Brian Redman: Daring Drivers, Deadly Tracks: A racer’s memoir of a dangerous decade 1965-1975

By Brian Redman with Jim Mullen, Forward by Mario Andretti, Evro Publishing (2016), 300 pages, hardback

HOBBO: Motor racer, Motor Mouth: The Autobiography of David Hobbs

By David Hobbs with Andrew Marriott, Forward by Sam Posey, Evro Publishing (2018), 304 pages, hardback

Derek Bell: My Racing Life

By Derek Bell & Alan Henry, Haynes Publishing (2011), 272 pages, hardback

For the month of August, I’ve featured books written by three of my all-time favorite British drivers, Brian Redman, David Hobbs, and Derek Bell. Each one enjoyed success in a variety of racing series, from open wheel formulas to endurance sports cars. They’re also known for their unique style of storytelling, which paints an intriguing and entertaining picture of life in the world of auto racing in the 1960’s, 70’s, and 80’s.

These are highly valued books in my collection, so I was keen to have each one signed by them, in person. I met Brian Redman while covering a Vintage Racer Group (VRG) event at Summit Point in 2019. He served as the Grand Marshal that weekend, which was highlighted by a dinner in which he spoke and kept us all enthralled with his tales of driving for the factory Ferrari and Porsche teams. When I met up with him to have the book signed, I asked about his experiences with the filming of Steve McQueen’s movie, Le Mans. He and many drivers that year assisted with filming sequences in the weeks after the race was completed. Brian noted that McQueen was a very talented driver and could have made a very successful career for himself had he chose to pursue it full time.

I met David Hobbs at Watkins Glen during the 2018 SVRA United States Vintage Grand Prix. He too served as the Grand Marshal for the event. In between his ceremonial duties he had set-up a stand in the paddock amongst the other merchandise vendors. I made sure I was first in line and was able to have a brief chat with him. I told him my first time seeing him race was at The Glen in 1973 when he drove the Carling Black Label McLaren in the Can-Am Series. That’s also when I first saw Brian Redman race as well. David’s book also includes a section that covers his lengthy broadcasting career. He was without doubt my favorite color-analyst in racing, for his unique perspective having been a driver, but also for his wit and warmth.

Finally, I met Derek Bell at the 60^th running of the 12 Hours of Sebring in 2012. This race was special because it was the first ever race for the newly established World Endurance Championship (WEC), which ran their race simultaneously with the IMSA teams. It was a bit chaotic for score keepers who were tracking the overall winner, the WEC race leaders, and the IMSA leaders. Sometime during the mid-afternoon, I was able to find the location where Derek was signing his book. He too was very gracious and generous with his time, as I was able to have a brief chat with him. He’s best known for his career with Porsche and his five wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and three wins at the 24 Hours of Daytona.

All three books include beautiful black & white and color photographs, chronicling the careers of each driver. The variety of cars they drove is staggering compared to today’s racing culture where drivers seem to be pigeon-holed into their respective series. It seems extremely noteworthy these days when a driver hops to another series and drives a race. At one time that was an accepted and encouraged practice.

I highly recommend each of these books for your auto racing book collections. I consider their era of racing the best that’s ever been. Enjoy.

TJ…..2025