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Alex Zanardi: My Sweetest Victory: A Memoir of Racing Success, Adversity, and Courage
The racing world held its collective breath in 2001 when Alex Zanardi lost both his legs in a horrifying accident at the Lausitzring in Germany. The racing world held its breath again 19 months later while witnessing his incredible return to racing. In Alex Zanardi - My Sweetest Victory Zanardi takes us from his childhood in Italy through his hard-fought racing success to the moving story of perseverance and love that motivated his recovery. Along the way, Zanardi presents the triumphs and setbacks in his racing career, culminating in back-to-back CART championships for 1997 and 1998. In riveting detail, Zanardi relates his terrible accident, the long path to recovery and his return to Lausitzring to complete the 13 laps he didn't finish in 2001. Alex Zanardi - My Sweetest Victory is an inspiring book about how personal strength and passion can triumph over even the most challenging circumstances -- an autobiography whose significance extends far beyond the world of motorsports.
387 pages, Paperback
First published July 15, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 5, 2012
My husband has been an open-wheel racing fan his entire life; I've only been following the sport for about seven years. I bought this book for him several years ago, without really knowing who Alex Zanardi is; to me he was just another race car driver whose name was vaguely familiar to me. My husband was very excited about receiving this gift, and immediately read it cover to cover. He told me about Alex and how he lost his legs and went on to race again, and kept saying over and over that I really ought to read this book.
Well, finally I did, and as a person who still knows very little about automobile racing, I must say I found this memoir fascinating and inspiring. Often when people start talking about telemetry and car set-up and wing adjustments, my brain turns into mush. I try to listen anyway, sometimes asking questions to which my husband patiently explains the answers; sometimes repeatedly. I'm more interested in the personal stories of the drivers--who they are, where they come from, what is their family life like, etc. Usually I don't really care who wins; I'm happy for all the winners and feel badly for all the losers.
This book gave me a healthy dose of both: Lots of technical jargon that I determinedly read and tried my best to understand, and happily, I learned a little bit more about racing; and I got to know a person with real life joys and struggles and dogged determination. I learned a little bit about Alex's childhood and growing up in Italy, the tragic death of his older sister, his parents' support of his budding career in racing. I most enjoyed the section about Zanardi's years as a driver for Chip Ganassi in the CART series, because it involved drivers and teams and tracks that I'm at least somewhat familiar with, and I was able to place real images to names and places. The descriptions of the horrific accident that cost Alex both legs and the aftermath were painful to read, but his determination to walk and eventually race again is truly inspiring. I recommend this book to every racing fan; and if you don't follow auto racing, this just might pique your interest.
(Wanna know why I'm a racing fan? Click here. The late Dan Wheldon had a lot to do with it. I hope someone writes a book about him.)
Well, finally I did, and as a person who still knows very little about automobile racing, I must say I found this memoir fascinating and inspiring. Often when people start talking about telemetry and car set-up and wing adjustments, my brain turns into mush. I try to listen anyway, sometimes asking questions to which my husband patiently explains the answers; sometimes repeatedly. I'm more interested in the personal stories of the drivers--who they are, where they come from, what is their family life like, etc. Usually I don't really care who wins; I'm happy for all the winners and feel badly for all the losers.
This book gave me a healthy dose of both: Lots of technical jargon that I determinedly read and tried my best to understand, and happily, I learned a little bit more about racing; and I got to know a person with real life joys and struggles and dogged determination. I learned a little bit about Alex's childhood and growing up in Italy, the tragic death of his older sister, his parents' support of his budding career in racing. I most enjoyed the section about Zanardi's years as a driver for Chip Ganassi in the CART series, because it involved drivers and teams and tracks that I'm at least somewhat familiar with, and I was able to place real images to names and places. The descriptions of the horrific accident that cost Alex both legs and the aftermath were painful to read, but his determination to walk and eventually race again is truly inspiring. I recommend this book to every racing fan; and if you don't follow auto racing, this just might pique your interest.
(Wanna know why I'm a racing fan? Click here. The late Dan Wheldon had a lot to do with it. I hope someone writes a book about him.)
August 29, 2007
Former Indy Car champion and Formula 1 driver Alex Zanardi shares his incredible life story.
From his humble but adventure filled childhood through to the horrific crash that claimed his legs (& nearly his life) and his inspiration comeback against all odds.
This emotional roller coaster makes you feel so happy to be alive and so inspired by Zanardi's magnificent tale.
