Alan & Kenny Carter
Discussion
Just finished reading Alan's autobiography "Light in the darkness".
An incredible story of heartbreak and highs....my mate was his mechanic for a few years.
"ALAN CARTER became a motorcycle racing sensation at 18, winning his first Grand Prix in France - the youngest-ever GP winner and one of only three Brits to finish on the MotoGP podium for more than 20 years.
His best season was 1985, when he finished seventh in the 250cc World Championship, and went on to compete in 54 GPs until 1990.
No-one doubted he had the talent to go all the way to the top but failed to fulfil his enormous potential for numerous reasons.
In Light in the Darkness, Halifax-born Alan reveals the intimate truth behind his meteoric rise and fall and all the many contributory factors that helped shape his extraordinary life, for better or worse.
He lifts the lid on his stormy relationship with his domineering father, former manager and sponsor, Halifax `hard man' Mal Carter.
He talks from the heart about the tragic death of his young brother and the suicide of both his mother and his elder brother, the controversial double British Speedway Champion and England No. 1 Kenny Carter.
What was Kenny, one of the sport's biggest draws, really like away from the track? Only his brother knows the truth behind speedway's biggest box office attraction - and it's all here in his astonishingly frank autobiography.
He tells, too, about the other tragedies that shook the Carter family, including the death of his own baby daughter, plus the bitter personal struggles that followed . . . losing his home, his business, bankruptcy and how he became an emotional wreck on the brink of a breakdown.
"I've been to hell and back," says Alan.
Now, as part of his recovery process, he has bared his soul by writing this amazing book.
Light in the Darkness is a compelling page-turner you won't be able to put down. Thanks to Alan Carter's searing honesty and Yorkshire wit, it will make you laugh and cry in equal measure."
Highly recommended.
An incredible story of heartbreak and highs....my mate was his mechanic for a few years.
"ALAN CARTER became a motorcycle racing sensation at 18, winning his first Grand Prix in France - the youngest-ever GP winner and one of only three Brits to finish on the MotoGP podium for more than 20 years.
His best season was 1985, when he finished seventh in the 250cc World Championship, and went on to compete in 54 GPs until 1990.
No-one doubted he had the talent to go all the way to the top but failed to fulfil his enormous potential for numerous reasons.
In Light in the Darkness, Halifax-born Alan reveals the intimate truth behind his meteoric rise and fall and all the many contributory factors that helped shape his extraordinary life, for better or worse.
He lifts the lid on his stormy relationship with his domineering father, former manager and sponsor, Halifax `hard man' Mal Carter.
He talks from the heart about the tragic death of his young brother and the suicide of both his mother and his elder brother, the controversial double British Speedway Champion and England No. 1 Kenny Carter.
What was Kenny, one of the sport's biggest draws, really like away from the track? Only his brother knows the truth behind speedway's biggest box office attraction - and it's all here in his astonishingly frank autobiography.
He tells, too, about the other tragedies that shook the Carter family, including the death of his own baby daughter, plus the bitter personal struggles that followed . . . losing his home, his business, bankruptcy and how he became an emotional wreck on the brink of a breakdown.
"I've been to hell and back," says Alan.
Now, as part of his recovery process, he has bared his soul by writing this amazing book.
Light in the Darkness is a compelling page-turner you won't be able to put down. Thanks to Alan Carter's searing honesty and Yorkshire wit, it will make you laugh and cry in equal measure."
Highly recommended.
Gixer968CS said:
Wow, not someone I was familiar with, sounds like a compelling read
If i remember rightly, first person from the UK to win a Grand Prix after Sheene's last race win. Really good 250 rider but never seemed to make that last step to full time race winner and had a couple of spectacular failures at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.Growing up Alan was one of my bike race hero’s because he was just so cool and a little bit controversial.
I remember him being interviewed by the legend Fred Clarke at a BSB event around 2009 and thinking having read a few ‘vanilla’ motorcycle racer autobiographies around this time wouldn’t it be great if Alan did a book.
To my great surprise Alan did a book that was published in 2011 and is the best book I’ve ever read. I would highly recommend this to anyone, even if bike racing isn’t there thing. You can still see Alan around the BSB paddock. Absolute Legend.
