Raymond Mays' Magnificent Obsession

Laced with fascinating anecdotes, Raymond Mays' Magnificent Obsession reveals a pivotal figure in motor sport history, and describes the author's enthusiasm for BRM, detailing his visit to Raymond Mays, in Eastgate House, Bourne, in 1963.

Focussing on Mays' early years and successes in motor racing in the 1920s, this book follows his progress to becoming a national celebrity. His famous White Riley's successes at Shelsley Walsh and Brooklands are covered, leading on to the building of the ERAs, which - led by Mays himself - represented the UK in voiturette races on the Continent. ERA's story unfolds with references to all the races in which the team took part.

After WWII, Mays' achievement in building an all-British Grand Prix car, with the financial support of the British Motor Industry, is detailed, going on to describe how, after many changes, a BRM driven by Graham Hill won the 1962 World Championship.

With the help of Mays' letters to the author, this book covers the whole history of BRM, until its demise in 1976.

A lifelong motor racing enthusiast, Bryan Apps created a BRM scrapbook at the age of thirteen, with Raymond Mays writing its foreword In 1952. Mays continued corresponding with Bryan for many years, keeping him informed of the latest developments. Through his paintings, Bryan also formed lasting friendships with Manfred von Brauchitsch, Ken Tyrrell and many others. He has already had four books published, covering a number of motor racing subjects. As an Anglican priest, Bryan Apps acquired international recognition with a 97hp Mobile Church, and established entries in the Guinness Book of Records with a model car and train for Charities.