The Jack Brabham Story

Sir Jack Brabham with Doug Nye Published by Mindi 256 pages hard cover ISBN: 0-9577060-30 RRP: $29.99 Available from Pitstop (1800 622422) and Autobook World (02) 9231 6713 As we noted in our last issue, the late Sir Jack Brabham was a life-long motorcycle enthusiast, but this book isn’t about that side of his life. It is however, a profusely illustrated and honest look at the life of a true legend, edited by the highly respected and knowledgeable Doug Nye from many conversations with the man himself. It traces Jack’s career from his early days growing up and working in Hurstville (also my home suburb and that of World 125cc Champion Tom Phillis), through the war years and into the hurly-burley of speedway midget racing. The photos are terrific, the text (written in the first person) forthright and straightforward, just like the man. There are interesting insights into the tough world of racing car construction in the ‘sixties, and the everpresent tragedies that accompanied the scene back then. Ironically, the only accident that ever put Jack into hospital overnight occurred at the Goodwood Revival meeting in 2000, when he crashed at high speed after being clipped from behind. Highly recommended and very readable.