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
