Car racing book recommendations

[CDawg]

Does anyone know of a book(s) that is similar to Total Control and A Twist FO the Wrist II for cars instead of motorcycle?
I'm going to a track day with a friend and would like to study up!
Thanks!

[triangleforge]

"Secrets of Solo Racing" by Henry Watts is a good one, with pretty clear explanations of the basics, from foot & hand work, to picking the right line (both in looking at an individual turn & for a complete course), to car set up basics. It's from 1989, but the laws of physics haven't changed since then, nor have the basic concepts of making a car go fast on a closed course.

http://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Solo-Racing-Techniques-Autocrossing/dp/0962057312

[PizzaMonster]

A couple more oldies but as said above, the principles don't change:

Bob Bondurant on High Performance Driving  1982
Jackie Stewart's Principles of Performance Driving  1986

Hmmm...I'm showing my age again.      

[FatguyRacer]

Thanks TF! I was gonna suggest that one and couldnt for the life of me remember the title. I have a copy somewhere too. The other book the OP might wanna look into is by Vic Elford. If IIRC its called, Porsche High Performance Driving Handbook. It's oriented toward Porsche cause ole Vic was a factory driver. But it's not specificly oriented toward drving a Porsche. Though he does wite about taming oversteer happy 911's. It'll apply to any highpo car that can do more than go fast in a straight line. His insider racing stories are worth the price of admission alone.

[raulduke]

I instruct at trackdays for a number of schools nationwide...I recommend.  "The Technique of Motor Racing" by Piero Taruffi.  Oldie but a goodie.  Also you might try "Going Faster: Mastering the Art of Motor Racing" by Carl Lopez. 

Really concern yourself with the concept of "the traction circle" and "limited traction" and you'll be fine.  Riders make good drivers, because riding requires good fundamentals...brake in a straight line, firm commitment, etc. 

My only advise; is when it doubt late apex.  A late apex usually means your spin will be down the straight away rather than off course...

Good Luck and Have Fun

[triangleforge]

dug out my copy of Watts' book & found a line that's stuck with me all these years:

"If you are not using the throttle with great vigor, you should be using the brakes with great vigor. Don't coast." 

[CDawg]

Thanks everyone!  I'm also planning on doing a couple of go-kart days to sharpen my skills...my buddy is very fast and I'd love to be able to hold my own!