“This is a book for every boy – and many fathers too!”
The book in question is, The Story Of The Motor Car by David Carey. Illustrated by the wonderful Robert Ayton (1915 – 1985), and published by Ladybird in 1962.
Robert Ayton started working for Ladybird in 1960, and illustrated fifty titles in total. We had a number of his books in our house when I was a child, my favourite being Tricks and Magic.
According to his nephew, Rupert (who features in some of his illustrations), his ashes were spread over a rose bed, next to a park bench with a fabulous view.
You can see the whole piece here.
The illustration is titled, Massed Start At Silverstone.
When I searched the internet for information on women in this field, I mostly found lists of ‘hot lady racing drivers’. Too upset to continue my search.
The book was given to me by a school librarian. She would prefer to remain anonymous.
Alison Sye 
I have been thinking about how times have changed (talking to my son about working in a bank in the 1980’s is what did it) and this fit right in. I remember being indignant when I read books that targeted one sex or the other like this one does. Not that I was interested in racing cars, but I didn’t like to feel I was shut out.
Yes. Unfortunately, I don’t like the idea of cars racing either :))))))
I would hate to race in a car :))))))
I don’t even like driving on the highway that much.
Yes, I don’t drive at all :))))))
Well, then, I see why racing cars definitely is not for you! Driving is essential for me in the suburbs, but it’s at a pace I can cope with. I will say when I was younger I did like fast highway driving but now…I am reformed.
Yes, I really need to get going with it since we moved out to Zone 5 (!!!!!) but it frightens me.
I like driving, actually, and I learned when I was 15 – we lived out in the country and there was only the bicycle for the distances I had to cover (friends living 10 miles away, etc.) Driving certainly was useful. Once you get the idea of it, you will be fine.
Hope so
Pingback: Men’s Stuff Patchwork | Alison Sye