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Jim Crawford: Lessons in Courage

By Kevin Guthrie

Foreword by Bob Fernley

The mention of Jim Crawford’s name instantly produces a smile from those who knew the courageous Scot, with an abundance of natural ability and a laconic wit. Twenty years on from his death he is still fondly remembered by those who followed his tumultuous, and eclectic, career. Jim was a star of the sport on both sides of the Atlantic, easily garnering new fans wherever his racing took him. From his beloved Oulton Park in England, to Trinidad, India and eventually the hallowed grounds of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Jim’s gentle nature and dry wit drew people to him. What also attracted them were his on track performances. Amid the disappointments and bad luck that punctuated his career Jim enjoyed some truly memorable days. These events – and most importantly the man himself – are fondly recalled by those who knew him best in this authorised biography of one of motor racing’s great characters.


Featuring contributions from such racing luminaries as Kenny Bernstein, Roberto Guerrero, Bobby Rahal and Willy T Ribbs, in addition to memories from friends, family members and rivals, this is a tale of triumph over adversity. Illustrated throughout with many photographs never published before, Jim Crawford’s story is a high-speed tale, often fluctuating between joy, sadness, despair and laughter.

Softbound | 134 pages

Just In! – $49.95 – Order HERE

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New Model Announcements

We’ve added the latest Future Release information from Spark, TSM and TopSpeed to our 2023 New Model Announcements section.

Highlights include a 1/12 scale First National City Traveller’s Checks Tyrrell Project 34 as driven by Ronnie Peterson in the 1977 Monaco Grand Prix from TSM Model, the 2023 Super GT lineup in both GT500 and GT300 classes in 1/43 from Spark and a selection of 1/18 TopSpeed and 1/43 TSM Model.

Advance Order deadlines for the above are either Monday, May 22 or Tuesday, May 23. In most situations these days, they are becoming hard deadlines. Not many extra to be had.

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“FORMULA 1 TECHNOLOGY: The engineering explained”

by Steve Rendle
This book explains how modern Formula 1 cars work and demystifies the extraordinary technology they contain. By meticulously dissecting an F1 car into its constituent components, the author describes the design, engineering and function of every element, enabling the reader to develop a full understanding of how it all comes together to form a competitive package. 
The text is expertly written to satisfy both the engineering-minded reader as well as any enthusiast of the sport who wants to delve deeper, and supplemented by a superb range of close-up photographs, technical illustrations and diagrams. 
All F1 fans will find this book a deeply rewarding companion to enhance their appreciation of the sport. 
Key content:
• Chassis: design and manufacture; survival cell, fuel tank, impact structures, stiffness.
• Aerodynamics: principles, front and rear wings, turning vanes, sidepods, floor, wheels and their effect, brake ducts, suspension components, diffuser, Drag Reduction System (DRS).
• Suspension, steering and brakes: suspension layout, geometry and adjustments; steering wheel, column and geometry; brake hydraulics, brake-by-wire system, discs, calipers, pads and cooling.
• Power unit: the hybrid era, Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), Energy Recovery System (ERS), fuel.
• Transmission: clutch, gearbox, differential, driveshafts.
• Electronics: starting system, Electronic Control Unit (ECU), sensors, radio and data communications, cockpit display, cameras.
• And more: wheels and tires; hydraulic system; safety equipment; cockpit controls.
• Chapters about car design and set-up.
• Use of analysis and simulation techniques such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD), wind-tunnel testing and rig testing.
Hardbound | 332 pages | 450 illustrations
About the Author:
As a passionate follower of F1 and one-time technical author and editor at Haynes Publishing, Steve Rendle is ideally qualified to lift the lid on the modern F1 car. His track record of recent years includes authorship of three Haynes Manuals about super-successful F1 cars, namely the Red Bull RB6 (2010–14), the Williams FW14B (1992) and the McLaren MP4/4 (1988). All three received outstanding reviews, Autosport judging his Red Bull book, produced with the team’s full collaboration, as giving “unprecedented insight.” Now a freelance writer and editor, he has brought together all his accumulated technical knowledge and expertise in his latest book. He lives in Somerset, England.
Hardbound | 332 pages | 450 illustrations

Available Early June 2023.

$75.00 – Reserve your copy HERE !

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Spark Announcements

A flurry of future release information from Spark Model hit our in-box yesterday. More than 100 new models across a wide range of subjects. Here’s a breakdown:

  • 1/18 scale Le Mans – 4 winners (1952, 1989, 1995 and 2000) – along with 10 other significant entries. May 8 Advance Order Deadline. Click HERE.
  • 1/43 scale Le Mans – A selection of 26 significant entries, including a Chaparral 2D from 1966 (above) and a pair of Chaparral 2F’s from 1967. Advance Order Deadline is May 12. Click HERE.
  • Peugeot 9X8 #83 – The 4th place at the 6 Hours of Fuji in 2022 in both 1/18 and 1/43 scale. May 12 Advance Order Deadline. Click HERE.
  • Super GT – 50 1/43 scale GT3 cars to choose from, covering the GT300 class from the2020, 2021 and 2022 seasons and a selection of GT500 cars from 2022. May 8 Advance Order Deadline. Click HERE.
  • Porsche Cup Champions 2022 – The top Porsche Cup cars from around the world in 1/43 scale. May 9 Advance Order Deadline. Click HERE.

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TopSpeed Sale!

Over the past several months, the model companies have been catching up from the supply chain delays that have effected everyone for the past couple of years. Our first quarter 2023 deliveries totalled more than half of all of 2022 and more large shipments are expected over the next couple of months. As a result, we are rapidly running out of space. To make room for the new arrivals, we are offering a 20% discount on more than 50 different in-stock 1/18 scale models from TopSpeed for the next 3 days.

Only 1-2 available on most items. You can check out the entire list HERE. 

Sale ends Thursday, May 4 at 10:00am. If you are using PayPal, your order must be completed within 24 hours of entry.

Paul

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Toll Free Line Down

We’re in the process of changing phone companies and our soon to be former carrier prematurely disconnected our 800 service. Hopefully this will be resolved in a few days when we welcome the Unfair Advantage.

In the mean time, you can still reach us at 630.515.1440 or via email at Paul@MotorsportCollector.com.

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New Product Announcements:

Received half a dozen New Product Announcements overnight. Will be uploading to our New Model Announcements section all morning. Highlights include the #01 Cadillac and #24 BMW GTP cars in 1/18 scale from TopSpeed, the #01 Cadillac and both BMW GTP cars in 1/43 scale from TSM Model and the 2021 Le Mans Works Porsche 911 RSR-19s (finally!) from Spark in 1/43 scale. Also, 2023 Formula 1 from Spark Model. Check back later today!