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Flat Out, Flat Broke: Formula 1 the Hard Way!: Bk. H886
 
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Flat Out, Flat Broke: Formula 1 the Hard Way!: Bk. H886 (Hardcover)

by Damon Hill (Foreword), Perry McCarthy (Author)
4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (17 customer reviews)

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Product details

  • Hardcover: 248 pages
  • Publisher: J H Haynes & Co Ltd (4 Jul 2002)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 1859608868
  • ISBN-13: 978-1859608869
  • Product Dimensions: 24.2 x 16.2 x 2.5 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 270,128 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

    Popular in this category:

    #84 in  Books > Biography > Sport > Formula One & Other Motor Racing
  • See Complete Table of Contents

Product Description

David Treymayne, Mail on Sunday
Perry McCarthy does for Formula One what Bill Bryson did for travel writing.

Product Description
Perry McCarthy decided at the age of 18 that he wanted to reach the top of the world's most expensive sport. With no racing experience, no cash, and little going for him except a passion for speed, the exhuberant Cockney shouldn't have stood a chance. His endless search for backing and recognition led him from "The world's unluckiest racing driver" to his heroic, often hilarious and sometimes heartbreaking efforts to make it into Formula 1. This is his autobiography, which covers his wild boyhood, a trial at the Brands Hatch Racing School which noted his outstanding natural talent, and working on oil rigs to fund his start in the junior formulae.

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Customer Reviews

17 Reviews
5 star:
 (15)
4 star:
 (1)
3 star:    (0)
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Average Customer Review
4.7 out of 5 stars (17 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars When's the continuation book coming out?, 14 Nov 2002
Hands up. I'd never heard of Perry McCarthy before. I stumbled over this book whilst searching for something else on Amazon.
It's a stumble I was very happy to make because I simply love his book. It's extremely well written - from the heart.
From the moment I had read the first few pages, I knew I'd have trouble putting it down. It's a terrific tale of one man's desire/dream to succeed in motor racing/F1.
Perry will have you gripped on every page. You'll either be laughing, welling up or feeling anxious awaiting the outcome.
His one-liners are great. He lets his imagination run wild.
I could never in a million years have dreamt up the scams he did.
He's a true talent - not only to racing but to writing too.
I sincerely hope that he writes a follow up to this one.
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28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Stretch out, relax and enjoy!, 13 Aug 2002
By Mrs. P. L. England (STAFFORD, Staffs. United Kingdom) - See all my reviews
I couldn't put this book down and laughed so much people around me wondered what I was reading! If you want an entertaining and amusing account of how one guy did NOT make a success of his F1 career, then this is it. Perry McCarthy writes in a way which gains your support from the outset. He describes his aspirations and their outcomes with a witty and entertaining honesty. This is an account peppered with famous names and events from the world of F1, which gives an insight into the political machinations necessary to become an F1 driver - not least the need to raise cash!

McCarthy's style of writing is straightforward and conversational. He successfully pens pictures of the main characters who have figured in his career, the definitve moments in his career and, in addition, includes some colour photographs both from his own personal collection and motorsport collections.

The acknowledgements are worth reading (which isn't often the case)as well as the book because McCarthy's humour and sense of the ridiculous shines through.

As well as being a really good read, above all this book testifies to the grit and determination of a man who does not allow anything to deter him in the pursuit of his ambitions. One is left with the impression that despite the fact that he didn't make a great name in F1, this guy will always be in demand as an after-dinner speaker, witty commentator, stand-up comedian, or even occasionally - as a driver!! You won't regret reading this.

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16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Let's cheer him at Le Mans in 03!!, 14 Dec 2002
I learned this book in Nigel Roebuck's column of Autosport web and supposed it interesting while, like other readers, my expectation wasn't that high especially as a Japanese Formula One fan. The fact is, I was completely wrong and the book is mighty fascinating and mega fun to the extent that I burst into laughter to myself in the living room, when reading Perry's bulk of jokes spread over. OK, this is the fun side of this book, but fascinating side is his DIE HARD attitude to motor racing, determination to reach the very top, Formula One, whatsoever it takes. When he finally drove out to the pit lane of Barcelona for his first pre-qualify attempt, I was close to be in tears sharing with the very emotion he had at that time and efforts he had made to get one....but the bloody car couldn't complete a lap! Likewise, the story continues with incredible up and down like roller coaster and you can't put down the book till you finish. Now I am and long will be big fan of Perry's and for sure cheer him in Bentley or whatever at La Sarthe '03, IF he secures any shape of drive. Meanwhile, buy this book, now.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Heartbreakingly funny
This book had me howling with laughter, and tears rolling down my cheeks. It's the sort of book that makes you realise the dedication (and finance) that is required to reach to... Read more
Published 19 months ago by Shadowalker

1.0 out of 5 stars Spoilt by McCarthy's idiocy
This book came highly recommended, though I'm pleased to say I got my copy for nothing - there was a box full of them in my local Audi dealership and they gave me a copy... Read more
Published 21 months ago by pint6x

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic
I truly enlightening look into the life of a tallented motor racer and the struggles that these everyday people face to follow their dreams. Read more
Published 24 months ago by Mr. J. W. Wood

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant!
I knew before reading the book that Perry tried to qualify for F1 races in the Andrea Moda. At that time, I just thought he was one of those drivers without any talent who tried... Read more
Published on 6 Jul 2007 by True Reader

4.0 out of 5 stars Readable
I did enjoy this - I ended up sharing the frustration of Perry fighting his way through a struggle to race. Read more
Published on 27 Oct 2006 by Jeremy

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic very funny!
Brilliant! i'd never heard of Perry but i am a big F1 fan, i must i read the reviews before buying this book and was curious. When it arrived i took it to work and BAM! Read more
Published on 16 Sep 2006 by S. Shepherd

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant
Im not usually much of a book reader but as most parts of my life revolve around motorsport i thought id give it a try. Read more
Published on 9 April 2006 by Trevor Waldock

5.0 out of 5 stars Flat out, Flat Great
This has to be one of the funniest books i have ever read. A great read which can make you laugh and cry and somtimes at the ame time; i would suggest it to anyone. Read more
Published on 3 Nov 2004 by C. M. Killa

5.0 out of 5 stars superb read
this book is an amazing story of how much someone is prepared to put themselves through to achieve their dream of becoming an F1 driver. Read more
Published on 19 Oct 2004 by MR PAVS

5.0 out of 5 stars Superbly Entertaining
I didn't know anything about Perry until I popped onto Amazon to buy his book after he mentioned it on ITV's "Speed Sunday". Wow, what an entertaining read. Read more
Published on 26 Sep 2004 by Otto-Mate

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