Tony Robinson The Biography of a Race Mechanic

The biography of motor racing mechanic Tony Robinson, who worked with some of the great names of the sport in the 1950s and '60s. Tony started as one of the mechanics for Stirling Moss in 1954, the year of Stirling's first serious assault on the world championship. After a semi-nomadic period touring Europe with privateer Bruce Halford, who also raced a Maserati 250F, Tony joined the British Racing Partnership - a Formula One and Two team part-owned by (Sir) Stirling's father, Alfred. Stirling was driving a BRP-entered Lotus on the day of the accident that effectively ended his racing career.

At BRP, Tony responded to the Lotus 25 by building what was the first monocoque F1 car following Colin Chapman's groundbreaker. He also designed a car for Indianapolis, before going on to work for Cooper.

During his time in motor racing, Tony rubbed shoulders with such great names as Juan Manuel Fangio and Mike Hawthorn; Stuart Lewis-Evans - whose manager was Bernie Ecclestone - was one of Tony's drivers, and McLaren's Ron Dennis worked for him during his time at Cooper.
This is the fascinating life story of one of motor sport's most enduring characters.

Synopsis

The 1950s and 1960s were a revolutionary period in motor sport history, and there are few left who were as close to Formula One in that time as leading mechanic Tony Robinson. Tony started in Grand Prix racing as mechanic to Stirling Moss, and went on to tour Europe with privateer Grand Prix driver Bruce Halford. He then became chief mechanic at BRP where he was reunited with (Sir) Stirling. A fascinating account of life in the pit lane.

About the Author

Freelance journalist Ian Wagstaff won the Mercedes Benz Montagu of Beaulieu Trophy for his book, The British at Le Mans. This was followed by The British at Indianapolis, winner of the American Auto Racing & Broadcasters Association Book of the Year. He wrote for the weekly motor sport media before becoming press and promotions manager at Silverstone in the late 1970s. His current work takes him to races throughout Europe and the USA.

In addition to covering motor sport, Ian has also written extensively on the automotive components industry, and has won the Pierre Dreyfus award for his work with The Economist Intelligence Unit.