Porter Press

World-renowned publisher, predominantly of Motoring books.

[Kevin Payne @kpcom]

Love hearing Peter Stevens insights into the Jaguar XJR15 on ⁦@HistRacingNews⁩ with his wonderful book available from ⁦@PorterPress⁩ https://t.co/V3uR1DCSdP

[Porter Press @PorterPress]

Our latest Great Cars book is available for pre-order – 'Brawn BGP 001/02 – The Autobiography of Jenson Button’s World Championship Winner.' This unique underdog story is written by renowned F1 & motorsport author, David Tremayne. #brawngp #jensonbutton #rossbrawn #formula1

[Rallying UK @RallyingUK]

📖 BOOK REVIEW: 'Subaru Impreza WRC – The Autobiography of P8 WRC' by Ian Wagstaff (Porter Press International), 2024

'Subaru Impreza WRC – The Autobiography of P8 WRC' by Ian Wagstaff (Porter Press International) is not just another motorsport book; it is a journey into the heart of rallying history, a meticulous documentation of a superlative car - it's also a tribute to the spirit of endurance and innovation that defines the World Rally Championship. This book invites both die-hard rally fans and curious laypeople into the world of the Subaru Impreza - focusing specifically on Colin McRae’s 1997 Safari Rally-winning car, P8 WRC.

Setting the Scene

In the book, Wagstaff crafts a compelling narrative that intertwines the technical intricacies of the Impreza's development along with the human stories of the people who brought these machines to life. The book opens with the broader context of Subaru's rallying history, detailing how the iconic factory blue and yellow Imprezas, developed by Prodrive, dominated the World Rally Championship during the mid-nineties in the hands of Colin McRae, Richard Burns, and Petter Solberg.

The Story of P8 WRC

The heart of the book is dedicated to the story of P8 WRC, the car that McRae drove to victory in the 1997 Safari Rally.

In great detail, the book documents the car’s journey from its debut in Kenya to its subsequent appearances in Argentina and Indonesia. After its factory career, P8 WRC passed into private hands, competing in various national and local rallies before undergoing a comprehensive restoration by Prodrive to its original Safari specification. This restoration, completed in 2023, is covered in great detail, showcasing the dedication and expertise involved in bringing the car back to life.

The Nature of the Safari Rally

Chapter 6, which focuses on the 45th Safari Rally, is particularly compelling. It offers a vivid recounting of the rally, highlighting the challenges faced by McRae, co-driver Nicky Grist and the rest of the team. The chapter delves into the intricate details of the rally, providing insights into the strategy, teamwork, and sheer determination required to succeed in such a demanding event.

The Safari Rally is depicted accurately, as an extreme test of endurance, skill, and strategic caution. The narrative highlights the rough terrains, unpredictable weather, and the constant threat of wildlife, making it clear why this rally is considered one of the toughest in the WRC. McRae, known for his legendary aggressive and fearless driving style, is shown adapting his approach to the unique demands of the Safari Rally - an adaptation that was crucial to his success on the 1997 event.

The book is peppered with compelling quotations that bring authenticity and personal insight to the narrative.

For example on McRae's driving style and adaptability, David Lapworth, Prodrive's Chief Engineer said:

"It is easy to see why you would think that way. There is no doubt that Colin’s main interest was winning. On most events, that translated to all kinds of drama when he was not completely competitive, but where he was in a situation where he really thought he could win, he was more measured than you might imagine. Colin was not somebody that you would take to Africa to score points. The thing that stood him best there was that he had a good feeling for a car. His background on bikes and rallying from a kid meant that his mechanical sympathy, and what a car could take, was better than you might think."

Likewise, when it came to the strategic patience needed to win Safari Rally, Nicky Grist explains:

"The whole point of the Safari is going as fast as you possibly can, but slow enough that you don’t damage the car. That is the way to approach the Safari and you have to accept that there will be times when people are going faster than you. You have to be patient on the Safari, it’s a long rally and you’ve got to wait for disaster to strike them."

