Brief Review of Kevin Clemens' "A Lap of the Globe: Behind the Wheel of a Vintage Mercedes in the World's Longest Auto Race"

 Considering that this book was published twenty years ago, you might say that I am a little late with my review! Actually, I just learned of this book a few weeks ago, and found one of those rare reads that I could not put down. I had been reading on Aloha Wanderwell's around the world drive of the 1920s, and somehow Clemens' book came on my radar. Clemens' journey is far more detailed and substantial than Aloha Wanderwell's. 

This work is extremely well thought out and written. It is a model for those who want to write about an extended road trip, as it has plenty of automotive technology in its contents, an interesting set of character studies, including driver, navigator, and fellow competitors. Clemens starts in London as a part of an organized competitive rally that is mostly for the privileged wealthy -- after all, the entry price is $70,000 and with incidentals, probably totaled $100k. Entitled drivers, vintage and collector cars, and a pompous organizer are all featured. The latter, an unlikable sort, bends the rules to satisfy certain cliques and whiners. He is only out for himself and his business.

But what a great story. It is of machines and contestants at times pushed to the limits of endurance. Four star hotels may have been promised, but cramped quarters and overflowing toilets were often encountered. The author does a great job of portraying the locals, whether in Turkey, Azerbaijan, , China, or Montana.  Clemens also gets at  the people he is traveling with, in a non-patronizing way, whether it be his own navigator or rivals. He pulls no punches; for example, he vents his  anger at  to a Jaguar driver who did him wrong -- "the bastard."

Clemens'car -- a 1959 Mercedes -- is one star of this narrative. It takes a beating and keeps on ticking. Clemens and his co-driver and navigator dentist Martin are two other stars with flaws and all. To drive the world is quite an accomplishment and this book serves as an inspiration to the readers who sigh to get out of their chairs and experience adventure.