From his humble but adventure filled childhood through to the horrific crash that claimed his legs (& nearly his life) and his inspiration comeback against all odds.
This emotional roller coaster makes you feel so happy to be alive and so inspired by Zanardi's magnificent tale.
January 30, 2008
One of the best if unlucky racecar drivers ever- he is still at it without legs! he wins in almost everything he drove, and he still does, he is an inspiration and a cool guy I recommend it- but if you aren't a race fan (Indycar/champcar/CART/ Touring Cars) you won't care- but his story is just fabulous and great.
April 5, 2013
I've read this book now twice, and am amazed how this former racer has kept his competiveness alive.
Alex had recently competed in the Para Olympic Games where he won two gold and one silver medals in Hand Cycling.
Would like to see him write another book about that chapter in his life, and his future aspirations on out!
Alex had recently competed in the Para Olympic Games where he won two gold and one silver medals in Hand Cycling.
Would like to see him write another book about that chapter in his life, and his future aspirations on out!
April 10, 2009
The story of a wonderful driver who came within a tick of loosing his life and his unbelievable comeback. Too much of a MFW (mister f**king wonderful)book.
August 22, 2017
Interesting book. Zanardi has fond memories of his earlier life in karting, which translate to warm stories, rich with the texture of life in Italy.
The problem I have is that during his Williams/2nd Indycar stint he comes across as quite whiny and even petulant with his failures on the track. Even when Zanardi crashes the car, it "wasn't my fault, the car was undriveable." As an F1 fan, I find it difficult to understand how a driver can have such a bad relationship with his employing team and race engineer in particular.
Those sections are mostly devoid of his charm that characterises the earlier part of the book and adds a little sourness into what could've been an excellent book. The only other gripe I have is that the timeline is perhaps a little skewed for the casual fan, with too much emphasis given to his earlier driving in karts and Formula 3/3000 and not enough coverage for his later career, which I suspect more fans would enjoy.
His famous crash in Austria that cost him his legs is covered here in gruesome detail and it's here where the book regains a measure of grace. His recovery and long term rehabilitation is inspirational and his determination is a force to be reckoned with.
The book's tone is a little uneven, but still highly recommended.
The problem I have is that during his Williams/2nd Indycar stint he comes across as quite whiny and even petulant with his failures on the track. Even when Zanardi crashes the car, it "wasn't my fault, the car was undriveable." As an F1 fan, I find it difficult to understand how a driver can have such a bad relationship with his employing team and race engineer in particular.
Those sections are mostly devoid of his charm that characterises the earlier part of the book and adds a little sourness into what could've been an excellent book. The only other gripe I have is that the timeline is perhaps a little skewed for the casual fan, with too much emphasis given to his earlier driving in karts and Formula 3/3000 and not enough coverage for his later career, which I suspect more fans would enjoy.
His famous crash in Austria that cost him his legs is covered here in gruesome detail and it's here where the book regains a measure of grace. His recovery and long term rehabilitation is inspirational and his determination is a force to be reckoned with.
The book's tone is a little uneven, but still highly recommended.
September 15, 2017
Bellissimo, davvero. Narra con schiettezza e semplicità (e con molta ironia e senso dell'umorismo) l'ascesa di Zanardi pilota, dalle prime gare sui kart (dove per sua stessa ammissione era un ignorante totale) ai trionfi nella F.Cart statunitense, fino al declino come pilota, già in atto prima del terribile incidente del settembre 2001 in Germania dove ha perso entrambe le gambe. L'ultima parte è la più intensa, dove parla di come si è rialzato (nel vero senso della parola) dall'abisso della disabilità, tornando anche in pista, e non risparmiando feroci commenti alle ditte specializzate in protesi e carrozzine, colpevoli di speculare sulle persone già in difficoltà. Da leggere nei momenti di crisi!
February 5, 2022
My left leg was amputated, and this book changed my life. I was back racing open wheel again 3 months after my accident, and setting records. I actually spoke with Alex Zanardi on the phone while I was in the hospital. He gave me encouraging, and uplifting spirit, and he will forever be my hero. I highly recommend this book, whether you are a racing fan, or just looking for an amazing biography about a very interesting man.
January 25, 2018
Good written autobiography about Alex Zanardi's life from his childhood to his recovery of the terrible crash in Germany in 2001.
