The Racing Driver: The Theory and Practice of Fast Driving by Denis Jenkinson (1964)

Denis Jenkinson's The Racing Driver: The Theory and Practice of Fast Driving is a foundational exploration of what separates merely competent drivers from truly great racing performers. Drawing from his decades of experience as a motorsport journalist, co-driver, and observer of legends like Fangio and Moss, Jenkinson breaks down the craft of racing into its psychological, physical, and technical components. The book argues that racing is not simply a mechanical skill but an art form shaped by instinct, discipline, and mental clarity. Jenkinson begins by examining the mindset of a driver: subconscious reactions, personal limits, fear, determination, and the elusive "tenth"-the incremental improvement that defines elite performance. He emphasizes that mastery comes from relentless learning, practice, and the ability to analyze one's own driving with honesty and precision. From there, he moves into the technical aspects of racing: braking, cornering, gear changes, steering inputs, understeer, oversteer, and the delicate balance between aggression and control. Jenkinson explains how a driver must read the car, the circuit, and the competition simultaneously, making split-second decisions while maintaining emotional stability. The book also explores the psychology of racing-how nerves, fatigue, morale, and fear influence performance-and how professionals manage these pressures. Jenkinson contrasts amateur and professional racing cultures, highlighting sportsmanship, teamwork, and the responsibilities drivers carry toward safety and the future of the sport. Ultimately, The Racing Driver is both a technical manual and a philosophical reflection on what it means to push oneself "over the limit" and still remain in command. It remains one of the most respected works ever written on the inner world of racing. THIS copy has "DISCARD" stamped on the top and bottom page edges, but I cannot find ANY library info between the covers! The side page edges appear "nibbled" but the pages themselves are cleanand bright. Hard cover edition with unclipped dustjacket. 207 pages. Dimensions: 5.5" by 8.5". Published by Robert Bentley, Inc., Cambridge, MA Copyright 1959, 2nd printing, 1964. B&W illustrations. B&W photographs. Green binding. Page defect(s): Some writing. 1 Pound Media Shipping Rate. Combine items and SAVE! Genre(s): Racing / Automotive / Instruction. (B122). …