Winners Are Driven: A Champion's Guide to Success in Business & Life

By Bobby Unser

Book Overview

Praise for WINNERS ARE DRIVEN -The basic principles in becoming a world champion automobile racer, successful businessman, and human being are exactly the same principles that must be utilized by anyone in order to attain success. The many examples of good sportsmanship, the emphasis on family, the importance of customers, and good customer relationships are so very important in life today. Unser is a man who has lived his life to the fullest, accomplished so very, very much, and yet been true to his friends, his family, his competitors, and is the epitome of success.- -Barron Hilton, Chairman, Hilton Hotels -A wild ride with a racing legend. Bobby is still going 100 mph as he shares his life strategy for success. Nothing fancy, just good ol' Unser common sense.- -Doug Sellars, Coordinating Producer, Fox Sports Net -As a member of a family involved in American automobile racing for over 80 years, I find Bobby Unser's Winners Are Driven unique in comparing what it takes to be successful in the racing world and how it applies to one's business and personal life. . . . With Bobby's insight and gut instincts he effortlessly crosses over from racing to life in general.- -William D. Loadvine, Executive Director of Advancement, University of Southern California -Bobby's drive and passion have fueled his incredible success both on and off the track, and his story translates into invaluable life lessons for us all.- -Jeff Bliss, President, The Javelin Group Former President/CEO Sara Lee Olympic Partnership -This book depicts the life of Bobby Unser from his humble beginnings in the heartland to his many accomplishments. It spells out the philosophy of the great American spirit, the driving force of professional sports, and the necessity of having the presence of outstanding leaders and human beings throughout the world today.- -Gregory R. Dillon, Vice Chairman and Director Emeritus, Hilton Hotels -Over thirty-five years ago, early in my ABC Sports career, I first met Bobby Unser. As one of this country's premier drivers, Bobby seemed to be at or near the front of each race. While attaining renown on the track, off the track he was gracious to the media and racing fans. When he retired, we hired Bobby as ABC Sports's color commentator for Indianapolis-car racing. For nine years he performed very professionally and very colorfully. Bobby Unser, successful on the track and off . . . still going strong.- -Dennis Lewin, Senior Vice President Broadcast Planning The National Football League

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0471250686
• ISBN13: 9780471250685
• Release Date: February 2003
• Publisher: Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, John
• Length: 210 Pages
• Weight: 1.03 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.3" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

One of the best I've ever read.

I just finished reading the business book "Winners Are Driven" by 3 time Indy 500 winner Bobby Unser. As an avid reader of business books, having read over sixty, I find this book to be one of the best I have ever read. The book really excels when compared to books written by college professors that give theory rather than Bobby's proven practices. The clear explanations and categorizations are superior to or equal to any book I've read anywhere. Thanks Bobby for giving back with this great book offering one of the best perspectives of how to be excellent generally, how to constantly improve, and how to win in competition. I love auto racing, the sport where Bobby had his success, though I don't watch it much today. USA racing seems to be for any nationality other than an American. Europe's Formula 1 is a joke having grooved tires to slow the cars and chicanes to break up the straightaways. Bobby's period of racing was a best one having high speeds and the basics of all the technologies including advanced aerodynamics; it was only lacking in some of today's safety items and it lacked the hideous computer systems that take away from driver responsibility and skill. The drivers of Bobby's period of history were the real road warriors. So-much-for today's pretty boys... Great book. Highly recommended.

Great book on winning in business and life (and racing)!

Bobby Unser was a very successful race car driver. This book shows that he always is a successful business man. Not being a racing fan, I wasn't too excited at first, but I enjoy reading motivational and self-improvement books, so I thought I'd check it out. Although I wouldn't say it turned me into a racing fan, I got to appreciate the scientific and sporting aspects of racing.The advice given, although not earth-shattering, is both true and effective. For example, he talks about the desire to succeed and how this is a necessary "fuel" for winning. Many other self-development authors speak about this much as well. It is not anything new. However, He gives vivid examples from his racing career and from other anecdotes of friends and acquaintances. These examples are well-chosen because they are inspiring. This is similar to other sections of his book. Bobby Unser seems to be very principle oriented as well as a man of integrity. He talk about instances where he could have turned his back on a commitment for monetary gain or to get on a better racing team (he made it seem like it was a somewhat common occurance in auto racing), but he stayed true to his commitment and it ended benefiting him in the end. This is refreshing considering some of the stereotypes of big business today where the search for a dollar seems to be the guiding principle sometimes. I highly recommend this book. Even though it has a lot of auto racing stories, Unser tells them in a way that non-fans would really enjoy them and get motivation from their example.

Desire fuels the fire...

...and visions are meant to be shared.Bobby's translation of what it takes to move from leading a race into the winner's circle to leading in business is an analogy well made in this book, particularly for all racing fans who find themselves wanting to gain a winning edge in life.Paul Pease parlays Bobby Unser's winning focus in driving to be first for the checkered flag into a shared vision for his readers of what it takes to succeed in business. Bobby's lessons learned on the track and in between race days made him a part of one of America's most winning race families in a sport that has literally killed many who took on its challenges.Bobby's experience in the business of racing and in the business of business in his twenty years of retirement, make him an excellent teacher of valuable lessons for the lay reader. The examples of lessons learned from his years of racing provide an entertaining and enlightening background for the reader to gain perspective on each message Bobby has to offer.Bobby is clearly a monumental character both on the track and off. Being a willing teacher of what it takes to make a difference in business as in life makes this book very satisfying to the finish.

Unser takes the checkered flag, again!

I found Bobby's book to be not only a fun read, but also packed with great motivational tips. Applying the tips to racing really hit home and was great reinforcement. It was nice to read about someone who actually practices what they preach, and can then explain it so that others can benefit.