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Jim Crawford book


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#1 KevG

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Posted 06 February 2013 - 13:57

Hello everyone. I posted on here some time ago about Jim. For the past three years I’ve been working on a biography of him, although the project has been on hold for quite a while due to becoming a father. I am now able to devote time to writing again and hope to have the book finished this year. All profits from it will go to charity.

This seemed like the obvious place to come to ask for information and memories of Jim. I’m particularly interested in the years 1976 and 1977. I know Jim was doing some work for Toyota Switzerland around this time. Any other info is also welcome. So far I’ve spoken to quite a few people who knew Jim including his sister Jean, Stephen Choularton, Roberto Guerrero, Derek Daly, Tommy Byrne, Tom Sneva, Mark Scott, Bob Fernley, David Hutson, Whitney Ganz (IMSA team-mate), Kenny Bernstein, Donald Davidson, a few Chevron guys, old school friends, an ex-girlfriend and his rally navigators from the late 1960s. I would be very interested in contact details for Barrie Williams and Tony Dron. Any suggestions on how to contact John Menard also welcome. I know he really admired Jim.

I am also in the process of organising a small photographic exhibition about Jim in his birth town of Dunfermline.

Best wishes,

Kevin


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#2 DogEarred

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Posted 06 February 2013 - 14:51

We wish you well.

I'll be just one of many here, no doubt, who would be happy to see a well reserched book.

You need to have seen him in action to fully appreciate why so many people will be interested.

#3 KevG

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Posted 06 February 2013 - 15:00

Thanks, unfortunately I only caught the tail end of his career. I would love to have seen him in Atlantic.

#4 DogEarred

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Posted 06 February 2013 - 15:58

As a new member, you may not realise that there is thread here entitled 'Jim Crawford'. - just search.
Worth scouring no doubt.

#5 KevG

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Posted 06 February 2013 - 16:44

Thanks for the PMs everyone. They are most helpful.

#6 KevG

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Posted 06 February 2013 - 16:50

I forgot to say, if anyone has any info or memories of Jim they would like to send privately I have a dedicated email address which is jimcrawfordbio@yahoo.co.uk. Thanks.

#7 E1pix

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Posted 06 February 2013 - 20:01

Living on this side of the pond, I can say that to us here Jim was a one-of-a-kinder. It would be cool to capitalize on his uniqueness with fan tributes and the like (which it seems you've indicated).

Best Wishes for success and fun producing the book. :up: Working on two myself at the moment, great fun.

#8 KevG

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Posted 06 February 2013 - 21:40

Yes, it is absolutely my intention to have input from fans. He was a very popular guy with them.

If you don't mind me asking what are the books you are working on? I also have another one on the go. I'm basically ghostwriting a friend's autobiography. He was the late Jock Taylor's passenger in the sidecar world championship during the 1970s. That one is a lot more straightforward as I only have to speak to one person!

#9 LittleChris

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Posted 06 February 2013 - 23:22

. I'm basically ghostwriting a friend's autobiography. He was the late Jock Taylor's passenger in the sidecar world championship during the 1970s.


Benga Johansson ?

#10 KevG

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Posted 06 February 2013 - 23:36

Benga Johansson ?


James Neil, who Benga replaced. James is still in contact with Benga though.

#11 E1pix

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Posted 07 February 2013 - 01:06

If you don't mind me asking what are the books you are working on? I also have another one on the go. I'm basically ghostwriting a friend's autobiography. He was the late Jock Taylor's passenger in the sidecar world championship during the 1970s. That one is a lot more straightforward as I only have to speak to one person!

A large photo essay on a Native American canyon full of ruins, art, and culture, and a bio novel about a stroke victim becoming a mountaineer again.

#12 BT 35-8

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Posted 07 February 2013 - 02:00

Are you aware of the fabulous two page photo in the specialised book
'' Motor Racing at Oulton Park in the 1970s '' done by Veloce books.

Pages 80 and 81 have a photo of Jim being interviewed by Ian Titchmarsh
whilst a frantic BDA engine swap is happening about them.

Bryan Miller , owner of one of the cars Jim competed against , Alan Jones [ Harry Stiller ]
March 74B.