Team Dynamics and Strategy

The book sheds light on the teamwork and strategic planning behind the scenes. From the preparation and pre-event testing phases to the rally itself - the role of Nicky Grist, and the Prodrive engineers is crucial. Their input and support enabled McRae to maintain a balance between speed and caution.

As Colin McRae admitted himself, finding this balance was absolutely central to his strategy:

"That might not be my favourite way of winning, but it was satisfying to show I had the discipline to do what was required in the circumstances. I think it proved I was learning from experience and some of the disappointments I’d suffered in the past. I had no intention of throwing this one away."

McRae's approach to the event was substantiated by Prodrive team boss, David Richards:

"Colin tended to go flat-out all the time, but that event tended to require a lot of intelligence. If you were to win the Safari it had to be a measured performance and not flat-out from the word go, particularly with longer sections than you were used to. But Colin had a very good mechanical feel for a car, that was one of his real fortes."

The book's narrative is rich with instances of overcoming obstacles, such as mechanical failures, treacherous road conditions, and health issues. These elements build a picture of resilience and determination with the team.

In addition to the detailed recounting of P8 WRC's journey, Wagstaff provides rich context about the broader world of the car's history, including:

• The design and development of the Impreza.
• The background and history of the Safari Rally.
• The story of Prodrive, the team behind the car’s success.
• Biographies of key figures, including Colin McRae, Nicky Grist, and members of the McRae rallying dynasty.
• Profiles of P8 WRC’s competitors and the landscape of rallying during its era.
• P8 WRC’s adventures in European rallying, featuring renowned drivers like Ivan Capelli and Markku Alén.
• The later years of Subaru Impreza rallying, from 1998 to 2008.
• A detailed, illustrated guide to the car’s restoration process, enriched with over 350 colour photographs, technical drawings, and exclusive interviews.

Human Stories and Technical Excellence

What sets this book apart is Wagstaff’s ability to humanise the technical excellence of the Impreza and the people who worked with it. Through interviews with the McRae family, Nicky Grist, and key members of the Prodrive team, readers gain a deep appreciation for the passion and dedication that went into creating and maintaining these legendary cars.

The detailed descriptions of the car’s restoration process are particularly fascinating. They showcase the meticulous care taken to return P8 WRC to its original Safari specification, highlighting the blend of historical accuracy and modern engineering expertise required for such a project.

Visual Feast

The book is not just a textual narrative but also a visual feast. With over 350 colour photographs, documents, and technical drawings, readers are treated to a rich visual history - yes, an actual biography of P8 WRC’s rallying career, demonstration appearances, and restoration ork. This extensive visual documentation adds depth to the narrative, making the book an engaging and immersive experience.

'Subaru Impreza WRC – The Autobiography of P8 WRC' is a must-read for anyone interested in motorsport generally rally history, or automotive engineering. Ian Wagstaff’s meticulous research, engaging narrative style, and the rich visual content make this book a compelling addition to any bookshelf.

The story of P8 WRC is not just about a car; it’s about the people, the challenges, and the triumphs that define the world of WRC.

This book is a celebration of excellence, innovation, and the enduring legacy of one of rallying most iconic cars.

It's a must buy for any rally fan.

Steve Jones

***

• 'Subaru Impreza WRC – the Autobiography of P8 WRC' by Ian Wagstaff
• Published by Porter Press International, 2024
• ISBN 978-1-907085-52-9

You can buy the book by clicking here 🔗 https://t.co/YCKgNrBBIB

🇬🇧 @prodrive | @OfficialWRC | @nickygrist | @subaruuk | @SafariRallyWRC | @PorterPress

[Porter Press @PorterPress]

Work on our next Great Cars title is in full swing, starring the remarkable double Le Mans-winning TWR-Porsche WSC95 which recently emerged from a detailed session with expert studio photographer John Colley.

#porsche #lemans #twr #wsc95 #racecar #motorsport #carphotography

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We’re thrilled to announce that the Porter Press publication, Ultimate Works Porsche 962, has been named as a #MotorworldBookPrize 2023 winner in the ‘Beyond Everything’ category. Author Serge Vanbockryck was at the event in Munich to receive his richly-deserved award.

