Description
By: Kent Patrick . 2nd hand book in excellent like new condition
Description
Bill Thompson won the Australian Grand Prix in 1930, 1932 and 1933 but missed victory in the 1934 and 1935 events by the tantalizingly brief period of 41 seconds. In his dazzling 7 1/2 year career he won rallies, hillclimbs, sprints, circuit and speedway - races and his competition success rate far exceeded that of any other Australian motor sport champion. This 416 page book with nearly 300 photographs covers the early history of Australian motor sport along with Bill Thompson's life from birth until his premature death during the closing stages of World War ll.
It also covers his business activities - not always free of controversy - his careers with Shell, the Australian Army, Royal Australian Air Force, his marriages and each known competition event and the fate of each of the cars and racing venues with which he was associated.
His racing contemporaries, friends and sponsors also are included in this Australian motor sport and social history book on a legendary figure, described by one observer as one of the two best racing drivers Australia ever had.
About the Author
Kent Patrick RFD is a retired Stipendiary Magistrate and Army Officer, former barrister and solicitor and member of the Commonwealth Veterans' Review Board. He lives in Adelaide with his wife, Pat, and has four children. He has owned and/or competed in many interesting competition cars. In 1968 he won the Australian vintage and historic motor racing trophy and continues to compete in historic motoring events with his Type 37A Bugatti.
The book will be officialy released to coinside with the HSRCA meeting on the weekend of November 26th / 27th with the Author's attendance and a number of historic racer invitees at our showroom with light refreshments to be served. However the book will be available signed by the author from Friday 21st of October 2011.