Flat Out, Flat Broke - Formula 1 the Hard Way
Discussion
Just finished this book by Perry McCarthy (Stig Mk1). What a great read. It charts his misfortunes in trying to reach the top level of motorsport.
Recommended...
www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1844250180/qid=1109427139/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl/202-2017121-1052615
Recommended...
www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1844250180/qid=1109427139/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl/202-2017121-1052615
Perry McCarthy has the distinction, in this house at least, of being the first F1 driver I saw in action (if action is the right word) It was at a very cold Silverstone for pre-pre qualifying in about '91 and I heard this awful noise and lo it was Pel in his Andrea Moda. If that wasn't bad enough he was follwoed by Pedro Chaves(I think) in the Coloni-Subaru, every bit as bad as it sounds. You can imagine my relief when the likes of Senna in pukka cars finally appeared !
Rob
www.grandprixdiary.com
Rob
www.grandprixdiary.com
Thought it was a load of crap. Bloke who thought the world owed him a living, ripped people off and couldn't accept that others were faster, more consistent, honest, marketable the list is endless!!!!!. I've a copy, anyone can have it, send me an email and a sae and its yours!
>> Edited by davrian on Wednesday 2nd March 20:32
>> Edited by davrian on Wednesday 2nd March 20:32
davrian said:
Thought it was a load of crap. Bloke who thought the world owed him a living, ripped people off and couldn't accept that others were faster, more consistent, honest, marketable the list is endless!!!!!. I've a copy, anyone can have it, send me an email and a sae and its yours!
>> Edited by davrian on Wednesday 2nd March 20:32
Obviously no sense of humour then!!
davrian said:
Thought it was a load of crap. Bloke who thought the world owed him a living, ripped people off and couldn't accept that others were faster, more consistent, honest, marketable the list is endless!!!!!. I've a copy, anyone can have it, send me an email and a sae and its yours!
>> Edited by davrian on Wednesday 2nd March 20:32
Are you serious? If so please send it to Neil!
I read it last week while on holiday and while it was entertaining, it's pretty much what all racing drivers go through if they don't reach the top level of F1 or a works drive. Nothing that spectacular about it, apart from the Andrea Moda debacle.
And he came across as having a temper and being able to see the red mist more often than is really required in a top line driver. He threw it into the barriers a lot during his formative years in the sport according to the book, whic doesn't help your progression up the ladder.
He also notes of being overly agressive and not really caring about his equipment or team in certain aspects. One instence of him going out on brand new wet tyres when told by the team manager that they didn't have any others for the weekend and basically undermining what he's been told by effectively his racing boss doesn't hold well either.
Most of the book seems like its been one big game for him and he's been upset when he hasn't got what he wanted, welcome to life Perry...
Still, a good read for a couple of days while it was raining!
Oh, and James, if you believe this is the best book ever, you really need to get out more! Seriously!
>> Edited by racefan_uk on Wednesday 9th March 12:52
And he came across as having a temper and being able to see the red mist more often than is really required in a top line driver. He threw it into the barriers a lot during his formative years in the sport according to the book, whic doesn't help your progression up the ladder.
He also notes of being overly agressive and not really caring about his equipment or team in certain aspects. One instence of him going out on brand new wet tyres when told by the team manager that they didn't have any others for the weekend and basically undermining what he's been told by effectively his racing boss doesn't hold well either.
Most of the book seems like its been one big game for him and he's been upset when he hasn't got what he wanted, welcome to life Perry...
Still, a good read for a couple of days while it was raining!
Oh, and James, if you believe this is the best book ever, you really need to get out more! Seriously!
>> Edited by racefan_uk on Wednesday 9th March 12:52
jamesc said:
Oh, and James, if you believe this is the best book ever, you really need to get out more! Seriously!
I have read quite a few books! However Perry's has to be one of the most entertaining!
I must be honest, I am not the biggest book worm, but when I started reading this book...... I could not put it down. It had me laughing out loud........ BRILL!!
Read this last year and came away with the distinct impression that if he genuinely had the talent, he is or was his own worst enemy!
O/T have also just read Brundle's book. What a waste of an opportunity. Very dry and dull. I am sure he must have a massive fund of tales to tell rather than describing in intimate details corners at Le Mans.
Beverly Turner's book? Wrong lady in the wrong job.
Are there any good F1 books? Can't remember his name but the one by the ex Benetton mechanic was good. A long time ago I read somehting called How to run a Formula 1 team that I think dated back to the Mansell/Prost era that was good, but I am sure there must be more.
O/T have also just read Brundle's book. What a waste of an opportunity. Very dry and dull. I am sure he must have a massive fund of tales to tell rather than describing in intimate details corners at Le Mans.
Beverly Turner's book? Wrong lady in the wrong job.
Are there any good F1 books? Can't remember his name but the one by the ex Benetton mechanic was good. A long time ago I read somehting called How to run a Formula 1 team that I think dated back to the Mansell/Prost era that was good, but I am sure there must be more.
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