Best Automotive Racing Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: May 11, 2023

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Automotive racing books are a must-have for racing enthusiasts and those who are passionate about cars. These books offer an in-depth look into the world of racing, from the history of the sport to the latest innovations and technologies used in modern racing. They showcase the lives and achievements of legendary drivers, as well as provide insights into the strategies and tactics used by successful racing teams. With stunning photography and detailed analysis, automotive racing books are perfect for anyone looking to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of the sport. Whether you're a fan of Formula One, NASCAR, or any other racing discipline, there's a book out there for you.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

ABC's For Future Race Car Drivers Alphabet Book (Baby Book, Children's Book, Toddler Book) Cover #TOP 1
ABC's For Future Race Car Drivers Alphabet Book (Baby Book, Children's Book, Toddler Book)
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Good Night, Lightning (Disney/Pixar Cars) Cover #TOP 2
Good Night, Lightning (Disney/Pixar Cars)
ftb score rating icon 9.7
1-2-3 Count with Car Parts (123 Baby Book, Children's Book, Toddler Book, Kids Book) Cover #TOP 3
1-2-3 Count with Car Parts (123 Baby Book, Children's Book, Toddler Book, Kids Book)
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Automotive Racing Books

ABC's For Future Race Car Drivers Alphabet Book (Baby Book, Children's Book, Toddler Book)

Fast Kids Club
Eat Sleep Race
Dec 31, 2018
ABC's For Future Race Car Drivers Alphabet Book (Baby Book, Children's Book, Toddler Book) Cover
ABC's For Future Race Car Drivers Alphabet Book (Baby Book, Children's Book, Toddler Book)

ABC's For Future Race Car Drivers Alphabet Book is a well-made and quality board book that teaches children the alphabet using car parts and auto-related illustrations. The book is rugged, and the simple point-and-say layout builds knowledge and confidence in children through repetition. It's a perfect book for parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and anyone with young kids who love cars. The book won two Performance Racing Industry Global Media Awards in 2018, recognizing its interest to a worldwide motorsports audience. Overall, this book is an excellent choice for car enthusiast parents who want to introduce their children to the world of motorsports at an early age.

#TOP 2

Good Night, Lightning (Disney/Pixar Cars)

RH Disney
RH Disney
RH/Disney
Jan 8, 2013
Good Night, Lightning (Disney/Pixar Cars) Cover
Good Night, Lightning (Disney/Pixar Cars)

A perfect bedtime story for young children, "Good Night, Lightning" features the popular characters from Disney/Pixar's Cars. The book follows Lightning McQueen as he says goodnight to all his friends in Radiator Springs. The added feature of glow-in-the-dark on every page makes it an engaging read for kids aged 0-5. As a children's coloring book, it's an excellent choice for parents looking for engaging and interactive ways to get their kids ready for bed at night. Overall, "Good Night, Lightning" is a great addition to any child's bookshelf.

1-2-3 Count with Car Parts (123 Baby Book, Children's Book, Toddler Book, Kids Book)

Fast Kids Club
Eat Sleep Race
Eat Sleep Race
Jun 30, 2020
1-2-3 Count with Car Parts (123 Baby Book, Children's Book, Toddler Book, Kids Book) Cover
1-2-3 Count with Car Parts (123 Baby Book, Children's Book, Toddler Book, Kids Book)

The 1-2-3 Count with Car Parts counting book is a fun and engaging way to teach children how to count using car parts and other auto-related illustrations. The board book is durable and features a simple point-and-say layout that helps build knowledge and confidence in children through repetition. This book is a perfect gift for parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and anyone with young kids who love cars. It even won a Performance Racing Industry Featured Product Judges Pick Award in 2021. Overall, this book is a delightful addition to any child's bookshelf, and its unique approach to counting makes it stand out from other children's books.

Leffingwell, Randy
Motorbooks
Oct 20, 2013
Porsche 911: 50 Years Cover
Porsche 911: 50 Years

Porsche 911: 50 Years is an essential book for any Porsche owner or fan's library. Best-selling author Randy Leffingwell takes readers on a journey through the history of one of the world's most iconic sports cars. Leffingwell not only covers the design and development of the 911 but also the people behind it, including Ferdinand "Butzi" Porsche and Peter W. Schutz. The book also explores the 911 community and culture. This celebration of the Porsche 911's 50th anniversary is a must-read for anyone interested in classic cars and automotive history.

#TOP 5

Cars (Disney/Pixar Cars) (Little Golden Book)

RH Disney
Tilley, Scott
Orpinas, Jean-Paul
Golden/Disney
Apr 25, 2006
Cars (Disney/Pixar Cars) (Little Golden Book) Cover
Cars (Disney/Pixar Cars) (Little Golden Book)

"Cars (Disney/Pixar Cars) (Little Golden Book)" is a children's action and adventure book that tells the story of Lightning McQueen, a young and ambitious race car competing for the Piston Cup. This exciting retelling of the newest Disney/Pixar film is perfect for young speedsters who love cars and racing. As Lightning McQueen gets lost on his way to a big race, he learns the importance of true friendship and what it takes to become a champion. The book, published under the Golden/Disney brand, is a fun and entertaining read for children aged 2 to 5 years old.

