Speed Secrets: Professional Race Driving Techniques (Paperback)

by Ross Bentley (Author) "If you want to drive a race car well, whether to win an Indy car race or just have fun competing in the middle of..." (more)
Key Phrases: slip angle range, traction circle, corner entry speed, Traction Circle, James Weaver, Formula One (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Shave lap times or find a faster line through your favorite set of S-curves with professional race driver Ross Bentley as he shows you the quickest line from apex to apex! With tips and commentary from current race drivers, Bentley covers the vital techniques of speed, from visualizing lines to interpreting tire temps to put you in front of the pack. Includes discussion of practice techniques, chassis set-up, and working with your pit chief.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Motorbooks; 1st edition (August 13, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0760305188
• ISBN-13: 978-0760305188
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #16,008 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

51 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Speed Secrets review, July 3, 2000

By	"krof" (Sweden) - See all my reviews

I've done AutoX and road racing for some years and recently started as an instructor for racing drivers license courses. I have bought and read about ten books on motor racing technique. This one, written by Ross Bentley, was one of the best. Where Skip Barbers (although excellent) book is very theoretic and quite technical in it's approach, with diagrams and figures, Ross Bentley writes modestly and concisely about the "softer" sides of racing, for example about mental training, feeling the car and how drivers psychology works.

Many of the secrets are blatantly obvious when you see them in print and read his motivations, but to race successfully you need to remind yourself all the time. This book is perfect for that. The suggestions on how to hone your race driving skills in your everyday street car (without ever violating traffic laws i must add) is worth the price of the book alone. If you must buy only two books on racing, combine Ross Betleys Speed Secrets with Barbers book and you get most of the picture. Highly recommended!

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you think you've read it all, BUY THIS BOOK!!, March 3, 1999

By	Jeff Mulvihill, Jr. (San Jose, CA) - See all my reviews

This book is wonderful, I have just about all the driving books available today and was unsure about buying this one... I am very happy that I did, it was and is very worth the money.

Bentley, who does still race, is easy to read and talks in terms of real world driving, on the street. Yes, he covers a lot about on the race track and the finer points, but her relates that to the street and the "practice" of feeling the car and understanding what is happening at all times in order to become a better driver... and it actually works, I have started to become more aware of the fine movements of weight distribution in my commute to work!

If you think you have too many books on driving, splurge a little and buy this one, I think you'll be happy you did!

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read for Performance Minded Drivers, May 10, 1999

By A Customer

Very few top level athletes have the ability to explain how they do what they do - Ross Bentley has this ability! As well as being a successful racer himself, Bentley eloquently shares his knowledge and experiences - a rare trait amongst top level racing drivers!

Unlike other books that focus on track techniques only, Bentley offers up knowledge that will also help you safely get more out of your everyday street driving. Being a racer myself, I appreciate that Speed Secrets addresses performance driving as a "whole" including mental and physical aspects and not just track tactics.

It's always great when successful athletes share their knowledge and expertise and Ross Bentley does that in a way that makes you want to read the whole book in one sitting and pick it up again and again! An invaluable reference tool!!