Product Description

Perry McCarthy decided at the age of 18 that he wanted to reach the top in the world's most expensive sport. With no racing experience, no cash, and little going for him except a passion for speed, the exuberant Cockney shouldn't have stood a chance. He never gave up, however, and his relentless search for backing and recognition led the man "The Times" dubbed 'the world's unluckiest racing driver' to heroic, often hilarious and sometimes heartbreaking efforts to make it into Formula 1. This is his autobiography.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #27305 in Books
• Published on: 2008-06-19
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

Customer Reviews

When's the continuation book coming out?
Hands up. I'd never heard of Perry McCarthy before. I stumbled over this book whilst searching for something else on Amazon.
It's a stumble I was very happy to make because I simply love his book. It's extremely well written - from the heart.
From the moment I had read the first few pages, I knew I'd have trouble putting it down. It's a terrific tale of one man's desire/dream to succeed in motor racing/F1.
Perry will have you gripped on every page. You'll either be laughing, welling up or feeling anxious awaiting the outcome.
His one-liners are great. He lets his imagination run wild.
I could never in a million years have dreamt up the scams he did.
He's a true talent - not only to racing but to writing too.
I sincerely hope that he writes a follow up to this one.

Stretch out, relax and enjoy!
I couldn't put this book down and laughed so much people around me wondered what I was reading! If you want an entertaining and amusing account of how one guy did NOT make a success of his F1 career, then this is it. Perry McCarthy writes in a way which gains your support from the outset. He describes his aspirations and their outcomes with a witty and entertaining honesty. This is an account peppered with famous names and events from the world of F1, which gives an insight into the political machinations necessary to become an F1 driver - not least the need to raise cash!

McCarthy's style of writing is straightforward and conversational. He successfully pens pictures of the main characters who have figured in his career, the definitve moments in his career and, in addition, includes some colour photographs both from his own personal collection and motorsport collections.

The acknowledgements are worth reading (which isn't often the case)as well as the book because McCarthy's humour and sense of the ridiculous shines through.

As well as being a really good read, above all this book testifies to the grit and determination of a man who does not allow anything to deter him in the pursuit of his ambitions. One is left with the impression that despite the fact that he didn't make a great name in F1, this guy will always be in demand as an after-dinner speaker, witty commentator, stand-up comedian, or even occasionally - as a driver!! You won't regret reading this.

Let's cheer him at Le Mans in 03!!
I learned this book in Nigel Roebuck's column of Autosport web and supposed it interesting while, like other readers, my expectation wasn't that high especially as a Japanese Formula One fan. The fact is, I was completely wrong and the book is mighty fascinating and mega fun to the extent that I burst into laughter to myself in the living room, when reading Perry's bulk of jokes spread over. OK, this is the fun side of this book, but fascinating side is his DIE HARD attitude to motor racing, determination to reach the very top, Formula One, whatsoever it takes. When he finally drove out to the pit lane of Barcelona for his first pre-qualify attempt, I was close to be in tears sharing with the very emotion he had at that time and efforts he had made to get one....but the bloody car couldn't complete a lap! Likewise, the story continues with incredible up and down like roller coaster and you can't put down the book till you finish. Now I am and long will be big fan of Perry's and for sure cheer him in Bentley or whatever at La Sarthe '03, IF he secures any shape of drive. Meanwhile, buy this book, now.