Midget Race Car Books

Midget Race Car (Full Size) Quick Start Learning Guide

Get started on your race car project today with this Quick Start Learning Guide to help you choose books that will provide the best initial value, information and guidance.

Tips On Choosing Full Size Midget Books

Midget cars can be built from a pre-fab chassis or from a scratch design. In either circumstance, it is useful for you to have a good knowledge of vehicle dynamics so that the handling of the car can be understood during setup and racing. We suggest starting with a book on vehicle dynamics, preferably including oval/circle track racing.

For both pre-fab and scratch builders, we would also suggest a guide to chassis and suspension setup for circle track which is useful in understanding the particular hardware associated with the car. For scratch builders, we would suggest books on chassis/suspension design and metal fabrication. Look for books that cover both dirt and asphalt.

Quick Start Books
Shown below are the books we suggest as first-reads for the Midget (Full Size) race car type. Some of the books may apply to any type of race car including yours. To filter the books, follow the instructions below.

Quickstart learning books filter instructions

Book Category 
Topic (Level)
Vehicle Type
Resource Type
Chassis
Advanced Race Car Chassis Technology: Winning Chassis Design and Setup for Circle Track and Road Race Cars
Advanced Race Car Chassis Technology: Winning Chassis Design and Setup for Circle Track and Road Race Cars
4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)

Primarily aimed at circle track racing cars, this book provides broad coverage of stock or circle track car handling principles. It includes weight dynamics, suspension, aerodynamics, gearing and safety information as well as dirt and asphalt setup information.

Get "Advanced Race Car Chassis Technology: Winning Chassis Design and Setup for Circle Track and Road Race Cars":
Dynamics/Handling ( Basic)
Chassis ( Basic)
Suspension ( Basic)
Aerodynamics ( Basic)
Safety/Ergo/Interior ( Basic)
Materials/Fabrication ( Basic)
Fasteners/Joining ( Basic)
Midget (Full Size)
Pickup Truck (Scratch-built)
Sprint (Full Size)
Stock Car (Production-Based)
Book Resource
Chassis
Chassis Engineering: Chassis Design, Building & Tuning for High Performance Handling
Chassis Engineering: Chassis Design, Building & Tuning for High Performance Handling
4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)

Chassis Engineering is a great introduction to race car design. In a practical and down-to-earth way, it covers the fundamentals of how race cars handle and the requirements for designing and constructing a car. The book includes chapters on chassis design, suspension design, frame construction, aerodynamics and tuning. Overall it provides the reader with the foundation of how the key components of a race car work and interact together. Read full review

Get "Chassis Engineering: Chassis Design, Building & Tuning for High Performance Handling":
Dynamics/Handling ( Basic)
Dynamics/Handling ( Advanced)
Chassis ( Basic)
Chassis ( Advanced)
Suspension ( Basic)
Suspension ( Advanced)
Aerodynamics ( Basic)
CycleKart
Drag Racer (Scratch-Built)
Dune Buggy
Formula (Non-wing)
Formula (Winged)
Kart
Midget (Full Size)
Midget (Quarter)
Off-road Truck
Pickup Truck (Scratch-built)
Quad/ATV
Rally
Sport Racer/Sports Prototype
Sprint (Full Size)
Sprint (Micro)
Stock Car (Scratch-built /Late Model)
Street Rod
Supercar
Book Resource
Chassis
Dirt Track Chassis and Suspension: Advanced Setup and Design Technology for Dirt Track Racing
Dirt Track Chassis and Suspension: Advanced Setup and Design Technology for Dirt Track Racing
4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)

Technical guide to the design and setup of dirt track race cars. Includes chapters on dirt chassis theory and design, chassis tuning, setup tips and driving tips.