His writing style is smooth and simple, the prose dotted with the sarcastic humour typical of Alex. And it is, of course, filled with the optimism which made him a born fighter.
His writing style is smooth and simple, the prose dotted with the sarcastic humour typical of Alex. And it is, of course, filled with the optimism which made him a born fighter.
April 1, 2018
Un libro davvero molto emozionante, entusiasmante come un romanzo, coinvolgente perché è una storia vera, a tratti anche toccante. Davvero infinita ammirazione per Zanardi, il suo talento, la sua forza, il suo sempiterno buonumore. Una lettura che consiglio a tutti, appassionati di sport e non.
http://www.naufragio.it/iltempodilegg...
http://www.naufragio.it/iltempodilegg...
July 11, 2020
Sono solo un tipo ottimista, che ha avuto una vita meravigliosa e continua ad averla, perché sa apprezzare quanto di buono è rimasto. Cit
Forza Alex❤
Forza Alex❤
March 10, 2025
Great read for any INDYCAR fan!!!
December 5, 2018
La nascita e la carriera di un campione vero, di un uomo che anche con arroganza non ha mai smesso di lottare, soprattutto dopo il tragico incidente del 2001.
Un vero sportivo.
La lettura della biografia è risultata ostica, perchè molto tecnica nelle descrizioni di gare, motori e circuiti. Quando si va a scandagliare l'aspetto umano è decisamente più apprezzabile.
Un vero sportivo.
La lettura della biografia è risultata ostica, perchè molto tecnica nelle descrizioni di gare, motori e circuiti. Quando si va a scandagliare l'aspetto umano è decisamente più apprezzabile.
October 5, 2015
The joy of this book is in its tone. Zanardi and his ghostwriter Gasparini are so optimistic and full of enthusiasm (and the occasional dodgy translation, as in an Alfa Romeo manual, somehow adds to the charm). Zanardi recounts his days growing up and racing karts with warmth and relish. If some of their adventures seem almost too good to be true, that's offset by some shockingly dark times for his family and friends (and not just the obvious one). Zanardi is blessed with the ability to avoid dwelling on these and move forwards, and this shines through in those black days, and throughout his treatment and rehabilitation after losing his legs.
The book does the usual irritating sports-biography thing of beginning with a "headline" chapter about the defining moment. Once the pro racing career is under way, the book seems to rush through the seasons, but there are enough thought-provoking insights into life at the blunt end of Formula 1 in the 90s, and some of its characters. Similarly with those he works with in the successful Ganassi team in the States. His account of his racing career left me with a sense of what might have been, not so much from the accident, but from earlier offers and opportunities Zanardi chose not to pursue.
I was sorry when the book came to a rather abrupt end. But I'm sure there'd be more than enough further racing adventures and challenges for him to fill another volume in the same optimistic style. I hope we hear much more from him as he bids to take on the best in the handcycle event at the London Paralympics.
The book does the usual irritating sports-biography thing of beginning with a "headline" chapter about the defining moment. Once the pro racing career is under way, the book seems to rush through the seasons, but there are enough thought-provoking insights into life at the blunt end of Formula 1 in the 90s, and some of its characters. Similarly with those he works with in the successful Ganassi team in the States. His account of his racing career left me with a sense of what might have been, not so much from the accident, but from earlier offers and opportunities Zanardi chose not to pursue.
I was sorry when the book came to a rather abrupt end. But I'm sure there'd be more than enough further racing adventures and challenges for him to fill another volume in the same optimistic style. I hope we hear much more from him as he bids to take on the best in the handcycle event at the London Paralympics.
May 23, 2016
Growing up in the hometown of Mario Andretti (who also wrote the foreward), it is hard not to be a fan of motorsports, particularly open-wheel racing.
I was fortunate to get to see Alex Zanardi in person when the series ran at the Nazareth Speedway.
His story is one of passion and inspiration and I believe it would read well for those who are not fans of the sport as well as those familiar with him as a driver.
Zanardi had tremendous success on the track, but many challenges as well. In 2001, he was in a horrific crash that cost him both his legs. His spirit and determination not only saw him through his rehab, but he finished the final laps of the race in a modified car and when on to race full time in the European Touring Sports Car series, again in a modified vehicle. Truly amazing perseverance.
The racing world, like life, has high-highs and low-lows. Alex's story is an amazing one and well worth the time reading.
I was fortunate to get to see Alex Zanardi in person when the series ran at the Nazareth Speedway.
