Jaguar sports car history and motorsport aficionados alike.
This isn’t just another race-by-race account; “On The Prowl” delves deep into the heart of the TWR Jaguar team, revealing the captivating stories, personal anecdotes, and behind-the-scenes intrigue that defined their legendary status. The book features special contributions from racing luminaries such as Derek Warwick, Derek Bell MBE, and Eddie Cheever, adding unparalleled insight and firsthand accounts to this comprehensive history.
Imagine getting behind the wheel of the fearsome Jaguar XJR prototypes alongside drivers like Davy Jones, Andy Wallace, and Price Cobb, all of whom share their winning experiences within these pages. “On The Prowl” offers just that – a driver’s-eye view of what it was like to compete at the highest levels of Group C and IMSA GTP racing for the enigmatic Tom Walkinshaw.
But the narrative extends beyond the drivers. Gain invaluable perspectives from key team members who shaped the TWR Jaguar legacy. Designer Tony Southgate provides unique insights into the engineering marvels, while Le Mans-winning team managers Alastair Macqueen and Tony Dowe unveil the inner workings of this formidable racing organization. Eddie Hinckley, the engineer behind the 1988 Le Mans victory, shares the technical intricacies that made the Jaguar sports car program so successful.
TWR’s impact resonated deeply within Jaguar’s broader narrative, influencing both its sporting and commercial trajectory. Neil Smith expertly situates TWR within this extensive context, tracing Jaguar’s racing heritage back to its inaugural Silverstone race in 1949, through the iconic Le Mans triumphs of the 1950s, the challenging British Leyland era, and the resurgence into touring cars and IMSA during the 70s and 80s. This book celebrates the complete history of Jaguar sports car racing, culminating in the Walkinshaw era.
The enigmatic persona of Tom Walkinshaw himself is a recurring thread throughout the book. Through the voices of those who knew him best, “On The Prowl” attempts to unravel the complexities of a man who inspired both immense loyalty and considerable opposition. This exploration of Walkinshaw’s character adds a compelling human dimension to the story of Jaguar sports car racing success.
For the ultimate Jaguar sports car enthusiast and collector, the final section presents a meticulously researched chassis history of all 32 TWR-Jaguar XJR chassis that graced the racetrack. Complete with detailed competition records, ownership history, and contributions from today’s leading collectors and restorers, this section is an unparalleled resource.
Enriched by contributions from TWR team members’ personal archives, “On The Prowl” is more than just a book – it’s a visual and narrative feast. Featuring over 600 images and documents, many previously unseen, it serves as a definitive and fitting tribute to one of the most celebrated Jaguar sports car racing teams in history.
“On The Prowl – The Definitive History of the Walkinshaw Jaguar Sports Car Team” is available now. Don’t miss the opportunity to own this essential piece of Jaguar sports car and motorsport history. Add this exceptional volume to your collection and immerse yourself in the thrilling world of Walkinshaw Jaguar Racing.
