Upcoming novel Backmarker celebrates Mazda MX-5 racing, with insights from Racing Pride Ambassador
Racing Pride celebrates the upcoming publication of Backmarker, a novel by Kieran Jordan, a bisexual UK-based writer and director. Set in the world of Mazda MX-5 racing, Backmarker releases on 28th May and is currently available to preorder in both hardback and ebook versions.
We’re proud to spotlight Kieran’s achievement, as a member of the LGBTQ+ community who has written a story which centres on MX-5 racing and the world of competitive motorsport.
The novel is rooted in authentic racing culture and written with input from drivers, to ensure accuracy. The story follows a struggling MX-5 racer as he confronts failure, fame, and brutal expectations, forced to choose between becoming the person others demand and protecting the passion that first put him behind the wheel.
The plot touches on aspects of women’s experience in motorsport and has subtle layers relating to the LGBTQ+ experience. The novel aims to share a more realistic take on an underdog story within the motorsport world.
Racing Pride Ambassador, Luke Pullen, is a British racing driver, who has recently competed in the SCCA Hoosier Super Tour Spec MX-5 Championship. Luke has racked up a significant number of wins and podiums over the last 5 years racing Mazda’s in both the UK and the USA, and was one of the drivers Kieran spoke with for insights when writing his novel.
Racing Pride members can stay tuned for some exclusive content about the creation of the novel, which will be coming soon to our membership page.
Read a synopsis for Backmarker below, and don’t forget to preorder your copy, available on the publisher’s website, Waterstones and Amazon.
In the adrenaline fuelled world of competitive motorsport, Arthur Mangold takes the wheel of a Mazda MX-5, doing everything he can to keep up in a sport where he finds himself finishing last more often than not. He struggles to grapple with the tension between his passion and the pressures of those around him. Competition is one thing, but his biggest battle emanates from his own doubts and the blunt, unwavering expectations of his mother, Maddie, a former racer herself. When financial strain puts his championship dream at risk, a viral video of Arthur’s quirky, unfiltered commentary on the track propels him into the spotlight, opening unexpected doors.
While he finds newfound popularity, there’s no escaping the harsh realities that come with such an environment, growing rivalries, the looming threat of failure, manipulation. As the walls begin to close in, Arthur must confront not only his driving abilities but his identity as a racer also.
Everyone has a passion, a reason they do what they do, the thing they can’t imagine their life without. But sometimes, that purpose can get lost, leaving one question:
What drives you?
