Tommy Byrne, the self confessed knacker from Dundalk. Others would argue that he is the greatest F1 champion…… that never was. He is a little man but with huge character and the ability to drive anything and win.

He was:
• The 1980 Double British formula Ford 1600 champion
• The 1981 British formula Ford 2000 champion and the European Formula Ford 2000 Champion
• In 1982 he became the F3 champion; he entered F1 in the same year.

If you are into F1 and its history, this is definitely the book for you. The book tells of the life of Tommy Byrne, a brilliant driver from Dundalk in Ireland.

Growing up Tommy was a bit of a handful, to say the least. He would annoy just about anyone with his antics, not to mention his stealing; but as soon as he discovers his ability behind the wheel of car (or tractor), his life changes.

The story tells of his first driving job, for a local millionaire, who would stop the car every afternoon to empty his bowels at the side of the road.

It tells of the clashes with Ayrton Senna, when they were both young and upcoming drivers. Tommy also broke the lap record (by quite a large margin) in a McLaren F1 on their test track. Even after the mechanics were told to reign in the throttle for when Tommy drove.

But why did Tommy not go on to success in F1? Well to get the answer to that enigma you have to read this fascinating book.

This book is a really good read whether you’re an F1 fan or not you would enjoy reading about his scrapes and clashes, both as he grew up and in the pit lane.

I give the book, Four Mr Mushroom Heads.

Terroratthepicnic