The Physics of Nascar: The Science Behind the Speed [Bargain Price] [Paperback]

Diandra Leslie-Pelecky (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 27, 2009

A physicist explores the science of speed racing

With 75 million fans, NASCAR is the #1 spectator sport in America. Now, in The Physics of NASCAR, a scientist explains the intricate and complex way the sport works, in terms that anyone who drives a car—or maybe occasionally looks under the hood—can easily comprehend. Based on her extensive access to NASCAR race shops, drivers, crew chiefs, engine builders, and pit crews during races, Diandra Leslie-Pelecky traces the life cycle of a race car from its creation at top race shops to competing in the door-todoor action of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“NASCAR fans will flock to this book.”
—Booklist

“To understand what is happening on the track… you need The Physics of NASCAR.”
—The New York Times

“Language sports fans can understand… You’ll be as entertained as you are informed.”
—The Sporting News

“The people she encounters are fascinating... Even if you are not a NASCAR fan, read The Physics of NASCAR.”
—Physics Today

About the Author

Diandra Leslie-Pelecky is professor of physics at the University of Texas at Dallas. Her research is funded by the Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, and the National Institutes of Health.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Plume; Reprint edition (January 27, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0452290228
• ASIN: B002PJ4LCC
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,180,351 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2.0 out of 5 stars Target audience unclear, August 28, 2011

By 

Sunny in CA (California) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Physics of Nascar: The Science Behind the Speed (Mass Market Paperback)

While I got some interesting info out of this book, and the author indeed is good as using analogies to convey ideas, the book doesn't seem to have a target audience in mind. If the book is for NASCAR fans, the book needs an order-of-magnitude more photos and illustrations, and much more exciting stories. Instead, most concepts are just explained in writing, which is akin to explaining how to tie a shoe just by writing -- that just doesn't work unless you already know the info. And while it was cool that author got to hang around a pit crew and driver and visit some NASCAR shops, the stories of the people are dry, suitable for a personal journal maybe but not a book, and most of the people described just aren't interesting or relevant.

Or, if the book is for high-school or college students learning physics, the book doesn't come anywhere near what would be useful -- not a single equation, too ad hoc, etc.

I am still glad I read the book and I did finish it. For only $3 on Amazon, who can complain. I used the book to fall asleep at night, and it worked great -- I don't mean that sarcastically, I did enjoy learning a bit of NASCAR info and falling asleep. I did find myself sharing some info with friends, but not very much.

Overall, a decent book, glad I read it, worth the $3, but I can see why it (probably) didn't sell very well.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great book, March 3, 2010

By 

Irene Edmonds (Bakersfield, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Physics of Nascar: The Science Behind the Speed (Paperback)

the book was a very well written book on the technial aspect of nascar racing. the writer did a lot of research to develop this project.she is very intelligent.