss with my engineer now. My mechanic gave me his copy (it was obviously used once or twice!) and ordered me to get a copy of my own. The pole positions that came quickly after it proved this book's worth.

This one is a little technical, but if you can get through it with a dictionary at your side and really understand what's being said, you'll find yourself a happy person.

This book is packed with all the nerd one could ever use.
I would rate this book very high for someone looking to increase their techinical knowledge of racing. It covers different types of materials and their ability to hold up during a race. Very good book.

Jeremy

This book can look a little daunting as you flick through the pages, however, once you begin to read it, you realise just how good it is! Starting with a basic metallurgy and physics course that most school text books should look to copy, Mr. Smith keeps interest in what could be a somewhat tedious subject using witty comments and practical observations. He then leads us through steel making, alloy processes and finally on to the application of all of the above in the racing car. A brilliant book from start to finish. The only criticism that I would make is that it needs an update to include more on composite techniques and finite element analysis.

Born To Trot is one of my favorite books! I have read this book twice and it's one of the best books I've ever read! It's based on a true story and I think you'll enjoy this book a lot.

From the moment you pick up "Born To Trot" you can't put it down! Your instantly transported back into time and stuck by Gibson White's (stories man charecter) side. It's packed with a ton of horse info, about history's greats: Hambletonian, Rosalind and Greyhound. But this book, you won't be disappointed!

This book is insanely wonderful!I love it!I liked how it was two stories in one.This book is a perfect example on M. Henry's wonderful writing ability.This book,King of the Wind,and Black Gold are my hands-down favorite Marguerite Henry books.

Greed, feuding families, assorted acts of violence, fine bloodlines (both horse and human), Romeos and Juliets characterize Dick Francis's novel Break In. For those who suffer under the delusion that Francis is a stodgy Brit that pens plodding, equine-obsessed mystery snoozers, Break In is a perfect remedy. While Francis does not disappoint his loyal readership who appreciates his first-hand, detailed knowledge of the world of steeplechasing, he also will delight any lover of the mystery suspense genre through his tightly woven plot, engaging narrative, and thorough characterization. You would think that someone named Christmas (after his day of birth) would have better luck than Break In's hero enjoys. Steeplechase jockey Christmas "Kit" Fielding manages to survive frequent brushes with danger (both on and off the racecourse), but does so in such an entertaining way that you never stop to worry about the unlikelihood of his continued survival (a hallmark of all good suspense writers, and a particular talent of Francis). The danger stems from his desire to free one Bobby Allardeck from an attack on his reputation that is being waged by newspaper columns insinuating that he is in deep financial trouble. As Bobby's livelihood as a horse trainer depends on his reputation among both his clients and his suppliers, the longer the smear campaign continues, the more likely it will be that the paper's lies will become truth. Why does Kit care, especially since his family enjoys perpetuating a longstanding blood feud with the Allardecks? Enter the aforementioned Romeo and Juliet--Bobby and his wife, Kit's aptly named twin sister, Holly. Despite generations of animosity, but with the full support of Kit, the two have married, and it is Holly who begs Kit to investigate the rumor. Though Bobby's father Maynard Allardeck is quite well-off, Bobby's nuptials have effectively ended any hope of support from that quarter, and it is partially his father's notoriety as a business man that extends public interest in the newspaper report. As Kit, Bobby, and Holly race to discover who has it out for them before the financial damage becomes irreversible, some interesting facts about Maynard's business practices come to light. Tensions mount between the young threesome, as they fight--not always successfully--to keep the feud from destroying the bonds that they have worked to develop between them. Naturally, Kit's resourcefulness and ingenuity help them sort out their troubles to a satisfying conclusion. If you have never read a Dick Francis novel, this book is a perfect place to Break In.

As a former bookseller, I soon learned that the annual appearance of a Dick Francis novel was cause for celebration among mystery lovers. "Break In" is certainly one of his strongest books, possibly because it returns readers to the world of horse-racing, the sport which Francis, a former steeplechase jockey, loved fiercely.

Like the author, Kit Fielding is a steeplechase jockey and considered one of England's finest. Like previous Francis heroes, Kit is intelligent, tough-minded and resilient, with a strong moral center. But while many of his fictional predecessors are loners, Kit is inextricably connected to his family by years of racing tradition and by his close, almost telepathic connection with his twin sister, Holly. Recently, Holly has disrupted family harmony by marrying Bobby Allardeck, scion of another racing clan with whom the Fieldings have had a bitter, centuries-old feud.

Entreated by Holly to stop a vicious newspaper campaign seemingly designed to ruin her husband, Kit soon learns that the true target is Maynard Allardeck, a ruthless robber baron who is Bobby's own father. Seeking to harm the father through the son, Maynard's many enemies are prepared to squash whoever stands in their way and their brutal tactics place Kit in deadly peril. But the greatest danger may lie within his own family. . . in the form of a human time bomb who happens to be Kit's brother-in-law.

