Beginner Autocross/Solo Books

Autocross/Solo (Entry-Level) Quick Start Learning Guide

Get started on your race car project today with this Quick Start Learning Guide to help you choose books that will provide the best initial value, information and guidance.

Tips On Choosing Autocross/Solo (Entry-Level) Books

The entry-level autocross classes require a stock or near-stock vehicle, and therefore the design and construction aspect of the vehicle are limited to what the regulations permit. We suggest books that focus on driving techniques, understanding vehicle dynamics (How a vehicle behaves in motion), production vehicle preparation and setup and minor modifications such as tires or wheels (If permitted).

Quick Start Books
Shown below are the books we suggest as first-reads for the Autocross/Solo (Entry-Level) race car type. Some of the books may apply to any type of race car including yours. To filter the books, follow the instructions below.

Quickstart learning books filter instructions

Book Category 
Topic (Level)
Vehicle Type
Resource Type
Driving
Winning Autocross Techniques
Winning Autocross Techniques
4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)

Specifically written for Autocross, this volume in the Speed Secrets series focuses on the lower average speed/higher number of turns format of Autocross and the special driving techniques that reduce course lap times.

Get "Winning Autocross Techniques":
Driving ( Basic)
Driving ( Advanced)
Autocross/Solo (Entry-Level)
Autocross/Solo (Mid-Level)
Autocross/Solo (Top-Level)
Book Resource
Vehicle Dynamics/Handling
DIY Testing of Car Modifications
DIY Testing of Car Modifications
3.5 out of 5 stars (3.5 / 5)

Provides low cost techniques to help measure and compare performance changes of a vehicle. Includes flow testing the intake and exhaust, aerodynamics and acceleration.

Get "DIY Testing of Car Modifications":
Dynamics/Handling ( Basic)
Autocross/Solo (Entry-Level)
Autocross/Solo (Mid-Level)
Autocross/Solo (Top-Level)
Book Resource
Vehicle Dynamics/Handling
Fast Car Physics
Fast Car Physics
4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)

A great introduction to the world of vehicle dynamics, in language and explanations that are easy to understand. Learn basic vehicle physics, handling/dynamics, suspension types and geometry, and the latest approaches to green technologies for racing--energy recovery and storage.

Get "Fast Car Physics":
Dynamics/Handling ( Basic)
Dynamics/Handling ( Advanced)
Autocross/Solo (Entry-Level)
Autocross/Solo (Mid-Level)
Autocross/Solo (Top-Level)
Drag Racer (Junior Dragster)
GT
Rally
Sport Racer/Sports Prototype
Stock Car (Production-Based)
Supercar
Touring Car
Book Resource
Vehicle Dynamics/Handling
High-Performance Handling for Street or Track
High-Performance Handling for Street or Track: Vehicle dynamics, suspension mods & setup
4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)

Provides advice on planning modifications, installing components and tuning the handling characteristics of street vehicles. Includes an overview of vehicle dynamics and advice on selecting aftermarket components such as brakes, wheels, camber adjusters, anti-roll bars, springs, shocks and bushings. Also includes tire and wheel selection.

Get "High-Performance Handling for Street or Track: Vehicle dynamics, suspension mods & setup":
Dynamics/Handling ( Basic)
Suspension ( Basic)
Autocross/Solo (Entry-Level)
Autocross/Solo (Mid-Level)
Autocross/Solo (Top-Level)
Custom Street/Import
GT
Rally
Stock Car (Production-Based)
Street Rod
Supercar
Touring Car
Book Resource
Vehicle Dynamics/Handling
How to Make Your Car Handle
How to Make Your Car Handle
5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)

Teaches how to improve vehicle handling through suspension and chassis modifications and understanding vehicle dynamics. Includes basic suspension theory on roll centers, roll axis, camber change, bump steer, anti-dive, ride rate, ride balance as well practical chassis modifications.

Get "How to Make Your Car Handle":
Dynamics/Handling ( Basic)
Dynamics/Handling ( Advanced)
Chassis ( Basic)
Suspension ( Basic)
Suspension ( Advanced)
Powertrain ( Basic)
Aerodynamics ( Basic)
Construction/Assy ( Basic)
Construction/Assy ( Advanced)
Autocross/Solo (Entry-Level)
Autocross/Solo (Mid-Level)
Custom Street/Import
Dune Buggy
Formula (Winged)
GT
Midget (Full Size)
Midget (Quarter)
Off-road Truck
Pickup truck (Custom Off-road)
Rally
Rider Mower
Sport Racer/Sports Prototype
Sprint (Full Size)
Sprint (Micro)
Stock Car (Production-Based)
Stock Car (Scratch-built /Late Model)
Street Rod
Supercar
Touring Car
Book Resource
Vehicle Dynamics/Handling
The Racing & High-Performance Tire: Using Tires to Tune for Grip & Balance
The Racing & High-Performance Tire: Using Tires to Tune for Grip & Balance (R-351)
5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)

Provides comprehensive information on how tires work, their construction, manufacture and testing. The book also covers vehicle dynamics and the tire's contribution to them.

Get "The Racing & High-Performance Tire: Using Tires to Tune for Grip & Balance (R-351)":
Dynamics/Handling ( Basic)
Dynamics/Handling ( Advanced)
Chassis ( Basic)
Chassis ( Advanced)
Autocross/Solo (Entry-Level)
Autocross/Solo (Mid-Level)
Autocross/Solo (Top-Level)
Book Resource
Whole Car (Preparation)
How to Autocross
How to Autocross
5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)

Teaches car setup, driving skills and modifications for autocross racing. This book includes basic modifications for tires and suspension and more advanced modifications for mid to top level classes. Autocross driving skills such as acceleration, braking, shifting, weight transfer, slalom and driving lines are explained. Provides information how autocross events are run, the classes and the use of data logging to help analyze performance.

Get "How to Autocross":
Dynamics/Handling ( Basic)
Dynamics/Handling ( Advanced)
Suspension ( Basic)
Suspension ( Advanced)
Driving ( Basic)
Driving ( Advanced)
Autocross/Solo (Entry-Level)
Autocross/Solo (Mid-Level)
Autocross/Solo (Top-Level)
Book Resource
Whole Car (Preparation)
Showroom Stock Race Car Preparation
Showroom Stock Race Car Preparation
4 out of 5 stars (4 / 5)

200 step-by-step technical illustrations and information on preparing a stock production vehicle for racing.

Get "Showroom Stock Race Car Preparation":
Chassis ( Basic)
Chassis ( Advanced)
Suspension ( Basic)
Powertrain ( Basic)
Safety/Ergo/Interior ( Basic)
Safety/Ergo/Interior ( Advanced)
Construction/Assy ( Basic)
Autocross/Solo (Entry-Level)
Custom Street/Import
Stock Car (Production-Based)
Touring Car
Book Resource

More Information

For complete information on the design and construction of the Autocross/Solo (Entry-Level) race car type and a full listing of books and learning resources, see our Autocross/Solo (Entry-Level) race car type article.

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