Watching the Wheels cover art

Watching the Wheels

My Autobiography

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Watching the Wheels

By: Damon Hill
Narrated by: Paul Panting
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About this listen

The year 2016 marks the 20th anniversary of Damon Hill's coronation as Formula One world champion. For the first time ever, he tells the story of his journey through the last golden era of the sport, when he took on the greats, including Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher, and emerged victorious as world champion in 1996, stepping out of the shadow of his legendary father, Graham Hill.

Away from the grid, Watching the Wheels: My Autobiography is an astonishingly candid account of what it was like to grow up as the son of one of the country's most famous racing drivers. It also tells the unflinching story of dealing with the grief and chaos that followed his father's tragically early death in an aircraft accident in 1975, when Damon was 15 years old.

Formula One drivers have always been aware of their mortality, and the rush that comes with the danger of racing was as intoxicating for Hill as it had been for his father's generation, until he came face-to-face with catastrophe when his teammate, Ayrton Senna, was killed in 1994. Hill was faced with swirling emotions in light of the death of Senna, which was a defining moment for his generation of drivers, and for the first time ever Hill talks candidly about the impact that Senna had on his life, even as he watched his own son step into motor racing.

Courageously honest and hugely rewarding, Watching the Wheels is a return to the last golden era of F1 racing, whose image still burns ferociously for those who love the sport for what it reveals about human skill in the face of or near certain death.

©2016 Damon Hill (P)2016 Macmillan Digital Audio
Engineering Motor Sports Sports Biography Racing Inspiring Thought-Provoking

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All stars
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Damon's story from his childhood to racing career is exceptional so bound to be entertaining, and it is. The way he tells it is charming, he is thoughtful and self-effacing and generally writes in a pleasing and uncomplicated way.

I was disappointed that Damon didn't do the narration himself but the narrator who does do it is excellent. His style is neutral and doesn't distract you from what is a personal story. It helps that he has a similar softly spoken (but clear) voice to Damon.

At the end of chapter 22 there are about 5 minutes of re-reads and out-takes that have obviously been left in by mistake.

Entertaining, well written and well read

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thought this was going to be another f1 bio, but it was much more. Answered many questions about what happened behind the scenes between 92-97
However i never understood how they let damon get back in the car at imola. And to switch off the power steering was insane. It also gave a real insight into the mentality of some of the top sportsman and managers, their arrogance and macho attitudes. My only negative comment is that i really wish Damon had read the book himself, he's a great commentator and has a great voice. Don't understand that.

outstanding biography

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Really pleased I was able to read/listen to this honest and revealing account of the ups and downs of Damon’s life, family and professional endeavours. Made me realise that there are things in my life that need “boxing up and putting away”

Riveting book with genuine insight

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Wonderful insight to what I have always thought a very private man . Had the chance to say hello to Damon at Brands in the DTM paddock a few years back .
Thank you Damon

Wonderful insight

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Struggling to come to terms with his father, Graham's, tragic death and living in his enormous shadow before, during and after his demise, Damon Hill decides to embark on a racing career. Full of doubts about his own ability and coming to terms with the doubts of others in his ability as a racer, his drive and determination leads him to the F1 world championship. It's a remarkable story.
We also learn of Damon's battle against depression and anxiety after his retirement from F1.
Damon seems a genuinely decent guy, perhaps too nice for the cut and thrust of F1. That's how he comes across anyway, but there is shaft steel running through him. It's easy to forget that Damon raced with and against some of F1's greatest ever champions -- Senna, Prost, Mansell and Schmacher. They all feature in his book and he managed to beat them all at various times during his career. It's a great book and well worth a listen.

Pole position

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