Francis tells a swiftly paced tale, enhanced by an unexpected ethical dilemma. In extricating his loved ones from difficulties, Kit must employ morally ambiguous methods, one of which skirts perilously close to extortion. Moreover, the reader closes "Break In," feeling a strong sense of unfinished business. Fortunately, Francis seems to have felt the same way and his next mystery, "Bolt" seeks to resolve "Break In"'s loose ends. (The only other Francis hero besides Kit Fielding to make a return engagement i! s Sid Halley). While both novels may be read independently, they provide the most enjoyment when read sequentially, giving readers a fuller picture of the family ties that bind.

I love almost all of the Dick Francis books I've read, and this I'd have to say id one of the better ones he's writen. I love the way he puts the plot of Romeo and Juliet into this fast pace racehorse mystery novel. Any Dick Francis fan should read this book. And as for any new comers they'll be hooked.

This is a good book on F1 history, with plenty of detailed technical and apisodic information concerning teams, drivers and cars. The author shows a profound knowledge on the subject of F1 grand prix racing, and the book is a very good source of season by season information, from 1950 to 1996. It will please all fans of this most important category of car racing, although an updated edition is now needed.

This was a Christmas present from my wife and this was the best present I can remember receiving. Everything about F1 from Bugatti, Nuvolari & Fangio to Senna, Prost & McLaren. This book is for the dedicated F1 fan. It is well researched and written and follows the development and technical specs of F1 cars past & present. It contains numerous rare photographs as well as some cutaway drawings of cars and engines. A MUST!

This book truly surprised me. First off this book is very big and is absolutely filled with fascinating information! So many questions can be answered in this book and so much information to take in. Impress your friends with your vast Grand Prix and Formula One knowledge! I would buy this one today! Thank you for making it available....great stuff!

If you are a Dale Earnhardt Jr. fan, this book is for you! I have read this one and loved it. The pictures are wonderfully done. And believe me there are lots of them! The interviews and insights are great. You will love this book!

This Dale Earnhardt Jr. good is wonderful. It has the coolest pictures ever and is just great. Words cannot express how wonderful it was. You get to see what other drivers think about Dale Jr. and also learn new and exciting things about it. It is great. Any Dale Jr. fan should get it and add it to their Dale Jr. collection.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. receives similar acclaim, with other race car drivers providing their personal insights and observations into his personality and career. An exceptional, colorful presentation.

David Carl Allison had everything going for him. In his rookie season on NASCAR's Winston Cup Series, he won two races, won a pole, and established himself as an immeasurably friendly personality.

All of that ended in July of 1993. Landing a heliocopter he had recently purchased at Talladega Superspeedway, Davey was killed when the helicraft looped over and smashed top first onto the ground. Suddenly, the personality that was carrying the sport into the 1990s was gone.

Davey's widow Liz grieved the loss of her husband, the father of her children Krista and Robert Grey, but in 1995 she purged that grief and let her heart flow by putting together this poignant photo look at her husband's career.

The photos run the gamut - there is the 1961 shot of nine month old Davey using a toy telephone, with a look of "What the blank is THIS thing?" on his face. There are childhood photos and photos of the beginning of his racing career. His first win at Birmin! gham (AL) International Raceway came in April of 1979, with proud papa Bobby Allison looking on.

There are some great shots of Davey posing with racecars in the middle 1980s. One shows Davey posing with the #1 Chevrolet with which he made his Winston Cup debut in 1985. There is a 1983 photo of Davey, with Darrell Waltrip, Dave Marcis, and Dick Brooks all grinning at what he is saying during a news conference.

There are many shots of Davey hanging out with his best buddy, Brett Bodine. The one on page 73 shows Davey, Liz, and Brett walking hand in hand down Talladega's pit road, almost like little kids.

Another favorite is the shot of Dale Earnhardt on a payphone, Davey, Bill Elliott, Bobby Hamilton, Geoff Bodine, and Ted Musgrave all waiting their turn.

Davey took up hunting and fishing as a hobby, and one great shot shows him with a 26 pound bass fish that almost looks bigger than him.

But the most gut-wrenching shot is at the very end, of Dale Earnhardt, hol! ding a #28 flag in victory lane at Pocono, his face almost ! ashen. More than any words, that shot rams home just how much Davey meant to racing, and how much we so desperately want to know how high he would have reached in his career.

There are some minor nits to pick; there's a photo on Page 60 at Martinsville that is erroneously listed as 1992. Not only are the cars pictured of 1993 specs (Kyle Petty's Pontiac sports a flush airdam not allowed until 1993) but the name above the door reads, "Ernie Irvan." The book has several superb shots of Davey Allison and 1992 champion Alan Kulwicki, killed in a plane crash just three months before Davey's death, but should also have made an attempt to find photos of Davey Allison and Tim Richmond, yet another superstar cut down before his full potential was reached.

Noentheless, it is well worth the investment to own this look back on NASCAR's most genuinely charming personality to come out of the decade of the 1980s.

As a long time Allison fan, it's hard to even see the book. But it's a great way to remember a NASCAR legend and loving family man. David Carl "Davey" Allison will be sorely missed.

#28 will always be Davey's car. As his father said he is now the guardian angel for the #28 car.

Though it's been five years since his un-timely passing, it is still hard for me to look at this book. Especially when it gets into Husband and Father. Seeing those pictures just makes me tear up cause I know he'll never get to see his wife and kids again. This a must have item for any loyal Davey Allison fan.