Get "Dirt Track Chassis and Suspension: Advanced Setup and Design Technology for Dirt Track Racing":
Dynamics/Handling ( Basic)
Dynamics/Handling ( Advanced)
Chassis ( Basic)
Chassis ( Advanced)
Suspension ( Basic)
Suspension ( Advanced)
Midget (Full Size)
Off-road Truck
Sprint (Full Size)
Sprint (Micro)
Stock Car (Scratch-built /Late Model)
Book Resource
Chassis
The Race Car Chassis : Design, Structures and Materials for Road, Drag and Circle Track Open- and Closed-Wheel Chassis
The Race Car Chassis : Design, Structures and Materials for Road, Drag and Circle Track Open- and Closed-Wheel Chassis
4 out of 5 stars (4 / 5)

Aspiring designers will find Forbes Aird's book on chassis design to be a good introduction to the fundamental purposes, structures and materials of race car (or road car) chassis. What the book might lack in formulas and design calculations, it makes up for in sheer breadth of chassis design and construction ideas. It provides sufficient information to the reader to leave them with a solid understanding of the various chassis types, materials and construction so they can make informed choices about designing their own chassis. Read full review

Get "The Race Car Chassis : Design, Structures and Materials for Road, Drag and Circle Track Open- and Closed-Wheel Chassis":
Dynamics/Handling ( Basic)
Chassis ( Basic)
Chassis ( Advanced)
Drag Racer (Scratch-Built)
Dune Buggy
Formula (Non-wing)
Formula (Winged)
Midget (Full Size)
Midget (Quarter)
Off-road Truck
Sport Racer/Sports Prototype
Sprint (Full Size)
Sprint (Micro)
Book Resource
Fasteners/Joining
Carroll Smith's Nuts, Bolts, Fasteners and Plumbing Handbook
Carroll Smith's Nuts, Bolts, Fasteners and Plumbing Handbook
5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)

Teaches how to use the correct fasteners and fastener materials. This book includes extensive information on fatigue properties, joints, mounts, and vehicle plumbing.

Get "Carroll Smith's Nuts, Bolts, Fasteners and Plumbing Handbook":
Materials/Fabrication ( Basic)
Materials/Fabrication ( Advanced)
Fasteners/Joining ( Basic)
Fasteners/Joining ( Advanced)
CycleKart
Drag Racer (Production-Based)
Drag Racer (Scratch-Built)
Formula (Non-wing)
Formula (Winged)
GT
Midget (Full Size)
Midget (Quarter)
Off-road Truck
Pickup truck (Custom Off-road)
Pickup Truck (Scratch-built)
Rally
Sport Racer/Sports Prototype
Sprint (Full Size)
Sprint (Micro)
Stock Car (Production-Based)
Stock Car (Scratch-built /Late Model)
Supercar
Touring Car
Book Resource
Materials/Fabrication
Engineer To Win: The essential guide to racing car materials technology
Engineer To Win: The essential guide to racing car materials technology
5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)

A comprehensive, easy-to-read guide on metallurgy (metal properties), fastening and plumbing. The book applies this information to many aspects of race cars with the goal of building cars that do not break or leak.

Get "Engineer To Win: The essential guide to racing car materials technology":
Suspension ( Basic)
Suspension ( Advanced)
Powertrain ( Basic)
Powertrain ( Advanced)
Materials/Fabrication ( Basic)
Materials/Fabrication ( Advanced)
Fasteners/Joining ( Basic)
Fasteners/Joining ( Advanced)
Drag Racer (Scratch-Built)
Formula (Non-wing)
Formula (Winged)
Midget (Full Size)
Midget (Quarter)
Off-road Truck
Pickup Truck (Scratch-built)
Sport Racer/Sports Prototype
Sprint (Full Size)
Sprint (Micro)
Stock Car (Production-Based)
Stock Car (Scratch-built /Late Model)
Book Resource
Materials/Fabrication
Metal Fabricator's Handbook
Metal Fabricator's Handbook
4 out of 5 stars (4 / 5)

Teaches welding techniques, metal forming, hammerforming and practical metal fabrication projects. Project include forming custom body panels, tanks, roll cages/safety cells and exhaust headers.

