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Tony Brooks (merged)


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#151 Kpy

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Posted 09 May 2012 - 12:13

Amazon seems rather squishy on the actual price. (They promise that when the book is actually available through them, if the price is less the purchaser will get the lower price. No mention of what happens if the price is higher.)


Let's be fair to Amazon.
"No mention of what happens if the price is higher"
Oh yes there is! Amazon promise:
Whenever you pre-order a book, CD, video, DVD, software, or video game, the price we charge when we ship it to you will be the lowest price offered by Amazon.com between the time you placed your order and the end of the day of the release date.

The book, by the way, is a long-awaited treat. I bought mine for delivery in France from The Book Depository via Amazon UK. They will ship it to the US for £31.06 + £6.94 shipping.

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#152 PRD

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Posted 09 May 2012 - 16:13

He's driving our Connaught at the Goodwood Hillclimb, there's bound to be some opportunity for autographing there.


Perhaps, if asked nicely, he'd agree to an autograph/book signing session in the paddock at given time?

#153 D-Type

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Posted 09 May 2012 - 18:58

Full marks to Amazon.co.uk - they guaranteed delivery by 10th May and the books arrived today (9th May).

The inside cover gives the "Special Klemataski Edition" a separate ISBN. And, I see that the Klemantaski website does say it's a limited edition of 100 signed copies.


[Excuse me while I go and eat my words.]

#154 West3

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Posted 09 May 2012 - 19:40

Thanks so much for that. I just ordered a copy.

-Will

The book is also available here:

http://www.klemcoll.com/ListBooks.aspx

Vince H.



#155 rl1856

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Posted 01 August 2012 - 13:58

Absolutely. To my mind the only probable exception is Jim Clark... Otherwise, in that rarefied territory self-obsession has ruled, and still rules...in spades.

DCN


How would Chapman factor into that? With Chapman as his employer Clark never had to worry about establishing his position in the team, he was always assured of the best car, setup etc. I do not mean to imply any disrespect to JC, only to wonder if Chapman took care of things so JC did not have to.

Best, Ross

#156 rl1856

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Posted 01 August 2012 - 14:41

I have just finished reading Mr. Brooks' excellent memoir and I have a few observations.

First and foremost, congratulations should be given to his parents for rearing such a level headed and intelligent young man, one who exhibited great maturity beyond his yearsfans from an early age.

As a reader and fan, I appreciated his meticulous chronicle of lap times for himself and principle competitors. I was able to gauge his relative progress as he improved his craft. Based on times and results, one can make a compelling case that he was Moss' equal by 1958.... Speaking of the later, much insight is provided into the approach and character of Moss. Mr. Brooks did not retire from relaying both the positive and negative consequences of Moss' type of professionalism.

Since I was born a few years after Brooks retired, I have relied upon old race reports, profiles, articles, etc to learn about post war GP history. The prevailing sentiment seemed to be that after the birth of his first child, Brooks' performance suffered. Referring to the lap times quoted for 1960, Brooks was generally the fastest of the drivers using 1959 cars, and frequently was able to keep up with those in more current mounts. It is clear he was let down by unreliable cars rather than any diminishment of ability. For 61 he cast his lot with BRM. As has been made plain in other publications, Graham Hill used 1961 to consolidate the team around him. A dedicated professional looks for every edge, both on and off the track. Initially, Brooks was treated as the proverbial "red headed step child", but when given half of a chance, outperformed Hill. It is clear to this reader at least, that if he had been given a true equal chance in 61, his results would have been better. The irony (or tragedy) was that the P57-Climax was a good handling car, frequently out qualifying the Lotus and Cooper entries.

Many years ago I read an article concerning racing driver reaction times in a c1960 issue of Sports Cars Illustrated. What stuck out for me was that Moss did not have the best recorded time, it was Brooks. A good portion of the article concerned how drivers approached high speed competition, and the physiological changes they experienced while competeing. A compelling insight was provided by Brabham when he described in detail how when he was driving, events seemed to slow down in front of him. If he was prepared, he knew what to anticipate, thus giving himself crucial extra milliseconds to react, causing events to take place almost in slow motion. All of the other drivers concurred. Given Brooks' superior reflexes, and his noted level of preparation, could this be a clue to his smooth and effortless speed? Perhaps events were unfolding at a "slower" rate for Brooks compared to others, allowing him to anticipate and react in a smoother fashion?

It is to our collective disappointment that there have been few others like CAS Brooks.

Best, Ross

Edited by rl1856, 01 August 2012 - 14:46.


#157 Barry Boor

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Posted 02 August 2012 - 18:35

I'm delighted to say that I got my Amazon-bought book autographed at Goodwood.

I expected just a signature but Mr. Brooks asked my name so the book is very personal to me. (I know some say this devalues a book but I care not one jot.)

A true gentleman, Charles Antony Standish, and a very great driver too.

#158 D-Type

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Posted 02 August 2012 - 19:22

I'm delighted to say that I got my Amazon-bought book autographed at Goodwood.

I expected just a signature but Mr. Brooks asked my name so the book is very personal to me. (I know some say this devalues a book but I care not one jot.)

A true gentleman, Charles Antony Standish, and a very great driver too.

Well, you were luckier than me - I didn't manage to catch up with him :well:

#159 Barry Boor

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Posted 02 August 2012 - 19:26

Posted Image

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#160 Hse289

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Posted 02 August 2012 - 20:59

Great pictures Barry of a great day.

#161 bradbury west

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Posted 03 August 2012 - 19:48

I saw this on e bay and thought it pertinent. Halcyon days
http://www.ebay.co.u...=item589527ccec
Scroll down for larger version.
Roger Lund

Edited by bradbury west, 03 August 2012 - 19:49.


#162 Odseybod

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Posted 03 August 2012 - 21:05

I saw this on e bay and thought it pertinent. Halcyon days
http://www.ebay.co.u...=item589527ccec
Scroll down for larger version.
Roger Lund


Worth bearing in mind that if you buy this, you only own the negative and print. not necessarily the copyright (despite what's claimed in the listing).