The Ride of Your Life: A Racecar Driver's Journey

by Lyn St. James, Steve Eubanks

Fasten your seat belts! Indy 500 driver Lyn St. James provides inspirational advice for everyone as she recounts her inspiring career as a world-renowned Indy driver. Lyn St. James was 45 years old when she joined the world of Indy racing. Now known as the American Woman Racing Icon of the Century, Lyn is a testament to the power of determination and positive thinking. In this inspiring, motivational book, St. James chronicles her last Indy 500 and looks back on a career filled with challenges. She recounts years of adversity and the struggle to obtain corporate sponsorships, despite being named the Indy 500 Rookie of the Year. She recalls record-breaking runs at Talladega and Daytona, terrifying crashes, and the joys of mentoring young women drivers. On every page of this story people will find the motivation and encouragement to follow their dreams and reach their goals.

Genres: Nonfiction

288 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2002

Reviews

[Lynn Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whether it's having a first name (despite the different spelling) or a love for fast cars in common, I really related to this autobiography of Lyn St. James. She talked about the feeling of the car as an extension of your body, and I have had that feeling when driving. It was fascinating to read her story of a woman making it in what's traditionally considered to be a man's sport. As a little girl, I had dreamed of being a race-car driver, but I was genetically predisposed to be too tall to fit into many of the cars! When I finally had the honor of meeting St. James in person and had her sign my old copy of her book, it was as though I was meeting a long-lost friend. If you like cars and the story of a determined woman succeeding in a man's career, you'll enjoy this book.

[Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good (and fast) book that has more than just racing inside. The stories of her life as well as some of the key people (like Dick Simon) brought an element to the book that made it personal. I can't wait until my daughter is older so she can read the book too.

[Chi Dubinski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Indy car driver St. James takes the reader behind the scenes in the world of racing. She was the first woman to be named Indy 500 rookie of the year, won the 24 hours of Daytona twice, and compete in the 24 hours of LeMans. She talks about what it is like to drive 200 miles per hour, the pursuit of corporate sponsorship, and avoids, for the most part, discussing gender bias in the sport.

[Sue Kozlowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Non-fiction. Lyn St. James was an Indy racer - started in the Indy 500 14 times. Very motivational.