My Greatest Defeat: Stories of Hardship and Hope from Motor Racing’s Finest Heroes

My Greatest Defeat is a compelling collection that delves into the personal and revealing stories of 20 of the greatest living racing drivers. These legends from Formula 1, IndyCar, NASCAR, Le Mans, and Rally share their deepest struggles and setbacks, offering an unprecedented look into their lives beyond the victories. The interviews, conducted exclusively for this book, feature:

  • Mario Andretti
  • Derek Bell
  • Emerson Fittipaldi
  • Dario Franchitti
  • Jeff Gordon
  • Mika Häkkinen
  • Damon Hill
  • Jimmie Johnson
  • Tom Kristensen
  • Niki Lauda
  • Sebastien Loeb
  • Felipe Massa
  • Rick Mears
  • Emanuele Pirro
  • Alain Prost
  • Carlos Sainz
  • Jackie Stewart
  • Bobby Unser
  • Ari Vatanen
  • Alex Zanardi

Highlights from the Book

  • Dario Franchitti: The IndyCar champion opens up about the deaths of friends that marked the beginning and end of his racing career, the emotional toll of these losses, and the accidents that impacted his brain function.
  • Jeff Gordon: Reflecting on his NASCAR championships, Gordon reveals the personal cost of his success, including strained family relationships and lingering regrets.
  • Jimmie Johnson: Known as one of the greatest stock car drivers, Johnson recalls a nearly fatal crash that altered his perspective on racing and life.
  • Niki Lauda: The legendary racer discusses the tragic loss of one of his aircraft over Thailand, his fight to clear his pilots’ names, and his efforts to improve aircraft safety.
  • Alex Zanardi: In a profound conversation, the Paralympic gold medalist reflects on the distinction between passion and ambition, and how childhood dreams shape adult choices, following his life-changing IndyCar accident.

The book features striking portraits by Giuseppe ‘Cammo’ Camuncoli, a renowned artist in modern comic book design known for his dark, brooding style. Camuncoli’s work has been a staple in the Vertigo, DC, and Marvel stables, adding a unique visual depth to the personal narratives shared in My Greatest Defeat.

My Greatest Defeat is a must-read for anyone interested in the human side of motorsport legends, showcasing the resilience and vulnerability that define true champions.