The Mumm Bro’s Book Store
Note: All pictures below are scanned from my personal copies. Any ragged covers are from repeated reference!
The link on the right takes you to Amazon.Com’s home page. There you can select any book you want. I highly recommend the company for your print media needs.
This is the quintessential race car preparation book. Born of a series of articles that originally appeared in “Sports Car Graphic” in the mid-60's, Mr. Smith established a benchmark of race car preparation. If you follow his advice, your car will break less and you will finish higher -- but you will work harder.
The second book in Smith’s five book series (is there a “five” equivalent of trilogy?). This volume deals with the fundamental dynamics of the chassis. A wonderful book that you can read and re-read and always find more in it. If you really want to understand why your car handles the way it does, and what to do to change it, this is the book to have. Now the bad news; this book can be a little tough to understand the first time through.
This is the third book in the series (notice the dodge on finding the word for “5-book-series”). This volume could also be titled “Applied Metallurgy”. Very good book if you want to build something out of steel with high strength and low weight. Lots of good info for that. Limited application to Spec Racers (but you have been lusting after that FF2000 so you might as well learn now). I enjoyed this book anyway.
This is the fourth book in the quintology (I'm making up words now). Of all of Carroll’s books, this is my least favorite. I list it ’cause, after you read the first 3, you’ll want to have a complete bibliography. Some good info, but not in the same league with the first 3 or the next one
The fifth book -- and probably the most eagerly awaited in the series. This volume deals with drivers and driving...and how they both relate to the car and success in racing. This is NOT a book on how to drive...but it is a book on how to be a Racing Driver. Dismisses Spec Racer as “...a complete waste of time.” However, he puts forth the truth in: “The easiest way to win a race is to drive the best car. The surest way to lose a race is to drive a bad car.” Buy the book, you’ll enjoy it. Misses “5 Mumm” rating only by inches.
I like Fred Puhn’s books and this is his best. I’ve used this book extensively (if you look at the picture closely, you’ll see a white line on the left edge of the book...this is a crease mark from being opened so much. GREAT fundamentals on the subject and lots of formulae to let you quantify your changes (and amaze your compadre’s in the paddock).
Good info on how to interpret all that data you are collecting. A bit obscure but, if you study it, you will find out ways to better read your data and then go faster.
I include this book only for completeness ..’cause I’m sure it’s the first one all new SRF racers bought. Seriously, it’s a pretty good book and will help you understand how the system works and what all the acronyms mean (but maybe not how to pronounce them, i.e. EEC is pronounced “eke”). Forget the “modify” part tho’...it won’t work in SRF (you’ll get caught).
Another book by Fred Puhn written in his great “get to the point” style. Contains more than you want (or need) to know about brakes and braking...but I include it here because winning in SRF is very much about having better brakes. This will tell you what you need to know.
This is a relatively recent book which at first blush looks like a “fan worship” sort of book...but it isn’t. The section on shocks -- how they work and what they do is excellent. The radial racing tire info is the best I’ve seen. I’m glad I have this book..
One of the “benchmark” technical books on racing. Lots of good information which focuses on chassis and handling. My copy (the second edition) is getting a bit dated on computer technology, but otherwise very good.
Most fiberglass books tell you how to build the molds for your batmobile worship car -- not too practical for us SRF racers. This book focuses on one thing, fixing broken fiberglass. If you can get past the British spellings and jargon, it’s a good little book with very useful hands-on techniques for fixing your bodywork.
While I’m really waiting for Robert to start his “drivers” portion of this bookstore, I thought I’d offer my favorite driving book. Well written and engaging ... except for mis-information like suggesting that the crew “...pamper the driver at the track.”. Robert highlighted that section in my copy. I just ignore it. Seems to work.
This is a cool little book for those of us who travel to tracks we’ve never seen before (or have forgotten about). Includes track maps, directions, hotel options, and restaurant suggestions. Especially cool are the comments on most tracks provided by Carroll Smith. A “Must Have” for the travelling racer.
You may wonder why this book is in my site -- well there are three reasons: 1. If you substitute the words “Spec Racer” for “Old Tractor”, the book is totally relevant. 2. It’s filled with very practical advice, such as the section on how to keep your wife from finding out how much you’ve really spent on your “Old Tractor” (remember, substitute the words “Spec Racer”) and 3. This is a really funny book. Any one who has ever worked on a car will totally relate. I highly recommend it.
Amazon.com is the supplier of these
books. Their prices are right and the service great. In addition, I get
“contingency money” if you buy the books via clicking on the pictures
below. The money I get goes to keeping my website running and my wife convinced that
it’s not stupid to “invest” money in computers and race cars ... so if
you’re going to buy the books, please use these links. Thanks!Save some money and help support the site. E-mail me with your requests (go to the “Comments” section). If Amazon.com can get it, I’ll put it “in-stock” immediately.
