This is one of those books with a literal title and a book that I cannot refrain from recommending strongly. If you have any interest in auto racing (and, really, who shouldn't?) this is the book you want to read first, no matter what kind of race cars you daydream of. With a direct language, a captivating prose and a hearty, contagious enthusiasm, Dave Gran details all the steps basically anyone can take to be able to start a racing adventure and to begin to enjoy the thrills of speed and automotive competition on a budget most people will be able to afford. Although it may appear to be impossibility to most (it certainly did seem impossible to me until very recently), Dave's point is in fact correct: yes you can - get into your own race car! The book is chockfull of useful, current and detailed practical advice which I have found to be accurate. I only wish I had read it a few years back.

If you are like me and have an interest in going racing someday, this book really shows you what you have to do to get into the sport on a decent budget. I read the book in a day (which is a HUGE feat for me - I never liked books very much). It is very informative and sometimes humorous. It's laid back, but provides the advice and teachings that would prove very helpful when the time comes. Gran, the author, even goes into explaining how to prep a car... Anyway, I really liked this book. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone interested in Autocross, SCCA Club racing, or just interested in racing.

THIS BOOK IS WORTH IT'S WEIGHT IN GOLD. IF YOU HAVE EVERY CONSIDERED RACING, THEN BUY THIS BOOK. IT WILL SAVE YOU ALOT OF TIME AND MONEY.

this book is incredible. For anybody remotely interested in car racing of any type they should read this book. It is the best source of information for getting started in racing with any budget even if if's a five hundred car. Must read !!!

I ordered this book expecting a great book, and I got one. When getting started in the club racing scene, whether it be SCCA or NASA, it's difficult to know where to go, what to get, and how much to spend. Dave's book is an awesome and straightforward read about exactly what you need to get started. He tells you flat out where you need to go and what you need to do. I loved this book!

A MUST read if you want to start road racing, have just started road racing or even have been turning laps for years. The book brings up a lot of great points often overlooked. Easy and quick to read, I couldn't put it down! This is real life information you need and won't get from any sanctioning body or how to drive book.

THIS BOOK IS ABSOLUTLEY FANTASTIC!!

I have a good friend that's been racing SCCA for the past 8-9 years and for the past couple years he's been on my case to give SCCA racing a shot. I've ALWAYS been a car guy and have always been big in to drag racing and American muscle cars. Well, this past August I finally gave in and took part in a PDX at Mid-Ohio in my daily driver SRT4. MAN-O-MAN what a blast!!!

SOON thereafter I started seriously thinking about picking up a full-fledged SCCA race car, but I initially resisted. That's around the time I purchased/read Dave's book and that was the "clincher", I was HOOKED!! Soon therefter I was on the lookout for a SSB/SSC/ITA/ITC race car and within a month bought an SSC Focus. I'm looking forward to driver's school this April. THANKS DAVE for a great book!!!!!!

Excellent book! I read the whole thing in one sitting. It is probably the only book I have ever read cover to cover. I thought I had a pretty solid plan to start getting into road racing. After reading the book, I realized I was way off. This book covers all the stages you will encounter during your racing carrer. Whether you have never driven a racecar, are an amature racer, or an experienced racer you will benifit from this book. Thanks to Dave, I will be saving myself a ton of money! Thank you! You guys reading this page, stop wasting your time and buy the book! You will not regret it.

Right from the start, Gran got me sucked into his book by explaining what a day at the races is really like. Normally I find myself putting down books often, but this one captively held my attention with a highlighter in hand. I purchased this book based upon reviews I read from Motor Trend and Grassroots magazine, in hopes it would shed light on how to begin racing - it most definitely accomplished that goal. I also found myself referring back to it several times and re-reading various chapters.

The book is written in a very fun and friendly manner as if Dave was talking to me over a few beers, which is why I found myself lured into turning page after page. Instead of simply stating information like a text book, many of the chapters use anecdotes and provides the information in a much more interesting manner. It is full of valuable information that will save you a significant amount of money and heartache. I've have heard that racing can be accomplished on a relatively low budget, but what exactly does that mean? I was told "you can buy a racecar inexpensively." Exactly how much is that? Go Ahead - Take the Wheel lays it all out on the table defining the various costs associated with racing. Whether you're a budget minded racer like myself or have a deeper pocketbook, it's all there.

The author is upfront in that this book is not aimed at discussing racing lines or other technical racing techniques and refers people to other books for this purpose. I did however find the chapter that discussed what's necessary to become a front runner very interesting and helpful.

So, if you've ever thought about racing, you really need to pick-up a copy of this book. Gran's advice has surely saved me a lot of money on stuff I don't need and given me the necessary information to get out there myself.

If you think that you want to race, but you don't know where to begin, this is a very good book to start out with.
No fluff, straight forward, ways to get you involved in wheel to wheel racing.
Mostly geared towards SCCA, but easily adaptable to different clubs in your region.
Even if you are not ready to take your care out on the track, Dave Gran offers insight to other ways to volunteer to work the track and work with some of the crews out there now.
Sure you knew that is what you needed to do, but he tells you how to get yourself there.
He offered solutions to get involved into the racing that I was looking for, and saved me a great deal of time trying to find out how to go about it.

I happened across this book recently when a friend who was just starting out showed the advertisement for it to me. I was surprised to see that it was actually written by someone I know and have raced with (we both tried to occupy the same space in one race several years ago at Summit Point but that's racing!). I found Dave to be a terrific guy and one who I would race with any day. In short, I bought the book for my friend and it's been well worth it. The path that Dave followed in his SCCA career obviously paid dividends for him as it will any new person just starting down the road. Kudos Dave and thanks!!

Lauren
Chief of Pit, Summit Point Raceway
#68 ITA Neon Middle Atlantic Road Race Series

Road racing is possible at just about any age. I got my racing license at age 47 in 2003...I REALLY wish Dave Gran's book was around when I first started out as it would have shortened my learning curve significantly. Getting into road racing has been one of the most awesome things I have ever done. Racing can be an affordable hobby and Dave's book will show you how to do it on your budget!

Scott Neville
NASA SpecE30

I've always wanted to race, but always thought it was out of my reach financially. Who can afford to race? Those people are rich! At least that is what I thought until I bought this book. This book shows you how to start racing on a budget that the average working person, like me, can afford!

Thanks to Dave, I'm still enjoying days at the racetrack, but now people are watching me instead of the other way around! Go ahead, take the wheel, it's intoxicating.

This book gave me all the information needed to start my racing career. A great starting point for anyone looking to get started in racing.

Although I have already gotten into racing, this was a great book!! I wish it was around when I started!

If you have EVER thought of getting into racing, you need to read this book. You don't have to be a millionaire to get into it!

I've always wanted to race, but always thought it was out of my reach financially. Who can afford to race? Those people are rich! At least that is what I thought until I bought this book. This book shows you how to start racing on a budget that the average working person, like me, can afford!

Thanks to Dave, I'm still enjoying days at the racetrack, but now people are watching me instead of the other way around! Go ahead, take the wheel, it's intoxicating.

This book gave me all the information needed to start my racing career. A great starting point for anyone looking to get started in racing.