Pacenote Publishing Flat Over The Crest, Jim Goodman

Flat over crest by jim goodman

My story starts in the early 1960’s and tells of how I was somewhat cajoled into motor sport in the first place and how the passion for speed gripped me like a Boa Constrictor. Eventually after initially being bored silly by constant talk of cars and this thing called “rallying” I took a closer look and very soon I became hooked. I started rallying in 1971 – as a driver swapping seats the following year and slowly but surely I forced my way up the ladder into the world of stage rallying.

There is an account of every rally I ever did, even some of my early twelve car efforts as a driver. Some are in great detail and others which I have passed over to a much lesser degree. I make many frank and honest admissions and there is a degree of humour, some language which at times has been asterisked or toned down and a few revelations, criticisms and comments which just might annoy some of the folk at whom it is directed.

My book is due for publication in August 2008 at £15.95 plus P&P.
Why not order NOW and take advantage of a DISCOUNTED PRICE.
All orders placed before 31st.
August 2008 will be at the lower rate of £12.95 plus £4.50 P&P.
In case of any unforeseen delay with publication no orders will be processed until the book is available.

My book has been professionally prepared and printed by York Publishing Services and comes only in hardback with nearly 300 pages and 80 photos of which 16 are in full colour. Most of these show my time in action as well as others which reflect the humour of certain situations. One section of photos is a complete sequence showing how we fell over a hundred foot cliff in Wales in 1983. The “crunch” chapter describes the horrendous crash in 1976 on which my book it titled and the final chapter tells of the very emotional end to my career – a decision which I always regretted. To give you a taster of what to look forward to here are a few excerpts from my text.

So as I returned the Kestrel Trophy with which I had already been presented and prepared to enter the re-run of the rally, Jim Lawson’s advice was once again ringing in my ears.

“Before you learn to win lad,
you’d better learn how to lose”.

Before I realised what was going to happen it had happened and my evasive action was about three stages behind the car with my mate sitting next to me in stitches. The roll cage was almost tested and when I regained the road via a gate in the hedge which I had just vaulted over I too began to see the funny side.

Then I turned round and saw a white Escort on a trailer with number 3 on the door approaching along the A64. This was him and as he turned into the car park I saw his name on the door - Tony Drummond who was regarded as one of the most up and coming rally drivers in the country. The anxiety flooded out of me, he was here and my dream ride would happen.

By now I knew we hadn’t knocked enough speed off and as the final exit of the bend appeared I saw what lay in wait. Even if he had hit the brakes now we wouldn’t have knocked enough speed off and would probably have locked up and gone off anyway, we were past the point of no return.

“There’s no Zedders about are there?” John referred to the Police as “Zedders” after the T.V. series Z Cars and as I sensed his intentions I thought, “Oh no, he’s never going to do it. Oh God, he has”

"We ain't gonna win today Steve but we might as well go for a few championship points".
"No Jim we've bombed out on the one we really wanted but I'll still give it my best shot".
“Best shot” fell far short of how Steve actually drove in the second half.

What happened next is something I'm glad I can't remember and I'm sure that the horrific crash which followed is something my mind refuses to accept.
A combination of speed, being airborne and the slippery road surface made the situation irretrievable, we were in the hands of the Gods and destined for an impact that doesn’t bear thinking about

About half way through stage three in Alton Towers I experienced something I had never felt before in a rally car and never felt again as Banner became the one and only driver ever to put the wind up me. Yes, for the first time in a rally car I was frightened as I saw what was surely my end staring me in the face.

“Will you be okay to do the York National with me Jim, Alan’s on holiday and I don’t know anyone with better knowledge of those forests than you”. My spine tingled at the thought of it. If I had known that Alan would be away I would probably have had a tentative and optimistic word with Geoff to offer my services but I hadn’t had to grovel, ask or even drop a hint. The reigning National Champion had come to me and offered me a ride on one of my major home events. What a downright honour.

For the first time ever I hesitated when the offer of a ride came my way

My first thoughts were that we had got away with it again but as the back wheel caught on one of the logs we were thrown into an end over end roll which left us upside down right on the edge of the cliff.

I was becoming disillusioned with the sport which had bossed me for so long and before I began to turn completely against it there was some serious thinking to do.

Has that whetted your appetite? Well some of those clips are accompanied by photos in the book and with the foreword written by former world class co-driver Phil Short this can only add spice to my own offerings and Phil has “done me proud” with his contribution.

There are only 500 copies available so hurry because when they are gone – well who knows. There MAY be a reprint or you just might be in possession of a collectors item and remember,

YOU WILL NOT SEE THIS BOOK IN SHOPS OR ON ANY OTHER INTERNET WEBSITE. IT IS AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY VIA THIS WEBSITE OR FROM ME IN PERSON.

Thank you for buying my book and I hope you enjoy my story.

Reedy in Chargot Wood - Rothmans Nat 1980

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