"Hand selected by racing engineer Carroll Smith, the 27 SAE Technical Papers in this book focus on the chassis and suspension design of pure racing cars, an area that has traditionally been "farmed out" to independent designers or firms since the early 1970s. Smith believed that any discussion of vehicle dynamics must begin with a basic understanding of the pneumatic tire, especially the racing tire. Therefore, the first chapter deals with the essential elements of the tire, which connect the racing car to the track surface by only the footprints of its four tires. Through the tires, the driver receives most of the sensory information, which allows the driver to maintain or regain control of the race car at high force levels." "The second chapter, focusing on suspension design, is an introduction to a complex and fascinating subject. Chapter 3 deals with the design of the racing chassis and how aerodynamics affect it, and the final chapter on materials brings out the fact that the modern racing car utilizes carbon construction to the maximum extent allowed by regulations." "This collection of technical papers ranges in years from 1971 through 2003 and offers what Smith believed to be the best and most practical nuggets of racing chassis and suspension design information."--BOOK JACKET