59 replies to this topic

[Giraffe]

I spoke to Brian Redman online about 2 years back, and he told me that he was working on his autobiography and it was due out last year. Anyone know anything about it, without troubling Brian again?

[Giraffe]

An update; I've had another e-mail exchange today with Brian:

"Dear Brian,
I've been pestering you for a number of years now regarding your proposed book, and you came to mind at the Gold Cup F5000 40th Anniversary re-union. I am the chap who pushed your Collier Collection Porsche 917PA to the assembly area at Goodwood with Doug Nye. I contribute (like Doug and very occasionally in the past yourself) to TNF (The Nostalgia Forum) where I am known as "Giraffe" for my sins!

As a Birmingham resident, I tracked down Sid Taylor and I'm pleased to say he attended the reception. . Yourself and Peter Gethin were very much missed. Chris Sharples of HSCC who invited me, told us that you had written a long and profuse appology for being unable to attend.

Meeting all the old drivers prompted me to encourage you to try and make a concerted effort to complete the book on a couple of counts. Firstly, your recollection is still first class (I know as you spoke to me about crashing Sid's Lola at the Oulton TT in 1969), and secondly, you still have a very large fan base worldwide of chaps like me of around my age, who would love to be able to read about your life, career and experiences. That fan base is likely to diminish rather than grow with the passage of time, so now would seem to be the right time to capitalize on it!

I know you are a busy man Brian, but please please please make some time and do it for your fans! (Oh and please post again on TNF!)

Best Wishes,

Tony Gallagher. (Giraffe on TNF)."

Brian's reply today......................

"Dear Tony,

Many thanks for your kind message!

The book is coming along quite well......we have over 1,800 photographs!

Good to hear you met with Sid! Quite a character!
Unfortunately, I can't repeat the best "Sid" stories in the book!

The F5000 years were really great......although I seem to be best known as a "sports car" driver, those F5000 days were the best.

Gordon Kirby is writing a book on Newman Haas Racing and in it there is a pretty big section on F5000.
Somewhat surprisingly, Jim Hall said those were the best series days he ever had and crew chief/engine builder/test driver Franz Weis had this to say:

"Franz Weis offers some final words of perspective on Redman and Haas/Hall’s four years in F5000. “We were awful lucky, you know, but we had a heck of a crew, a hell of a team, and Brian was a big part of it,” Weis remarks. “As long as I’m alive, Brian is always going to be number one in my eyes. He wasn’t just a hellacious driver. He was as good as anybody back in those days, but he’s something special as a person. He appreciated so much all the work we did at Chaparral and at Carl Haas in Chicago. You just didn’t expect that. He was just something else.
“I’ve said to Brian, ‘As long as I’m alive, you’re the greatest person I ever met in motor racing.’ And he said, ‘Franz, you’re making me cry.’ But that’s the way I feel and I still do thirty-five years later.”

Makes me cry - again !!

All the best, Brian"

Brian Redman

[JacnGille]

[rdmotorsport]

Good to hear you met with Sid! Quite a character!
Unfortunately, I can't repeat the best "Sid" stories in the book!

Aw, come on Brian I will tell the best Sid stories if you will, lets face it we are too long in the tooth to be devorced and too elusive for litigation,and feel sure Sid would chuckle!

Rodney

[Daytona 935]

Dear Mr Giraffe ,

thanks a lot for this precious informations. I don't know about your age and those of your chaps , but being 42 myself , i think i'm a kind of "teenager" at your eyes...
Despite this unsovable default , ( add the fact that i'm french.....sorry !) i would be proud to be counted in the number of Mr Redman's fans.
I must admit that i discover his magnificient career a bit late , but the more i learn about it , the more it shine.
The only one of the era to stand at an equal level would be Mr Elford......random or coincidence ?

A man who shined in Sicilia mountains , on the Hunaudières straight or on the Daytona banking , the green hell or through the eau rouge is out of common , definitly.
Since a long time , i was wondering why no "serious" tribute have been made on his personn , but now , i'll wait for news about this book day after day.

I'll keep browsing these pages , waiting for "updates".

Thanks again.

