This introductory book teaches the basic techniques of data analysis to help make race cars and drivers go faster. Six main channels are scrutinized including Speed, Engine RPM, Throttle Position, G Force Lateral, G Force Longitudinal and Steering Angle.

This introductory book teaches the basic techniques of data analysis to help make race cars and drivers go faster. Six main channels are scrutinized including Speed, Engine RPM, Throttle Position, G Force Lateral, G Force Longitudinal and Steering Angle.

A Practical Guide to Race Car Data Analysis was written for the amateur and lower-level professional racers who either have a data system in their cars or who may be thinking about installing one but who do not have access to an experienced data engineer. Many of the data systems available today at reasonable prices offer capabilities that only professional race teams could afford just a few years ago. Unfortunately, most of these racers do not know how to use more than a small part of those capabilities. Using real track data, numerous real-world examples, and more than 200 illustrations, the Guide gives them the knowledge and skills they need to select, configure and use their data systems efficiently and effectively.Beginning with a detailed discussion of the things racers need to know about the hardware and software necessary for a an effective data system, the Guide continues with chapters on basic data analysis tools, more sophisticated data analysis tools like x-y plots and math channels, damper potentiometers and the wealth of important data they produce, brake and clutch pressure sensors, and creative use of math channels. The Guide concludes with a comprehensive scheme for analyzing data, examples of the data views used with the scheme, and detailed information on how to create and configure the data views.

Racecar data acquisition used to be limited to well-funded teams in high-profile championships. Today, the cost of electronics has decreased dramatically, making them available to everyone. But the cost of any data acquisition system is a waste of money if the recorded data is not interpreted correctly. This book, updated from the best-selling 2008 edition, contains techniques for analyzing data recorded by any vehicle's data acquisition system. It details how to measure the performance of the vehicle and driver, what can be learned from it, and how this information can be used to advantage next time the vehicle hits the track. Such information is invaluable to racing engineers and managers, race teams, and racing data analysts in all motorsports. Whether measuring the performance of a Formula One racecar or that of a road-legal street car on the local drag strip, the dynamics of vehicles and their drivers remain the same. Identical analysis techniques apply. Some race series have restricted data logging to decrease the team’s running budgets. In these cases it is extremely important that a maximum of information is extracted and interpreted from the hardware at hand. A team that uses data more efficiently will have an edge over the competition. However, the ever-decreasing cost of electronics makes advanced sensors and logging capabilities more accessible for everybody. With this comes the risk of information overload. Techniques are needed to help draw the right conclusions quickly from very large data sets. In addition to updates throughout, this new edition contains three new chapters: one on techniques for analyzing tire performance, one that provides an introduction to metric-driven analysis, a technique that is used throughout the book, and another that explains what kind of information the data contains about the track.

To make your car handle, design a suspension system, or just learn about chassis, you’ll find what you need here. Basic suspension theory is thoroughly covered: roll center, roll axis, camber change, bump steer, anti-dive, ride rate, ride balance and more. How to choose, install and modify suspensions and suspension hardware for best handling: springs, sway bars, shock absorbers, bushings, tired and wheels. Regardless of the basic layout of your car—front engine/rear drive, front engine/front drive, or rear engine/rear drive—it is covered here. Aerodynamic hardware and body modifications for reduced drag, high-speed stability and increased cornering power: spoilers, air dams, wings and ground-effects devices. How to modify and set up brakes for maximum stopping power and handling. The most complete source of handling information available. “Suspension secrets” explained in plain, understandable language so you can be the expert.

Filled with interactive exercises and practical advice, this is a must-read for job seekers looking for their next step and for recruiters tasked with finding the perfect candidate, changing the way we think about careers and recruitment.

"Prepared to Win deals exclusively with the nuts and bolts of race car preparation."--Back cover.