This book is not for people looking for a fun and easy read. It’s goes into incredible detail about the science behind why cars work, and how the racing industry is constantly at the forefront of making cars better. It also has a particular focus on the electric car, and the Formula One and E classes that push for more efficient and safe cars- perhaps more than any environmentalist. That being said, if you want a book that WILL teach you about cars, and teach you well, in a fun format with breaks of the authors travels to places of interest in the racing industry, you should add this one to your reading list.

The story starts with the introduction of the car, and along with it the electric car. It follows its beginning, its falling as the combustions engine struts it stuff and demonstrates it’s superiority in the world that had just started exploring the industry of engineering. The electric car is shown as a rising star in the new world of desiring sustainability for a dying planet, and how the racing industry has a large hand in its innovation and reintroduction, simply through its desire for the fastest and safest cars to date.

A curious mix of the authors journey around to places of engineering wonder, and the incredibly detailed science of how the cars work, the author demonstrates what must be a lifelong passion for all things racing, even down to the nitty gritty of the chemistry. I, for one, appreciate him taking the time to share this love with his readers.

The role engineers have played in other fields, most especially for aiding hospitals during the covid pandemic, paints a more intricate picture of the racing communities’ relationships with the rest of the world, and how involved they can be with other industries. For me, who is unfamiliar with racing and with cars, it was an interesting look into an incredibly rich and complicated world. For others who pick up this book with this knowledge already in their arsenal, I’m sure the descriptions of the history is colourful enough to be a fun refresher!

For people familiar with more complex readings, the title and description of this book is pretty alluring, with the text itself going into deep detail of the science and history of race cars. For people who aren’t as likely to enjoy a deep read like this one, however, I fear they might find it a difficult slog through to the finish line. Nonetheless, the more relaxed parts of the book are fun while still being informative, keeping no improvement or invention from the spotlight.

This book showed the inspiring creativity and determination of humans to invent and improve upon the things they love. Ultimately it was made for a few specific type of people, but it caters to them well. If you are interested in science, history, racing, or the particulars of a green future, I’m sure you will love this book!

A witty, well-researched read about all the science behind motor sports. This is a great read for anyone, not just gear-heads! Kit Chapman walks us through the history of motor sport, the insane engineering that goes into all the materials and parts, and garnishes it all with humorous anecdotes. Connections are made to a multitude of fields. An informative read that doesn't get too heavy. Easily accessible for the layperson.

Auto racing would not be the first sport one would think would be a leader in promoting environmental and scientific awareness but this book by Kit Chapman proves that thought to be false. The science that goes into building race cars, aerodynamics, fuel and energy efficiency and safety are all quite complex and yet can also be used to help preserve the environment, mitigate climate change, advance health care technology and yes, improve the driving experience of regular travelers and commuters.

Of course, given the title, one would expect that the book would address climate change and the use of electric cars to combat that. Chapman starts this discussion with that (after providing the reader with a brief history of auto racing) by telling the story of the Formula E racing circuit. Similar to F1 only in the types of courses they run, Formula E not only uses solely electric cars but they are considered to be the cutting edge for chassis design, energy efficiency and other such advances in the sport. Other circuits, even NASCAR, have taken notice. The other interesting aspect discussed about Formula E is how many scientists and engineers work in the industry as their talents are put to use in many different fields.

Speaking of different fields, the book does not concentrate solely on auto racing. One of the more interesting topics covered by Dr. Chapman in his explanation of how auto racing science helps other areas includes healthcare. He explains how some of the same technology that makes race car engines more efficient, whether electric or internal combustion, helped make ventilators that were used on patients during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic more efficient as well.

Chapman explores a variety of topics and interviews people of both genders in a wide variety of specialties to make the book complete. It does get very technical and detailed at times, so unless a reader is well versed in the topics, it will take careful reading to fully understand those passages. It does help that for the most part, the language is such that one doesn’t have to be an expert to at least gain a rudimentary understanding of the science and he uses many excellent everyday examples.

The writing about the sport itself, primarily F1 racing, is done quite well. This may come across as macabre, but this reviewer believed the best writing was done about two famous crashes in F1. The first, which shook a young Chapman to the core, was the 1994 crash that killed one of the greatest drivers of all time in any form of racing, Aryton Senna. The other one was the near death of Romain Grosjean in the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix, when many of the advances in safety that Chapman writes about were used to save Grosjean’s life when his care was engulfed in flames. Both times Chapman explained the dangers the drivers faced and it was a good illustration of the tremendous advancements made in safety.

This is the rare sports book that will appeal mostly to non-sports fans as those with interest or careers in science or engineering will appreciate the connections between auto racing and other areas using those concepts. Race fans, especially F1 fans, will also enjoy not only seeing this connection but also get a good glimpse at the future of the sport.

I wish to thank Bloomsbury USA for providing a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I could not finish this book. Despite repeated attempts to read it, It went into way too much detail to hold my interest. I cannot in good conscience offer my followers an honest review on a book that I did not finish, nor would it be fair to the author. Therefore, I will not be leaving a review. Sorry, and best of luck to the author.