Tuesday 22nd March 2021

BOOK REVIEW  By Peter Baker

MR. LE MANS - TOM KRISTENSEN 

Recently published in English by EVRO, this Danish best seller is all set to become a number one here in the UK.

I worked for a long time in Denmark, and was probably in Skagen that winter in 2007 when Tom was in town, recovering from his bad accident at the Hockenheim Ring, that almost cost him his life. But we never met. Even so, anybody reading this book quickly builds up a clear picture regarding this nine times Le Mans winner. Like every other Dane, he is stubborn, committed, and blessed with enormous will-power. He probably drinks less than most, and gets a bit short tempered, which is rare. Generally, I’d say, he is an all-round good bloke who missed out badly on Formula 1 through lack of money, but more than made up for it in other ways.

Now retired, with a string of awards to his name, Tom Kristensen is currently President of the FIA Drivers Commission. And still a hard racer. Witness his wins at Goodwood Revival even when starting from the back of the grid.

MR. LE MANS, written in conjunction with Dan Philipsen, is a compelling read, full of passion, honesty and opinion, but as a book, it’s not without irritation. The translation stumbles now and again, the picture quality is a little poor, and there are a few spelling mistakes. Even the cover image seems modest, which in all, is a bit of a shame. Having said that, modesty is Denmark’s middle name. And as I read it cover to cover in one afternoon, it can’t be all bad.

Whatever I might say, this is a genuine, great value, five-star publication that deserves to be a best seller. And on reflection, the odd slip-up between languages just adds to its charm. Available now, and thoroughly recommended.

MR. LE MANS – TOM KRISTENSEN
Written by Tom Kristensen with Dan Philipsen
ISBN 978-87-972603-0-2
Available through EVRO Publishing
Price £40.00