Great Books to Read About Car Racing

If you’re a car racing fan, you know that there’s nothing quite like the excitement of watching the world’s best drivers compete. But what if you want to learn more about the sport? Luckily, plenty of great books are out there that can give you an inside look at the world of car racing. However, very few people know how to select a great book about car racing. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing a book about this thrilling sport.

Mechanic reading instructions under open hood

Factors Readers Should Consider While Choosing Books

1. Author

The first factor to consider is the author. Many great authors have written about car racing, but not all books are created equal. Research the author and see if they have a good reputation. Have they won any awards? Are they well-known in the car racing community? If the answer to these questions is yes, then the author will likely have written a great book about car racing.

2. The content of the book

The second factor to consider is the content of the book. What does it cover? Is it mainly about the history of car racing? Or does it provide tips and tricks for being a successful racer? If you are looking for a book that will teach you how to be a successful racer, you should look for one with a lot of content about strategy and race craft. However, if you are looking for a book that covers the history of car racing, then any book with good reviews will likely suffice.

3. The length of the book

The third factor to consider is the length of the book. This is important because you do not want to get bogged down by a long, drawn-out book about car racing. If the book is too long, you may lose interest before you even finish it. On the other hand, if the book is too short, it may not have enough information to be worth your time. The ideal length for a book about car racing is somewhere in the middle.

4. The price of the book

The fourth and final factor to consider is the price of the book. You would not want to spend a lot of money on a book you might not read, so be sure to set a budget before you start your search. Once you have found a few books that meet your criteria, compare the prices and choose the most affordable one.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can be sure to find a great book about car racing that you will enjoy reading. Moreover, books containing a lot of color pictures cost more to publish and this cost is passed on the reader. It’s OK to spend a bit more on a book, but it should be worth the money and not just another book by a random self-proclaimed racing guy. Below are a few suggestions that you might want to consider.

1. Racing to the Finish: My Story

Racing to the Finish: My Story by Dale Earnhardt Jr. is a great read for any fan of NASCAR. Earnhardt Jr. takes readers on a behind-the-scenes look at his life and career in racing, sharing stories of his ups and downs on and off the track tales.

Features 

  • Earnhardt’s story is about determination, hard work, and success.
  • It’s an inspirational tale that will motivate readers to never give up on their dreams.

2. F1 Mavericks: The Men and Machines that Revolutionized Formula 1 Racing

F1 Mavericks is a book about men and machines that revolutionized Formula 1 racing. It tells how a group of mavericks changed the sport forever.

Features

  • Informative and insightful commentary on the exciting world of Formula 1 racing.
  • Authoritative and objective coverage of the key players, teams and events
  • Fascinating insights into technologies and engineering.

3. Racing Mustangs: An International Photographic History 1964-1986 (Made in America)

Racing Mustangs: An International Photographic History 1964-1986 (Made in America) is a book that authoritatively documents the exploits of great cars on racetracks around the world. Featuring over 500 color and black-and-white photographs, it is an essential reference for anyone interested in the history of the Mustang on the race track.

Features

  • The book also includes a lot of information on the different Mustangs
  • It is a great way to learn about the history of this iconic car.
  • The book includes photos and information on the various Mustang teams

4. Touring Car Racing: 1958-2018, the history of the British Touring Car Championship

In Touring Car Racing: 1958-2018, the history of the British Touring Car Championship is captured in over 600 photos. Author Michael Holmes gives readers an inside look at how the sport has evolved over the years, from its humble beginnings in the 1950s to the present day. Featuring interviews with key figures in the BTCC, this book is a must-read for any fan of Touring Car racing.

Features

  • details the history of the British Touring Car Championship
  • includes 600 photos

5. Full Circle: The Story of Davey Allison

Full Circle: The Story of Davey Allison is a book about the author’s favourite stock car racing driver. Steve Holmes provides an intimate look at Allison’s life on and off the track.

Davey Allison was a fierce competitor on the track, winning 19 races in his short but illustrious career. In addition, he was a devoted family man and a true southern gentleman off the track.

Features

  • the story of Davey Allison
  • a detailed and comprehensive book

6. “Icons of Motorsport: An Adolescence Lived During the Golden Age of Sports Car Racing (1966-71)

Optican’s book, “Icons of Motorsport: An Adolescence Lived During the Golden Age of Sports Car Racing (1966-71),” chronicles his coming of age during this exciting period in motorsport history. The book is filled with personal anecdotes and memories of some of the most iconic figures in racing, including Mario Andretti, Jackie Stewart, and Jim Clark. In addition, Optican gives readers a unique perspective on the sport, providing insights into the culture and atmosphere of racing during this time.

Features

  • profiles some of the biggest names in the sport
  • personal stories and photos

Racing to the Finish: My Story

F1 Mavericks: The Men and Machines that Revolutionized Formula 1 Racing

Racing Mustangs:

Touring Car Racing: 1958-2018:

Full Circle:

Icons of Motorsport:

Author

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Pete Biro and Niki Laud

Steve Holmes

Matt James and Alan J. Gow

Liz Allison and David Green

Mitchell E. Optican

What’s Inside

Taking a personal look at Dale Earnhardt's last race

An overview of Formula 1's evolution

An overview of the Ford Mustang's rise and history

60-years of British Touring Car Championship

A biography of racing legend Davey Allison

An inside look at the life and career of a race car driver

Conclusion

You might have noticed some books are a lot more expensive than others. That’s mainly because it costs a lot more to print color photos and these books contain hundreds of them. As a result, they cost significantly more. However, these are also a lot more engaging than simple text books and are more fun to read. 

Car racing has long been one of the most popular forms of motorsport, and its popularity has only increased in recent years. This is partly thanks to the increasing accessibility of technology, which has allowed more people to get involved in the sport. As a result, the books highlighted above will provide a deeper insight into car racing history and a glimpse into its future.