A champion racer and pro driving coach’s secrets for success in this popular, skill-driven motorsport—includes color photos. With its solo set-up, more subdued speeds, and endlessly varying events and courses, autocross is the easiest, safest, and least expensive way to get into motorsports. Anyone with a helmet and a car can do it. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have some driving skills—which is where this book comes in. As a veteran racer and professional driving coach, Ross Bentley knows what it takes to compete and win, and he gives you the benefit of that knowledge in this book. The first in the Speed Secrets series to address a specific form of racing, this volume focuses on the skills critical to autocross success: car handling and driver skill at high speeds on unique courses. Though slower than other motorsports in absolute terms, autocross, with its high number of turns per minute, can challenge even the most expert driver. Adapting his time-proven method of teaching drivers how to go fast, Bentley clearly details the steps and techniques that help autocross drivers maintain control and dominate a course at speed. Though specific to autocross, and essential to mastering its particular challenges, his advice and instruction in this book will prove invaluable to drivers who go on to road racing as well.

Autocross is open to just about anyone with a helmet and a car. Aimed at all those autocross drivers who race the cars they drive every day, this thorough and easy-to-follow handbook covers everything from choosing the best class and car for competing to tuning, modifying, and racing that car. Richard Newton, an ASE-certified Master Technician, talks in a reader-friendly fashion about what can be done, why it should be done, and what might need to be altered when conditions change. He discusses the rule book and driving techniques used in autocross events. Featuring helpful full-color illustrations, this guide covers all engine/drivetrain combinations, and focuses on car subsystems, including engine, suspension, wheels and tires, and brakes, among others. The book includes drawings of course set-ups, as well as a complete reference appendix.