When writer and long-time motor-racer Frank Barnard took to the track in a round of the 2CV Championship at Silverstone recently he fixed a large decal to the roof of his Hollis Motorsport-prepared car promoting To Play The Fox, his latest World War 2 fighter pilot novel. He added the slogan: ‘ Fast & furious, like my latest thriller.’

Battling for a top-ten position two thirds through the race Frank was snagged by a following car at Brooklands corner, span through 360-degrees before being launched into a mid-air barrel roll, the car landing right side up and slightly the worse for wear.

Not so Frank who survived unscathed, bowed to the crowd in the grandstand and received a round of applause. ‘ If it had to happen,’ he said later, ‘ it was the right place. The sticker got lots of attention. Let’s hope it boosts my book sales, if not my accident record.’

For more, check out Frank’s website: frankbarnard.com

Frank's epic about the siege of Malta, Band Of Eagles, is currently Number One best-seller on the island, ahead of Dan Brown's latest! He's offering hard-cover editions on eBay, which he'll dedicate personally as Christmas or birthday gifts.