The Inside Track - Jake Humphrey

For my first book review it seems appropriate that it combines two of my favourite passions, reading and sport. I have been an F1 fan since I was around five, following each race with my step-dad, getting up at two in the morning to watch the Austrailian Grand prix, it was exciting thrilling and it still is. With all the changes that have gone on with the rights on the television, listening on 5 live still fills me with the excitement. My wind up radio travels with me just in case I am not able to be at home for part of it. I also then tape and watch the highlight programme. To read Jake Humphrey's account would always have two potential issues, one that it would not live up to the excitement that I always imagined, and two that the account would not offer any new insight, it would just be a book that was written to make money. The second definately had a very very slim chance, having witnessed the presentation skills of Jake from watching him on CBBC to the rise to F1 and on things such as the Olympics, passion is something he has never lacked, and neither is ambition. He does not come across as the type of man that would write a book, just for the spotlight, to make some money before he leaves for pastures new. I am so glad that this opinion of him turns out to be correctd that 'The Inside Track' is a fabulous book. His passion with which he speaks about F1 in his book, not only comes from his professional experience on the inside, but comes from his background. He loves the sport, he thrives on it. He shares his true opinions on it and what he believes the future should and should not have. The book breezes between history, stories and opinions effortlessly, giving the feeling that you are the interviewer rather than reading it at home. You are a part of the conversation. This is not an easy feat to achieve. There may be some that are disappointed that the book does not delve deeply into the insides of the sport, or give more technical detail. However, the book is not for the factual knowledge of the sport, it's the inside opinions of one man, who followed his dream and made it to front one of the biggest sports in the world, it follows both his journey, and his success to bring F1 to a new audience. The book also goes one step further, Jake's philosophy on life, and the messages that he pushes show someone that is both grounded in family values, but enough instinct to set goals and dreams and achieve them. His loss to BBC F1 will be felt, the friendship with EJ and DC will be hard to, replace would be the wrong word, replicate with a new presenter. When I have sat in the Grandstand at Silverstone, watching as they prepare to go live on BBC1, the professional bond they share is second to none. The new presenter has a hard job to follow, but I will watch with interest at how they take on what some may see as a dream job too far out of reach, they are certainly following Jake's mantra of 'Do not sit in the comfy Chair'. So to finish my review of both book, the man, and the Formula 1. Jake Humphrey is a passionate talented presentor, who opens a dream job up to the audience that have fallen in love with him. They get to 'meet' him. It is well worth a read for sports fans, and deserves it's place along some of the best sports books. Finally, I would like to wish Jake Humphrey the best for 2013, his new start in both work and life, his decision to leave is well respected but he will be sorely missed.