I remember him being interviewed by the legend Fred Clarke at a BSB event around 2009 and thinking having read a few ‘vanilla’ motorcycle racer autobiographies around this time wouldn’t it be great if Alan did a book.
To my great surprise Alan did a book that was published in 2011 and is the best book I’ve ever read. I would highly recommend this to anyone, even if bike racing isn’t there thing. You can still see Alan around the BSB paddock. Absolute Legend.
https://chasintheracin.myshopify.com/products/alan...
Chasin the Racin have a supply.
Chasin the Racin have a supply.
Edited by Rob 131 Sport on Sunday 20th October 09:10
Rob 131 Sport said:
Yes, again they don't have that many left,Cheers.
Wacky Racer said:
Just finished reading Alan's autobiography "Light in the darkness".
An incredible story of heartbreak and highs....my mate was his mechanic for a few years.
"ALAN CARTER became a motorcycle racing sensation at 18, winning his first Grand Prix in France - the youngest-ever GP winner and one of only three Brits to finish on the MotoGP podium for more than 20 years.
His best season was 1985, when he finished seventh in the 250cc World Championship, and went on to compete in 54 GPs until 1990.
No-one doubted he had the talent to go all the way to the top but failed to fulfil his enormous potential for numerous reasons.
In Light in the Darkness, Halifax-born Alan reveals the intimate truth behind his meteoric rise and fall and all the many contributory factors that helped shape his extraordinary life, for better or worse.
He lifts the lid on his stormy relationship with his domineering father, former manager and sponsor, Halifax `hard man' Mal Carter.
He talks from the heart about the tragic death of his young brother and the suicide of both his mother and his elder brother, the controversial double British Speedway Champion and England No. 1 Kenny Carter.
What was Kenny, one of the sport's biggest draws, really like away from the track? Only his brother knows the truth behind speedway's biggest box office attraction - and it's all here in his astonishingly frank autobiography.
He tells, too, about the other tragedies that shook the Carter family, including the death of his own baby daughter, plus the bitter personal struggles that followed . . . losing his home, his business, bankruptcy and how he became an emotional wreck on the brink of a breakdown.
"I've been to hell and back," says Alan.
Now, as part of his recovery process, he has bared his soul by writing this amazing book.
Light in the Darkness is a compelling page-turner you won't be able to put down. Thanks to Alan Carter's searing honesty and Yorkshire wit, it will make you laugh and cry in equal measure."
Highly recommended.
I lived near Alan and he was always a pleasure to watch on the track, very neat rider in an old fashioned way with knees and arms kept close in to the bike.An incredible story of heartbreak and highs....my mate was his mechanic for a few years.
"ALAN CARTER became a motorcycle racing sensation at 18, winning his first Grand Prix in France - the youngest-ever GP winner and one of only three Brits to finish on the MotoGP podium for more than 20 years.
His best season was 1985, when he finished seventh in the 250cc World Championship, and went on to compete in 54 GPs until 1990.
No-one doubted he had the talent to go all the way to the top but failed to fulfil his enormous potential for numerous reasons.
In Light in the Darkness, Halifax-born Alan reveals the intimate truth behind his meteoric rise and fall and all the many contributory factors that helped shape his extraordinary life, for better or worse.
He lifts the lid on his stormy relationship with his domineering father, former manager and sponsor, Halifax `hard man' Mal Carter.
He talks from the heart about the tragic death of his young brother and the suicide of both his mother and his elder brother, the controversial double British Speedway Champion and England No. 1 Kenny Carter.
What was Kenny, one of the sport's biggest draws, really like away from the track? Only his brother knows the truth behind speedway's biggest box office attraction - and it's all here in his astonishingly frank autobiography.
He tells, too, about the other tragedies that shook the Carter family, including the death of his own baby daughter, plus the bitter personal struggles that followed . . . losing his home, his business, bankruptcy and how he became an emotional wreck on the brink of a breakdown.
"I've been to hell and back," says Alan.
Now, as part of his recovery process, he has bared his soul by writing this amazing book.
