Full Tilt - by Colin Bond (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Ford versus Holden and beyond -- the story of motor racing's greatest era through the eyes of a champion

"Bond is a true pioneer of our sport. Growing up in a motorsport family I knew the strong rivalry between Holden and Ford. Not many drivers have managed to cross over and be successful. Colin Bond was one of the first drivers to make the change and show it works." --Craig Lowndes, three-time Australian Touring Car Champion

Bathurst winner, Australian Touring Car Champion, and the only man to claim victories on both sides of racing's most iconic rivalry, Ford versus Holden, Colin Bond stands as one of Australian motorsport's defining figures.

From rallying success to his remarkable Bathurst triumphs and Touring Car Championship glory, Bond's career unfolded across the most electrifying decades of Australian racing. Central to that story was the fierce tribal battle between Ford and Holden, a contest Bond experienced from both camps. His controversial 1-2 finish at Bathurst in 1977 alongside Allan Moffat remains one of the most debated moments in the sport's history.

Set against the golden age of Australian motorsport, Full Tilt recounts racing alongside legends such as Peter Brock and Allan Moffat, and brings to life the thunder of Monaros, Toranas, Falcons and Commodores. It captures the drama, danger and intense competition of the 1960s through the 1990s, along with the political maneuvering, rivalries and larger-than-life team owners that shaped the era.

Written with bestselling motorsport journalist John Smailes, this is the high-octane account of a life lived at speed. A celebration of skill, courage and one of racing's greatest rivalries, Full Tilt is essential reading for anyone passionate about the sport.

"Colin Bond is one of the all-time greats of Australia's unique Ford vs. Holden battle. I don't recall ever having as much fun when working, and riding, with him." --Edsel Ford II, Chairman of the Henry Ford Estate

About the Author

Colin Bond OAM is an Australian former racing driver. Bond reached the highest levels in Australian motorsport in 1969 when he was recruited to the newly formed Holden Dealer Team. He quickly found success, winning the 1969 Hardie-Ferodo 500 mile race, now the Bathurst 1000. He was Peter Brock's team-mate in Holden's 1974 Australian Touring Car Championship-winning team. Bond won the 1975 Australian Touring Car Championship himself, for Holden, before defecting to Ford to support Allan Moffat's championship dominance. Bond was Australia's most versatile driver, winning the Australian Rally Championship in 1971, 1972 and 1974. He was inducted into the V8 Supercars Hall of Fame in 2002.

John Smailes is a journalist, motorsport commentator and publicist. His specialty is the automotive industry and motorsport. He has covered and broadcast rounds of the World F1 championship (Australia, Singapore, India, Monaco), the World Rally Championship (Australia, New Zealand, Greece), MotoGP, the Le Mans 24 hour race and Goodwood Festival of Speed. John was part of the commentary team for the first live broadcast of F1 in Australia - along with Sir Jack Brabham. His bestselling books include Climbing the Mountain (with Allan Moffat), Mount Panorama, Race Across the World and Formula One. He is chair of the Australian Motorsport Hall of Fame.