Welcome
According to anthropologist Kate Box, our support for the underdog stems from one of the defining values of Englishness, that of fair play. In her fascinating and funny book, Watching the English, one of countless supporting observations is that, in the absence of pre-existing loyalties, we will instinctively support the underdog in almost any sporting contest, right up until the point where those unfancied competitors manage to gain the upper hand and begin to dominate, at which point our instincts lead us to switch support. It’s only fair, after all. So, readers of an English disposition should enjoy this month’s lead story because it shines a big warm spotlight on all things automotive, from nascent car manufacturers to underrated racing drivers, that have dared to have ambitions above their station,…