My speed king

July 7, 2014

by Tonia Bern-Campbell ISBN 7509 2931 6 Published by Sutton Publishing, £17.99

Donald Campbell’s private life could have fuelled the tabloids of today and completely overshadowed his record-breaking exploits. But he was famous when the public craved stories of achievement, not adultery, when the press enjoyed building a hero. When they eventually turned on him, it was for lack of results, not morals.

Tonia Campbell, his third wife, reveals the stress of living with a driven man. At first her frankness about their many affairs looks a little sensational, but gradually she makes it plain that this irascible, yet understanding man would never have fitted into an ordinary marriage. This is not Campbell’s biography, together; yet it shows why but the story of their life th his supporters became devoted to him and how she learned to handle a tough job.

Gordon Cruickshank

Gordon Cruickshank

Deputy editor

Bravely ignoring his degree in industrial design after discovering night rallies in a Renault 8, GC joined Motor Sport by accident, in the Teesdale days around 1982 when Jenks and WB were office regulars and Mr Tee ruled with a rod of cardboard. He took part in some of the early historic rallies, winning one of the Pirelli Marathons, and regularly runs his Mk2 Jaguar in road events.

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