Get "Metal Fabricator's Handbook":
Chassis ( Basic)
Chassis ( Advanced)
Materials/Fabrication ( Basic)
Materials/Fabrication ( Advanced)
Fasteners/Joining ( Basic)
Fasteners/Joining ( Advanced)
Bar Stool Racer
Drag Racer (Junior Dragster)
Drag Racer (Scratch-Built)
Dune Buggy
Formula (Non-wing)
Formula (Winged)
Kart
Midget (Full Size)
Midget (Quarter)
Off-road Truck
Pickup truck (Custom Off-road)
Quad/ATV
Rider Mower
Sport Racer/Sports Prototype
Sprint (Full Size)
Sprint (Micro)
Stock Car (Scratch-built /Late Model)
Street Rod
Book Resource
Materials/Fabrication
Professional Sheet Metal Fabrication
Professional Sheet Metal Fabrication
5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)

Teaches the details of professional sheet metal fabrication including shaping, cutting, and joining . The books also includes how to plan sheet metal projects, acquire tools, repair dents, patch panels, copy shapes and finish the final products.

Get "Professional Sheet Metal Fabrication":
Materials/Fabrication ( Basic)
Materials/Fabrication ( Advanced)
Fasteners/Joining ( Basic)
Fasteners/Joining ( Advanced)
Construction/Assy ( Basic)
Construction/Assy ( Advanced)
Midget (Full Size)
Sprint (Full Size)
Sprint (Micro)
Book Resource
Powertrain
David Vizard's How to Build Horsepower
David Vizard's How to Build Horsepower
5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)

A guide to designing the engine as a system and constructing it to produce maximum horsepower. The design aspects use the airflow through each part of the engine as a basis for instruction. Provides detailed information on how to select, modify and tune each component to work at peak efficiency with others in the engine.

Get "David Vizard's How to Build Horsepower":
Powertrain ( Basic)
Powertrain ( Advanced)
Drag Racer (Production-Based)
Drag Racer (Scratch-Built)
GT
Midget (Full Size)
Midget (Quarter)
Off-road Truck
Pickup truck (Custom Off-road)
Pickup Truck (Scratch-built)
Quad/ATV
Rally
Rider Mower
Sprint (Full Size)
Sprint (Micro)
Stock Car (Production-Based)
Stock Car (Scratch-built /Late Model)
Street Rod
Supercar
Touring Car
Book Resource
Powertrain
High-Performance Differentials, Axles, and Drivelines
High-Performance Differentials, Axles, and Drivelines
4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)

This book explains how to select and match driveline components to engine power output to minimize or eliminate driveline breakages. Also covers gear ratio selection, differential rebuilding and driveline components.

Get "High-Performance Differentials, Axles, and Drivelines":
Powertrain ( Basic)
Powertrain ( Advanced)
Drag Racer (Production-Based)
Midget (Full Size)
Pickup truck (Custom Off-road)
Sprint (Full Size)
Book Resource
Powertrain
Racing Engine Builder's Handbook: How to Build Winning Drag, Circle Track, Marine and Road Racing Engines
Racing Engine Builder's Handbook: How to Build Winning Drag, Circle Track, Marine and Road Racing Engines
4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)

Practical tips and techniques on building a racing engine. This book covers applications such as drag racing, circle track, road racing and boats. The author's approach looks at math used in modifications, combined with examples and guidance on when and how to apply complimentary modifcations.

Get "Racing Engine Builder's Handbook: How to Build Winning Drag, Circle Track, Marine and Road Racing Engines":
Powertrain ( Basic)
Powertrain ( Advanced)
Midget (Full Size)
Midget (Quarter)
Sprint (Full Size)
Sprint (Micro)
Book Resource
Vehicle Dynamics/Handling
How to Make Your Car Handle
How to Make Your Car Handle
5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)

Teaches how to improve vehicle handling through suspension and chassis modifications and understanding vehicle dynamics. Includes basic suspension theory on roll centers, roll axis, camber change, bump steer, anti-dive, ride rate, ride balance as well practical chassis modifications.

