The autobiography of David Hobbs
By David Hobbs with Andrew Marriott
Foreword by Sam Posey
So Englishman, David Hobbs or ‘Hobbo’ as he is known to friends and fans, is one of motor racing’s most remarkable all-rounders. We picked up a copy of his latest autobiography which spans his incredible 41-year driving career.
It was his Dad’s business designing and manufacturing prototype gearboxes which kick-started David Hobbs’ automotive career, they grew up near Leamington Spa. it was his Dad’s connections which helped David become a Daimler apprentice after leaving school.
His love of motorsport was sparked after visiting Mallory Park of all places watching Tony Lanfranchi in his Elva Courier – which is when he was inspired to race his Mum’s 7year old Morris Oxford. His first race was at Snetterton in April 1959, having taken the Morris straight off the road and to the track, racing on Michelin X road tyres still with a bench seat. Needless to say this first race was run at the back of the grid and ended with an engine blow up and needing a lift home.
His second season was in his Dad’s Jaguar XK140 Drophead Coupe which he rolled at Oulton Park on his first race. David went on to race a Lotus Elite and enter some International events which is when he became noticed by the racing world.
David’s hey day was the 60’s & 70’s racing at Le Mans in 1963 with the Lola Mk6 GT followed by Lola T70 drives and finally the big break; two Ford GT40 seasons with John Wyer’s mighty Gulf-sponsored team bring a win at Monza in 1968 and third place at Le Mans in 1969 – and then a Porsche 917 Le Mans drive in 1970.
He also came close to a Formula 1 breakthrough with Honda in 1968, but Formula 5000 in America is where he found success as 1971 champion. The USA became his focus, with early highlights including fifth place in the 1974 Indianapolis 500 with a McLaren and leading the Daytona 500 NASCAR classic in 1976.
I was smiling right from the off reading this, David is a real character, and witty with it, his story is a highly entertaining read, full of funny anecdotes. Rarely to do people make it to this level in Motorsport without a few tales along the way – and there are plenty in here to keep you smiling and reading right to the end.
Definitely recommend as one to read!
UK price £50.00 • ISBN: 978-1-910505-31-1 • Hardback • 280x235mm • 304 pages
