Speed Reading

Title: An Introduction to Race Car Engineering, Book I (2nd edition)
By: Warren J. Rowley
Note: Includes William Mitchell software program

The Canadian-based Rowley Race Dynamics group has provided a heftymanual that allows the racer to get as intense into the engineering sideof racing as the reader chooses. This book is the first of five plannedvolumes that will shed light onto many elements of race car performance.Book I is divided into three primary parts and is intended to be read inthe order in which it is printed. The first section deals with tires. Itdeals with design and performance parameters, tire performance, andanalyzing data. The second section utilizes the demo version of WilliamC. Mitchell's WinGeo3 to explain the ins and outs of suspension motion.The accompanying text in the book gives plenty of insight into thekinematic motion of race car dynamics. The final section deals withstatic and dynamic with emphasis on load transfer and simulation. Wan31Aand Wan31B software programs provide additional learning assistance. Formore information or ordering, visit www.rowleyrace.com.

Title: Speed Secrets 4 - Engineering the Driver
By: Ross Bentley
Note: Fourth of a series

The highly successful Speed Secrets series continues with volume 4. RossBentley is a professional driving coach who has experienced life as afull-time racer. This book targets the crewchiefs, coaches, instructors,and family members who desire to see their driver reach full potential.It provides the essential tools that motivate the driver to perform morereliably and consistently in the quest to be the best. Bentley explainsdriver engineering techniques and strategies that work. A fifth book inthe series is due for a January 2006 release. Each of the Speed Secretvolumes carries a $17.95 retail price, and the books are available fromMotorbooks. For more information or ordering, visit www.motorbooks.com.

Title: NASCAR
By: James Buckley Jr.
Note: Part of the Eyewitness Series

There are over 130 books offered in the Eyewitness Series, produced byDK Publishing. The books provide a plethora of basic information in anattempt to interest the readers on a subject and in reading in general.The book is also part of the NASCAR Library Collection. It is filledwith hundreds of full-color and behind-the-scenes photographs,fascinating facts, and has a complete history from the birth of theseries into the 21st century. A glossary of racing terms and acomprehensive index help this serve as a reference book for youngerreaders as well. The 72-page book is recommended for readers 8 and upand sells for $15.99. The Eyewitness series is multi-faceted, includingsports, history, geography, and science. If you have an interest, thereis probably an Eyewitness book that addresses it. For information orordering, contact www.dk.com.

Title: Edelbrock--Made in USA
By: Tom Madigan

The book debuted in a gala celebration in May 2005. The scene of thegathering was Vic's Garage, the private automotive family museum inTorrance, California, a fitting place for the launch. The 325-pagehistory of Vic Edelbrock takes the reader through the varied spectrum ofthe career of one of the automotive world's pioneers. Veteran journalistTom Madigan spent three years with interviews and research, and theresults are obvious. The book takes in the good times and the bleaktimes, and you feel fulfilled at the end, as though you have experiencethe full journey. It includes pictures never published before, and manywere handed over straight from the original source. The book isavailable for $40 plus shipping and handling. It is available inbookstores or through Motorbooks. In a unique program, it is alsoavailable for purchase from the Edelbrock Web site. All copies purchasedthrough that means will be signed by Vic Edelbrock Jr. For informationor ordering, visit www.motorbooks.com or www.edelbrock.com.

Title: Richard Petty--Images of the King
By: Ben Blake and Dick Conway

He's the undisputed king of stock car racing. This coffee table book ofmore than 250 pages is a suitable tribute to royalty. Filled with greatpictures and sprinkled with quotes from the king himself, this book isan easy read. Ben Blake's words combine well with Dick Conway's photoselections to give a complete view of Petty. History buffs will find joyin the early imagery and description of racing back then. The modernfan, who may not have ever seen Richard drive, will get an appreciationfor how the sport has grown and the role Petty has played in getting itthere. It's a fitting tribute to an American sports icon and isavailable for $29.95. For ordering information, contactwww.motorbooks.com.