[Giraffe]

Michael Keyser of Speed Merchants is writing the book with Brian. I first asked Brian about it possibly as long as four years ago now, and having first approached him for his autograph on 17th October 1970, the day he "retired", I'm getting a little impatient, but I'll keep on the case!

Edited by Giraffe, 10 September 2009 - 19:51.

[West3]

It looks as if the book will soon become a reality.

According to the website, More Throttle, Less Brake: My Life At The Wheel is scheduled to be available within the next few months.

[David M. Kane]

According to Mike Keyser, Brian is editing the latest draft as we speak.

[Giraffe]

Co-incidentally I met with Sid Taylor on Friday and we were talking about Brian. I told him about the forthcoming book and asked him why he hadn't continued with his own when he had got so far down the line with it? I think as Brian said early, the best Sid stories are unrepeatable!
I told Brian us fellow-TNFers were eagerly anticipating his book, and gave him a link to this thread in the hope that he might update us......

[West3]

A sort of "audio preview" of the sort of stories which will surely be found in the book can be found here.

Mr. Redman is such a wonderful storyteller it's almost a shame there can't be an audio version of the book, complete with the voice characterizations he does so well.

[JacnGille]

According to Mike Keyser, Brian is editing the latest draft as we speak.

[Giraffe]

According to Mike Keyser, Brian is editing the latest draft as we speak.

Hmm, that may well be the case, but here is the text of an e-mail I've just received from Brian after I sent him some pics of the Oulton F5000 re-union.......


Thanks for the great photos Tony!

The book is still "a work in progress" - mostly my fault as I just don't seem to be able to concentrate on it!

I'll be at both the Goodwood events, and am also acting as a "Tour Guide" to the Monaco Historics, Maranello and Brescia for the start of the Mille Miglia!

All the best, Brian

Brian Redman

[Giraffe]

Unfortunately I have to relate the news that Brian's long awaited book is now unlikely to be published. Differing opinions between the author and publisher regarding format & presentation have led to this project falling at the final hurdle, so as to speak. Let's hope a way can be found of reviving it one day.

Edited by Giraffe, 06 July 2010 - 18:54.

[JacnGille]

Well ($#@(*&%#@(*^$#_)%$@#^%^$#(*&@*(&

[Giraffe]

Well ($#@(*&%#@(*^$#_)%$@#^%^$#(*&@*(&

My sentiments exactly! Brian told when I sat with him for my 'Sid' book on Friday at Goodwood that when he read the first chapter of the final proofs from Michael Keyser "It just wasn't me talking" to quote Brian, so he re-wrote it and sent it back. I gather Michael hit the roof & binned it! I shall endeavour to find out more.............

[retriever]

My sentiments exactly! Brian told when I sat with him for my 'Sid' book on Friday at Goodwood that when he read the first chapter of the final proofs from Michael Keyser "It just wasn't me talking" to quote Brian, so he re-wrote it and sent it back. I gather Michael hit the roof & binned it! I shall endeavour to find out more.............

So was this book to have been an autobiography or biography.

Hope you have sorted out your 'rules of engagement' regarding your proposed book, if this is anything to go by.

[arttidesco]

Pooh ! Keep at it Mr Giraffe :-)

[red stick]

Well ($#@(*&%#@(*^$#_)%$@#^%^$#(*&@*(&

Well said!

[retriever]

Pooh ! Keep at it Mr Giraffe :-)

I was considering Giraffe and his book project in a positive way in making my comment, I wish him good speed with his book. Regarding the Redman book, there are always two sides to a story and being involved in publishing I am aware that there often can be pitfalls along the way.

[Giraffe]

I was considering Giraffe and his book project in a positive way in making my comment, I wish him good speed with his book. Regarding the Redman book, there are always two sides to a story and being involved in publishing I am aware that there often can be pitfalls along the way.

Thankyou for that, Retriever. Sid is a very different proposition to Brian & if anything a more challenging one! I have learn't alot more this evening about the circumstances surrounding 'More throttle, less brake', but have been asked not to divulge this information. However, it reminded me of a comment Princess Diana once made about there being more than two parties in this relationship....................

