It’s always good to see a new book hit the shelves reminiscing about the era those of a certain age regard as the “golden years” of motor racing. Well-informed authors write many of these books, but their narrative, although good reading is somewhat second hand with drivers, mechanics, team managers, et. al. telling them this or that and conclusions drawn on evidence gained. It was very refreshing to open the package containing Brian Redman’s debut offering. Although written with the help of Jim Mullen, this is a true first hand, seat of the pants memoir of a period in the sport that claimed many a life of a participant driver irrespective of ability. Following a foreword by Mario Andretti, Brian describes racer deaths of that period, 1965-1975, very eloquently—“It was if an unseen sniper haunted the tracks and picked off random victims without warning, unsparing of veterans and even legends.” In spite of this, this is not a tome of despair, but an honest recollection of the motor racing scene during a traumatic decade. As you delve through the pages littered with great photographs depicting incidents, venues, victories and personalities, the text is a roller-coaster ride of highs, lows and emotional periods told in that unmistakable Redman spirit and fashion—typical of his Lancastrian roots. An epilogue by Marion Redman and an afterword by Sam Posey round off this well-presented work.
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