This fascinating, detailed, beautifully produced book tells the story of the Dakar Rally, and is aimed particularly at the enthusiast who would like to know how to get involved themselves. The Rally is the greatest motorsport event in the world and cars, trucks, motorbikes and quadbikes all compete. The book covers the history of the Rally, details of the route of the 25th event, and gives detailed information on all facets of taking part - equipment, sponsorship, documentation, advice for keeping yourself and your vehicle going, even how to get home at the end. There are also biographies of selected great competitors. Each page is illustrated with excellent photographs. The book captures a wonderful, almost old-fashioned sense of the adventure of the Rally and the achievement of each person taking part. Though it celebrates many successful drivers, its focus is on how the reader might share this excitement, not just admire the stars from afar. Obviously, this would be a wonderful book for all fans of motorsport. I also think it would be a great book for any child sports enthusiast, even if they have not taken an interest in motorsports before. Too often now, children see sport as something they watch rather than something they do, something dominated by a handful of multi-millionaire stars, rather than something done for its own sake, for the thrill of doing the almost impossible. What is exciting about this book is that by dwelling on the practicalities, it is constantly emphasising that this is difficult, but possible, and I think many young would-be drivers would be inspired. The book has a moving introduction from Bill Deacon, father of John Deacon, an extraordinary British motorcyclist, and the first British competitor to have a stage win in the Rally, who also worked hard to encourage others to get involved in the sport. He sadly died in 2002 competing in Syria. I am sure he would be pleased to have his name connected to such an enthusiastic and encouraging book. -- Janet Thomas @ www.gwales.com
