Driving Forces: The Grand Prix Racing World Caught in the Maelstrom of the Third Reich

Driving Forces focuses on the lives of two of the world's greatest racing drivers: Rudolph ("Rudi" the "Rain Master") Caracciola and Bernd Rosemeyer. Peter Stevenson also tells the story of the rivalry between Mercedes Benz and Auto Union, led by the brilliant designs of Dr. Porsche, for the Grand Prix championship of Germany and the world.

But this is not merely a story about race cars. It is primarily a tale of individual courage-the drivers and their wives and lovers who faced death on and off the race course, for this was a time in Europe when fascism was on the rise sweeping up a whole continent and then the whole world. These racing drivers and their loved ones dealt with the risks of racing such powerful machines and of dealing with one of history's most terrifying dictators-Adolf Hitler. That they survived either of these challenges is a testament to their courage and fortitude-some, however, did not. Driving Forces is the story of those challenges, those successes, and those losses- it is a human story, brilliantly told against the exciting background of international Grand Prix racing and the growing maelstrom of the Third Reich.

I would have forgiven some of the purple writing and technical errors, as I would have forgiven Stevenson for barely touching on some of the truly great stories (ie, Varzi's fix at Tripoli and his tragic decline afterwards), but it's the last few chapters where the author spins off into wild, unsubstantiated speculation better suited to a tabloid than any book about historical events that I find completely unforgivable.

1. He asserts that Eberhorst was an incompetent designer (!) partly responsible for Rosemeyer's death.

2. He asserts that Hitler (!) somehow orchestrated Rosemeyer's death, and goes to great length to explain how Rosemeyer, knowing of the plot, bravely and stoicly went to his death to avoid bringing the wrath of the Nazis down on his wife and young child.

3. He postulates that had Rosemeyer lived, his popularity would soon have eclipse Hitler's, and that Rosemeyer would somehow wrench the Reich away from Hitler and lead Germany to avoid the carnage of WWII.

It would be impossible to fabricate more ludicrous theories about the events of this fascinating period. I bought this book because I was starved for more reading material about the subject, and couldn't bring myself to spend the money for the excellent (but expensive) Chris Nixon works. Do yourself a favor, skip straight to Nixon's efforts and leave this sort of bizarre revisionism on the shelf.


Would make a great movie!   January 24, 2002
 0 out of 1 found this review helpful

Very entertaining book. Plenty of exciting race action and fascinating characters. A great read -- it pulls you right in!


Hard To Stop Reading   October 4, 2000
I found Driving Forces to be a educational, entertaining and comprehensive look at the little known world of early Grand Prix racing. Peter Stevenson's automotive expertise and extensive knowledge of the historical subject matter resulted in some facinating insights. His intuitive representation of the drivers and other key figures added a very human aspect of the story that was truly touching. I think it would make a great movie too!


Hard To Stop Reading   October 4, 2000
 3 out of 4 found this review helpful

I found Driving Forces to be a educational, entertaining and comprehensive look at the little known world of early Grand Prix racing. Peter Stevenson's automotive expertise and extensive knowledge of the historical subject matter resulted in some facinating insights. His intuitive representation of the drivers and other key figures added a very human aspect of the story that was truly touching. I think it would make a great movie too!


Move over Gone with the Wind!!   September 10, 2000
 0 out of 1 found this review helpful

Peter Stevenson has researched this subject so thoroughly that he portrays the scenes as if he were there. I enjoyed each nuance of this epic book like a fine wine, tasty to the last drop! Bravo Peter! BRAVO!