Get "How to Make Your Car Handle":
Dynamics/Handling ( Basic)
Dynamics/Handling ( Advanced)
Chassis ( Basic)
Suspension ( Basic)
Suspension ( Advanced)
Powertrain ( Basic)
Aerodynamics ( Basic)
Construction/Assy ( Basic)
Construction/Assy ( Advanced)
Autocross/Solo (Entry-Level)
Autocross/Solo (Mid-Level)
Custom Street/Import
Dune Buggy
Formula (Winged)
GT
Midget (Full Size)
Midget (Quarter)
Off-road Truck
Pickup truck (Custom Off-road)
Rally
Rider Mower
Sport Racer/Sports Prototype
Sprint (Full Size)
Sprint (Micro)
Stock Car (Production-Based)
Stock Car (Scratch-built /Late Model)
Street Rod
Supercar
Touring Car
Book Resource
Vehicle Dynamics/Handling
Tune to Win: The art and science of race car development and tuning
Tune to Win: The art and science of race car development and tuning
5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)

The fundamentals of race car vehicle dynamics in a clear, well-written text. Explains suspension, weight dynamics and vehicle handling behaviours in a way that permits the designer to understand cause and effect and improve their race car design, vehicle tuning and even driving.

Get "Tune to Win: The art and science of race car development and tuning":
Dynamics/Handling ( Basic)
Dynamics/Handling ( Advanced)
Suspension ( Basic)
Suspension ( Advanced)
Powertrain ( Basic)
Aerodynamics ( Basic)
GT
Midget (Full Size)
Midget (Quarter)
Off-road Truck
Pickup truck (Custom Off-road)
Pickup Truck (Scratch-built)
Rally
Sprint (Full Size)
Sprint (Micro)
Stock Car (Production-Based)
Stock Car (Scratch-built /Late Model)
Supercar
Touring Car
Book Resource
Whole Car (Design)
Race Car Engineering & Mechanics
Race Car Engineering & Mechanics
5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)

Paul Van Valkenburgh's guide to understanding how the many components of the entire race car fit and work together. He provides design theory and practical information on tires, wheels, suspension geometry, springs, anti-roll bars, brakes, aerodynamics, handling, engine supports, chassis, safety and even racing operations such as testing and pit lane procedures.

Get "Race Car Engineering & Mechanics":
Dynamics/Handling ( Basic)
Dynamics/Handling ( Advanced)
Chassis ( Basic)
Chassis ( Advanced)
Suspension ( Basic)
Suspension ( Advanced)
Powertrain ( Basic)
Powertrain ( Advanced)
Aerodynamics ( Basic)
Aerodynamics ( Advanced)
Safety/Ergo/Interior ( Basic)
Safety/Ergo/Interior ( Advanced)
Fasteners/Joining ( Basic)
Kart
Midget (Full Size)
Midget (Quarter)
Sprint (Full Size)
Sprint (Micro)
Book Resource
Whole Car (Preparation)
Midget Chassis Technology
Midget Chassis Technology
4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)

Midget race car guide to chassis tuning and setup. Provides information on understanding and adjusting the midget chassis, step-by-step chassis setup, chassis alignment, chassis tuning with shock absorbers, at-the-track chassis adjustments. This book covers both dirt and asphalt cars and includes Ford Focus midgets.

Get "Midget Chassis Technology":
Dynamics/Handling ( Basic)
Dynamics/Handling ( Advanced)
Chassis ( Basic)
Suspension ( Basic)
Midget (Full Size)
Book Resource

More Information

For complete information on the design and construction of the Midget (Full Size) race car type and a full listing of books and learning resources, see our Midget (Full Size) race car type article.

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