#TOP 6

Old Racers, New Racers (Disney/Pixar Cars 3) (Step into Reading)

Tillworth, Mary
RH Disney
RH/Disney
Sep 5, 2017
Old Racers, New Racers (Disney/Pixar Cars 3) (Step into Reading) Cover
Old Racers, New Racers (Disney/Pixar Cars 3) (Step into Reading)

A Step 2 Step into Reading leveled reader based on Disney/Pixar Cars 3, Old Racers, New Racers tells the story of Lightning McQueen, who is pushed out of the sport he loves by a new generation of blazing-fast racers. To get back in the game, he will need the help of an eager young race technician with her own plan to win, inspiration from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet, and a few unexpected turns. This book is perfect for children ages 4 to 6, using basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories. Overall, Old Racers, New Racers is a fun and exciting addition to the Cars 3 franchise, and a great way to introduce young readers to the world of racing.

#TOP 7

Blaze and the Monster Machines Little Golden Book Library (Blaze and the Monster Machines): Five of Nickeoldeon's Blaze and the Monster Machines Little Golden Books

Various
Golden Books
Golden Books
Sep 5, 2017
Blaze and the Monster Machines Little Golden Book Library (Blaze and the Monster Machines): Five of Nickeoldeon's Blaze and the Monster Machines Little Golden Books Cover
Blaze and the Monster Machines Little Golden Book Library (Blaze and the Monster Machines): Five of Nickeoldeon's Blaze and the Monster Machines Little Golden Books

The Blaze and the Monster Machines Little Golden Book Library is a five-book boxed set that includes five of Nickelodeon's Little Golden Books. Children aged 2 to 5 will love joining Blaze and his Monster Machine friends on their daring adventures. The books are not only entertaining but also educational, teaching preschoolers about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) concepts. This set is a perfect gift for young boys and girls who love cars and racing. Overall, the Blaze and the Monster Machines Little Golden Book Library is an excellent addition to any child's book collection, providing both fun and education in a beautifully designed package.

Total Control: High Performance Street Riding Techniques, 2nd Edition

Parks, Lee
Motorbooks
Jan 15, 2015
Total Control: High Performance Street Riding Techniques, 2nd Edition Cover
Total Control: High Performance Street Riding Techniques, 2nd Edition

Total Control: High Performance Street Riding Techniques, 2nd Edition by Lee Parks is a must-have book for any motorcyclist who wants to improve their riding skills. The author, a seasoned racer and instructor, breaks down the techniques used by top professionals and shows how to apply them to street and track riding. The book covers everything from braking and cornering to throttle control, and offers a comprehensive curriculum for riders of all skill levels. The high-quality photos, detailed instructions, and professional diagrams make it easy to understand and practice the techniques outlined in the book. Overall, Total Control is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to become a safer and more proficient rider.

Built for Speed: The World's Fastest Road Cars

Publications International Ltd.
Auto Editors of Consumer Guide
Publications International, Ltd.
Feb 15, 2019
Built for Speed: The World's Fastest Road Cars Cover
Built for Speed: The World's Fastest Road Cars

Built for Speed: The World's Fastest Road Cars is a stunning pictorial book that showcases 35 of the world's fastest cars from 1996 to 2019. From mid-engine supercars to feisty compact sedans, this book covers it all. Each car is presented with a beautiful full-color photo and an overview. This large hardcover book with 144 pages is a must-have for any automotive enthusiast. Overall, this book is a great addition to any collection and a perfect gift for any car lover.

Leffingwell, Randy
Motorbooks
Sep 19, 2017
Porsche 70 Years: There Is No Substitute Cover
Porsche 70 Years: There Is No Substitute

Porsche 70 Years: There Is No Substitute by Randy Leffingwell is a must-have book for any Porsche enthusiast. The book offers a comprehensive overview of the company's entire history, from its first 356 to the advanced 918. Leffingwell's in-depth analyses of milestone cars and events, accompanied by beautiful contemporary photos and rare historical images, give readers a richly illustrated and detailed book. The author also sheds light on the engineering and design stories behind Stuttgart's most famous cars and key players. Overall, Porsche 70 Years is a worthy purchase for any Porsche enthusiast's bookshelf.

Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the most difficult auto racing?

Open-wheel racing, like Formula One or Indy racing, is often considered the most difficult and requires exceptionally skilled drivers throughout the world. Formula one racing is called the pinnacle of driving. Millions of dollars are invested in Formula One cars, and their drivers are some of the best in the world.

2. What type of racing requires the most skill?

If you have to choose one, it is hard not to go with rally as the most skilled type of racing driver. The conditions of the track – mixed with all the other skills required for the sport – are what give them the edge over other types of driving.

Editor's Notes

During our automotive racing book research, we found 1,000+ automotive racing book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 77,500 customer reviews through our big data system to write the automotive racing books list. We found that most customers choose automotive racing books with an average price of $17.20.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.