[Richard Jenkins]

Tony,
Brian gave a very good interview (as he often does) yesterday to me. If any part of that would be useful to anyone, or useful, please let me know. I obviously have to transcribe it.
We discussed his F1 career/the Shadow deal/Cooper/how he nearly signed for Lotus/US F5000/Siffert/Ickx/crashing at St Jovite/historics etc so some of that might be of use?

If not, it'll make a for a good read anyway. It's a shame about the book, because based on 10 minutes with him yesterday, it would be unput-downable. The only problem would be restricting Brian to 1,000 pages!

[Giraffe]

The only problem would be restricting Brian to 1,000 pages!

I've PM'd you. Richie.

[rallen]

Oh no this is terrible new, I was listening again to the Motorsport podcast with Brian - listend to it so many times now! I didn't actually really know anything about him until I heard him on the pod and now I am a massive fan and would love to hear more. I was really looking forward to his book - is there an update, I don't understand publishing, can't another publisher just step in, or one of the many great professional authors on TNF team up with him?

bugger.

[Giraffe]

Oh no this is terrible new, I was listening again to the Motorsport podcast with Brian - listend to it so many times now! I didn't actually really know anything about him until I heard him on the pod and now I am a massive fan and would love to hear more. I was really looking forward to his book - is there an update, I don't understand publishing, can't another publisher just step in, or one of the many great professional authors on TNF team up with him?

bugger.

Terrible news indeed. Basically there was a major conflict of opinion between the ghost writer (Michael Keyser) and the Redman family with regard to content, and my understanding is that Michael decided it was not in his interest to progress the project under the requested constraints.
Having been lucky enough to have read the manuscript myself (which is an unrepeatable story in itself!) and also the amended first chapter (chopped from 11,000 to 5000 words by a highly respected magazine editor (?!?!) in the US), I can see Michael's point. However IMVHO the book notwithstanding would benifit greatly from a re-write for a variety of reasons.
I gather from Brian that he has discussed the issue with David Bull in the US, and co-incidentally a TNFer has tried to become involved, but the short term prognosis is not good, I'm sorry to say.
If I hear anything down the line, I will keep the forum informed.

[JacnGille]

I gather from Brian that he has discussed the issue with David Bull in the US, and co-incidentally a TNFer has tried to become involved, but the short term prognosis is not good, I'm sorry to say.
If I hear anything down the line, I will keep the forum informed.

Please do.

[MMorrissey]

Following this thread with great interest. I've thought about trying to contact Brian. I've written a profile about a former colleague of mine that will be published in the next issue of Excellence, the Porsche magazine published here in the states. Charles Cooper is his name and he covered Formula One and sports car racing in Europe in the '60s and '70s for Overseas Weekly.

He has some amazing photos and among them are a few that were shot at the 1970 Spa 1,000k race of Brian and Jo Siffert. I think if Brian's book gets off the ground again, it would be neat to include some of these historic photos. Here is one that was shot in the Pits.

Edited by MMorrissey, 21 January 2011 - 14:34.

[David M. Kane]

David Bull did an excellent job on Michael Argetsinger's books; I think he would be a good fit. I know both Brian and Michael so 'I'm sorry they had a parting of the ways; but face it, it is a massive project requiring a major commitment.

Let's hope David Bull can save the day.

[rallen]

Hi, thanks Giraffe for the detailed response I really appreciate it. As a kid, it was formula one I got into in a big way, though even then it was the past and the characters which really appealed - though I watched current races my heart was in the past and I spent most of my time reading about historical races and driver biographies and collecting old books - and since discovering this site just over a year ago - spending hours and hours reading old threads (to the point where my partner got rather worried!) This was my passion and I feel cheated that I missed all this, as when I got into it in the early 1990's the sport was fading fast.

I will admit that I was never that familiar with other motorsport disciplines - mainly I suspect because they were never on TV so I never got into anything other than F1. However listening to Brian Redman on the Motor Sport podcast was like an epiphany. I have next to no knowledge of sports car racing or any of the competitions he raced in but listening to him I have a real desire to educate and immerse myself with everything to do with him and the series he raced in, as this to me is what attracted me to F1 in the first place, skill, bravery, camaraderie with colourful and honourable characters and of course great racing.

