By my last count, diver/instructor Ross Bentley has written seven Speed Secrets books.  I ordered his second, “Speed Secrets 2: More Professional Race Driving Techniques” at the same time as the first (reviewed in 2005).  The first book concentrated on the physics of going through turns.  Things like the apexes and traction circles.  The second book centers on making incremental changes to improve times through individual corners.  This includes theory, mental techniques, and physical exercises, all targeting improved lap times.  He also emphasizes the importance of situational awareness, taking in all forms of information (visual, sound, and feel).

There are some takeaways for me, someone who still doesn’t fit in his car while wearing a helmet.  The biggest of all is working first on the corner opening to the longest straight.  Being able to come out of that corner faster will give you the biggest bang for the buck.  Bentley asserts that all purpose built cars (F1, Indy, “prototype”) require left foot breaking for maximum speed, as they no longer have foot actuated clutches.  The small time to move from gas to brake approaching a corner and brake to gas exiting makes all the difference.  People who come up in Karting learn this skill.  [I know nearly all of today’s F1 drivers started in Karting].  On the flip side they tend to abruptly turn the wheel in a corner which works great in a Kart and less so in a more substantial vehicle.

The first book is definitely targeted at people wanting to do well at a track day, though it does yield a lot about everyday car control.  “Speed Secrets 2” is targeted more at people trying to race for a living, or at least racing on a regular basis.