Future F1 racers Michael Schumacher and Vincenzo Sospiri competed in the 1988 Formula Ford Festival, which saw spectacular races but also shocking crashes and controversies, as this exclusive book excerpt relates.
Ben Evans's articles on RaceFans
Motorsport commentator Ben is RaceFans' resident bookworm. Look out for his verdict on the latest motor racing publications on Sundays.
“Formula 1’s Unsung Pioneers” book reviewed
Reviews
Posted onAttempting to spotlight an underappreciated racing team, ‘Formula 1’s Unsung Pioneers’ chronicles British Racing Partnership. But is it a story worth discovering?
“Rick Mears – Thanks: The story of Rick Mears and the Mears gang” book reviewed
Reviews
Posted onA recently updated version of Gordon Kirby’s Rick Mears Biography hit the shelves, but is it worthy of a purchase?
“F1: The Pinnacle”: book reviewed
Reviews
Posted onVeteran writers Simon Arron and Tony Dodgins chronicle some key moments throughout F1’s storied history. But is it worth a look for hardcore fans?
“The Science of the Racer’s Brain”: book reviewed
Reviews
Posted onA detailed, scientific exploration into the complex psychology and neurology of being a racing driver. But is it impenetrable or profound?
“Formula Helmet: The Glorious Years of Formula 1 Helmets 1969-99”: book reviewed
Reviews
Posted onA brand new book chronicles some of the most famous F1 helmet designs of the 20th century. Is it worth a place on your coffee table?
“Max – The Dutch Master”: Verstappen biography reviewed
F1 reviews
Posted onThe first major unauthorised biography of Max Verstappen since he became world champion, does Andre Hoogeboom’s new book offer much insight?
“Murray Walker: Incredible!” by Maurice Hamilton reviewed
Reviews
Posted onDoes this tribute to beloved motorsport commentator Murray Walker capture the unique appeal of his “trousers-on-fire” style?
“Al Unser Jnr: A Checkered Past” reviewed
Review
Posted onAl Unser Jnr opens up on his struggles with drugs and alcohol during the CART Indycar era in this startlingly candid new book.
“Brabham” Formula 1 documentary reviewed
Review
Posted onBrabham goes beyond the story of three-times world champion Jack Brabham, exploring what became of the team which bore his name.
“Indy Split: The Big Money Battle that Nearly Destroyed Indy Racing” reviewed
Reviews
Posted onOver 25 years since Indy racing split into two factions, a new book looks at how CART and the IRL went to war with each other.
“Formula E: Racing for the Future” reviewed
Reviews
Posted onDoes this officially-licensed guide to Formula E offer anything more than the corporate line on the electric single-seater series?
“Mr Le Mans”: Tom Kristensen autobiography reviewed
Reviews
Posted onNine-times Le Mans winner Ton Kristensen, widely regarded as one of the best drivers never to race in F1, gives up only a little of himself in this semi-autobiographical work.
“A Little Bit Sideways”: Reissued insider account of nineties NASCAR reviewed
Reviews
Posted onTruly insightful behind-the-scenes accounts of any top-level motorsports are rare, making this reissued account of late-nineties NASCAR a fascinating read.
“The Boy” – Stirling Moss biography by Richard Williams reviewed
Book review
Posted onMotorsport giant Sir Stirling Moss, who passed away last year, is the subject of an excellent new biography by Richard Williams.
“ROFGO Collection” by Doug Nye reviewed
F1 reviews
Posted onThe histories of the striking, Gulf-liveried cars of the ROFGO Collection feature in a new book by top motorsport historian Doug Nye.
“Lights Out, Full Throttle” by Damon Hill and Johnny Herbert reviewed
Reviews
Posted onIt’s all aboard the banter express as Damon Hill and Johnny Herbert bring us “the good, the bad and the Bernie of Formula 1”.
Strategic superiority clinches Schumacher’s first Ferrari title
2000 Japanese Grand Prix flashback
Posted onOn this day 20 years ago Michael Schumacher defeated Mika Hakkinen in a strategic fight at Suzuka to cliinch his third world title – and first for Ferrari.
“Racer” by John Andretti reviewed
Reviews
Posted onIndyCar and NASCAR racer John Andretti – nephew of Mario – tragically passed away earlier this year after suffering from colon cancer, and his autobiography has been published to raise money for charity.
Disaster for Hakkinen brings title within Schumacher’s grasp
2000 United States Grand Prix flashback
Posted onOn this day 20 years ago an engine failure for Mika Hakkinen drastically changed the complexion of the 2000 championship fight, and brought Michael Schumacher within touching distance of the title.