How to Autocross (Sadesign) [Paperback]

Andrew Howe (Author)

Book Description

Series: Sadesign | Publication Date: February 15, 2009

Autocross is the most accessible form of motorsports for the sports car enthusiast. With many clubs sanctioning events, it is possible to attend an event nearly every weekend in many areas. The low-risk format allows drivers to participate without needing to extensively modify their car for safety. Autocross events are held all across the United States and Canada. These events allow the average person to participate with their typical street cars. Because of the nature of the sport, drivers of many different skill levels and goals participate together. Casual drivers out for a good time and serious competitors with loads of talent can run in the same event and all have fun.
How to Autocross covers everything you need to know to get behind the wheel and start autocrossing. It covers basic modifications such as tire pressures, alignment, and dampers, to more advanced modifications that go beyond the stock classes. Because autocross is a test of driver skill, there is a heavy emphasis on driving and car control, with coverage on accelerating, braking, weight transfer, shifting, corners, slaloms, and finding that perfect line. Information is also included on car classes, driver schools, data logging, how events are typically run, and how to find events in your area.
If you would like to start racing on a budget, and want to have a blast on weekends showing off your car and your driving skills, How to Autocross is a great guide to get you started!

Editorial Reviews

Review

No matter if you are just looking for a fun thing to do once in awhile or you are prepared to get serious about Autocross this book contains tips and techniques that will help you accomplish your goals. ---Performance in Motion, Spring 2009

The book is a visual treat thanks to terrific photography on nearly every page, and the author makes good use of the images to illustrate lessons and ideas. ---Grassroots Motorsports, June 2009

Howe's book is a must-read for novices and experienced autocrossers alike... ---Corvette Fever, reviewed by Scott Ross, September 2009

About the Author

Andrew Howe is a civil engineer living in Salem, Oregon. He has been an avid autocrosser since 2000 and has participated in events up and down the West Coast. He is currently the director for autocross events for Oregon Region SCCA.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: S-A Design (February 15, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932494839
• ISBN-13: 978-1932494839
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,073,951 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A comprehensive beginners guide to Autocross, September 6, 2009

By 

Jared Still (Beaverton, OR United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How to Autocross (Sadesign) (Paperback)

This is a fairly comprehensive beginners guide to autocross.

Howe has effectively explained what autocross is, and made it simple for the beginner.

Basic driving techniques are well explained as well, and many that are not beginners can probably learn something from a thorough read.

One of the most valuable aspects of the book is the the vast collection of photos. There are many examples of how to drive, and how not to drive, on an autocross course.

I also appreciated the breakdown of the classes of cars, and the general discussion of the types of modifications allowed in each class.

Those that aspire to be competitive in a particular class will appreciate this, as it becomes apparent that some of the classes have a relatively low entry point as far as cost of the car and any modifications is concerned, while other classes require a serious commitment in cash if to make a car competitive. This is all well known to folks with a little experience, but to the rank beginner this is the fastest way to gain some familiarity with the different classes. Reading this book first will make reading the Solo rule book a bit easier.

Highly recommended for anyone serious about autocross.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Review of the topic, April 14, 2009

By 

Kimsey Pollard "Reads Everything" (Atlanta, Ga) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: How to Autocross (Sadesign) (Paperback)

The book accomplishes its' goal of explaining autocross techniques. However, casting no aspersions against the book, autocross is learned by practice and watching others practice far more than than by reading. While I can read and understand the text, it occurred to me that the pictures were as much if not more informative in illustrating what to do or not do. The pictures are instructive as is watching others except with freeze frame showing the consequences of right or wrong moves.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly Recommended, February 26, 2011

By 

Jim Stainer (Sunny Minnesota) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: How to Autocross (Sadesign) (Paperback)

The photos in the book alone are worth more then the cover price. This book is an excellent resource for any driving enthusiast. It breaks down autocrossing in detail and gives great examples of what works, what doesn't and why. This book is a very good introduction to the sport and should be in every autocrossers library.