Our Favorite Books

Textbooks for Fun

Matt Brown - Searching for the Limit in Formula SAE

Matt Brown recounts the journey of a small university Formula SAE team that set out to build a racecar capable of competing with the best engineering schools globally. The book delves into the challenges faced by the team, including limited resources, technical obstacles, and the fierce competition in Formula SAE. It emphasises lessons learned in engineering, teamwork, and perseverance as the team pushes their car to its limits, aiming for more than just engineering success.

This book introduces you to the passionate world of Formula Student. It is a must-read for all individuals wishing to join the team.

Engineering Textbooks

Stockel, Stockel and Duffy - Automotive Mechanics Fundamentals

“Automotive Mechanics Fundamentals” by Stockel, Stockel, and Duffy is a foundational book that provides an in-depth understanding of automotive systems and their design, construction, and operation. It is aimed at helping students or anyone interested in automotive technology learn the basics of how cars work, from engines and transmissions to braking and suspension systems. The book is often used in educational settings to build a solid foundation in automotive mechanics, making it ideal for those looking to enter the automotive industry.

Carroll Smith - Tune to Win

A classic book on the art and science of race car development and tuning. It delves into the key principles of vehicle dynamics and how different systems of the car—such as suspension, chassis, and aerodynamics—interact to optimise performance on the track. Smith explains in detail how to adjust and tune these systems to respond to the driver’s inputs and enhance overall vehicle control. The book is widely regarded as a foundational text for engineers and racers who want to understand the mechanics behind race car tuning, making it especially relevant for Formula SAE teams looking to push their designs to the limit.

Vehicle Dynamics Textbooks

Milliken Milliken - Race Car Vehicle Dynamics

William and Douglas Milliken created a comprehensive text focused on the fundamental concepts of vehicle dynamics, specifically emphasising racing applications. The book covers topics essential to understanding how race cars behave under different driving conditions, including tyre behaviour, aerodynamics, suspension systems, steering, and force-moment analysis. It also introduces key analytical tools like the g-g diagram and pair analysis, which help engineers optimise race car performance. For FSAE teams, this book is a critical resource for improving vehicle performance, handling, and stability

James Balkwill - Performance Vehicle Dynamics

The book introduces fundamental concepts needed to model and characterize vehicle behavior under various conditions, which is particularly useful for engineers working in Formula SAE, automotive design, or motorsport engineering. It helps readers develop a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics involved in race car performance optimization, using industry-standard techniques and tools.