The late Carroll Smith is certainly opinionated, but knowledgable on the fundamentals of materials engineering. Although much has happened in the materials field since this writing, the basic fundamentals are covered well.

Smith's books have become bibles for many racers. This one has very good sections dealing with detail aspects of race car systems although it felt like something was missing in the area of suspensions. But suspensions require their own book so that is probably unavoidable.
Smith spent nearly the first third of the book explaining the history, refining, and structure of steel. Interesting stuff but what he was getting to was why ferrous metals fail, and not all of the information in the first third of the book was required for that. And this is a metals book, he had little experience with composites and there is really no useful information about them in the book.
All of his information on threaded fasteners is in his fastener book (which is very good) so reducing that would have made more space for info about race car systems.
I was surprised to see that much of his info about welding was either outdated or incorrect according to the American Welding Society.
So, don't expect too much from this one and check critical information with other sources.

I have read many books pertaining to chassis design, construction techniques, automotive materials selection, suspension design, engine design, engine components and construction, aerodynamics, downforce, sheetmetal fabrication, welding, machining, car tuning, etc. Few I have read more than twice. This is one of those few books. But why?

Carroll Smith presents the information logically, clearly and with the correct amount of depth so that you may make cognizent decisions. He is able to write in such a way that it reads easily...as though you have recorded your conversation as he answers your many questions. It is not dull, engineering jargon but interesting, factual data presented well. It would be nice if all subjects were as well documented and presented. A thanks to Mr. Smith for sharing the information. It must have taken many years (and lessons) to gather.

The pictures are done well, the graphs and tables present the information clearly and adequately backup his statements. If you read the book and absorb all that is presented for you, you will be a much wiser individual for the experience. You will be a better racecar builder AND a better driver as you will understand what is happening as you navigate the course.

I would recommend not only this book but the entire "to WIN" series as they all share these traits.

Happy learning!

The definitive motorsport engineer's handbook. It is an absolute must for anyone who considers themselves a professional in this industry. Buy this book through Amazon, or if you want a signed copy, try doing a google search on Carroll Smith to find other useful Carroll Smith links. He is one smart man!

Engineering is the crux of it all, no question about it. I bought Carroll's whole set of books begrudgingly, but they helped me improve my game BIG TIME. I am much more able to discuss with my engineer now. My mechanic gave me his copy (it was obviously used once or twice!) and ordered me to get a copy of my own. The pole positions that came quickly after it proved this book's worth.

This one is a little technical, but if you can get through it with a dictionary at your side and really understand what's being said, you'll find yourself a happy person.

This book is packed with all the nerd one could ever use.
I would rate this book very high for someone looking to increase their techinical knowledge of racing. It covers different types of materials and their ability to hold up during a race. Very good book.

Jeremy

This book can look a little daunting as you flick through the pages, however, once you begin to read it, you realise just how good it is! Starting with a basic metallurgy and physics course that most school text books should look to copy, Mr. Smith keeps interest in what could be a somewhat tedious subject using witty comments and practical observations. He then leads us through steel making, alloy processes and finally on to the application of all of the above in the racing car. A brilliant book from start to finish. The only criticism that I would make is that it needs an update to include more on composite techniques and finite element analysis.

"Engineer to Win " by Carroll Smith is the third book in his series of hands on guides to racing. Anyone who has read his earlier books, "Tune to Win" and "Prepare to Win" has probably already ordered this book. Those out there haven't been introduced to Carroll Smith are in for a very enjoyable experience. All to often engineering books written by engineering professors for engineers are technically correct but drier than a popcorn fart. Smith is just the opposite. His sense of humor and down to earth writing style are a welcome relief to readers used to struggling to get through technical manuals. He teaches you basic engineering principles in easy to understand terms for the layman. This volume contains an excellent crash course (excuse the pun) in metalurgy. While he has been there and done that and doesn't B.S. you, he manages to not come off like a know-it-all. In fact, when he's not an expert on the subject, he'll tell you so and send you elsewhere for the information. For example on composites he'll send you to an experimental aircraft source because that's where the cutting edge of that technology lies. I give this book, my highest rating and recomend it to racers, fans, and anyone who ever wanted to get in to racing. Although you may want to start with one of his earlier books first, the wealth of information contained, and the manner in which it's presented in this series is enough to single handedly move you from the grandstands to the pits. Enjoy & good luck!