Alas I was hoping a great way to do this would be to read his book though this now does not look like happening. Would anyone reading this be able to advise or recommend either books or DVD's that would help inform me of this era in motorsport, would really appreciate any advise you could give me to educate myself!

[E1pix]

I have many great books of that era, though most are likely unavailable other than a lucky find.


Published in or around the 1970s:

At Speed, by Jesse Alexander (10)

The Great Racing Cars & Drivers, by Charles Fox (7)

Great Moments in Auto Racing, by Irwin Stambler (7)

The Encyclopedia of Motor Sport, by GN Georgano (10)

The World of Racing Cars, by Eric Dymock (5)

The Fabulous Porsche 917, by Peter Hinsdale (8)

Formula One 74, by Pete Lyons & Vin Gilligan (8)

1976 Road Racing Annual, by Pete Lyons - Mike Knepper - Vin Gilligan (8)


Published in or around the 1990s:

Grand Prix Fascination Formula 1, by Rainer Schlegilmilch (10)

Ferrari Formula 1, by Rainer Schlegilmilch (10)

The Century of Motor Racing, by G. Guzzardi & E. Rizzo (7)


Current:

Can-Am, by Pete Lyons (as mentioned in above Post)

Anything from David Bull Publishing (I have maybe 5, and they're all 10s — the Mark Donohue and Mario books are FABULOUS)


My ratings in parenthesis were done very much on the fly, hope no offense was given to their producers.

[Bill Wagenblatt]

I have many great books of that era, though most are likely unavailable other than a lucky find.


Published in or around the 1970s:

At Speed, by Jesse Alexander (10)

The Great Racing Cars & Drivers, by Charles Fox (7)

Great Moments in Auto Racing, by Irwin Stambler (7)

The Encyclopedia of Motor Sport, by GN Georgano (10)

The World of Racing Cars, by Eric Dymock (5)

The Fabulous Porsche 917, by Peter Hinsdale (8)

Formula One 74, by Pete Lyons & Vin Gilligan (8)

1976 Road Racing Annual, by Pete Lyons - Mike Knepper - Vin Gilligan (8)


Published in or around the 1990s:

Grand Prix Fascination Formula 1, by Rainer Schlegilmilch (10)

Ferrari Formula 1, by Rainer Schlegilmilch (10)

The Century of Motor Racing, by G. Guzzardi & E. Rizzo (7)


Current:

Can-Am, by Pete Lyons (as mentioned in above Post)

Anything from David Bull Publishing (I have maybe 5, and they're all 10s — the Mark Donohue and Mario books are FABULOUS)


My ratings in parenthesis were done very much on the fly, hope no offense was given to their producers.

I would add

The Chequered Year by Ted Simon
The Great Drivers by Akira Mase
Jo Ramirez: Memories of a Racing Man
The Brothers Rodriguez

Bill

[Gregor Marshall]

My 2 penny-worth would be a book about Brian would be great if it is what he and his family want but if not, then best left alone but whilst Brian is still around he should agree to something, as it'll probably be written after he eventually passes unfortunately.
As for ghost/co writers, I went through a similar thing, but luckily we got on and whilst things might not have been exactly what I wanted they probably worked out better - sometimes you have to swallow your pride!!

[alansart]

My 2 penny-worth would be a book about Brian would be great if it is what he and his family want but if not, then best left alone but whilst Brian is still around he should agree to something, as it'll probably be written after he eventually passes unfortunately.
As for ghost/co writers, I went through a similar thing, but luckily we got on and whilst things might not have been exactly what I wanted they probably worked out better - sometimes you have to swallow your pride!!

Gregor, I enjoyed your book on your dad. I'm sure it helped having his diaries as a reference and there a lot of people still around to tell their part in the story. I also thought it was very honest as it included many of the bad parts of his life as well as the good.

I would love to have a book on Brian Redman. He's done an awful lot in his life which I know I'd be extremely interested in, but one has to be realistic and keep it not only readable but profitable for the author/publisher as well.

[rallen]

thanks guys, duly noted! why is it motor racing books are so expensive and out of print?! still will be fun trying to track them down - thanks for all your help!

[SKL]

As a big fan of Seppi back in the day (even paid respects at his burial site when on a trip to Switzerland) I also appreciated his teammate Brian. I have several books from David Bull and would hope he can save the day!!

