Grand Prix: Formula One in the deadly years

Customer reviews

"Over the years I have tried to find a good Formula One novel. I finally found it."
- Douglas Harper


"I loved the fast pace and excitement, I couldn't put it down and was disappointed when it finished. Please keep writing Richard."
- Julie Utting


"What a great adventure, the details about driving, flying and yachting put you right in the seat."
- Bill Van De Sandt


"The author has great in depth understanding of auto racing, yachting and business. Those who are Formula One racing fans will enjoy this book, as they will be able to place themselves in the drivers seat... It is an entertaining page turner of a read."
- Bobby Elder


"I have just finished the book and in a word excellent fascinating riveting edge of your seat stuff. Well that is more than one word I know but probably the most important thing as with any novel is I enjoyed it. It would make a great movie. I will certainly be recommending it to anyone who will listen. Very well done."
- Alan Kemp


"I just finished reading your novel and enjoyed it very much. You should be very proud of yourself. I would not be surprised if it becomes a movie. I think it would make a great one. It is one of the best novels I have read in a long time, if not the best ever."
-- Bob Costey


"In the drivers seat the entire read - only an author with first hand experience could write this level of detail for cars, planes, boats and much much more."
- Trish Bainbridge


"If you have never driven a racing car you feel you could after reading this book. Well researched with a large piece of experience."
- James McGregor


"I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book. Will, the power struggle, politics and intrigue of F1 was interesting. The author clearly has knowledge of the F1 paddock. Great story that takes in racing, sailing and business."
— Bruce Elliott


"A very fine read. The author nailed the experience of driving formula cars before the era of high down force and squads of engineers on the pit wall. But this is more than a gear-head racing book. The plot is a good story on several levels. The story of "Will"s last year in formula one is a real page turner (or what ever the term is on kindle) and has left me hoping the author gives us more."
— Ronald Pohl


"A compelling read, to say the least!..so much so that I read it slowly so as not to get to the last page. The detail is remarkable, the sequences correct..well done Richard! The 'Grass Roots' touch brings back memories of earlier years so very well portrayed by reference to the Island folk and their quaint outlook. This is a book which should be read and enjoyed. Sequel?"
— Glen Rutherford


Book Description


Grand Prix: Formula One in the deadly years is the story of a Formula One motor-racing driver in the deadly years of the 1970s. 

William Archer, is the consummate risk taker, he is racing Formula One cars in the deadly years of the 1970’s where his chance of survival is one in three. Worse odd than a fighter pilot in war time. Deep down he knows that his chances of surviving are slim. Yet he gives those odds little thought as he fights to win the Formula One World Championship in what could be his last season. 

To add to the risks, he is confronted with problems largely of his own making causing infighting in his team while over extending himself financially and emotionally. 

His refuge is his yacht Imperialist, on which he spends as much time as possible. And, after years of one woman after another, he finally meets someone whom he can neither take nor leave. 

The author shares his experiences, through Will Archer, of driving single-seater racing cars, crossing oceans in yachts, flying planes, and developing property in Central America, accurately putting the reader in the driver’s seat of all three, while affording him an insider’s view of Central America, the good, the bad, and the ugly!