I'm currently reading "The Limit: Life and Death on the 1961 Grand Prix Circuit" by Michael Cannell. I'm a huge fan of books on racing in the 40s, 50s, 60s - it was a time when race car drivers on the European circuits were real mens men and death was very likely. They lived a playboy lifestyle traveling the world, dressing well, and carousing with beautiful women in their off time and for work trained and participated in what was truly a grueling sport with no safety regulations (they didn't even wear seat belts back then).
The main character of this book is Phil Hill, an american mechanic from alcoholic parents who rose to become one of the best supercar and grand prix drivers of his time. Also featured is his rival, Count Wolfgang Von Trips, a descendent of German nobility with Robert Redford-good looks. Numerous other races and drivers are profiled along with plenty of carnage. You don't need an interest in modern racing at all to enjoy the book, and its a very easy read. I'm also a huge fan of the book 'Go like Hell' which focuses on the Ford and Ferrari rivalry of the 1960s, what I think would truly make for a riveting film.
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