An Independent Man: The Autoniography

The highs and lows of a life in the fast lane are explored in this examination of legendary racer Eddie Jordan's career. Eddie Jordan funded his first move into motor sport by selling smoked salmon—well past its sell-by date—to rugby fans leaving Lansdowne Road. When stopped for speeding by a policeman, he ended up selling him his car. He enjoyed racing, but soon set up his own team and then began to manage other drivers' careers. Eventually, having helped groom a whole series of future Grand Prix drivers such as Damon Hill and Martin Brundle, he moved into Formula One at the end of the 1980s. He gave Michael Schumacher his first drive, but lost him soon after to Benetton in a dispute over his contract. It wasn't long before the team began to pick up podium finishes, and in 1998 won its first race—a remarkable achievement on a comparatively small budget. The following year was even better. But sadly this was to be the peak, as the search for more finance and legal battles with sponsors hit hard, and he eventually sold the team. With the inclusion of his battles with Bernie Ecclestone, this memoir shows how, when so much money is involved, nothing is ever simple. Eddie Jordan has lived his life to its fullest, and his account is packed full of superb stories, colorful adventures, and revealing tales.