The Kingfisher Motorsports Encyclopedia

"The Kingfisher Motorsports Encyclopedia" is a treasure trove of information about a sport that captivates huge numbers of live spectators, avid enthusiasts and television audiences in almost every country of the world. Packed with stunning action photographs and state-of-the-art digital illustrations, this book truly captures the heady thrills of motor racing - its speed, innovation, cut-throat competition...and danger. The opening chapter examines the rise of motor racing from the late 19th century to today's money-spinning global industry. Section two presents a comprehensive overview of the many forms of motor racing, from monster trucks to nimble bikes, while chapter three delves deep into the techniques, technology and innovation that underpin the sport. 'Tracks and Races' takes a tour of the most famous circuits and brings to life the most memorable duels in the history of motor racing, and section five examines issues in and around the sport - the demands of being a driver; fans and the media; finance and sponsorship; as well as the darker side of racing, such as driver tragedies and race-fixing. The final two chapters celebrate motor racing's legends - the drivers, teams and cars whose exploits have made motor racing the global phenomenon that it is today. Rounding off the book are comprehensive facts and statistics, weblinks, a glossary and an index. Each chapter is capped by a dramatic 'Photo Finish' spread - a full-spread photograph capturing the triumph or despair of one of the pivotal moments in motor racing history, including Michael Schumacher clinching a record-breaking 7th Formula One world title, and Dale Earnhardt's emotional triumph at Daytona 500 after 20 years of trying. And with a free pull-out wallchart - full of facts and figures about Formula One, the World Rally Championship, MotoGP, NASCAR and IndyCar - "The Kingfisher Motorsports Encyclopedia" is the perfect reference and gift book to accompany this breathtaking and truly global sport.

Table of Contents:
1 Half title; 2 Imprint; 3 Title; 4-5 Contents; 6-13 Chapter 1: Introduction; 6-7 The need for speed; 8-9 Early days; 10-11 Golden eras; 12-13 Risks and rewards; 14-15 Photo Finish; Dale Earnhardt's emotional victory at the 1998 Daytona 500; 16-53 Chapter 2: Motorsport Classes; 16-17 Open-wheel racing (single seat cars); 18-19 Champ Cars and IndyCars; 20-21 Formula One; 22-23 Formula One (cont); 24-25 Formula One (cont); 26-27 A1 Grand Prix; 28-29 NASCAR; 30-31 NASCAR (cont); 32-33 NASCAR (cont); 34-35 Touring and Sports cars; 36-37 Touring and Sports cars (cont); 38-39 Le Mans 24 Hours; 40-41 Rallying, rallycross and offroad racing; 42-43 Rallying, rallycross and offroad racing (cont); 44-45 Motorcycle racing; 46-48 Motorcycle racing (cont); 48 Motorcycle racing (cont); 49 Other racing classes (eg hillclimbing, stock cars, classic car racing, ice racing, drag racing); 50-51 Other racing classes (cont); 52-53 Wacky races (eg monster trucks, demolition derbies). 54-55 Photo Finish; Alex Zanardi's inspirational touring car victory at Oschersleben in 2005; 56-71 Chapter 3: Race Techniques and Technology; 56-57 A winning design; 58-59 Aerodynamics; 60-61 Power and handling; 62-63 Preparation and the pits; 64-65 Techniques and tactics; 66-67 Techniques and tactics (cont); 68-69 A racer's life; 70-71 Race safety; 72-73 Photo Finish; The tributes paid to Ayrton Senna and the overhaul of Formula One safety that followed his death; 74-75 Chapter 4: Tracks and Races; 74-75 Suzuka; Rally of Sweden; Spa-Francorchamps; Indianapolis Motor Speedway; Santa Pod Raceway; 76-77 Nurburgring; Daytona; Monza; Dakar Rally; Assen; 78-79 Monaco; Isle of Man TT; Sebring; Pike Peaks; Monte Carlo rally; 80-81 Laguna Seca; Brands Hatch; Baja 1000; Hockenheim; Magny-Cours; 82-83 Imola; Silverstone; Bathurst; Targa Florio; Talladega Superspeedway; 84-85 Photo Finish; Danica Sue Patrick becomes the first woman to lead the Indy 500, in 2005; 86-95 Chapter 5: The Business of Racing; 86-87 Dreams of glory (junior racing, including karting); 88-89 Financing a race team; 90-91 Merchandising and the media; 92-93 Petrolheads (racing fans); 94-95 Rules and controversy; 96-97 Photo Finish; The infamous US Formula One Grand Prix of 2005. 98-117 Chapter 6: Racing Legends; Powerful, punchy profiles of 60 of the world's greatest F1, NASCAR, rally, CART, motocross and motorcycle legends, listing their unique strengths and achievements.; Car drivers will include: Jeff Gordon (USA), Mario Andretti (USA), Alberto Ascari (Italy), Fernando Alonso (Spain), Alain Prost (France), Dale Earnhardt (USA), Jack Brabham (Australia), Juan Manuel Fangio (Argentina), Stirling Moss (UK), Ayrton Senna (Brazil), Jackie Ickx (Belgium), Michael Schumacher (Germany), Bobby Rahal (USA), Niki Lauda (Austria), Al Unser Sr (USA), Jim Clark (UK), Ari Vatanen (Finland), Hiroshi Masuoka (Japan), Tommi Makinen (Finland), Carlos Sainz (Spain), Danica Sue Patrick (USA), Rick Mears (USA), Emerson Fittipaldi (Brazil), Sebastian Loeb (France); Motorcyclists will include: Valentino Rossi (Italy), Kenny Roberts (USA), Wayne Rainey (USA), Mike Hailwood (UK), Daijiro Kato (Japan), Ivan Mauger (NZ); 118-119 Photo Finish; Michael Schumacher wins his 7th Formula One World Championship; 120-131 Chapter 7: Teams and Machines; 120-121 Great teams (Jaguar, Hendrick Motorsports, Williams, Prodrive); 122-123 Great teams (cont) (Ferrari, Penske, Lola, Aprilia); 124-125 Great teams (cont) (Porsche, Honda, Roush Racing, McLaren); 126-127 Dominance (Bugatti, Lancia, MV Agusta, Ducati, Alfa Romeo); 128-129 Innovations (Lotus, Kurtis Kraft, Audi Quattro, John Force, six-wheelers); 130-131 Great rivalries (the Silver Arrows, Holden vs Ford, Honda vs Yamaha, Petty vs Pearson, Prost vs Senna); 132-133 Photo Finish; The first Monaco Grand Prix (1929); Reference; 133-137 Motor racing facts and figures - including lists of world champions in various racing categories; 138-139 Glossary and websites; 140 Further information; 141-143 Index; 144 Acknowledgements.

About the Author :
Clive Gifford is an award-winning author who has written hundreds of articles and over 80 books. For Kingfisher, Clive's titles include The Kingfisher Football Encyclopedia, Football - the ultimate guide to the beautiful game, Football Skills, Olympics, Kingfisher Knowledge - Spies and The Kingfisher Book of Living Worlds. Clive lives in Manchester, England.