Staying on Track: The Autobiography

by Nigel Mansell

'EXTREMELY ENTERTAINING...REMARKABLY FRANK' DAILY TELEGRAPH 50 GREATEST SPORTS BOOKS OF ALL TIME After finishing as runner-up three times in the drivers' world championship, in 1992 Nigel Mansell finally secured the title. It was the crowning achievement of a hugely successful career, in which he won 31 Grand Prix, a record for a British driver that stood until Lewis Hamilton overhauled him in 2014. Always an aggressive driver, his exciting style meant he was hailed as a hero by his millions of fans in the UK and around the world. Out of the car, he was outspoken and charismatic, which merely served to enhance his reputation. Now, 20 years after he retired from F1, Mansell looks back on a stellar career in which he battled against many legends of the sport, from Niki Lauda through the Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost years and on to Michael Schumacher. He provides vivid insights into what it was like to race against those greats in an era when the risks to drivers were enormous. He explains what motivated him to get to the top, and takes the reader behind the scenes to give an unrivalled insight into the sport and the key moments of his career. Still closely involved in Formula One, Mansell assesses how F1 has changed, and gives his authoritative verdict on the sport, the cars and the drivers. It is an unmissable account from one of Britain's greatest sporting heroes.THE MASSIVE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Autobiography, Memoir, Sports

427 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 24, 2015

About the author

Nigel Ernest James Mansell is a British former racing driver who won both the Formula One World Championship (1992) and the CART Indy Car World Series (1993). Mansell was the reigning F1 champion when he moved over to CART, becoming the first person to win the CART title in his debut season, and making him the only person to hold both the World Drivers Championship and the American open-wheel National Championship simultaneously.

Reviews

[Bjoern Rochel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book consists of 3 parts. The first one is about his F1 career. In the second one he comments the current state of F1 and compares it to his times. The third part is about his life past 1996.

The first part was really amazing. I've read several books on F1 before, but this one was the first one to really plastically describe in detail what it meant to be a F1 driver back in the days. It speaks also quite a bit about Mansell as a person that he always talks with a lot of respect about his former rivals (even though he had a particular bitter relationship with Piqued for instance). Knowing his injuries in 92 and 93 (he basically raced with a broken foot and later with a hole in his spine) makes 2 back-2-back titles shine even more. In that light, that he only managed to win a single F1 title is almost tragic. In an alternative universe where he was aloud to compete in F1 in 93 + 95, he certainly would have been a triple world champion. Life is odd sometimes.

The second part was a nice quick read. The last part was really what cost this book a higher rating from my side. I found it pretty boring and started to jump pages forward and scanning pages for interesting bits.

If it was just for part one, this would be a 5 star for me. With part 2 and 3, we end up with something like 3,5 in my mind

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love Formula 1 - or motorsport in general you need to read this book!

I couldn't put it down & read the whole thing in a day. It's brilliantly written and full of interesting stories - about racing and other stuff too ! Must read!

[Gavin Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

This appears to be Mansell's third autobiography and as you would expect, it does not really focus on the most famous parts of his career. That's not to say it isn't interesting to learn about his early racing life, his relationships with various team-mates, his business ventures, his family, his love of golf, and some of the other sporting activities that he has taken part in. The guy has had an interesting life and seems to be the type to say yes when presented with any opportunity. As a post-retirement autobiography, there is more reflection on both the highs and lows of his career, the great victories and the ongoing toll of the injuries sustained in racing accidents. However, readers looking for more focus on his world championship winning seasons will probably be better served with one of the other books. The writing style is a little repetitive and can become a little Partridge-esque at times. Mansell seems like a cheerful and positive guy, however, and I believe that any fan of his will probably enjoy reading this.

