Postcards From Detroit
Book review by Larry Mason

Copyright © 2007 by Larry Mason

How do you judge if a book is worthy of recommendation to others? For some, it’s a read that once you start; you just can’t put it down. You feel compelled to continue reading. It’s like a meal that’s so good; you can’t wait to get to the next bite to savor the flavor.

Postcards From Detroit is like the dessert tray at a buffet with lots of eye candy to get you hungry to look at and savor every dish. Through the lens and words of Roger Hart, he takes you on a journey of a simpler time in Formula One at the Detroit Grand Prix during the years of 1982-1988. Candid shots of drivers, crew, celebrities, SCCA corner workers, and racing action is just the foundation of what’s between the covers. These photos come to life enhanced by Hart’s explanation of what was happening at the time. All of these folks were doing what they loved and the passion is easily exposed in both humor and the seriousness of the tasks at hand.

It didn’t dawn on me until after reading the entire book that all of the photos are in black and white. It was after reading the back cover that I woke up to that fact. It’s so easy to get caught up in the emotion his photos and words that you feel like you’re there sharing the photo stand with a friend.

All of your favorite stars and cars of the time are in this book including Senna, Mansell and Prost, along with Ferrari, Williams, and Lotus. Interestingly enough, it seems like half of the grid there during that time is no longer with us including Senna, Pironi, de Angelis and Alboreto. Teams that have disappeared include EuroBrun, Lotus, Osella, Tyrrell and Coloni.

Is this book worthy of a recommendation? Well, if you love Formula One and yearn for the years when it was more about the racing, personalities, and accessibility, then this book is for you. It’s a great trip down memory lane without a lot of reading. The story is mainly told through captions – allowing the reader to connect with the photos in their own personal way.

Book Details: Author - Roger Hart
Format - Hardcover, 9" x 10", 96 pages
Photos - 103 black and white and color photos
ISBN - 1-893618-72-2
Price - $24.95