Smokin’ Open-Wheel Race Cars.

Egan, Erin.  Smokin’ Open-Wheel Race Cars.  Enslow/Speeding Star  2013  48p   $13.95  ISBN 978-1-62285-100-3  elem/ms      series: Fast Wheels  Sports  VG-BN 

Open-wheeled cars, their drivers, and the races they compete in are profiled.  All aspects of open-wheeled racing are described, including  the history, types of cars and tracks, strategies, and popular drivers. Illustrations are plentiful and add to the understanding of this style of racing.  A common theme throughout the book is the efforts to make the sport safer.  This book, and the rest of the series, is sure to engage young racing fans.  There is a great amount of detail in each chapter, clearly describing how the cars work and why the tracks are designed the way they are, so even the non-racing fan can understand the subject.  There are some sidebars that highlight specific pieces of equipment or historical moments.   A glossary, section on additional reading, and index are included.  Grades 4-9.     Fast Wheels is an engaging series for young automotive fans.

Summary: Open-wheeled cars, their drivers, and the races they compete in are profiled, including the history, types of cars and tracks, strategies, and popular drivers. 

Automobiles, Automobile racing                        --Stephanie Pennucci