Brian Redman: Daring drivers, deadly tracks

A champion book in every respect: Wonderful perspective bolstered by telling detail and charm, wonderfully written, and perfectly illustrated with lots of pictures. Those days of racing were brutal and Brian conveys why and how in a factual, story-rich way. A driver went out not knowing whether his car would break and kill him. But he raced anyway, because that's what he did... and in Brian's case because he did it very well and couldn't figure out anything else he could do that would support his family. He did it despite the death of close friends and competitors and despite three horrible crashes that left him scarred and required months of hospitalization and rehab. Racing isn't what it used to be and thank goodness for that.

I am finally reading this book I had bought it a few months ago. I just finished " Feel" by Freddie Spencer. Which was excellent also. I had put off buying this book for a bit because of the price. Now that I am finally reading it, the price was worth it all the way. Excellent and absorbing read, on a dangerous era in motor sports. The book did arrive with a slightly crumpled corner, yet, shrink wrapped and bouncing around inside a box,if I had ordered another I thought the result would be the same. If you love classic racing, you will love this book. It makes me anxious again for the " Brian Redman International Challenge" at Road America each year. Enjoy!

I simply could not put this book down. It was an amazing read from start to finish. Having had the honor of meeting Mr. Redman, and listen to him speak once, I was anxious to read this book. It read in such a way as you were sitting there telling you these stories in person. The story telling is vivid and detailed. You can easily picture the events in you mind as you read the printed words. The in-sites to the tracks, drivers, and dangers of the day are compelling. So much so, that I hope to get to see Mr. Redman in person again so I can tell him in person. If you are a race fan of any era, then this book is a MUST READ!.

Redman writes terrifically. Full of humor and great stories he doesn't forget to thank his wife who has stood by him through his career with all its ups and downs...mostly ups!

Only 4 stars because I have not finished reading this excellent volume - Le Mans, Spa, Targa Florio, Nurburgring etc - all excellent topics and descriptions of races either extinct or no longer run in the original form. A frightening period when drivers regularly perished, so I am thankful Mr Redman survived to be able to provide these recollections. It is interesting to compare the in-person experiences of a competitor with literary giants who compile histories based on eye-witness interviews. That is not to say one style is better than the other. I would put this book in the same basket as the very interesting Tony Brooks autobiography "Poetry I'm Motion".

Insights from a racers perspective, in particular, from that era.

Excellent read. Brian's story offers great insight into sports car and open wheel racing during the late 60's into the 70's from a drivers perspective. Brian's sense of humor shines through even though many tragedies were happening around him as well as the challenges he faced himself. If you enjoyed reading AJ Baime's 'Go Like Hell', you'll like this as well.

I just now returned home from seeing Brian and having him sign my (his) book. This is a book for race car fans and it is really good. Brian is very much the English gentleman and truly has racing in his blood. He is very competitive and always was out to be first as he often was.This is a big book with lots of great pictures and any race fan will love it.

otimo

Great read by a great driver. Loved his reminiscing concerning his Porsche 917 era - essp the 1969 version of the 917 that the Porsche factory drivers didn't want to drive at Spa!Or his Targa Floria crash in the 908/3 and the shameful medical / rescue facilities.Highly recommend this book for sports car junkies!

Great photos, with touching, human stories of his time behind the wheel, detailing the loss of so many friends and colleagues in the fires so common in motor racing accidents of the times. Lots of self-deprecating stories that show us a humble man.

Fantastic book !

I saw Brian Redman race many times - in fact he and Jo Siffert won the very first race I ever attended. This long-awaited book is a real treat for anyone with any interest in motor sport in the 60s/70s/80s. Brian always seemed to go his own way and that includes this book which focusses on tracks, cars, races and other competitors which mean most to him. International sports car racing features prominently, together with F5000 - neglected in motor sport literature - and F1 gets a look in, too. The book is worth the money for the very carefully chosen selection of photos alone - many of which are new to me. The very first chapter covers 'old' Spa-Francorchamps and the there's much about Ford GT40s, Porsche 917s, Ferrari 312PBs.......by now, you'll know if this book is for you ! Very highly recommended.