Mark Skaife: Diary of a Champion

by Mark Skaife

Known as the consummate professional, Mark Skaife lives, eats and breathes motorsport - and has only one ambition in life, to look back in 20 years and know I gave it the best I had ... Arguably the best touring Car driver of the last decade, Mark Skaife pens a year in the life of a reigning V8 Champion - from flying down Conrod Straight at nearly 300km/hour to winning the 2001 Bathurst 1000, through to racing around the streets of Parliament House in the national Capital in a roaring 600bhp V8 Supercar. In 2000 Mark successfully won his 3rd Australian touring Car Championship, first for the all conquering Holden Racing team, and in 2001 repeated his dominance on track to clinch his 4th. In 2002 he's giving it his best shot at not only the 'hat trick', but equalling the all time record of 5 Championships. What drives a driver? Come trackside behind the scenes, and find out what it takes to achieve this type of success; the rivalry, the tactics, strategies, and even the in-car radio 'chat'. Join him in the corporate boardrooms of what is now considered the 'business of motorsport'. In today's competitive environment, off-track can be just as competitive as on track ...

Genres: Nonfiction

320 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Darren Cambey]

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this autobiography. There is a lot that goes into any tem, and whilst the drivers front-run the V8 Supercars teams, this gave great insight into the life, thoughts and obligations of any professional race driver, let alone, sportsman. Skaife was always accused of being arrogant, but I guess there's a fine line between arrogance and focus. Either can be misconstrued for the other.

A great read, for an insight into the life of an ultimate professional.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seeing what actually happens in the life of a V8 Supercar driver was a great insight. I knew they had to do a lot but I didnt realisi equite how much. I loved the idea that this went through a whole calendar of events as each event is different and so many things can happen. I think though I would have preferred to see the book starting at round 1 and going through until the final round.

[Mark Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting insight into what goes on in a V8 Supercars team. 20 years old now but still I recognised many of the drivers and its good to hear some of the history of the sport and understand the challenges for the drivers.

[April-Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great way to learn more about motor racing and what is involved for the drivers. A great read.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

While a Dead Set Ford Fan.... Was really interesting to read a great story from a great driver.