The 500cc World Champions
The 500cc World Champions
LONGTIME READERS OF CYCLE WORLD WILL BE FAMILiar wjth the author of this book, for Michael Scott has been a con-
tributor almost since he began covering the Grand Prix circus full-time in 1984.
It is the English-man’s intimate familiarity with GP racing and its giants, having witnessed so many acts and gotten to know all the greats of the past two decades, that makes this book such a fine glimpse into the minds and racing lives of these driven men.
Facts and anecdotes he did not witness firsthand, he gathered from colleagues who did.
As the title suggests, The 500cc World Champions spans the decades from the series’ beginning in 1949 and its first champion, Les Graham, to 2001, when Valentino Rossi took the final 500cc crown. The subtitle is “The Story of the Class of Kings.” It therefore has a foreword by the King of Kings, one Kenny Roberts.
There are many beautiful photos and two appendices, but you’ll be happy you bought this hardcover book based on Scott’s wonderful writing alone, because he succeeds in putting you there, in the company of royalty. Mark Hoyer
The 500cc World Champions, Michael Scott, 143 pages, $28; MBI Publishing, Galtier Plaza #200, 380 Jackson St., St. Paul, MN 55101; 800/826-6600; www.motorbooks.com