Light in the Darkness is a compelling page-turner you won't be able to put down. Thanks to Alan Carter's searing honesty and Yorkshire wit, it will make you laugh and cry in equal measure."
Highly recommended.
I will look for the book as you suggest, thanks for posting.
Wacky Racer said:
Just finished reading Alan's autobiography "Light in the darkness".
An incredible story of heartbreak and highs....my mate was his mechanic for a few years.
"ALAN CARTER became a motorcycle racing sensation at 18, winning his first Grand Prix in France - the youngest-ever GP winner and one of only three Brits to finish on the MotoGP podium for more than 20 years.
His best season was 1985, when he finished seventh in the 250cc World Championship, and went on to compete in 54 GPs until 1990.
No-one doubted he had the talent to go all the way to the top but failed to fulfil his enormous potential for numerous reasons.
In Light in the Darkness, Halifax-born Alan reveals the intimate truth behind his meteoric rise and fall and all the many contributory factors that helped shape his extraordinary life, for better or worse.
He lifts the lid on his stormy relationship with his domineering father, former manager and sponsor, Halifax `hard man' Mal Carter.
He talks from the heart about the tragic death of his young brother and the suicide of both his mother and his elder brother, the controversial double British Speedway Champion and England No. 1 Kenny Carter.
What was Kenny, one of the sport's biggest draws, really like away from the track? Only his brother knows the truth behind speedway's biggest box office attraction - and it's all here in his astonishingly frank autobiography.
He tells, too, about the other tragedies that shook the Carter family, including the death of his own baby daughter, plus the bitter personal struggles that followed . . . losing his home, his business, bankruptcy and how he became an emotional wreck on the brink of a breakdown.
"I've been to hell and back," says Alan.
Now, as part of his recovery process, he has bared his soul by writing this amazing book.
Light in the Darkness is a compelling page-turner you won't be able to put down. Thanks to Alan Carter's searing honesty and Yorkshire wit, it will make you laugh and cry in equal measure."
Highly recommended.
Thank you for the recommend, I read it in two sittings over the weekend, as you say a book that you just can't put down. I knew of his racing career, but what a life beyond that.An incredible story of heartbreak and highs....my mate was his mechanic for a few years.
"ALAN CARTER became a motorcycle racing sensation at 18, winning his first Grand Prix in France - the youngest-ever GP winner and one of only three Brits to finish on the MotoGP podium for more than 20 years.
His best season was 1985, when he finished seventh in the 250cc World Championship, and went on to compete in 54 GPs until 1990.
No-one doubted he had the talent to go all the way to the top but failed to fulfil his enormous potential for numerous reasons.
In Light in the Darkness, Halifax-born Alan reveals the intimate truth behind his meteoric rise and fall and all the many contributory factors that helped shape his extraordinary life, for better or worse.
He lifts the lid on his stormy relationship with his domineering father, former manager and sponsor, Halifax `hard man' Mal Carter.
He talks from the heart about the tragic death of his young brother and the suicide of both his mother and his elder brother, the controversial double British Speedway Champion and England No. 1 Kenny Carter.
What was Kenny, one of the sport's biggest draws, really like away from the track? Only his brother knows the truth behind speedway's biggest box office attraction - and it's all here in his astonishingly frank autobiography.
He tells, too, about the other tragedies that shook the Carter family, including the death of his own baby daughter, plus the bitter personal struggles that followed . . . losing his home, his business, bankruptcy and how he became an emotional wreck on the brink of a breakdown.
"I've been to hell and back," says Alan.
Now, as part of his recovery process, he has bared his soul by writing this amazing book.
Light in the Darkness is a compelling page-turner you won't be able to put down. Thanks to Alan Carter's searing honesty and Yorkshire wit, it will make you laugh and cry in equal measure."
Highly recommended.
Out of interest if you message 'Alan Carter Motorcycle Racing Coach' on Facebook his partner Tracy will post out a signed copy.
FlopperV60 said:
Wacky Racer said:
Just finished reading Alan's autobiography "Light in the darkness".
An incredible story of heartbreak and highs....my mate was his mechanic for a few years.
