What they say about Tony Mason –
Sir Stirling Moss
I have always said that ‘Movement is tranquility!’ Well, Tony has certainly had plenty of movement over the years, but not a lot of tranquility. I’ve known him more years than I care to remember and I know you’ll enjoy this book.
Nick Mason of Pink Floyd
Tony Mason ⦠sometimes accused of being my brother – more often my elderly uncle! He’s an even worse drummer than I am, although much better at rallying and presenting motoring programmes on TV. His book should probably be nearly as good as mine ⦠!
Lewis Hamilton Formula 1 World Champion 2008
Tony is good fun and a great guy.
Derek Bell, winner of the Le Mans 24 hour race five times
Tony is one of the rare breed of men that can sit next to an out-of-control driver for several days and participate for a lifetime with that same passion, and laugh about it.
Lord March, Founder Goodwood Festival of Speed
Tony has played a big and hilarious role in British motor sport over the past four decades. This book is proof of that – not to mention the enormous amount of fun he has obviously had putting this book together.
Andy Green, the fastest man on earth
Tony is one of those enthusiastic characters that you enjoy meeting. Last time he put a microphone in my face I was climbing out of a rally car after an outrageously fast ride through the trees of Goodwood’s rally stage. Tony used to do this full time, so I can confirm that he must be slightly mad!
Hannu Mikkola, World Rally Champion 1983
I first met Tony many years ago before I could speak or understand any English. He still made me laugh! He has amazing stories to tell, including those about when he co-drove for me in New Zealand on his last rally.
Few people achieve success and notoriety in more than one field, but Tony Mason has managed it! He joined a local car club before he even had a car, eventually climbing to the top with rally wins in his native Lake District, before joining the prestigious Ford works team and co-driving Britain’s biggest rally star, Roger Clark, to win outright the RAC Rally – Britain’s toughest event of its kind. He started a successful car accessory business then ventured onto the stage for a short while, before being signed by the BBC to appear on its popular Top Gear programme, on which he was a main presenter for 15 years. His cheery presence became a popular part of the programme, and he moved from rallying to driving all manner of vehicles, from vintage Rolls-Royces, Reliant Robins, tanks, fire engines and Eddie Stobart trucks. After he was famously bombarded with snowballs during a report on the Monte Carlo Rally, he became even better known, with the famous out-take being shown on programmes around the the world.
Tony Mason’s light-hearted, jovial persona transfers from television to page in this autobiography, taking readers on a trip from his early life in the seaside town of Morecambe through almost 100 countries, with thrills, spills, ups-and-downs all vividly remembered and often shown in photographs.
Tony Mason’s light-hearted, jovial persona transfers from television to page in this autobiography, taking readers on a trip from his early life in the seaside town of Morecambe through almost 100 countries, with thrills, spills, ups-and-downs all vividly remembered and often shown in photographs.
About the author
Tony Mason started rallying in the early ’60s, winning events both as a driver and navigator. He went on to co-drive for the Ford works team, winning outright the 1972 RAC Rally of Great Britain with Roger Clark. He then moved to television, becoming ‘Mr Rallying’ on BBC TV’s Top Gear. Tony’s jovial personality brought him a huge following as he presented a variety of items for 15 years. He appeared on several other programmes and was regularly on TV in Australia and New Zealand.Tony is widely travelled, having visited nearly 100 countries. He currently entertains on P&O cruise ships around the world.