Product DescriptionFor autocross drivers who race the cars they drive every day, this handbook covers everything from choosing the best class and car to tuning, modifying, and racing that car.
Aimed at all those autocross drivers who race the cars they drive every day, this thorough and easy-to-follow handbook covers everything from choosing the best class and car for competing to tuning, modifying, and racing that car. Richard Newton, an ASE-certified Master Technician, discusses the rule book and driving techniques used in autocross events. He focuses on car subsystems, including engine, suspension, wheels and tires, and brakes, among others. The book includes drawings of course set-ups, as well as a complete reference appendix.
Autocross vs. Racing (Rating: 5 out of 5) There's a difference between racing and running an autocross. I've done both. The old adage is that most great autocross drivers can become really good road racers. On the other hand not all road racers can become great at running an autocross. I think there's a lot of truth to that.
Looking to begin racing & searching for a guide how (Rating: 3 out of 5) I've been interested in getting into autocrossing and purchased this book in hopes it would help me find my way. The book is full of color pictures, many of which I found interesting but after a while began to feel it took away from the substance of the written material. I will say the book also does a nice job of explaining the various SCCA classes and what is required to meet the class specifications.
I also recently read another book that talks about how people can begin participating in motorsports including autocrossing - "Go Ahead - Take the Wheel" by Dave Gran. I would highly recommend that book to anyone interested in motorsports! Actually, if one buys both books and use them together, you'll have all the information one could need to get into autocrossing (and other forms of racing Dave talks about in his book).
Lacks references to the other titles (Rating: 3 out of 5) I like this paperback very much for its photos: much of the space on pages is covered by great exciting pictures with valuable comments under each image.
This book is the unsurpassed reference on how to choose the best class for SCCA autocross; it has excellent descriptions of requirements of each class, actual for 2006 season.
The major drawback of this book is the lack of references section. When you complete this book, you have no directions where to proceed; you have no idea of further reading. When the author quotes somebody, he gives no source. I see no shame in exposing the source. All prominent writers are dwarves standing on the shoulders of giants (previous writers). There are also errors in the names of products: "Motul" damper on page 25 (should be "Moton"), "Scroth" on page 113 (should be "Schroth"). The second edition of this book is desired.
While most of the book is devoted to differences in SCCA classes, very little attention is given to driving techniques. For example, the author devotes only a quarter of textual page to "oversteer & understeer" with no illustrations. As a comparison, Carl Lopez in his famous title "Going Faster" gives 17 pages full of illustrations to explain these modes of car behavior. I highly recommend "Going Faster" to any autocrosser.
In addition to this book, I would recommend "Winning Autocross Solo II Competition" by R. H. Turner & J.B. Miles; and "Secrets of Solo Racing" by Henry A. Watts
If you need something deep on driving techniques (which apply to any motorsport, not just autocross), I would recommend "Competition Driving" by Alain Prost, "The Technique of Motor Racing" by Piero Taruffi, "Driving in Competition" by Alan Johnson and "Sports Car and Competition Driving" by Paul Frere.