"ALAN CARTER became a motorcycle racing sensation at 18, winning his first Grand Prix in France - the youngest-ever GP winner and one of only three Brits to finish on the MotoGP podium for more than 20 years.
His best season was 1985, when he finished seventh in the 250cc World Championship, and went on to compete in 54 GPs until 1990.
No-one doubted he had the talent to go all the way to the top but failed to fulfil his enormous potential for numerous reasons.
In Light in the Darkness, Halifax-born Alan reveals the intimate truth behind his meteoric rise and fall and all the many contributory factors that helped shape his extraordinary life, for better or worse.
He lifts the lid on his stormy relationship with his domineering father, former manager and sponsor, Halifax `hard man' Mal Carter.
He talks from the heart about the tragic death of his young brother and the suicide of both his mother and his elder brother, the controversial double British Speedway Champion and England No. 1 Kenny Carter.
What was Kenny, one of the sport's biggest draws, really like away from the track? Only his brother knows the truth behind speedway's biggest box office attraction - and it's all here in his astonishingly frank autobiography.
He tells, too, about the other tragedies that shook the Carter family, including the death of his own baby daughter, plus the bitter personal struggles that followed . . . losing his home, his business, bankruptcy and how he became an emotional wreck on the brink of a breakdown.
"I've been to hell and back," says Alan.
Now, as part of his recovery process, he has bared his soul by writing this amazing book.
Light in the Darkness is a compelling page-turner you won't be able to put down. Thanks to Alan Carter's searing honesty and Yorkshire wit, it will make you laugh and cry in equal measure."
Highly recommended.
Thank you for the recommend, I read it in two sittings over the weekend, as you say a book that you just can't put down. I knew of his racing career, but what a life beyond that.An incredible story of heartbreak and highs....my mate was his mechanic for a few years.
"ALAN CARTER became a motorcycle racing sensation at 18, winning his first Grand Prix in France - the youngest-ever GP winner and one of only three Brits to finish on the MotoGP podium for more than 20 years.
His best season was 1985, when he finished seventh in the 250cc World Championship, and went on to compete in 54 GPs until 1990.
No-one doubted he had the talent to go all the way to the top but failed to fulfil his enormous potential for numerous reasons.
In Light in the Darkness, Halifax-born Alan reveals the intimate truth behind his meteoric rise and fall and all the many contributory factors that helped shape his extraordinary life, for better or worse.
He lifts the lid on his stormy relationship with his domineering father, former manager and sponsor, Halifax `hard man' Mal Carter.
He talks from the heart about the tragic death of his young brother and the suicide of both his mother and his elder brother, the controversial double British Speedway Champion and England No. 1 Kenny Carter.
What was Kenny, one of the sport's biggest draws, really like away from the track? Only his brother knows the truth behind speedway's biggest box office attraction - and it's all here in his astonishingly frank autobiography.
He tells, too, about the other tragedies that shook the Carter family, including the death of his own baby daughter, plus the bitter personal struggles that followed . . . losing his home, his business, bankruptcy and how he became an emotional wreck on the brink of a breakdown.
"I've been to hell and back," says Alan.
Now, as part of his recovery process, he has bared his soul by writing this amazing book.
Light in the Darkness is a compelling page-turner you won't be able to put down. Thanks to Alan Carter's searing honesty and Yorkshire wit, it will make you laugh and cry in equal measure."
Highly recommended.
Out of interest if you message 'Alan Carter Motorcycle Racing Coach' on Facebook his partner Tracy will post out a signed copy.
John Hopkins book is also a great read.
Rob 131 Sport said:
It’s that good you’ll probably read it again in 6 months time (I know I did).
John Hopkins book is also a great read.
Thank you, the John Hopkins book passed me by, I hadn't realised there was one!John Hopkins book is also a great read.
John brought character to the sport and could also put on an impressive show, the picture below is of my desk as I type:
I have seen an interview with John where he talks about getting to the top of the tree at Kawasaki, having everything and being more depressed than he has ever been, the injuries alone after that must be a nightmare for anyone!! Hard to relate to for mere mortals, but it is a common theme in motocross that kids get to the top and then have minor or major breakdowns
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