BTW, those Cooper pix in the latest issue of Excellence are superb!!! Especially the one of Jim Clark taken the fateful day in Hockenheim...

[GD66]

I would love to have a book on Brian Redman. He's done an awful lot in his life which I know I'd be extremely interested in, but one has to be realistic and keep it not only readable but profitable for the author/publisher as well.

Me too, Alan. I was interested to read in the Simon Taylor chat with David Hobbs in the Motor Sport that his career was seen by some to be something of an "underachievement". Well, for me it was anything but, and you are always duty-bound to factor in things like car available relevant to situation, luck, results commensurate with limits of car, etc.
Likewise with Brian Redman. For me, he was always the equal of anyone out there in equivalent machinery, regardless of category, and if his face didn't fit and he missed the odd ride here or there, too bad. He's clearly explained his rebuff to the Ferrari offer, and that's good enough for me.
The thing is, in those days, blokes like Hobbs and Redman had the ability to take the car by the scruff of the neck from time to time, and put in jawdropping drives against a variety of inclement factors, and win the admiration of the average onlooker. These days, when variations in car lap performances are measured in fractions of a second, this sort of heroic drive is no longer likely to occur, so underdog-style folk heroes are thin on the ground.
But drivers of the nature of Hobbs and Redman earnt the respect of punters from the day, and also their contemporaries. For them, and for me, that's enough...

[Giraffe]

Terrible news indeed. Basically there was a major conflict of opinion between the ghost writer (Michael Keyser) and the Redman family with regard to content, and my understanding is that Michael decided it was not in his interest to progress the project under the requested constraints.
Having been lucky enough to have read the manuscript myself (which is an unrepeatable story in itself!) and also the amended first chapter (chopped from 11,000 to 5000 words by a highly respected magazine editor (?!?!) in the US), I can see Michael's point. However IMVHO the book notwithstanding would benifit greatly from a re-write for a variety of reasons.
I gather from Brian that he has discussed the issue with David Bull in the US, and co-incidentally a TNFer has tried to become involved, but the short term prognosis is not good, I'm sorry to say.
If I hear anything down the line, I will keep the forum informed.

I think the problem with the publication of the book lies in whether David Bull would be prepared to take it on under the same constraints that resulted in Michael Keyser not being prepared to. My personal view is that the issue was not tackled at the root as the contentious events portrayed in the story are far from controversial by today's standards. I'm fairly sure a compromise could be achieved if someone set their mind to it.
Having discussed the matter at some length with Brian himself, I feel that he has lost heart in the project to some degree (largely to avoid the ear-ache, and I think any of us who is either married or with a partner can relate to that!). Once more, I feel that Brian doesn't appreciate the level of interest that there is out there from both his and motorsport fans of his era, and to some degree he belittles himself as he feels that his story isn't really worth telling in any event.
I can assure everyone reading this that the story in most definately worth telling and the basis for it is already in existance. Apart from the 800+ photographs that I have been advised (?!?!) have been returned to their various sources, the manuscript could very easily be picked up and developed upon. I think that the onus falls upon us, his fans to persuade Brian that it would be in everyone's interests for this to occur

Edited by Giraffe, 11 February 2011 - 15:12.

[Bill Wagenblatt]

I checked in with David Bull last month about the Redman book project and this is what he shared

Bill Wagenblatt

Hi Bill,


Thanks for your e-mail. A friend had pointed out the TNF posting to me, so I'd seen it.

There's not a lot to report right now about Brian's book. When Brian and Michael Keyser decided to discontinue their working relationship Michael (who is a friend) encouraged me to take over the project. Brian and I have talked about this several times, but nothing yet has been decided, and at this point I think he's considering his options.

Needless to say, I'd love to work with Brian. I like him a lot him personally, he has signed a number of our Publisher's Editions, and he has helped us launch books at The Monterey Historics, The Quail, and Amelia Island. I think his book would fit my title list perfectly because we have such broad coverage of his exciting era. There are the complementary bios/memoirs of Vic Elford, John Horsman (his Racing in The Racing describes his experience as chief engineer on the dominant Gulf/Wyer team for which Brian drove), Peter Bryant's Can-Am Challenger, Mario Andretti, Mark Donohue, and The Brothers Rodriguez. Brian also features in Janos Wimpffen's illustrated sports-car histories and our Porsche and Ferrari books. I would be proud to include his autobiography in this group--his is a terrific story.


