Thrust: The Remarkable Story of One Man's Quest for Speed (Paperback)

Being autobiographical in nature, this book was never going to fall into that trap, but in his typical "the team is all" fashion, Noble has invited several of the other Thrust team members, and a few others, to make their own contributions to this book. It says a lot about him that even though several of these contributions are not entirely flattering, or in agreement with Noble's interpretation of events, he let them be included. Consequently the reader benefits not only from the expert analysis of the Thrust technical team (designer Ron Ayers' contributions in particular are excellent examples of how to communicate complex engineering ideas to the layman), but also gets a feel for the tensions that ran through the team at times.

The book is partly a life story of Noble, covering his life and the various hare-brained but oh so brave schemes that he has been involved in, though naturally the main focus is on his two successful land speed record projects. It becomes clear the Noble is equally blessed and cursed with an insatiable drive and vision which though often frustrated by the limitations of everyday life, on two glorious occasions burst through to make history.

Despite his achievements Noble remains modest - though occasionally perhaps his protestations ring a litle false. One of the remarks in electronics-boffin Jeremy Bliss's contribution has an interesting resonance (you'll know it when you read it), but again, credit to Noble for including it.

Whatever, Noble emphasises the importance of every member's efforts in making both Thrust projects successful. I was fortunate enough to be living in Coventry when the Thrust SSC team held its parade through the city (read about it in the book), and spoke to several of the team including some of the contributors to this book. I found them all to be friendly, patient, helpful and informative, as they were with the thousands of members of the public that day. Noble is right to be proud of them all. Reading this book makes you wish that you could be a part of something so unique at least once in your lifetime.

Apart from Richard Noble's very personal account of his long way towards finally managing the Mach 1 record for land vehicles as a project leader, the book gives a lot of hints what went wrong with British (and European?) industry after WW II. Especially the author's remarks on the scrapping of Britain's Mach 1 contender aeroplane (the Miles M-52) give the impression that a good deal of British engineering superiority was simply given away to the US in the late 1940s and thereafter. What a pity. You British used to have such an outstanding aircraft industry which is almost forgotten today. Noble's achievements are a little compensation for this.

Thank God that you British still have such great sportsmen among you. Noble (and Andy Green, for sure) reminds us what one can achieve with a vision, will power and perseverance. Simply great.

P.S. This reminds me of the fact that the $10 million X Prize (for the first private passenger vehicle going into space) is still out there, waiting to be claimed. Isn't this something for a British team as well?