His story is one of passion and inspiration and I believe it would read well for those who are not fans of the sport as well as those familiar with him as a driver.
Zanardi had tremendous success on the track, but many challenges as well. In 2001, he was in a horrific crash that cost him both his legs. His spirit and determination not only saw him through his rehab, but he finished the final laps of the race in a modified car and when on to race full time in the European Touring Sports Car series, again in a modified vehicle. Truly amazing perseverance.
The racing world, like life, has high-highs and low-lows. Alex's story is an amazing one and well worth the time reading.
February 1, 2016
Eppure, ero curiosa. Dopo aver letto la biografia di Mike (La versione di Mike mi sono appassionata al genere e ho provato con Zanardi. Anche lui, come personaggio, ne ha di carattere.
Ma mentre pregavo Mike di raccontarmi qualche dettaglio in più, specialmente nella parte rigardante la Seconda Guerra Mondiale, ad ogni pagine chiedevo a Zanardi di saltare qualcosa ed andare al punto. Non sono riuscita a finirlo. Non sono nemmeno riuscita ad arrivare al punto in cui parte del suo incidente.
Peccato!!
Ma mentre pregavo Mike di raccontarmi qualche dettaglio in più, specialmente nella parte rigardante la Seconda Guerra Mondiale, ad ogni pagine chiedevo a Zanardi di saltare qualcosa ed andare al punto. Non sono riuscita a finirlo. Non sono nemmeno riuscita ad arrivare al punto in cui parte del suo incidente.
Peccato!!
December 30, 2008
This was a good biography about Alex Zanardi and his rise to the top of professional motor racing. In 2001 he suffered a terrible accident in Germany during a race that resulted in the loss of both of his legs. The story recounts the struggle to deal with his disability and how he eventually over came it. I only gave it three stores because this book was originally released in Italian and something was lost in translation. The book gets difficult to follow at some point and at other times it just doesn't make much sense.
Besides that is was enjoyable.
Besides that is was enjoyable.
February 20, 2011
Alex Zanardi is my favorite driver and quite possibly my favorite sports figure. His drive is very inspirational although a but cocky. This book though I can honestly say was not the easiest to get through, so much detail although great detail, but it would close my eyelids a bit too much. The victory in the book shows the drive and energy behind a person that could have easily just shut down and lived his life in a wheelchair and depression, he beat the odds.
November 23, 2012
This is a biography in pure Alex's style: direct, straightforward, sarcastic towards himself and always tankful for what life, no matter what, has offered and it's offering to him. An inspiration for motor racing funs and people that just what to understand and appreciate what life is all about. Grazie Alex!
June 5, 2013
Truly inspiring. I'm as guilty as many people of not knowing much about him and dismissing his skills from his brief outings in Formula 1 but what he's managed to achieve and overcome is just incredible. Adding into that his performances at the Paralympics and it shows that there is simply no stopping this man
August 3, 2011
Un libro fantastico da una persona fantastica. Di un ottimismo insperato, un'ironia ed una semplicità tipica delle persone che fanno grande l'umanità.
Un "si può fare" corale rimbomba nella mia testa una volta girata l'ultima pagina.
Un "si può fare" corale rimbomba nella mia testa una volta girata l'ultima pagina.
June 28, 2012
A fascinating biography about a great career cut short by tragedy, however, he's made the most of it, as well as his life. I could relate to the suffering, as I was almost killed in a race car accident as well.
January 26, 2008
Good autobiography by one of my favorite open-wheel racers whose stellar career was cut short by a near fatal collision.
June 18, 2009
Alex is one of my favorite race car drivers ... and not just because of his driving. Anazing, corageous guy that took a great tradegy in his life and turned it positive.
March 29, 2011
Not well written. Skipped large sections.
April 3, 2012
I think he goes off on too many tangents. The book is about 100 pages too long. He has an incredible story, but there is a lot of unnecessary reading that tired me out by the end of the book.
June 30, 2012
I really enjoyed this biographical tale of Alex's many triumphs, but also what's most important to him, his family. Very heartwarming
January 8, 2015
4.5 stars.
April 4, 2017
Absolutely incredible. Alex has always been one of my hero's. In addition, he has won races since the book was written, then retired from motorsports, won gold medals in the Paralympics, and then he returned to racing and won on his return. Zanardi, PLEASE WRITE A SEQUEL!!!!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews