Physics for Gearheads: An Introduction to Vehicle Dynamics, Energy, and Power - With Examples from Motorsports Illustrated Edition

You're in for a treat! This book introduces physics at an accessible level by someone who has a PHD inMech Eng from a top tier engineering school and experience leading projects at the Big 3 automotive firm. This is the real deal... just wish it's bit more affordable.

While studying books on motorcycle dynamics I realized that there was quite a bit about mechanics that I was missing to fully understand them. In my search to fill that gap all I could find were college-level books that assume you know calculus, or some high school-level books that skimp in the mechanics but go into thermodynamics and electricity and all kinds of other stuff I didn’t need. This book is perfect! Other reviewers mention that this is high school-level mechanics, but that is exactly what I needed. I’m not trying to build a chassis; I just need the basics so I can understand the other books I am reading. This book explains mechanics (and kinematics) in a very step-by-step fashion that I really appreciate. Bonus: it explains things with road vehicle examples which is just awesome!

I consider myself a passionate and avid learner in quest of undertanding, knowledge and insight. Although I have several physics and engineering books only a very small number among them comes close to the level of enjoyment I have reading this book. This book is funny, insightful, practical and most importantly EXTREMELY EASY TO READ. I enjoy the jokes, the format (A dialogue), the pictures, the color and the almost page by page Aha moment that I gain when reading this book.A friend of mine recommends it to me and truly I am grateful he shared this information with me. I believe that this book will be extremely beneficial to those who are seeking to relate the world of automotive with the powerful tool of physics and math in a pleasing manner.

Fun to do high school physics many years later

A unique book and well written. The author is well versed in physics and how to apply it to cars and racing. Typical physics books are heavy on theory and light on applications. This book is the opposite. It is written to explain and apply physics principles for people interested in cars and racing but have not had college physics. For those with college physics, it is still a good read and informative. The author is very insightful and has some very clever ways of looking at things.

We have needed a book like this for a long time. Covers all the physics used in motorsports and breaks it down for those without a PhD. However, the math is there for those of you who want to actually apply the lessons to your own hot rod.Congratulations Randy! You did a fine job balancing the needs of many on a subject few really ever master.If you are modifying a car for higher performance, you owe it to yourself to get this book. There is definitely something in it for you! Recommended!

This book DOES NOT require one to be a rocket scientist to comprehend the formulas within this book. The author lays out the formulas very well, and for those with a mind of the FUNCTION of automobile systems the quotient is fairly easy to comprehend. I don't have a degree in ANY form of mathematics, but as a gearhead since age 12 (now 39) I easily comprehend the information in this book. I recommend Auto Math for a primer if you haven't already bought it. Once you understand that book, Physics for Gearheads will be MUCH more comprehensible.

Spectacular book so far! I'm a hundred or so pages in and find it to be an easy read, unlike most text books. The book does a good job at keeping you interested and making you want to turn the next page. It not only provides equations and fun examples, but does a great job at explaining the fundamental concepts involved, which is rare. I would recommend this book to anyone.