"An Introduction to Race Car Engineering" 3rd Edition

Order Your Copy Today!

To order a copy online click here. If you have questions or would like to arrange another purchase method please email info@rowleyrace.com.

Book II

Click here to learn about Book II

Press

Read the review from The International Journal Racecar Engineering - April 2004 - Vol 14 No 4

About The Book

This book provides the reader with a basic overview of the racing tire, the science of kinematic motion and the science of performance characteristics related to a vehicle in motion. The book walks the reader through a large number of kinematic and dynamic performance examples while using the accompanying software packages to help clarify each component discussed in Book One. The software also allows the reader to work beyond the confines of the book. The first book, together with its four companion books, have two primary themes: (a) an understanding of the basics of race car dynamics and (b) an understanding of how to use that theory. Click here to read the foreword written by Bill Ball.

Why This Book Was Written

Though a team may hire us to develop a test program, too many times when we arrive at the shop, we find ourselves spending far too much time helping the team get up to speed with the needed fundamental aspects of vehicle dynamics rather than being able to move right into the test design and implementation process. The book is our attempt to help teams begin their learning process before we arrive on the scene. Though only the first in a five book series, if an individual spends sufficient time working through Book One in conjunction with the various software packages, his knowledge of race related vehicle dynamics should be expanded considerably. Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on how you view it, many of today’s race engineers and crew chiefs are operating with a vehicle dynamics knowledge base much lower than that presented in Book One. The book has been developed from seminar and workshop materials compiled while working with teams over the last eight years.

Who Should Read This Book

This book is intended for anyone who is interested in understanding vehicle dynamics and hopes to improve race car performance. It is meant for both the entry level racer and the more experienced engineer. It is a basic book, not necessarily an easy book. Even the most basic concepts involved in race car dynamics can be pretty daunting for the racer who is just beginning his or her journey on the road to understanding how that darn race car works. Hopefully, this book will enhance your journey.

Companion CD

WinGeo3 – A renowned program used by many of the world’s top race car designers and teams. This demo version allows the user complete access to the program. However, new co-ordinates cannot be saved. WinGeo3 is used extensively throughout the kinematic chapters.

Wan31 – This purpose-built, Microsoft® Excel based statics and dynamics simulation program has been thoroughly tested by numerous individuals and race teams. Though the reader does not have to understand the formulas to use the simulation model, the mathematical analysis of this one program covers 67 pages alone. The various Wan31 models are used extensively throughout the dynamics chapters.

Chapter Listing - Table Of Contents

This book is divided into three main sections - Tire Chapters, Kinematic Chapters and Dynamic Chapters. Click the file below to view the table of contents (Acrobat PDF).

Chapter Excerpts

The following chapter excerpts are available for downloading:

You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader 5 or better installed. Adobe Acrobat Reader is a free download at Adobe.

Pricing And Availability

Price: $120.00 USD + Shipping and Applicable Taxes

Order your copy online

If you would like to request a shipping quote before ordering, please fill out the Shipping Quote Request Form.