King of Macau – Racing with John Macdonald
It may be a bit out of the ordinary that a publisher reviews one his own publications, but this one goes beyond ordinary and is very close to the heart. It’s a book that took years to formulate, and years before John Macdonald finally agreed to having it written. Full credit Angus Lamont, the author, for persisting – and pulling it off.
“King of Macau – Racing with John Macdonald” chronicles the extraordinary motorsport career of John Macdonald, a legendary figure in the Hong Kong, Macau, and Southeast Asian racing scene. Written by John’s good friend and his race mechanic Angus Lamont, KOM details Macdonald’s rise from humble beginnings to becoming a dominant force in the Macau Grand Prix, and indeed around the race circuits of Southeast Asia.
Through vivid storytelling, the book explores Macdonald’s racing, his skill as an engineer, the challenges he faced running on tight budgets, and the accompanying success following major sponsorship support from Cathay Pacific Airlines, Marlboro and Rothmans. The book gives us a glimpse of his relationships with fellow drivers, the racing community at large, his race cars (and bikes) and the key people who made up his equipe.
What is quite unique is that this is arguably the only book that give as insider’s perspective on the history of motorsport in Asia – by both John and Angus. The narrative is populated by insider moments, personal anecdotes, and reflections on the evolution of racing in the region – an important reference for students of the sport and those wishing to understand the complexities of racing in Asia. Six appendices add to the importance of this book as a reference work, covering John’s approach to racing around the streets of Macau; his 1975 season racing in Australia; Costin’s Mule (his Brabham BT10), rallying in the Philippines, etc., etc.
Just 250 copies of this 292-page book were printed, in hardcover. There is an index – necessary as this will become a reference work for anyone interested in racing in Asia.
The book is available through the publisher’s Rewind Resource Archive at: BUY THE BOOK
Eli Solomon
