Ciao, Stirling: The Inside Story of a Motor Racing Legend

Description

When Valerie Pirie interviewed for her first real secretarial job after college, she did not expect to end up working for Stirling Moss. Regarded as the greatest driver who was never crowned world champion, he would become not only her new boss, but a lifelong friend. Here, in this playful and moving memoir, she opens up about the man behind the steering wheel. With a joie de vivre and unparalleled pluck, Pirie details the highs and lows of her many years working - and occasionally living - at very close quarters with a true pioneer of Formula One, recounting anecdotes from the track, the office and nights out in the West End of London with one of the best known names in motor racing. Whether at Goodwood, Le Mans or the Nurburgring, Pirie was often there beside Moss to witness the wins, losses and technical malfunctions - and, of course, his career-ending crash in 1962. If she wasn't at his bedside in the hospital, managing his never-ending building works or - on one occasion - transporting his spare pair of dentures to France, Pirie was accompanying Moss wherever he needed her most. Never 'just' colleagues, the pair were true companions, and this book brings to light the story of their enduring friendship from the classic post-war era of motor racing through to today.

Valerie Pirie started working for Stirling Moss when she was seventeen and has remained his close friend and confidante for well over half a century. Initially hired as a personal secretary, she soon turned into his Girl Friday, performing the various roles of housekeeper, chauffeur, overseer on his building site, racing team manager and carer after the accident which ended his professional motor racing career. After leaving Moss's employment in 1965, Pirie started a PR agency but, preferring straight journalism, she subsequently became women's editor on the South Wales Echo. Her forte would become writing about manufacturing and the pharmaceutical industry, as well as mentoring many young journalists. She now divides her time between London and India.

"The cover design is excellent, the style warm, readable and engaging, and the subject fascinating." - Classic and Sports Car