Chris Carter at Large
Stories from a Lifetime in Motorcycle Racing
Published on 15. August 2015
Book
Paperback/Softback
240 pages
978-1-84584-091-4 (ISBN)
Description
Few people have been as deeply involved in motorcycle sport as Chris Carter, a larger than life character and raconteur who was for a great number of years a journalist, commentator and broadcaster at the very top level of motorcycle sport.
This memoir is a funny, fascinating and unique insider view of professional motorcycling over more than six decades. From scrambling in the 1960s, to four decades of international road racing - including Daytona and Macau - as well as trials and speedway. Packed with remarkable stories and amusing anecdotes, as well as interesting reflections and astute observations, it is a light-hearted, highly readable autobiography which lifts the lid on an extraordinary world.
In past times, racing paddocks were open and friendly, and Chris felt part of a big, happy family. He lived cheek by jowl with the very top riders and shared their triumphs and tragedies; to many, he was a friend and confidante. Honest, frank and direct, Chris tells things exactly as they were, and provides insights into a fast disappearing world.
This memoir is a funny, fascinating and unique insider view of professional motorcycling over more than six decades. From scrambling in the 1960s, to four decades of international road racing - including Daytona and Macau - as well as trials and speedway. Packed with remarkable stories and amusing anecdotes, as well as interesting reflections and astute observations, it is a light-hearted, highly readable autobiography which lifts the lid on an extraordinary world.
In past times, racing paddocks were open and friendly, and Chris felt part of a big, happy family. He lived cheek by jowl with the very top riders and shared their triumphs and tragedies; to many, he was a friend and confidante. Honest, frank and direct, Chris tells things exactly as they were, and provides insights into a fast disappearing world.
Reviews / Votes
"Sometimes cutting, often funny, always truthful ... a truly enjoyable, informative and fascinating read." - "Nacelle" A light-hearted book for you to enjoy ... this is not one to leave lying around to impress visitors but I am sure it will spend a lot of time travelling when the same friends borrow it Motor Cycling Club (MCC) an in depth, warts and all account of the riders who work hard and play hard ... [an]extremely interesting book ... I learnt a lot from this book and would recommend it without hesitation to those interested in past motorcycle sport. On The Level He says what he thinks about people, and tells it like it was. A great and informative read! Fishtail this is a rather 'chaotic' book ... It goes from one rider, circuit or country to another and back again with little apparent order. But that's actually a large part of the book's charm - it's like sitting down with Chris for a number of hilarious anecdotes and very honest opinion, based on decades spent on the inside of the sport. Bike Rider Magazine Hiding nothing and telling everything, Chris ... has produced a truly mighty winner, and it comes highly recommended. Old Bike Mart Chris Carter at his very best ... this book should be at the top of everyone's reading list Ian Kerr The stories are peppered with unique insights, many remarkable details and funny anecdotes. It is a book that you'd devour and occasionally stirred you to tears, the one time of deep sadness and other times laughing. Frans GeurtsMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
David & Charles
Dimensions
Height: 225 mm
Width: 152 mm
Weight
396 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-84584-091-4 (9781845840914)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
11/2019
Princeton University Press
€11.49
Available for download
Persons
Chris Carter has been a motorcycle broadcaster, commentator and journalist for more than 60 years. Few people have been as deeply involved in motorcycle sport.
While still a boy, Chris found a niche as a precocious young circuit commentator and club reporter. In the 1960s, he was Motorcycle News' motocross correspondent, and for nearly 40 years, from the early 1970s onwards, he travelled the world covering international road racing.
He is now semi-retired, but still works as a press officer for British road racing clubs and writes regular features for Classic Racer magazine.
While still a boy, Chris found a niche as a precocious young circuit commentator and club reporter. In the 1960s, he was Motorcycle News' motocross correspondent, and for nearly 40 years, from the early 1970s onwards, he travelled the world covering international road racing.
He is now semi-retired, but still works as a press officer for British road racing clubs and writes regular features for Classic Racer magazine.
Content
CONTENTSAcknowledgementsForewordsIntroductionCHAPTER ONEEarly DaysScarboroughHeroesGetting StartedMotocross Correspondent At LargeJeff Smith and Dave BickersTV Scrambling and SnobberyEuropean SceneTravels with JeffCars and TrucksHard and Crazy MenForeign LandsFast ForeignersMotorcycle NewsMoving OnCHAPTER TWOA New ChapterStorming NormanBoom TimesDangerousNew HorizonsFirst TasteA New AdventureOn the RoadInside ViewAgoPhil ReadPhil and BillProtective WomenMick Grant and Chas MortimerOther Brits (and Jon)Ladies' ManCHAPTER THREEJarnoItaliansBehind the Iron CurtainPaddock NightlifeFascinating PeopleScandinaviansVive le FranceOrientalsSpaniardsTiddlersMore PeopleThe SwissImatraWhite SlaverySuicidal FansCHAPTER FOURMr CommentatorRight Said FredMuddy WatersHow to Do ItBosses at the BeebFacilitiesRobber BaronsFormula 750Doing Things DifferentlyDangerous CircuitsThe AccidentDeath TollCredit Where it's DueTragedy Close to HomeStopping FastCHAPTER FIVEBarry SheeneKing KennyRandy MamolaCrozRocket RonSidecar RacersTunersMike TrimbyWorld SeriesThe Blazer BrigadeDifferent StrokesDifferent FolksCHAPTER SIXThe More Things ChangeNear MissA Breed ApartWhy People RaceThe Cost of RacingMotorcycle WeeklyDrinking CultureFire EscapeCHAPTER SEVENDaytonaAll the way to AmericaAmerican AdventuresGary NixonDale SingletonMore AmericansOn the RoadVenezuelaIdeas ManThe Birth of World SuperbikesProfiterolesIsle of Man TTTT Press OfficeTT TalesHailwood ComebackCHAPTER EIGHTInto the EightiesPeter CliffordTeam GallinaDining OutMechanicsThat's LifeChanging TimesFast FreddieRevvin' KevinBig StarsJohn KocinskyBubbling UnderMax BiaggiPierfrancesco ChiliBye Bye BrianCHAPTER NINECh Ch Ch Changes...Dave and DermotYoung GunsFoggyFast MenDodgy CharactersMacauTV WorkGetting On With PeopleBikeSport NewsSimply the BestA Marshal's Lot is Not a Happy OneA Word About GeoffSlowing Down Lap