Secrets of Solo Racing: Expert Techniques for Autocross and Time Trials

This book was the first I ever read on racing technique. This book is so good, that every time I read any other instructional books on racing my expectations are far higher than they can deliver. I read this book as a beginner, and I think that is who will benefit most from reading it, though all levels will learn from it. It lays out all the relevant information in simple language (once you pick up the necessary driving vernacular) and includes simple but very effective diagrams to help explain points. Far better than much more expensive books (and I've bought a lot of them) with fancier photographs and pro racer forwards and such.

The author briefly and concisely covers every aspect of racing in general and solo in particular: the friction circle, correct line in turns, late apexes weight distribution and suspension compression in turns, acceleration and braking, optimizing the slip angle, left foot braking, trail braking, heel-and-toe with double declutch, and so on. How to prepare yourself and your car for solo racing, as well as the basic rules, are covered here. Hand position on the steering wheel here is explained better than in most books on competition driving. The author has devoted 9 pages to it, and exposed the "Shifty-Hand" and "Zaccone" methods. The author writes that on higher-speed slaloms (series of pylons set in a line), you may need to be lifting the throttle or tapping brakes bit to get the car to do what you want it to do. I fully agree with the author. Someone can argue that constant throttle application is better to not upset the car. Throttle lift during slaloms is tricky to coordinate and will require practice to become expert. When you've found the limit with constant throttle application and cannot go faster, the throttle lift will give some additional mphs. For example, for a straight line of pylons at the distance of 25m (82 ft) the maximum speed of a FWD stock 1500 kg (3306 lb) car with constant throttle application is about 65 km/h (40 mph) and is around 80 km/h (49 mph) when using throttle lift. That's a big difference. When the car is at its speed limit, with constant throttle application, the front wheels tend to scrub, the car tends to understeer. With throttle lift, the rear wheels are sliding all the way around the slalom, but the grip of the front wheels are perfect, they always point to the direction of travel, that is what we need, the car overseers here, but it is OK. Another important advise that the author gave is to hit the apexes. "Even if you are sure that the car will not go to the apex, turn in and hit the apex". This is a very good book. It has a glossary, a bibliography and an index. I would also recommend "The Front-Wheel Driving High Performance Advantage" by Jack Doo, Carroll Shelby in addition to this book.

Although the book deals with both autocross and time trails, my experience is solely with autocrossing. For a beginner in this sport (like myself), I find it useful to re-read this book regularly. Initially, I focused on just getting around the course. However, as I become more comfortable on the track, I tend to remember more "technique" and tips from a re-read. Definitely a valuable resource, and highly recommended.

This book is good for all. It is easy to understand, goes over basics, goes over the more detailed stuff. As a novice to autocrossing, I found it very helpful to learn all the basics in one book. Anything anyone has told you about the basics out on the track has been listed here. Not a substitute for track time, and some of the autocross wizards have pearls but they might be jumping over the basics. An excellent read.

I highly recommend this book if you have any intention of being competitive in autocross driving. In fact, I would recommend it even for casual racers. Tons of great information on driving technique, the fast line, tire adhesion, preparation of the car and driver, and more. This book should be required reading for anyone who wants to drive fast.