Motorsport is a highly addictive and extremely exciting activity, whether this is from the perspective of competitor or spectator. At the highest levels, financial backing is phenomenal, technical expertise is almost beyond comprehension and, pressure to succeed is immense. However, there is one potential ‘weak link’ in the chain: the human mind. Race teams invest heavily in research and development in order to obtain the edge over competitors. They endeavour to recruit the most suitable drivers or riders, based on experience, previous results and ‘potential’. Awareness of the importance of physical fitness is increasing within motorsport Very few competitors are schooled in the use of psychology to develop the mental strength required to be the best of the best. Younger competitors would undoubtedly benefit from elements of Psychological Skills Training while they are learning race craft. This applied text aims to provide a ‘psychological skills training’ package that should, with practice, improve a competitor’s mental approach in preparing for competition. The information contained here is accessible to the competitor in motorsport, practitioner, or student. Consequently, the text is organized into four distinct yet complementary sections and is written in such a way that the reader will be able to pick up the book at any chapter and make progress, depending on his or her needs at the time.

Most people have good days...and not so good days. When they step back and ask what makes the difference, many conclude that it’s that stuff that happens between their ears. So, how do we engineer our mindset? How do we get our mental game right, so that we can perform at our best, consistently? Peak Performance Every Time provides readers with a detailed look into how to build the critical components of a great mental game. It will help them to hone their focus, control their confidence, master motivation and deliver their best ‘under pressure’. In short, it will help deliver peak performance, every time. The book provides a practical guide to performance psychology, based on approaches and methods that have been tried and tested in the demanding world of elite sport. In addition to applied practice, it provides real life examples and case studies from both elite sport and business, plus the underpinning theory and research. This book will be invaluable to anyone trying to reach their full potential, in particular athletes, coaches, managers and executives. It may also be of interest to sports psychology, management and business students.

Teaching is a rewarding, yet demanding profession, one in which a person needs to be fully prepared. This book focuses on the applied psychological skills, strategies and resources, which will help to ensure you are equipped with personal and professional expertise to survive in the classroom. In the book you will find: - An overview of important psychological themes within teaching such as confidence, motivation and self esteem - Explorations of physical issues related to successful psychological functioning, such as fitness and nutrition - Advice and activities which will show you how to learn and use psychological skills and techniques directly Readily accessible to a wide audience, including internationally, the book assumes no prior knowledge of psychology. The authors give specific examples taken from a diverse range of professional situations, always with relevant theoretical underpinning, and the structure allows you to dip in and out of chapters and sections. The text provides support to students on teacher training courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. It will also help teachers in their formative professional years.

Despite its worldwide following, high levels of investment and scientific complexity, there is a lack of evidence-based literature on the science of human performance in motorsport. Focusing on the physiological, psychological and sport medicine aspects of training, performance, injury and safety, The Science of Motorsport is the first book to provide an accessible and up-to-date resource for stakeholders at all levels of motorsport. Addressing the physiological and psychological stresses of racing across a full range of sports, from Formula 1 and IndyCar to NASCAR and endurance racing, the book includes chapters on: • nutritional and physical training strategies for drivers; • the driver’s neck; • injury rates and pathologies of open-wheel driving; • return to competition from concussion; • driver safety; • and considerations for pit crews and safety staff. Accessibly written and made up of contributions from world-leading authorities in motorsport science research, this is a crucial resource for racing drivers, physical trainers, pit crew members and safety personnel, as well as researchers and students with an interest in applied sport physiology, applied sport psychology or sport medicine.

A champion racer and professional stunt driver reveals the secrets of peak performance in any endeavor. Optimum Drive is the complete step-by-step guide to maximizing human performance. As a professional racing driver and a driving coach for over twenty years, Paul F. Gerrard gives you his unique perspective on what causes people to stagnate with the idea of being merely good, when each of us has the potential to be great. Gerrard believes that peak performance is within our grasp. Gerrard helps you understand the mental toughness that it takes to reach that greatness. He starts off by taking you onto the track as he explores what driving at 200 mph can teach us about who we are. Using his experiences from behind the wheel at death-defying speeds, Gerrard breaks down the psychology of driving, what it takes, and how we can use it to achieve greatness in life. The key, he says, is the nirvana-like sensation of flow psychology, or being in the zone—a mental state in which one who is performing an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and joy. It is through flow psychology that Gerrard introduces a blend of holistic mindset combined with a competitive edge, which is essential to successful professional driving. This mix of guts, tenacity, and endurance is the foundation of Gerrard’s philosophy for attaining greatness—and can be put to work for you too, on or off the track.

Whether you're bracket racing your daily driver, tuning the new suspension setup on your weekend bracket racer, or competing in one of many pro classes, drag racing is the participation motorsport of choice. McKenna uses over 300 color photos to show you what to expect your first time out, how to set your street or racecar up for consistency and speed, and driving technique for enthusiasts at all levels. He talks tires, safety equipment, driving aids like line-locks and delay boxes, choosing a class, and advanced racer math. Special sections detail how to maximize your current setup and strategy bracket racing success.

Studies the case of Formula 1® to show how businesses can achieve optimal performance in competitive and dynamic environments.