Prepare to Win and Tune to Win

July 7, 2014

Together with Smith’s other work in this series, Engineer to Win, these two large paperback reference books make up an invaluable source of information on all aspects of getting a racing car first past the flag. In Smith’s many years as driver, engineer and team manager, he has developed strong opinions which sometimes go against the accepted methods, but he explains his reasons in colourful style which makes even basic metalwork techniques sound interesting.

Prepare. . . calls itself a nuts and bolts guide to preparation, while Tune. . . goes into detail on suspension geometry, aerodynamics, and many other factors, and the author is not afraid to condemn by name those supplying components of doubtful effectiveness.

Users of these books, which are packed with explanatory diagrams, may have their own opinions about tuning, as all specialists do, but so much information is crammed in that the trilogy must be strongly recommended. GC

Gordon Cruickshank

Deputy editor

Bravely ignoring his degree in industrial design after discovering night rallies in a Renault 8, GC joined Motor Sport by accident, in the Teesdale days around 1982 when Jenks and WB were office regulars and Mr Tee ruled with a rod of cardboard. He took part in some of the early historic rallies, winning one of the Pirelli Marathons, and regularly runs his Mk2 Jaguar in road events.

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