[Ibrar Malik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful research for my upcoming book www.1994f1.com

Good account of when Nigel Mansell was racing in F1 and it's Nigel's own autobiography. His story of determination to overcome injuries that would have finished off most people is incredible. Then having won the World Championship, despite having a broken foot all season, he was badly treated by Williams and went off to the USA to win the Indy championship the very next year. An amazing life story and a great illustration of the power of mind over matter in overcoming injuries and life's difficulties. Truly a driving legend. And you don't see moustaches like that anymore.

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, what can you say about Nigel Mansell? F1 World Champion & Indy Champion at the same time. Bridesmaid in F1 many a time.

The book started out well, but did become more wearisome as it went on.

Several things about his writing frustrated and annoyed me. Chiefly, his spelling of Mum. Being British you would expect he would write 'Mum', however when talking about his own mother he wrote 'Mom'. Now, everyone has the right to call their parents what they wish, however you should tailor your writing to your audience.

I also found that as the book progressed he became more prechy about everything. It was if I were at a self help seminar!

Another aspect of his writing that annoyed me was his constant 'How about they, ey?' it was used multiple times in each chapter and it was as if he was trying to get me to go 'Yes Nigel, I heard you'. All it does it make you roll your eyes the more and more you read it, as if a Grandparent was telling you the same story for the millionth time.

The adventures he had and the injuries he sustained are fascinating to read about. However the book is spoiled by the afformentioned issues which is a shame, because I liked Nigel when he was racing and I was really excited to read the book. It's just a shame it wasn't as exciting as his racing.

Shame really.

[Mark Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Fan of all British F1 drivers. Hadn't realised how serious some of Mansell's injuries were or indeed what a massive achievement it was to win the Indy Car series the year after F1. Some of the reflection on current F1, for example that the best drivers get the best cars (where have we heard that before) and how Max would struggle (at least at 17) with the old cars without power steering were interesting. He also mentions the shortest (until the past weekend) ever of 14 laps.... At least there was racing in that unlike the 2 lap fiasco we saw last weekend. Read in a day.

[Liberty Holroyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really great book, one of the better Formula 1 biographies out there. It gives a brilliant insight into motor racing during the 1970s-1990s, and Nigel writes with such a respect for the sport and his peers. The book is also such a beautiful tribute to his wife, Rosanne.

It's unbelievable how many times this man has come out of near-fatal crashes and overcome what should have been life-altering injuries. I also really enjoyed the completely bizarre interlude of an ex-World Drivers' Champion overcoming his Le Mans-induced brain injury by becoming a professional touring magician. WTF.

[Laurence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read some of Mansell's previous books, I was pleased to find quite a few new stories here. There is also some evidence of a softening of his opinions toward some of his old rivals. Perhaps would have liked to hear more of how he feels about some of the controversial incidents of his career now.

[james weeks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent autobiography

Always like reading about great drivers. Especially after they have retired. Really enjoyed finding out about drivers, especially Nigel, after retirement ,especially after you had followed them and rooted for them during their F-1 career. Great read, loved it.

[Bobby24 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book so informative on both the man and his sport. I'm no expert in fact i'm not even a fan of F1 i find it boring now (the drivers are mere boys)but i did watch it in his day (i'm fifty years old) so many legends of the sport both driving and in the paddock, i can well remember watching that Senna crash on that sunday afternoon when eating sunday dinner with my mother and sister....to think everyone thought it was just a prang and he was fine? as was broadcast!

Anyway its a fine book about a balls to the wall do or die legendary driver.

My Top five drivers of all time are as follows in no order Fangio, Senna, Prost and Schumacher so who is number five? possibly Mansell due to his double victory...if not him though perhaps that position has yet to be filled.

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Absolutely serviceable for its purpose. The best bits are his focus on the insider stuff at Lotus and Williams, his extensive injuries and how they have affected his life up to the present day, and his detailed descriptions of the day-to-day goings-on during the (especially early) 80s.

Suffers a bit from a near-useless final third, and a poor ghost-writer who has inexplicably filled the book with Americanisms that are quite jarring and break the immersion.

