Sports & Recreation : Motor Sports

Every NASCAR fan – at one time or another – asks the same question: Why isn’t my favorite driver winning? This is your chance to discover how much more there is to NASCAR than “Go fast, turn left and don’t crash.” If you’ve ever wondered why racecars don’t have mufflers, how “bump drafting” works, or what in the world “Let’s go up a pound on the right rear and add half a round of wedge” means, The Physics of NASCAR is for you. In this fast-paced investigation into the adrenaline-pumping world of NASCAR, a physicist with a passion uncovers what happens when the rubber hits the road and 800- horsepower vehicles compete at 190 miles per hour only inches from one another. Diandra Leslie-Pelecky reveals how and why drivers trust the engineering and science their teams literally build around them not only to get them across the finish line in first place, but also to keep them alive. Professor Leslie-Pelecky is a physicist in love with the sport’s beauty and power and is uniquely qualified to explain exactly how physics translates into winning races. Based on the author’s extensive access to race shops, pit crews, crew chiefs and mechanics, this book traces the life cycle of a race car from behind the scenes at top race shops to the track. The Physics of NASCAR takes readers right into the ultra competitive world of NASCAR, from the champion driver’s hot seat behind the detachable steering wheel to the New Zealander nicknamed Kiwi in charge of shocks for the No. 19 car. Diandra Leslie-Pelecky tells her story in terms anyone who drives a car--and maybe occasionally looks under the hood--can understand. How do drivers walk away from serious crashes? How can two cars travel faster together than either car can on its own? How do you dress for a 1800°F gasoline fire? In simple yet detailed, high-octane prose, this is the ultimate thrill ride for armchair speed demons, auto science buffs, and N more...

Price: $16.00

The almanac that puts the pedal to the metal. For anyone new to the world of racing or hardcore fans looking for a comprehensive overview, this is the only book necessary. Chronicling the complete history of NASCAR®, as well as its controversies, this almanac—filled with fun facts, trivia, and stats—is the perfect guide for its millions of fans. • NASCAR® is America’s #1 spectator sport with 75 million fans. • Identifies leagues, top drivers, strategies, scoring systems, rule changes, and terms. • Includes a four-color insert. • Easy-to-use almanac-style format. • Published just in time for the 2008 racing season more...

Price: $14.95

Dale Earnhardt Jr. recounts his rookie NASCAR season and shares memories of his father, who died in the 2001 Daytona 500. Dale Jr discusses the lessons he has learned both on and off the track. more...

Price: $7.99

"One of NASCAR's greatest stories is brought to life in this meticulous, highly entertaining replay of the day that changed everything for the sport.". —Lars Anderson, Sports Illustrated. "Joe Menzer has done an excellent job in telling the story of one ofNASCAR's most important races, a tale that includes the vibrant storiesof the cast of characters who participated.". —Mike Hembree, NASCAR Scene. "A magnificent book, one that should be in the library of every diehard race fan.". —Jerry Bonkowski, National NASCAR columnist, Yahoo! Sports and on-air personality, Sirius NASCAR Radio. It could so easilyhave been a disaster . . . Everyone knew it, from CBS executives and owners of local CBS affiliates to NASCAR founder Big Bill French to driver and NASCAR booster Darrell Waltrip. If anything went wrong with the first-ever live, start-to-finishbroadcast of America's premier stock car race, a lot of people were going to lose a lot of money. It would also be the last-ever live broadcast of a NASCAR event. The Great American Gamble tells the gripping tale of the event that instead made NASCAR the multibillion dollar powerhouse it is today: the 1979 Daytona 500. Based on new interviews with all the major drivers in the race andothers involved, including Richard Petty, crew chief Dale Inman andKyle Petty, Bobby Allison and Donnie Allison, Cale Yarborough, BennyParsons, Junior Johnson, Buddy Baker, Darrell Waltrip, A. J. Foyt, Ned Jarrett, Humpy Wheeler, Ken Squier, Richard Childress, Jim Hunter, David Pearson, Doug Rice, Ricky Rudd, Geoffrey Bodine, Sterling Marlin, Marvin Panch, Leonard Wood, Eddie Wood, Larry McClure, and Michael Waltrip,this is the ultimate, high-octane account of the most important race inNASCAR history. more...

Price: $25.95

Straight from the mouths of the world's most famous drivers and entertainers comes a unique and hilarious volume of NASCARUs wit and wisdom. Contributors include Kyle Petty, Jeff Foxworthy, Jeff Gordon, and many others. Illustrations throughout. more...

Price: $12.95