Customer Reviews

Sports Car and Competition Driving

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

From the first glance, I liked that book much! It is written in a very friendly tone, clear language! It begins with a large chapter about the driving position; there are lots of photos with the right and wrong poses, with analysis of each case. The evolution of the correct driving position is also exposed. Then goes a chapter about power, torque and when to change the gear to achieve different goals: fuel economy, engine lifetime, maximum speed. After that there is a section about the correct braking and pedaling.

The author has dedicated a large topic of this book to quick and safe cornering, explaining the forces and vectors that act upon the axes and wheels; about the oversteer and understeer, about slipping, sliding and skidding. There are very simple and clear formulas to calculate the total adhesion of a wheel with the road.

The rest of the books is about the sport events: how to prepare and how to perform. Should the generic reader be aware of the contests, right?

The detailed reading of the book has shown some arguable points. For example, the author is glorifying the ABS in one chapter and writes about controlled slide in another chapter, not mentioning the controlled slide is hardly possible with ABS. It seems that the textual fragments which were added in the second edition of the book about the modern whistles-and-bells like ABS are not well aligned with the rest of the book (that's why four stars only) which Paul Frere has published in the first edition, and this original text about physics of cornering is just brilliant!

However, if you liked a better book about cornering and not filled with much information about sport events, I would have recommended numerous textbooks by Professor Tsygankov, who has even a separate textbook about the correct handling of the steering wheel. This subject is almost overlooked by Paul Frere.

This book is full of formulas for computing maximum theorhetical speed through corners, and the like. The information is presented in a way that people with several seasons under their belts could use, but definitely NOT for the beginner, unless you happen to also hold a PHD in physics. If you are considering writing a video game, THIS is the book for you. It has all the formulas you'll need to make your car handle realistically.

This is a thinking person's book, from a great world class driver. Eloquently written and clear advice combined with basic level formulas, photos, and illustrations to get the messages to the reader on multiple planes of communication. Approaching fifty years since it was first released, the immensely practical advice in this book is timeless. Frere provides not just "tips" to drive fast, but concepts and tools to develop your own thinking and analytical skills to learn how to handle all manner of challenges on the road and track. It promotes "safe" as much if not more than fast, and that is all the more reason to have, read, study and practice the lessons it provides.

I bought this book expecting to find instruction on how to drive. I got a physics text. Don't waste your money.

Interesting book. nice anecdotes. all the physics one might want to know is included in there too..

Although this book is clearly geared towards people with experience, there are pages dedicated to how to adjust your seat and the mirrors, when and how to brake, using the accelerator for best effect, etc. Everyone can learn something (or a lot) new from this book!

Immediately after reading this book I start feeling better in my car driving seat. I became more calculated in my movements and avoid the stupid rush to go kind of things.