Race Car Engineering & Mechanics
by Paul Van Valkenburgh
Hardcover, 307 pages, Illustrated with photographs and drawings
Publisher: Dodd, Mead & Company; First edition (1976)
ASIN: B00191WOFS - ISBN-10: 0396072011 - ISBN-13: 978-0396072010
A comprehensive guide on how to tune, test, and win in any form of racing. Includes technical information on all areas of race car engineering, including suspension and chassis, springs, brakes, aerodynamics, engine systems, safety, driving, testing, computers in racing, and a special section on race cars of the future.
Paul Van Valkenburgh has been an automotive engineer for nearly 35 years, working for such clients as General Motors, McDonnell Douglas, Poenske racing, and many other racing teams.
Over 200 photos and illustrations, will guide you through the complete process of engineering a race car. Theory, development and mechanics of race car engineering are covered in a balanced and concise format. Written for either the experienced non-racing mechanic, or the non-racing engineer, this book shows you how to apply your knowledge.
Donated to CMGC by club member Ralph Brooks
There are also later updates:
Paperback edition 2000, 176 pages, ISBN 10: 0768007178 - ISBN 13: 9780768007176
Paperback edition 2001, 176 pages, ISBN-10: 1557883661 - ISBN-13: 9781557883667
The later editions noted here are not currently in the club library, but do exist in the world if you are interested.
The second edition has been revised to include information on front wheel drive race cars, wind tunnels and aerospace materials. This book concludes with an inside look at the future of racing technology. TOPICS INCLUDE: Aerodynamics and Ground Effects; Racing Suspension Geometry & Design; Brake Systems; Testing & Race Set-up; The Driver's Role; Tire Technology; Wind Tunnels; Racing Computers.
29 editions published between 1976 and 2001 in English (and Undetermined) and held by 262 WorldCat member libraries worldwide. A CD-ROM contains: DataLink DEMO v4.30 (CMGC may not have the CD ROM from the later edition).
QUOTES:
'For anyone remotely interested in race car engineering - serious fans among them - this book is a must... its longevity underlines the book's true value... a veritable classic.' Autoweek.
'An excellent book, one of the few with real engineering credibility.' - Lee Dykstra, winning professional sports car driver.
'Unquestionably the most current, factual, and detailed expose of present-day race car engineering available. Definitely required reading for both serious and casual race engineers.' - Tony Cicale, winning Indy car engineer.
