Driving in Competition

Alan Johnson, the 4-time SSCA National champion, is the founder of three-graded scale to categorize the corners by importance. This scale is often cited by the modern writers like George Anderson (A Race Drivers Handbook) and Ross Bentley (Speed Secrets). Alan Johnson is considered the classical author and is often mentioned in the "references" or "recommended reading" sections of the modern published works on competition driving. Most of motor sports champions are eager to publish volumes about their career, illuminating the bright point in it, being reluctant to teach which underlying techniques made them outgo their competitors. This publication is not the case. It contains analysis and examination of competition driving in quantities sufficient for a novice to enter the subject yet enough not to frighten the beginner. Although the book contains the topics about formal automotive associations and about getting your competition license which are somewhat outdated since the last edition published in 1976, it may be of great historical interest. The book is also jam-packed with photographs of competition cars of Fifties, Sixties and Seventies, which big retrospective worth. This book is the friendliest title on competition driving I've ever seen! This is probably first textbook you might want to read on this subject! As an example of the friendliness, the author managed to explain such perplexing terms as "understeer" and "oversteer" in the most concise and clear way ever possible (however he has used the term "slip angle" in the explanation of "oversteer" without previously defining what "slip angle" is). If you need a deeper book about competition driving, I recommend "Sports Car and Competition Driving" by Paul Frere, but don't get frightened by formulas that might seem obscure from the first sight, Paul Frere is also a clear writer!

I was refered to this book by an ex.IMSA GTU racer as a starting point. After studying the basics for months I was able to qualify an arrive and drive two seconds off the pole and had never drivin at speed before and at SEARS POINT !!While this is not indicative of most,I believe the FUNDEMENTALS of this book are necessary!For six years I have competed in many classes and endurance races.It all comes back to the same basics.Next book that is really great is "Thinking To Win " which hits the mark on competition thought,prep,feeling and application. If your just starting or just interested in roadracing this is the 1st book that gives you what you really want to know.

Johnson's method for analyzing a race course is unique and excellent! Several years ago I was a crew chief on a race car. I used his method to analyze some changes that had been made at one of our tracks. While everyone else was struggling to figure out the right line, we set a lap record, qualified on the pole and led the race from start to finish. That chapter alone is worth the (miniscule) price of the book. His advice on driving techniques is just as relevant. Every racer owes it to himself to read this book, and every fan will gain a much better understanding of what really goes on out there.