Customer Rating: 
Summary: Good fundamental information
Comment: The late Carroll Smith is certainly opinionated, but knowledgable on the fundamentals of materials engineering. Although much has happened in the materials field since this writing, the basic fundamentals are covered well.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Not really a book on engineering
Comment: Smith's books have become bibles for many racers. This one has very good sections dealing with detail aspects of race car systems although it felt like something was missing in the area of suspensions. But suspensions require their own book so that is probably unavoidable.
Smith spent nearly the first third of the book explaining the history, refining, and structure of steel. Interesting stuff but what he was getting to was why ferrous metals fail, and not all of the information in the first third of the book was required for that. And this is a metals book, he had little experience with composites and there is really no useful information about them in the book.
All of his information on threaded fasteners is in his fastener book (which is very good) so reducing that would have made more space for info about race car systems.
I was surprised to see that much of his info about welding was either outdated or incorrect according to the American Welding Society.
So, don't expect too much from this one and check critical information with other sources.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Just Get the Book. It is that good! Period.
Comment: I have read many books pertaining to chassis design, construction techniques, automotive materials selection, suspension design, engine design, engine components and construction, aerodynamics, downforce, sheetmetal fabrication, welding, machining, car tuning, etc. Few I have read more than twice. This is one of those few books. But why? Carroll Smith presents the information logically, clearly and with the correct amount of depth so that you may make cognizent decisions. He is able to write in such a way that it reads easily...as though you have recorded your conversation as he answers your many questions. It is not dull, engineering jargon but interesting, factual data presented well. It would be nice if all subjects were as well documented and presented. A thanks to Mr. Smith for sharing the information. It must have taken many years (and lessons) to gather.
The pictures are done well, the graphs and tables present the information clearly and adequately backup his statements. If you read the book and absorb all that is presented for you, you will be a much wiser individual for the experience. You will be a better racecar builder AND a better driver as you will understand what is happening as you navigate the course.
I would recommend not only this book but the entire "to WIN" series as they all share these traits.
Happy learning!
Customer Rating:
Summary: Important Engineering handbook for any motorsport pro!
Comment: The definitive motorsport engineer's handbook. It is an absolute must for anyone who considers themselves a professional in this industry. Buy this book through Amazon, or if you want a signed copy, try doing a google search on Carroll Smith to find other useful Carroll Smith links. He is one smart man!Engineering is the crux of it all, no question about it. I bought Carroll's whole set of books begrudgingly, but they helped me improve my game BIG TIME. I am much more able to discuss with my engineer now. My mechanic gave me his copy (it was obviously used once or twice!) and ordered me to get a copy of my own. The pole positions that came quickly after it proved this book's worth.
This one is a little technical, but if you can get through it with a dictionary at your side and really understand what's being said, you'll find yourself a happy person.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Packed with Nerd details!
Comment: This book is packed with all the nerd one could ever use.
I would rate this book very high for someone looking to increase their techinical knowledge of racing. It covers different types of materials and their ability to hold up during a race. Very good book.Jeremy
