Hobbo: Motor Racer, Motor Mouth

The problem with most racing driver biographies is that they often fail to get across the personality behind the achievements. This book is an exception. David Hobbs’ frontline career lasted more than 30 years, with the British star racking up titles in F5000 and Trans-am along the way. He also dovetailed his on-track forays with commentary duties to the point that he remains a legend Stateside.

It’s hard not to smile as Hobbs recalls launching his career aboard his mum’s seven-year-old Morris Oxford, or the time he nodded off on the grid at Indy. It isn’t all amusing anecdotes, however: Hobbs doesn’t sugar-coat his sometimes-tumultuous relationships with other drivers or entrants, but doesn’t resort to settling scores either. His stop-start spell in Formula One also makes for interesting reading. Throw in some superb images and an easy-tonavigate layout, and there’s much to like here. RH £50 David Hobbs with Steve Marriott, Evro. ISBN 978 1 910 50531 1