Brabham: The Untold Story of Formula One and Australia's greatest ever racing driver

by Tony Davis, Akos Armont (Primary Contributor)

Companion book to the compelling new documentary film of a motor sports hero

Sir Jack Brabham was unique in the world of motor racing. He was the boy from Sydney who took on the elite of motor racing and won three F1 world championships, the last one in a car not only built by his own Brabham company, but with an Australian engine he'd helped develop. To those who saw him on the podium, Jack Brabham might have seemed glorious and triumphant. But he was also a man of secrets. He shunned the media, rarely using 'two words when none would do'. He kept vital information from his competitors, his team mates - and his family. It led to unrivalled success. It led to wealth too, much of it hidden around the world. But it also left a trail of hurt and bewilderment ... In this first ever book-length biography of Jack Brabham, his extraordinary accomplishments are laid out with new commentary from his rivals, colleagues, employees and long-time engineering partner Ron Tauranac. And, with the help of his sons Geoffrey and David, it represents the first major attempt to unravel the enigma who became known as 'Black Jack'. PRAISE 'Do buy the book, its a great read over the festive season or otherwise!' Primotipo 'A thorough, broad portrait of a motor sporting giant, an Aussie icon who rarely allowed outsiders to take a peek inside at a personality that offers more surprises than anyone might have guessed' Cars4Starters

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

352 pages, Hardcover

Published July 22, 2019

About the author

Tony Davis is widely blamed for LEMON! 60 HEROIC FAILURES OF MOTORING, an Australian bestseller that was published in US and UK editions – and which has been adapted into the hit book for kids, YOU MUST BE SKIDDING! He is also responsible for the eccentric literary memoir F. SCOTT, ERNEST AND ME, plus the new children’s series ROLAND WRIGHT, FUTURE KNIGHT.

Before courageously leaving a well-paid job to be a full-time author (at the end of 2005), Tony had a long and successful career in newspapers, magazines and publishing. He has worked at THE AUSTRALIAN and THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, has held senior editing and news roles, and has written extensively about popular culture, history, motoring, television and a myriad of other subjects.

Tony lives in northern Sydney with his wife Carolyn and their three sons, William, James and Daniel.

Reviews

[Luke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basically a series of short vignette-type chapters, some as short as a couple of pages, succinctly telling Brabham's story throughout his frontline competitive career. It flashes back and forward between time periods at certain stages which can be a little annoying but overall a great insight into an amazing competitor and a racer far too often forgotten for his immense contribution to Formula 1.

[Cameron · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating story and a real insight into F1 in that period. The danger, the skill, the engineering and the lifestyle. Well told by the authors, though a little disjointed in places. The style at times is almost like snapshots into different places and times. It also seems Jack will always remain something of an enigma. This book also shows how good he was, how he was potentially unlucky to not have won more championships and the strength of what he and Ron Tauranac could deliver together. Recommended for all F1 enthusiasts.

[Philip Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a pubescent lad when Jack first became world champion. Inevitably, the myth would impress itself upon my understanding of success. The underdog. Dedication and steely focus. To finish first, first finish—and all the implications for combining the big picture goals with every tiny detail.

The book is comprehensive. That may make it boring and over-detailed for a reader unfamiliar with motor racing. For me, every sentence was interesting. The people behind the myth have been given bodies and souls.

[Mark Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

EFascinating. Crazy how dangerous F1 was in those days! Also crazy how more commercial it is now.