Reviews for Jean Alesi: Beating the Odds

The average rating for Jean Alesi: Beating the Odds based on 2 reviews is 3 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2013-06-20 00:00:00 George Copple I kind of got thrown off of the book when in the first chapter the author went on a rant on how the other forms of motorsports don't matter and are only made for hillbillies and rednecks. Then throughout the book he kept referring to those types of races a "carnival races." In my opinion, I'm being biased because I am a fan of "carnival races," all forms of racing do take talent and are very competitive. There are two completely different views on racing. Where on one side you are competitive because you out of a field of multiple cars within your own brand finding an adjustment in the shocks or springs, or tire pressure allow you to win over a large field of cars. Where the other side you are competitive because you have oodles of money and can afford an expensive car to race occasionally on the weekend. The funny thing is that on all sides of the racing spectrum they all involve engines, drivers, crews, tires, and a finish line. So there is no need to insult other forms of racing just to get your point across. Especially when the book is trying to show women drivers as equals. So are Shirley Muldowney and Janet Guthrie's accomplishments less important because they raced in "carnival races"?

Review # 2 was written on 2009-08-28 00:00:00 Danny Estrada this is a good read. a quick overview and a small history of the women who in the face of all opposition decided to race automobiles against the boys mostly, and they were great. The biographies are quick and are in depth with maybe two of the ladies, as so little is actually recorded about their exploits. focusing much on the middle 20th century, the real pioneers from the earlier years are glazed over, this is where i would like to know more about, however the bibliography is loaded with stuff, so more is to come. but a fast and entertaining read, just leaves you wanting more. maybe that is the best part...