"The Inside Track" Book Review

Glitz, glamour, drama and action. Just a few words which fans often associate with Formula 1, but behind that allure it is a very different story.

(c) BBC Sport

Formula 1 is a tough industry to get in to, so only a rare few get to really see the behind the scenes of the sport. One person who has that luxury is a certain Jake Humphrey, BBCF1 presenter and all round nice chap. Jake has published his first book, "The Inside Track", sharing his experience and access with the world.

 

The name may ring a bell to the younger generation. Jake started his journalism and presenting career at CBBC, the BBC’s Children’s TV channel. Famed for presenting such programmes as Bamzooki and Sportsround to the nation’s younger generation, Jake moved to the more main stream market of presenting for BBC sport. Jake travelled the world, presenting the commonwealth games, the Olympics and numerous Rugby and Football cups.

However in 2009, Jake left that behind to present the BBC’s coverage of the Formula 1. Many doubted Humphrey’s abilities to host the show, but he soon proved the doubters wrong. The book has a fascinating section, going through how Jake applied and got the job. “Strangely, they asked me to count the steps from the office to the lift and then come back in to the room. I will never forget what they said when I went back in: ‘Mr Sloane and Mr Wilkin would like to offer you the job as our new F1 Presenter”. Sadly his name will be removed from the Formula 1 paddock for 2013, with the Peterborough born presenter moving over to BT to anchor its Barclays Premier League football coverage.

The last four years have zoomed by, much like the nature of F1 itself, but Jake has clearly not forgotten the stand out memories of his short but sweet career travelling the world to present the sport. “The Inside Track” is a kind of memoir, documenting some of Jake’s fondest memories as he shared the stage with the lovable Eddie Jordan and cool, calm David Coulthard. You can really see the relationship between them, they have a laugh and are incredibly close, but they are also very professional. Jake even says in the book “I genuinely don’t think I’ll ever have that kind of on-screen relationship with any guys ever again.”

However the book is not simply a collection of his memories, it is also a brilliant insight in to how Formula 1 works and the things we do not see when the camera’s go off. I think of myself as a big fan of the sport, but I learnt so much whilst reading the book. You never think about how much work and preparation it takes to get an F1 race running and make it successful. For instance, I never realised that drivers race for just 40 hours a year, or just how scary it is to stand at the pit wall and hold out the pit board.

As well as the facts, experiences and moments that will stick with Jake forever, he also looks at the issues of the sport. One of which I particularly agree with. Formula 1 is always looking forward, but never back. I really agree with Jake in that it is sad that the sport is so forward focused, because the fast pace of F1 means that as one race ends the focus is always then on the next challenge.

The book itself is very well written. There’s some good humour, it is well planned out and the chapters are in logical orders. Apart from the odd fact faux pas, for example Hamilton crashed out of the 2009 Italian Grand Prix in the closing stages, where as he crashed out of the 2010 Italian Grand Prix on the first lap. However the book is well written and quite frankly a joy to read.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading “The Inside Track”. The majority never get to see what F1 is really about, all we see are cars racing around a circuit. It is phenomenal to think and read about the effort, money and time teams put in to racing in the sport and the scale of staging an event itself. Jake’s book creates a great sense of realisation in my feelings towards the sport. I’m always looking forward, always looking at the action and never really thinks about the Formula 1 behind the cameras. Perhaps it is because I have yet to experience it, but Jake’s book makes you feel completely immersed in the sport.

The fact that he wanted to share the experience he has had with us is fantastic. Not only is it extremely funny, hearing about his escapades with Eddie and David, or the unusual and memorable moments of his career in the sport, but it is also very touching and emotional; particularly the farewell at the end. His career in the sport may have been short, but he certainly made the most of the opportunity. Interestingly he has not ruled out a return to the sport in the future.

I will also say this. While I'm quite a quick reader, it took me a good week to read through it. I think this is because rather than following one story, there are lots of sections and topic changes. I found that this made my reading pace slow down as I was  absorbing all of the details, so it really felt like I was there.

Whether you’re a hard core F1 fan, or just a casual viewer, I would highly recommend the book. I feel it is worth the money, so I hope you enjoy it as much as I do, it will be a brilliant Christmas present!

Also, as an added treat the JackLeslieF1 Blog has 3 copies to give away, thanks to Simon & Schuster. The competition is now live and will close on November 15th. Enter by going here: http://www.jackleslief1.blogspot.co.uk/p/competition_24.html

Rating:

Check out my other product reviews:

Meet Sebastian Vettel Book Review: http://jackleslief1.blogspot.com/2012/03/meet-sebastian-vettel-book-review.html 

F1 2012 Game Review: http://jackleslief1.blogspot.com/2012/09/f1-2012-game-review.html 

F1 2011 Game Review: http://jackleslief1.blogspot.com/2011/09/f1-2011-game-review.html