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Giotto Bizzarrini, one of the greatest engineers in the history of performance cars, has died aged 96. Forever intrinsically linked with the Ferrari 250 GTO, ATS 1000 GTS, ‘Breadvan’, Lamborghini’s V12 engine, Iso Grifo and Bizzarrini 5300 GT Strada – a heady resumé indeed.

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#OnThisDay 12 May 1962. Graham Hill, driving a BRM P578, slides past Jim Clark in the final corner (Woodcote) to snatch victory in the 14th International Trophy Meeting at Silverstone.

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1995 Le Mans 24 Hours: Tsuchiya, Iida and Takahashi in the no. 84 Honda NSX GT finished just 23 laps down on the winners, taking 8th overall and 1st in GT2.

John Brooks collection. Exclusive, limited edition print. https://t.co/IcsUg3eRwc

#hondansx #motoringprint #prints

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Lotus Esprit S300 GT3 at Donington. Whether on the silver screen, in the ocean, down the street or on the race track, Esprits always make a visual statement.
John Brooks collection. https://t.co/GkPd6BbhEa Exclusive, limited edition A2 and A3 prints.

#lotus #esprit #lotusesprit

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You don't have to be a Jaguar devotee to love the sight of this big cat hustling at Le Mans. 'Competition Cat' print by world-renowned motorsport photographer John Brooks available here https://t.co/XJgsNFYxrA

#jaguar #jaguarxj220 #xj220 #xj220c #lemans #lemans24hours #lemans24h

[Martin Port @Martinport]

Popped into the always impressive and rather cavernous @blackwelloxford today. Amazing what you find if you look hard enough! 😂 @PorterPress #transafricalandrover #miniscrapbook #willthenoveltyeverwearoff?

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Drivers on Drivers @SilverstoneIM features 31 racing drivers talking about their heroes, rivals and teammates. It's Brooks on Moss, Stewart and Clark, Berger on Senna, Webber on Vettel, and many more.
£30, 144 pages, hardback #greatgift

#Motorsport #racedriver #f1 #formula1

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Wishing John Owen the best of luck at tonight's Royal Automobile Club Historic Awards. John is a finalist in the Personal Endeavours category for his leading role in the Owen family's spectacular re-awakening of the British Racing Motors legacy. @brm_racing #brm #v16 #Awards

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Great Cars No. 15, Audi R8 – The autobiography of R8-405, is now open to pre-order for delivery prior to Christmas. Jacketed hardback, 320 pages, 350 images, Price: £69
Plus, leather-bound made-to-order special edition signed by Allan McNish, limited to 50 copies. £350

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We didn't intend to create a Land Rover-specific category but with Nick Dimbleby's Land Rover-centric Camel Trophy and Martin Port's Trans-Africa Land-Rover and Jue 477 books, we have one now. Powerful, inspiring tales of endurance and triumph – superb additions to any bookshelf

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#newbookday First copies of Leo Mason - Forty Years of Sporting Images and Anecdotes, arrived this morning.
Jacketed hardback; £35; 120 photographs of legends such as Muhammad Ali, Diego Maradona, Roger Federer, Usain Bolt, Ayrton Senna, and many more; foreword by Sebastian Coe.

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Bigger isn't always better but in the case of GT40 Uncovered, it sure is. The detail in the photographs and technical drawings begged to be reproduced at this size (420mm square), any smaller would have been criminal.

Limited to 365 copies, fewer than 40 remaining.
#fordgt #gt40

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Whether it's motorsport art, race car drivers' opinions of each other, racing exploits or model race cars, we have a motor racing themed book that is sure to satisfy. Books from £30

#driversondrivers #allmyporscheraces #automotiveartproject #michaelturner #lemansmodelcars

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Always exciting when the first physical proofs for a new project arrive for approval. This one's a little different for us, but no less intriguing. It's a hardback book by award-winning sports photographer Leo Mason.
More information soon.
#sportsphotography #sportinglegends