Book
The Sultan of Slide – a privateer’s story details the racing career of Bob Mitchell, the most successful Australian sidecar racer at a Grand Prix level in the history of international sidecar racing.
— On the track —
Fourth in the world
He was fourth in the world championships in 1956, the highest ranking ever achieved by an Australian sidecar racer.
In Australia, Bob’s win with a 500cc sidecar at an unlimited event at Bathurst has never been repeated.
Bob was dubbed ‘The Sultan of Slide’ by racing writers and contemporaries because of his unerring control around tight corners, often beginning his slide well before the corner. This tactic generated great praise from the experts, the most appreciated being from the great engine tuner Phil Irving who, after Bob’s win of the Victorian TT in 1957, told him that his sliding and throttle response was so smooth he couldn’t tell when he started the slide and when he finished the slide and that it was the best display of sidecar riding he had ever seen.
— What's inside —
Records kept undercover for 50 years
The book contains more than 200 photos, 180 media clippings and 100 reproductions of diary entries and letters, most of which have never been seen by anyone outside the immediate family. This wonderful collection of records which were kept undercover by Bob for 50 years, tell a chiselling story of courage and private determination of a person who reached the top.
— A heartfelt romance —
Bob & Jean
Also retold is how Bob was stunned by his first meeting of Norton Motors office girl Jean Barton and how he won her heart and hand in marriage. Letters Bob wrote to Jean while he rode on the Grand Prix circuit tell of their heartfelt romance as well as providing historical information and very personal revelations about his racing companions and competitors.
— Beyond the track —
A life's work
The book traces Bob’s achievements after racing and his extraordinary business career.
In the final chapters, Bob’s affinity with and dedication to motorcycle safety are documented. He rode motorcycles all his life and taught hundreds of friends and family the art of riding sensibly and safely, whether on the track, highway or in street traffic. He became a defensive driving school instructor.
The Sultan of Slide is dedicated to Bob’s life and his most consuming challenge.
