A Race with Infamy

A Race with Infamy

The Lance Macklin Story

$16.99

Publication Date: 14th October 2025

A Race with Infamy uncovers the life of Lance Macklin, a charismatic racer tied to the 1955 Le Mans disaster. Through meticulous research and rare insights, it traces his rise, role in the tragic event, and his complex legacy. A vivid exploration of ambition, history, and the golden age of motorsport. Read More
A Race with Infamy uncovers the life of Lance Macklin, a charismatic racer tied to the 1955 Le Mans disaster. Through meticulous research and rare insights, it traces his rise, role in the tragic event, and his complex legacy. A vivid exploration of ambition, history, and the golden age of motorsport. Read More
Description

A Race with Infamy: The Lance Macklin Story delves into the extraordinary life and career of Lance Macklin, a charismatic racing driver whose name became inextricably linked with one of motorsport’s darkest days—the 1955 Le Mans disaster. This meticulously researched biography explores Macklin’s rise from the glamorous circuits of the post-war racing scene to his pivotal role in the tragic chain of events that forever altered the world of motorsport.


Drawing on archival records, personal letters, and exclusive interviews, this book paints a vivid portrait of a man driven by speed, ambition, and a love for the sport, yet haunted by the shadows of infamy. Beyond the crash that claimed 83 lives, A Race with Infamy examines Macklin’s achievements, challenges, and his post-racing life, offering a nuanced perspective on a figure often overshadowed by history.


For fans of motorsport history and human stories alike,  Race with Infamy is a compelling exploration of racing’s golden era and the lasting legacy of one man caught at the intersection of triumph and tragedy.


Details
  • Price: $16.99
  • Pages: 216
  • Carton Quantity: 20
  • Publisher: David & Charles
  • Imprint: Veloce
  • Publication Date: 14th October 2025
  • ISBN: 9781836440574
  • Format: Paperback
  • BISACs:
    SPORTS & RECREATION / Motor Sports
    TRANSPORTATION / Motorcycles / History
Author Bio

Jack Barlow is a New Zealand-born writer. He has written on a variety of topics for publications including The New York Times, The Guardian and various New Zealand media outlets.
Currently living in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, he has a strong passion for sport, music and literature.

Table of Contents
Introduction and Acknowledgements
Chapter 1: Noel
Chapter 2: Mischief-maker
Chapter 3: War
Chapter 4: The race track beckons
Chapter 5: Heroics at Chimay; from Invicta to Aston Martin
Chapter 6: On the rise
Chapter 7: Drama at the Targa Florio; success with Aston Martin
Chapter 8: Professional racing driver
Chapter 9: Dashing round the continent: a podium at Le Mans
Chapter 10: Victory at Silverstone
Chapter 11: No Fun at HWM
Chapter 12: Never, ever interested
Chapter 13: Adventures with Austin Healey
Chapter 14: Tragedy
Chapter 15: One last shot
Chapter 16: Life after racing
Chapter 17: The (wayward) family man
Chapter 18: An Irish misadventure
Chapter 19: In love
Chapter 20: New Zealand days
Chapter 21: Years of struggle
Chapter 22: Twilight in Spain
Chapter 23: "Nobody Would be Interested in That"
Epilogue
Index

A Race with Infamy: The Lance Macklin Story delves into the extraordinary life and career of Lance Macklin, a charismatic racing driver whose name became inextricably linked with one of motorsport’s darkest days—the 1955 Le Mans disaster. This meticulously researched biography explores Macklin’s rise from the glamorous circuits of the post-war racing scene to his pivotal role in the tragic chain of events that forever altered the world of motorsport.


Drawing on archival records, personal letters, and exclusive interviews, this book paints a vivid portrait of a man driven by speed, ambition, and a love for the sport, yet haunted by the shadows of infamy. Beyond the crash that claimed 83 lives, A Race with Infamy examines Macklin’s achievements, challenges, and his post-racing life, offering a nuanced perspective on a figure often overshadowed by history.


For fans of motorsport history and human stories alike,  Race with Infamy is a compelling exploration of racing’s golden era and the lasting legacy of one man caught at the intersection of triumph and tragedy.


  • Price: $16.99
  • Pages: 216
  • Carton Quantity: 20
  • Publisher: David & Charles
  • Imprint: Veloce
  • Publication Date: 14th October 2025
  • ISBN: 9781836440574
  • Format: Paperback
  • BISACs:
    SPORTS & RECREATION / Motor Sports
    TRANSPORTATION / Motorcycles / History

Jack Barlow is a New Zealand-born writer. He has written on a variety of topics for publications including The New York Times, The Guardian and various New Zealand media outlets.
Currently living in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, he has a strong passion for sport, music and literature.

Introduction and Acknowledgements
Chapter 1: Noel
Chapter 2: Mischief-maker
Chapter 3: War
Chapter 4: The race track beckons
Chapter 5: Heroics at Chimay; from Invicta to Aston Martin
Chapter 6: On the rise
Chapter 7: Drama at the Targa Florio; success with Aston Martin
Chapter 8: Professional racing driver
Chapter 9: Dashing round the continent: a podium at Le Mans
Chapter 10: Victory at Silverstone
Chapter 11: No Fun at HWM
Chapter 12: Never, ever interested
Chapter 13: Adventures with Austin Healey
Chapter 14: Tragedy
Chapter 15: One last shot
Chapter 16: Life after racing
Chapter 17: The (wayward) family man
Chapter 18: An Irish misadventure
Chapter 19: In love
Chapter 20: New Zealand days
Chapter 21: Years of struggle
Chapter 22: Twilight in Spain
Chapter 23: "Nobody Would be Interested in That"
Epilogue
Index