[Sean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very educational, and it's always important to have another point of view when it comes to history. Mansell's time in F1 was the beginning of the shift from a bunch of guys wrenching on cars (an oversimplification, granted) to the Ecclestone era, a fascinating time in the history of the sport.

Judging from the danger he faced and the injuries he received, I bet he's the luckiest driver in motorsports.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first & third part of the book are the most interesting, as it is an account of Nigel Mansell’s life - the reason you’re reading the book. The second part, although it still makes you contemplate your views, is merely his opinion of the state of F1 at the time of writing so, in my opinion, less interesting.

[David Ramiro · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're an F1 fan read it. The insight stories about his relationship with world champions are very interesting. He's such an interesting character that has seen both faces of F1 and has had to work harder than normal to make his way to the top.

[Antony Dayal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book as it covered a Era of F1 that was heroic and tragic. Nigel was the determined but unflashy British driver. The thorn in Senna and Prost's side. The book covers his up bringing, time in F1 and Indy car's and then post racing. A good read.

[Geoff Hunton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

Such a good reflection on a forgotten era in Formula One. Mansell provides great stories and perspective on his time as a driver and for life in general

[Aji Lawal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating to see what it meant to be a racing driver long before today's arguably softer and less macho version of the sport.

[Gary. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting,but a little repetitive.

[Iso · Rating 4 out of 5]

reading this felt like having a conversation with nigel himself he has such a cute way of writing (i am heavily heavily biased)

[Oxie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

[Frieda · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be fair, I was more of a Prost and Schumacher fan and I had great fun teasing a former boyfriend who was a Brit and supported all the British drivers.

Having said that, this was so very fascinating for me to read about, I love the look into Mansell's view of everything. How a racing driver gets into the car after having seen a friend die in a crash is just mind blowing for me. We certainly don't 'get' what makes them do what they do.

[Jack Youd · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who never watched Mansell race so didn't know too much about him, I really enjoyed learning about him and his life before, during and after F1. It is a wonderful book. Great read.

[Dale Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A down to earth insight into the world of Formula One in the 80s and 90s through the eyes of one of our best loved heroes. The term 'people's champion' was invented for Nigel Mansell.

Nige describes in great detail just how daunting it was to drive an F1 car back then. F1 enthusiasts like myself will appreciate the chapters devoted to some of the ground breaking technology of yesteryear - groundforce and turbo to name but two examples of what made the cars back then nothing short of 'ballistic missiles'.

Mansell talks with great admiration and respect about his rivals and with immense affection for his friends and mentors. He also touches on some of his and the sport's brilliant but also saddest moments.

The book also contains a lot of off track action - engrossing recollections of happenings both personally and professionally.

I was five minutes away from meeting Nigel in a bar in Nagoya after the Japanese Grand Prix once. Hopefully I'll get to meet him one day.

[Kirsty Padden-barr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Nigel's autobiography, a very open and honest account of his racing years and life, and a really interesting one too especially in terms if how Formula 1 has changed over the years; I've always known who Nigel Mansell is through my Dad watching him in his F1 years but I didn't become an avid fan until around 2002 so for me some of the F1 stories are mind blowing! Knowing an in depth history I now feel honoured that I have been able to personally enjoy his and his wife's perfect creation that is Woodbury Park, I was also lucky enough to privately view his museum there before it was moved - visiting it in its new home is most definitely on my bucket list!

[Mol · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was quite interesting ! I really really enjoyed hearing about Mansell's time in Formula 1. However, I didn't really like the writing style, and the end was a bit boring. He just talked about golf !! One of the best chapters was him talking about current (2015) F1 and F1 when he raced ! So insightful !! Overall, not a bad read.

[Axel T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating insight into both Mansell's life and the ins and outs of F1.

[Deity World · Rating 4 out of 5]

From karting to f1 to Indy car to golf an enjoyable read