Peter Wright, Renowned motorsports engineering expert and author of Formula 1 Technology - May 15, 2015

Physics for Gearheads, by Randy Beikmann, is a superbly presented 590 page volume, crammed full of everything a car enthusiast might need if they wish to go beyond the performance figures in the sales brochure. Starting at first principles, the book provides theory and equations to analyse all aspects of the performance of road and racing cars, in a way that is easily accessed.

I was puzzled initially about who this book is aimed at. Undoubtedly schools and colleges, where it will provide a useful stimulus to those studying physics. The car enthusiast? Yes, provided they are mathematically competent. The racing car engineer? Not sure. It is a handy reference for that momentarily forgotten equation, but so much is either now embedded in software or easily available on the Web that I am not sure how thumbed it would become.

The author has used his teaching experience to lay out each subject matter in an extremely clear way, and provided illustrations to assist in understanding the text and equations. The book is eminently readable.