Life in the Fast Lane

Over the last twenty years Life in the Fast Lane has become a staple of Formula 1 literature. In essence a monthly diary of a Benetton grand prix mechanic, this essential book gives a behind-the-scenes account of daily life in the trenches of F1, each page written throughout the tragic and turbulent 1994 season.The author's unique view alone makes this book indispensable reading for any serious motor racing enthusiast but Life in the Fast Lane is much more than an informative diary of this highly exclusive multimillion dollar world: its remarkable insider setting, its exceptional subject matter, its unfolding tension, its ease of narration, all of these thrilling ingredients have been wonderfully blended, mixed to produce a truly captivating page-turner. From January through to December, the enthralled reader is simply compelled to follow the author's stunning racing year from start to finish.Written by popular Formula 1 television personality Steve Matchett, Life in the Fast Lane is Matchett's first book - two more soon followed - and its immediate success proved the catalyst to take him from life in the F1 pit lane to life in America, working first with FOX and now with NBC television, a commentary position from where he has called all the live grand prix racing action for the past sixteen years.When Matchett wrote Life in the Fast Lane, however, he was unknown outside of his highly technical clandestine industry; a Formula 1 race mechanic, a member of the Benetton grand prix team working alongside celebrities like Flavio Briatore, Michael Schumacher and Ross Brawn. His fast-paced story of the frantic, unending backstage activity to become the fastest and best in the world gives a fascinating, unparalleled insight into Formula 1 during some of its darkest and most difficult days.Matchett was the rear jack man in Benetton's pit crew, and was himself engulfed in the terrible fire in Hockenheim where Jos Verstappen's race car dramatically exploded. In Life in the Fast Lane he reveals the full inside story of the momentous 1994 season, including the death of Ayrton Senna, the Hockenheim fuel fire and the numerous fines, penalties and disqualifications that embroiled the sport as the Benetton and Williams teams battled tooth and nail for the drivers' and constructors' world championships. The final showdown came in Adelaide, Australia, the last race of the year, complete with that still controversial title-deciding racing collision between Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill.First edition hardback copies of this classic motor racing title have risen in value to become near unobtainable, expensive collectors items. Fortunately, this (Definitive Text & Audiobook Companion) paperback edition makes Life in the Fast Lane once again readily available to a whole new audience, and for a reassuringly affordable price.