Racing In The Rain - John Horsman

I have resolved to spend more time reading, and in some cases re-reading, lots of books on motorsport history.  One which I never tire of is the wonderful Racing In The Rain, by John Horsman.

The book colourfully but informatively chronicles Horsman's involvement with the motorsport projects of Aston Martin, Ford and Porsche, mainly through his role with John Wyer's organisation.

The early stages of the book evoke a real sense of post-war and 1950s Britain, its optimism and its relative simplicity.  It moves up a gear when we move into the Aston Martin years, and there are some great anecdotes from this era.  It is safe to say that technology had a way to go, and improvisation was often the order of the day!

Horsman's enthusiasm for his work and his subject comes through in every word.  One thing which gives the book some bite is the author's willingness to be frank in his appraisal of mistakes made, and particularly in apportioning responsibility.  There is some exasperation with the politics of the GT40 project, and also with the vagaries of the subsequent relationship with Porsche.  Although the descriptions of these things are candid, they never detract from the book's overall charm.

The early stages of the book in particular are greatly enhanced by the author's own wonderfully evocative and atmospheric photographs.

John Horsman's own detailed technical recollections and data mean that this book should appeal both on a human level, and also for those whose interest is more of a mechanical nature. Some of the descriptions of frantic pre-race preparations and test sessions induce a real sense of "being there".

I would recommend this book to any motorsport enthusiast.  A real gem.

Le Mans 1970-79 - Quentin Spurring

Just a note to recommend this book, which is subtitled "The Official History of the World's Greatest Motor Race".  Here is a photograph of me holding my copy:

Although there is lavish photographic content, this is not just a "coffee table" work. There is admirable concentration on the technical aspects of the racing.

The 1970s are often seen as something of a "lost" decade for Le Mans, and for sportscar racing in general, coming as they did between the classic Ford-Ferrari-Porsche era and the prosperity of Group C. However, as Quentin Spurring capably documents, there was plenty to enthuse about, and some of the most tense racing in the history of the event.

Rather than simply provide a basic review of each race, the author also separately examines the fortunes of various teams and classes at each race, putting developments into their historical context. The level of detail is impressive, and will add to the knowledge of any sportscar racing fan.

As the race organisers sought to respond to global economic conditions and motorsport politics, the regulations seemed to be in a constant state of flux at this time, but this is just adds to the fascination. Even when manufacturer interest fluctuated, the race always seemed to reinvent itself.

Le Mans 1970-79 is an excellent and enlightening read....

Motorsport in the 1980s

Over the past couple of days, I have been watching lots of footage of the the spectacular Group B rally cars of the 1980s, and the thought occurred to me that around that time, most sectors of four-wheeled motorsport were, by most measures, buoyant and interesting.

Certainly, the three main world championships of the time were enjoying something of a boom or renaissance, although there was some overlap between these. F1 had its "changeover" period in the early 80s,when turbos and normally-aspirated ground effects cars co-existed, followed by the fully fledged forced-induction era.  At the same time Group B rallying was starting to flourish, and Group C sportscars were getting off the ground.

A number of factors contributed to this situation.  The global economic climate began to improve from around 1983, thus encouraging involvement and commitment from manufacturers and sponsors. Television coverage of motorsport had already begun to burgeon in the latter part of the 1970s, and this no doubt prompted many companies to get involved. As the level of competition and media exposure intensified, so public interest increased, and a kind of "virtuous circle" was established.

Regulations and technology also helped to make this period memorable, and there were plenty of ambitious and astute people willing and able to exploit both. This was an "anything goes" time, in keeping with the general social tenor of that decade. Big and brazen was the order of the day in most things, and motorsport was no exception...

Another important point to make is the nature of the technology which was around in the 1980s. This was before the full onset of the electronics age, and most of the attention seemed to be allocated to increased engine power and sheer speed, and comparatively little to aerodynamics and traction. This ensured that for a few years we had a wonderful spectacle, the like of which we will never again witness.

Overall, the cars and racing of that era may have lacked some of the charm and finesse of earlier decades, but few could dispute the entertainment value, and the vigour of the competition. Drivers still seemed to have ample opportunity to express themselves.

From 1986, this golden period of sorts began to unravel, for a variety of reasons. Group B rallying was shelved following the tragedies of 1985/86.  Concerns about safety probably contributed to the banning of turbo engines in Formula 1, although costs and sporting factors also came into play. Group C sportscar racing, by contrast, appears to have been sacrificed due to official folly and politicking.

By the dawn of the 1990s, top level European-based motorsport was facing a more regulated and sedate future....