Autocross/Solo (Top-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 Top-Level Autocross/Solo Books
The top-level autocross classes allow almost any type of vehicle including all-out race cars, and therefore the design and construction aspect of the vehicle is almost unlimited. If you are new to Autocross driving or looking to get better, then we suggest a book specifically on Autocross driving techniques. In terms of race car design and construction, the type of car you are fielding will determine the type of books you look for.
If you are using a production donor, we suggest books that focus on understanding vehicle dynamics (How a vehicle behaves in motion), production vehicle customization/upgrades, and vehicle setup. You may seek books that potentially address conversion of a production vehicle to a race car.
If you are designing and building from scratch then we suggest books that focus on design and construction of a race car type similar to that which you intend to run. Vehicle handling/dynamics, chassis and suspension are good starting points as the vehicle design largely depends on these areas.
| Book Category | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driving |  Winning Autocross Techniques  (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":    | |||
| Vehicle Dynamics/Handling |  DIY Testing of Car Modifications  (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": | |||
| Vehicle Dynamics/Handling |  Fast Car Physics (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": | |||
| Vehicle Dynamics/Handling |  High-Performance Handling for Street or Track: Vehicle dynamics, suspension mods & setup (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": | |||
| Vehicle Dynamics/Handling |  Race Car Vehicle Dynamics (R146)  (5 / 5)A comprehensive book on the vehicle dynamics of race cars (and applicable to road cars). Includes the most in-depth theoretical knowledge about vehicle handling, suspension and dynamics available in a single book. Along with clear explanations of principles there is a large mathematical component for engineering design. Can be used as a university textbook for vehicle engineering/Formula SAE/Student. Get "Race Car Vehicle Dynamics (R146)": | |||
| Vehicle Dynamics/Handling |  The Racing & High-Performance Tire: Using Tires to Tune for Grip & Balance (R-351) (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)": | |||
| Whole Car (Preparation) |  How to Autocross (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": | |||
| Whole Car (Preparation) |  Prepare to Win: The Nuts and Bolts Guide to Professional Race Car Preparation (5 / 5)Carroll Smith's guide to preparing a race car for competition. Includes information about fasteners, riveting and welding, basic metal working, plumbing , fuel safety cells, electrical, brake system, clutch, suspension, wheels, tires, engine and gearbox and more. Get "Prepare to Win: The Nuts and Bolts Guide to Professional Race Car Preparation": |
More Information
For complete information on the design and construction of the Autocross/Solo (Top-Level) race car type and a full listing of books and learning resources, see our Autocross/Solo (Top-Level) race car type article.