Book Review: Think Fast

Think Fast – the Racer’s Why-To Guide to Winning

As racers, we're always chasing more speed, better laptimes, more wins. We spend hours and days preparing our cars, and a lot of money maintaining and improving our cars. Reducing laptimes is not cheap, and sometimes we spend more only to end up going slower. When someone is willing to share information that they have spent a lot of time and money figuring out, it can be hugely valuable. A $30 book can be worth it’s weight in gold if it contains even one bit of information that can help you improve your laptimes. That is why Carroll Smith’s books are so popular. For a small outlay, you get the wisdom gained over many years and many millions of dollars development costs. And so it is with Neil Roberts' new book, Think Fast – the Racer’s Why-To Guide to Winning.

Think Fast is written in an easy-to-read, engaging style, and is devoid of complex jargon, impenetrable formulas and unnecessary information. Roberts has filled the book with gold. Every page features lessons he has learned during his career to date, as a driver, engineer and chief designer. One of Roberts' key themes is “simplicate and add lightness”, and he has applied this principle in constructing Think Fast. The explanations are simple and do not require a degree to understand. There is no filler, just plenty of useful information. Some long-standing myths are dispelled and some rules to live (win) by are presented clearly and simply.

Topics covered in Think Fast include: reliability, driver development, car setup, tyre and suspension, driveline, aerodynamics and one of the best explanations of shock-absorber setup available in print.

The author, Neil Roberts has been a budget racer, just like us. He has engineered Indycars, he has worked with some of the finest engineers in Motorsport, and been a chief designer at Swift, where he led the design of the Swift 014.a Formula Atlantic (as raced by Chris Farrell in Formula Tasman). Roberts still works for Swift, and has recently designed jets for the company. On top of all this, Roberts has a relaxed and readable writing style, and an ability to get to the point without leaving those less knowledgable than himself behind.

Think Fast is available now through the website: thinkfastbook.com

We will have a signed copy to award to the “Smartest Racer” at each round during 2011, but if you're interested in winning, we recommend getting your copy now.

Full disclosure: Neil Roberts has supplied six complimentary copies of Think Fast to iRace to be awarded to competitors, this review is NOT a paid endorsement, the book really is that good.

Vale Les "Bloke" Robards

Volunteer official Les Robards, affectionately known as "Bloke", passed away yesterday morning after a battle with cancer.

Bloke was a long-time volunteer official, and one of the hard core who make motorsport possible. Bloke was exceedingly popular, and will be missed by his motorsport family. Bloke also helped out on the race team of Richard Mork from time to time, and Richard posted the photo below to Facebook yesterday.

Farewell, and rest in peace to a fellow racer. Bloke.

iRacers Ramping Up for 2011

iRace competitors are getting ready for the season ahead, with some sporting revamped cars, and some with brand new machines.

Acuform Muscle Division regular, Matt Veal, has updated his awesome Volvo 242 GT-T with a terrific period livery.

And another Acuform Muscle Division regular, volunteer scrutineer, and unofficial iRace representative, Stuart Inwood has ramped up his commitment, with the acquisition of an AU Falcon V8 Supercar to race in the Touring Car Challenge.

We can't wait to see these, and all the other new and updated cars on track in 2011!

The first round of the Independent Race Series for 2011 will be held at Queensland Raceway, 5-6 March. You can learn more about the event here, and entries can be submitted by clicking here.

UPDATE: Another great looking new car for the series from Troy Harrison, an awesome VT Commodore for Production Racing Cars.

If you have a new car or livery and would like to let everyone know, click here to send in the details.

Announcing: Acuform Muscle Division

It is with great pleasure that we announce that Acuform have signed on as naming-rights sponsors for Muscle Division for the 2011 Independent Race Series.

Acuform is an ACT-based business specialising in sheet-metal work and fabrication. They are experts in laser cutting, CNC folding, precision fabrication, MIG & TIG welding, design & development work, as well as powder coating.

Acuform are no strangers to motorsport either, with operator Matt Veal a regular competitor in the Independent Race Series in his immaculate Volvo 242 GT-T. Acuform offer a wide range of services perfectly suited to motorsport applications, and their highly trained staff, and state-of-the-art machinery mean that you can be certain the job will be of the highest quality, precise and constructed to last.

If you have a project you need done right, get in touch with Acuform on 02 6260 2533 or info@acuform.com.au Tell your friends too, and get behind another great company that is supporting our series.