#13 KevG

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Posted 07 February 2013 - 08:10

Are you aware of the fabulous two page photo in the specialised book
'' Motor Racing at Oulton Park in the 1970s '' done by Veloce books.

Pages 80 and 81 have a photo of Jim being interviewed by Ian Titchmarsh
whilst a frantic BDA engine swap is happening about them.

Bryan Miller , owner of one of the cars Jim competed against , Alan Jones [ Harry Stiller ]
March 74B.


Hi, thanks for the reply. I have the Oulton park book and, you're right, it is a great picture. I've been in touch with Peter McFadyen who has other images of Jim. I particularly like another one in the same book which shows him speeding past a fan's banner which reads 'Crawford for King.' :)

#14 Gatmo

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Posted 08 February 2013 - 21:04

I've got a couple of photos of Jim in the AMCO Racing Ensign that he used in the British F1 series which you can have if you want them?
Just drop me a PM if you would like them, cheers.

#15 ryan86

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Posted 08 February 2013 - 21:50

As a Dunfermline-er I'd probably be interested in this book and popping along to the exhibition.

#16 KevG

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Posted 08 February 2013 - 22:16

I've got a couple of photos of Jim in the AMCO Racing Ensign that he used in the British F1 series which you can have if you want them?
Just drop me a PM if you would like them, cheers.


PM sent :yawnface:

#17 KevG

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Posted 08 February 2013 - 22:17

As a Dunfermline-er I'd probably be interested in this book and popping along to the exhibition.


I'll keep you updated about the exhibition. Hopefully find out the venue tomorrow. Hoping for the Carnegie Birthplace museum. I'm just along the road from you in Cowdenbeath.

#18 RonPohl

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Posted 08 February 2013 - 22:18

As I recall, he had one of the most spectacular accidents ever caught on film at Indy. Looking forward to the oak.

#19 RonPohl

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Posted 08 February 2013 - 22:19

Book.....sorry

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#20 D-Type

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Posted 08 February 2013 - 23:12

RonPohl, you can edit your own posts using the "Edit" button on the bottom right of your screen next to the "Fast reply" and "Add Reply" buttons. Unlike some othe forums, this one allows you to edit your posts at any time no matter how old they are.

Edited by D-Type, 08 February 2013 - 23:13.


#21 KevG

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Posted 08 February 2013 - 23:49

As I recall, he had one of the most spectacular accidents ever caught on film at Indy. Looking forward to the oak.


I think it's his 1990 crash you're thinking of. It's on here, skip to 1:44.



#22 KevG

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Posted 08 February 2013 - 23:50

A large photo essay on a Native American canyon full of ruins, art, and culture, and a bio novel about a stroke victim becoming a mountaineer again.


Fascinating stuff, I wish you well.

#23 KevG

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Posted 15 January 2014 - 15:06

Hello,

I thought I'd add a little update to this thread as some were kind enough to express interest in it. The manuscript should be completed in the next month. There was a hold up while I tracked down an individual who was a vital part of Jim's story.

I'm quite excited about some of the images which will appear in the book. A good friend and well known photographer will be overseeing selection and reproduction.

Best wishes,

Kevin

#24 D-Type

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Posted 15 January 2014 - 15:16

To say the blindingly obvious- Double check all the photo captions against the selected photos rather than those requested.  From comments elsewhere on the forum, picture captions seem to be a major source of error in books as they are not checked as rigorously as the text.



#25 KevG

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Posted 15 January 2014 - 15:28

Cheers D-Type. We'll excercise due diligence. I know exactly what you mean. On several occasions I've also encountered two pictures in a book with the captions attached to the wrong ones.

#26 Jim Thurman

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Posted 15 January 2014 - 18:46

Speaking of due diligence, tread very carefully with the "fan tributes"  Nothing can more quickly run aground an otherwise well-researched book.  Perhaps keep those reminisces to the website instead of print?

 

I wish you well with the book, Jim Crawford certainly is a great subject well worthy of such a project :up:



#27 KevG

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Posted 15 January 2014 - 22:48

Thanks Jim, and I take your point on board. The fans who have contributed to the book so far did actually know Jim, so their recollections are more about his character.

I hugely underestimated how tricky this project would be, but I'm glad I persevered. Jim really was universally liked, although a close friend assured me he would be absolutely mortified that someone thought he was worthy of a book!