By Darci Robbins
Natalie Lowndes is no stranger to living life in the fast lane, and now fans can read all about it in her biography Just Nat.
The book was written by Natalie Kile, Lowndes’ close childhood friend.
Just Nat: Life in the fast lane with Natalie Lowndes documents many aspects of Lowndes’ life – from her childhood to where she is now, with one of the main themes conveyed throughout being empowerment.
Kile was signed by Hawkeye Publishing, a traditional publishing house located in Brisbane.
“We are thrilled that the two Nats – Nat Lowndes and Nat Kile – chose us,” Carolyn Martinez, Hawkeye Director said. “Our cover design had a lot to do with it. Nat Lowndes wanted it to be authentically her, and that cover is. Readers will love the photographs inside the book too.”
“When I first sighted the manuscript of course I was curious to see how much Craig Lowndes was mentioned, and in what tone,” Martinez said.
“I was pleasantly surprised to read about a genuine woman speaking fairly and honestly about her former husband, and the father to her children.”
Why I signed this book.
“What sealed my determination to sign this book however, was reading how Natalie Lowndes drove a souped-up V8 interstate through the night to surprise and take back to their place one of Craig’s fans who was going through a rough time and needed a mate. That stuff matters! They welcomed him at their place for months! And when you read Just Nat you’ll see why. From that moment on I was totally hooked.
“Natalie Lowndes’ recollections of the areas and what teenagers were like in the 80s brought back my own youth. Her first autograph experience made me laugh.
A book from the heart
“As I read the first draft manuscript, I was hit with moment after moment that drew me into the interviews and stories.
Look out for her friend who says “and there goes me Suzuki, straight past me, with a chick on it” – that made me laugh out loud. The range and breadth of people close to Nat Lowndes that Natalie Kile interviewed I found captivating.”
“I hope you enjoy reading about Natalie Lowndes as delivered by her good friend, Natalie Kile, as much as I’ve enjoyed helping to finesse the work to publication. This book is all about Natalie Lowndes and the extraordinary life she’s lived, and lives. She walks her talk: ‘We’re not here for a dress rehearsal.’”
Find out what shaped Natalie Lowndes
“Nat’s early adventures and experiences that shaped her, through meeting her husband, behind the scenes of the V8 motorsport industry, incredible fan anecdotes, starting a family, the breakdown of Australia’s golden couple, a trip around Australia with her son and daughter, and life after V8 motorsport,” Martinez said when asked about what Just Nat: Life in the fast lane with Natalie Lowndes is about.
The biography shares anecdotes from Lowndes’ friends and family, such as Jill Johnson, Alyson Faulkner, Bev Brock, Helen Lowndes (Craig Lowndes mother) and Flav (Lowndes’ best friend).
“Just Nat is ‘just that’ one woman’s race through life. Flat out down the straights and no backing off on the corners.
From the back streets of Kallangur to the racetrack and outback, in Just Nat beats a huge heart and soul with a generosity of spirit and resilience to negotiate any obstacle in her path,” Ian Skippen said in a testimonial for the biography.
“Absolutely amazing, so much so I am going to read it a second time,” Owner of Erebus Motorsport SuperCars Racing team, Betty Klimenko, said in her testimonial for Just Nat.
Natalie Lowndes has said that this book is not a financial gain for herself, but for her mate Nat Kile.
“She deserves it, and I support her all the way,” Lowndes said. “Nat’s been writing this book for years, I’m so proud of her. Girlfriends are forever.”
Pre-order autographed copies
Just Nat is set to be officially released in March 2022, with 500 pre-order autographed copies currently available at hawkeyebooks.com.au. “If you want one though, you do need to order soon,” Martinez said. “We’ve been swamped with orders. They were only released last Thursday and we only have around 100 left.”
“Some people turn 40 and write a bucket list which involves jumping out of planes … I chose to challenge myself to write a book and tell a story that matters,” Kile said.
You can buy this great biography here.
