[freeze]

I am a new mini owner (2006 MCS JCW) and realize that I have some learning to do to get the most out of it. I don't want to race, but I do want to learn how to drive a sports car well.

I have searched on the internet for books on performance driving. Most of what I have found is books on "How I won races all my life". Some of these may in fact be very good, and I have already ordered three, but what I am really interested in is performance driving day to day (well maybe eventually Solo II). I have a good deal of motorcycle experience (not racing, although I definitely know how to ride), but I have a lot to learn about cars.

I would appreciate any suggestions about books (or online material) that would meet my needs.

[dukesantos]

There are some autocross articles online. One of the better performance driving magazines is Grassroots Motorsports, you can get a free issue and read some of the content at www.grassrootsmotorsports.com

Autocross is covered well in the Solo section of the SCCA, www.scca.org

High Performance Driver's Education (HPDE) info at www.nasaproracing.com

Although they don't cover Canada specifically, I think you will find some useful information. Another good idea would be to go to one of the driving schools like Bondurant, Russell, and Skip Barber. In a couple of days you will get a good foundation for performance driving and they have longer courses if you want to pursue racing, well worth the time and money. Many people spend lots of money on mods for their cars but don't do a driving school and never get the most out of their car.

[freeze]

Thanks for the considered reply. It will keep me busy for a while.

There is a good weekend driving course next weekend, but I'm on a cancellation list. So I guess we'll see what happens.

[SGF 5885 in Thailand]

There are two books that I recommend which sit on my bedside table, sad git that I am, which I would recommend as very engaging books that inspire me to improve my technical knowledge of driving:

(a) 'Going Faster - Mastering the Art of Race Driving' by the Skip Barber Racing School; and

(b) 'Speed Secrets - Professional Race Driving Techniques' by Ross Bentley

There is also another: the Porsche High Performance Driving Handbook - though there is no treatment if at all on front wheel drive vehicles, applicable of course to our cars.

I look forward to hearing about other recommendations from the forum and hope this assists.

[minispec]

There are many choices waiting for you at www.motorbooks.com . I would also recommend that you consider purchasing a video or two as they will allow you to see the vehicles in motion and the direct results of the driver's input will be easily noted. Twenty years ago Sir Jackie Stewart wrote a book about driving that, while I've since lost it having given it to someone to read a long time ago, I recall it was very informative if you can find a copy. I'm sorry I don't recall the name. Bob Bondurant's books are excellent as well. Good luck!