I was wondering if there are any books on the fundamentals of track driving for learning the basics. I figure I could do some research over the winter, and I plan on DE events in the spring.

Thanks

 

i think hand-on experience is much useful than reading a book in this matter.

u should look into program such as Porsche Driving Experience & other driving school program. the most important thing is getting used to NO-FEAR when u on track. that u can't learn in the book.

 

I just figured that there might be good reading on the physics while I wait out the winter.

 

Alan Johnson's book is excellent. I think it is called "Driving Experience" but I could be wrong. Alan was a big IMSA driver among a lot of other things. Definitely explains the pyhsics of driving.

Plus if you search on the web there is a lot of hands on detail from some great drivers

 

"Going Faster", written (sort of) by the Skip Barber folks is pretty much everything you need to know. It's well written, detailed, talks about the underlying physics, and shows DAS plots for students vs instructors.

Just a wonderful book. Best money I ever spent on my car.

 

Would highly recommend some seat time to get over that initial hump. Try the Porsche Driving Experience, it's awsome, great instructors and you use their cars on one of the best tracks in the world(BMP). Well worth it.

 

Secrets of Solo Racing by Henry Watts is what you're looking for.

 

Also, you can get "Going Faster" on video.

http://www.speedgear.com/ has it.

They blow it out every once in awhile for around $12 or so (I think that's what I paid).

 

http://www.motorbooks.com/cgi-bin/We...=Auto%20Racing

PDE intro 2 day course

Skip Barber 3 day racing course

Been there, done these. Highly recommend both schools and the book.

Driver's Ed is awesome. I have 12 years, 43 events, and 8 different tracks in my log book. But you do it at your own risk to your own car. And you do it with a mixed pool of instuctors whose credentials may be limited to a dozen or so DE's more than yourself.
Professional schools provide race proven professional drivers as instructors, and they provide the cars. You provide the cash and the enthusiasm. No problem with worrying about whether you need track tires next time, or which brake pads to use. They assume the majority of the risk and maintenance. Then, when you do go to your first DE you will drive better and need less help from "cash infused equipment."
Bondurant is the KING of teaching high performance driving.
Spend your winter reading his 5th edition. Save your "track tires and wheels" money and spend it on these great driving schools. And have a great time at Driver's Ed. It is the second most fun you can have in your car!

Mark

 

Ditto!

 

Thanks for the help.