I purchased the first edition of this book at the PRI show in 2003 from Bill Mitchell (Racing by the Numbers Software) when I was updating my WinGeo3 software. Unfortunately, I did not take time afterwards to make use of it. Updating again in 2004, Bill said "... you really need to look at the last two chapters of this, the second edition." Since my return flights were significantly delayed, I had ample time to review it. I came to realize that most every one of my customers should have it!  Now the 3rd edition is available and has new pages of information including a section on tuning shock absorbers in the 10 cornering phases! 

It is intended for anyone who is interested in understanding vehicle dynamics and hopes to improve race car performance. It is as good for the entry level racer as it is for the more experienced race engineer. It is a very extensive yet basic book.

This book is divided into three main sections - Tire Chapters, Kinematic Chapters and Dynamic Chapters. It starts by providing the reader with the most complete overview of the racing tire I have ever found. The first four chapters cover  everything from the basics of tire construction and how they generate grip right through to complex models and use of tire data. But the structure is such that a reader can read as much as he or she can absorb and then, once finding oneself in over his or her head, move on to the next section.

The next 9 chapters cover the science of kinematic motion and performance characteristics related to a vehicle in motion. The book walks the reader through a number of kinematic and dynamic performance examples using Bill Mitchell's WinGeo3 software. It enables readers to experiment with the principles being taught in the book utilizing a version of Bill's 'Geometry' software which comes on a CD with the book. Normally offered for $395, this version prohibits saving of new data but is fully functional in all other ways. This section of the book is not purely theoretical. It focuses on the practicalities of suspension adjustment on various different types of car.

The last 8 chapters move into Dynamics. Simulation models are Excel spread sheets which are also supplied on the CD. Ultimately a corner is broken down into ten segments where setup changes are evaluated in each. This is powerful stuff!! I see now why Bill was so enthusiastic about this book.  I have it in stock, an excellent buy at $120. Purchase on-line HERE!