Christopher Hilton (1)

I own several books about Senna, and this book is my favorite. It includes several pieces of information of which I was not previously aware, one is his childhood nickname. That was quite an esoteric piece of data that really humanized the story for me.

But what REALLY sets this book apart is the meticulous research and inclusion of memorabilia. With the book you should receive a series of enclosures - reproductions of pit passes, stickers, and handwritten notes, not just photos on a page, but actual items carefully included in tissue paper envelopes hidden within the book's pages.

I actually lived when Senna was ascending and watched his races. He was so good, I will admit I developed a dislike for the man - I wanted to see victories by others at least SOME of the time. But that was Senna. He was light years past all others, and this book is a testament to that. Very well done, and a highly recommended addition to the library of anyone wishing to learn more about Ayrton Senna de Silva.… (plus d'informations)

While most people who pick up this work are going to do so because of Team Toleman's association with Ayrton Senna, it's really the tale of Ted Toleman, businessman turned sportsman, and how he built an organization that, in some ways, still exists on the F1 grid in the form of Alpine. There's an interesting story here but I'm not sure that the publisher did the author any favors, as the material doesn't seem as well organized as it could be. Then again, Hilton was nearing the end of his life when this book came out, so perhaps more refinement of the material was intended.… (plus d'informations)

On Jun 11, 1955, the worst accident in the history of motor racing occurred at the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race. At 6:27 p.m., just shy of 2 1/2 hours into the race, a chain of events culminated in a Mercedes race car going airborne and flying into the grandstands. Over 80 spectators were killed/mortally wounded as the car and its components (including the engine and front axle, which had separated from the body of the car) knifed through the crawd. Also killed was driver Pierre Levegh.

This well-researched book includes endnotes for each chapter, an index, and English translations of some pertinent documents in an appendix, as well as photographs of key racing figures, the accident itself, and its aftermath. Hilton does detailed analysis that involves lap times, speeds, and other pertinent information. For those not inclined to such analysis, the details can be a little tedious. Where the book shines is in its descreptions of the people who were involved in the race and the context in which it was run; also, in studying the aftermath of the crash and its influence on the future of racing, particulary in the move toward greater safety… (plus d'informations)