"Thrills, action, speed... what more could a reader ask for in a novel about racing cars? Full Throttle zooms readers into the world of formula car racing and what it takes to build a winning team... Author Anthony Hampshire does a fantastic job of making the world of racing easily understood even by a racing novice like myself. Not only does he explain the language of the sport as the story unfolds, but he also includes a glossary of terms at the end of the novel. What a brilliant idea! Another bonus is that he includes a few black and white photos in the story...

For those hard to reach young male readers, Full Throttle is a must-have for your collection. Full Throttle is a welcome addition to school and public libraries alike!"

"On the Limit is a thoroughly enjoyable read, especially for those racing fans, both boy and girl alike. Anthony Hampshire reveals a bit more about the characters, their personalities and relationships to each other in this second instalment to the series and includes some humour as well. In particular, the opening scene is quite funny. Once again, the author provides a glossary of race terms at the end of the novel.

Definitely recommended for public and school libraries.".

Reviews by Ellie Contursi, Children's Librarian, London Public Library, London, ON.

"On the Limit" is a Canadian Children's Book Centre Our Choice Selection for 2007

 

From The Critics

"Fast Track, the first in the four-book Redline Racing series, introduces mechanic extraordinaire Herb, computer wiz Rick, and talented race-car driver Eddie, who enter their specially designed Ford Mustang in the Trans American Championship race for modified sports cars. The book follows them through qualifying laps and the actual race, complete with car wreck and miraculous finish. Eddie's Aunt Sophie and Caroline, Eddie's love interest and Rick's sister, unexpectedly show up and ultimately friends and family form a racing team. The team heroically rescues an unconscious rookie driver, Bill Baker, from a wreck that was intentionally caused by Raul DaSilva, a self-absorbed, unsportsmanlike driver. Full Throttle, the second book, follows the team plus engineer Allan as they move up to Formula 3 Indy-type (single seat and open tire) car racing. The team leases Baker's wreck, fixes it up, and with a new paint design for the car and new uniforms for the team, they travel from Anaheim, California, to race in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Eddie, in his first Formula 3 race, competes with the obnoxious DeSilva. Eddie's performance does not fail, nor does the book. The remaining books, On the Limit and Title Run, contain more good racing sequences as well as humor, intrigue, and romance. This series is ideal for reluctant readers. The short books are enjoyable, and the characters are fun to read about. Although the stories are not action packed, they provide the right level of humor, romance, action, and suspense to keep readers interested. The writing is simple and descriptive. The story is predictable yet absorbing. The pacing is quick, as a racing story should be, withfunny, idiosyncratic, and heroic characters. They could be the boys next door, so readers will identify with them and root for them. A useful glossary is included, and photos, although some of very poor quality, are sprinkled throughout the books. This short series is a worthwhile purchase for young racing fans." - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

"A group of friends dream of success on the professional auto-racing circuit. Eddie, the driver; Rick, the engineer; and Herb, the mechanic, are joined in their quest by Eddie's Aunt Sophie, team owner; and Rick's sister Caroline, team manager and possible romantic interest for Eddie. The young men start racing in the Trans Am series and then have the opportunity to lease a damaged Formula Atlantic car for one race, enlist professional help, land a sponsor, and make friends and enemies on the track and off as they emerge as contenders for the Formula Atlantic championship. Along the way, they cope with endless travel, the theft of their equipment, and even a hilarious TV interview. Racing scenes are limited in number and length, but are very well done and accurately use racing terminology to describe events. The series' focus is on the team's struggles, such as personality issues, long hours, crashes, and money, and while the characters aren't developed, the stories are engaging and fast paced, and carry a good sense of anticipation. Occasional black-and-white photos depict racing scenes. Eddie's team's early success is somewhat implausible, but Hampshire's stories will appeal to racing fans and anyone who roots for underdogs." - Jeffrey A. French, Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, Willowick, OH Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

"In Title Run, Hampshire draws the reader into the exciting and dangerous world of auto racing. His humour, racing knowledge and snappy narrative voice zip the reader along in this predictable, yet enjoyable plot. The racing jargon and action scenes are detailed enough for racing fanatics but remain accessible and interesting to laypersons. Despite the lack of racing action in the first few chapters, as well as a great deal of 'telling', Hampshire’s first-person narrative, quick pace and wit speed this novel along. Though short chapters and simple vocabulary make Title Run suitable for younger grades, racing scenes and intrigue will maintain the attention of older readers. Recommended. 3*/4" - Reviewer Marina Cohen has a Master’s Degree in literature from the University of Toronto and has been teaching in the York Region District School Board for 10 years.

"On the Limit is a thoroughly enjoyable read, especially for those racing fans, both boy and girl alike. Anthony Hampshire reveals a bit more about the characters, their personalities and relationships to each other in this second instalment to the series and includes some humour as well. In particular, the opening scene is quite funny. Once again, the author provides a glossary of race terms at the end of the novel."
- CM Magazine

"On the Limit is a good addition to library collections for middle grade and high school libraries. . . Humour is one of the strengths of this novel."
- Resource Links

"Racing-scenes are limited in number and length, but are very well done and accurately use racing terminology to describe events. . . Hampshire's stories will appeal to racing fans and anyone who roots for underdogs."
- School Library Journal

© Tony Hampshire, all rights reserved