Thanks again for your e-mail, Bill, and please feel free to share this with your TNF colleagues if you think they'd be interested.

[rallen]

Well I am desperate for a book on Brian to be published and am happy to write a personal letter to anyone if it will start the wheels in processes. Wonder if it will sway Brian that I am a fellow Lancastrian? all be it one that was born after his time!

All the more reason for him to write his book - there are generations out there that are cheated by being born to late to have watched him, we want educating and inspiring about this period. Modern life is rubbish!

[Marc Sproule]

Here are Gordon Kirby's most recent columns, both featuring Redman.....

You should get at least one serious laugh out of these.

Last week's column first.....

http://www.gordonkir...t_is_no279.html

This week's....

http://www.gordonkir...t_is_no280.html

Edited by Marc Sproule, 11 April 2011 - 14:44.

[alansart]

Here are Gordon Kirby's most recent columns, both featuring Redman.....

You should get at least one serious laugh out of these.

I certainly did

Many thanks for the links.

[arttidesco]

Thanks for the links Marc

[Jagracer]

Hi, I had the privelige of working with Brian Redman in 1969 when he drove the Lola T70 for Syd Taylor, as I was no. 2 Mechanic for the team. Everything that has been said about Brian is so true, he was a perfect Gentleman on or off the track & would always show his appreciation after every race, in that when he shook your hand at the end of the days racing there would always be some folding money left in your hand. If you were working late on the car he would always come down to see you late on & see how things were going & he would bring down hot coffee & something to eat for us
A true sportsman & a perfect Ambassadore for the sport. I hope sometime I may have the pleasure to meet up with him in the future & have a chat about those days & if his book ever does get published I certainly want a copy (hopefully signed by him)

If anyone who reads this & is in contact with him please pass on my regards to him Many Thanks Phil Bradford

[Giraffe]

Phil, Brian remembers you and sends his best wishes, as does Sidney. I am in regular contact with Brian and spoke with publisher David Bull only yesterday and it all remains in Brian's hands. If and when he wants to move forward, everything appears to be in place to enable him to do so. Only time will tell.
To quote David yesterday "We'll see in the end, won't we? Let's hope Brian's great story is well told and published."

Phil, I'll give you a call a bit later mate.

[JacnGille]

Let's hope Brian's great story is well told and published."

+100000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000...

[Amphicar]

There is an enjoyable and informative interview with Brian Redman on Peter Windsor's "The Flying Lap" podcast: http://smibs.tv/the-flying-lap or download free from iTunes. Some priceless BR anecdotes - I particularly enjoyed his Frank Williams story.

[DN5]

Thanks for the link - I really enjoyed to Motor Sport podcast with Brian so I am downloading this one as I type.

Geoff

[MCS]

There is an enjoyable and informative interview with Brian Redman on Peter Windsor's "The Flying Lap" podcast: http://smibs.tv/the-flying-lap or download free from iTunes. Some priceless BR anecdotes - I particularly enjoyed his Frank Williams story.

Wonderful. Thanks Amphicar - absolutely terrific.

[E1pix]

This is now the correct link for the Redman interview:
http://smibs.tv/the-...redman-formula1

Thanks for posting this!

And... we miss Peter Windsor!

Edited by E1pix, 09 May 2011 - 20:10.

[Giraffe]

This is now the correct link for the Redman interview:
http://smibs.tv/the-...redman-formula1

Thanks for posting this!

And... we miss Peter Windsor!

Pete Windsor was at Silverstone today. I discussed the possibility of running an episode of "The Flying Lap" with one of Brian's old entrants, with an Irish twist.......


By giraffe138 at 2011-05-15

Edited by Giraffe, 15 May 2011 - 22:16.

[Giraffe]

And... we miss Peter Windsor!

From one of the rest of us....

http://forums.autosp...w...t&p=4102153

Edited by Giraffe, 15 May 2011 - 23:12.