A fast-paced, high-interest introduction to off-road cars, rugged vehicles known for their wide, tough tires and use in off-road races. Also included is a description of the U.S. military’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle.
Part of the Amazing Racing Cars series
Young learners who love hearing about superfast vehicles will adore this informative series. The books do an excellent job sharing the science of racing cars, like: dragsters produce flames in their wake thanks to the combusting nitromethane and methanol fuel, Formula One cars are designed with aerodynamic bodies to improve tire traction and reduce drag, and extra suspension in off-road and rally cars helps drivers keep control over bumpy terrain. Some of the vehicles are even made with lightweight carbon fiber bodies! Each book ends with a profile of a racing all-star, like Antron Brown, the first African American to win the National Hot Rod Association Top Fuel World Championship, and Mia Chapman, a seven-time kart racing champion. Unique glossary terms are defined on the pages of first mention. Filled with colorful photos and tons of facts, they are accessible and exciting. VERDICT Attractive first purchases.
–School Library Journal, 04/01/2022
The illustrated "Amazing Race Cars" series is designed to provide intermediate to middle school readers with an introduction to some of the most powerful automobiles in the world. Each volume in the series focuses on a different type of racing car, with an emphasis on how the vehicles are utilized in their special niche in this sport. In each book, readers are treated to a look at the mechanical capacities of the cars in question, the types of tracks or terrain they are raced on, and the driving requirements they call for. Mention is also made of the specialized parts and equipment that are built into these high-powered vehicles. Each book features dramatic color photography capturing the speed and power of race cars. In this selection, readers are presented with some of the introductory information needed to understand off-road racing and all of its dynamic elements. Off-road races take place on natural terrain rather than paved racecourses. Drivers are called upon to negotiate things such as sands dunes, mud-pits, deserts, or rugged wilderness terrain. Off-road races can be quite hazardous as communications may be difficult in some of the more remote courses. Off-road race cars take many sizes and shapes due to the specialized needs created by different terrains. In this book young readers are provided an interesting look at these unique cars and how they are raced. Readers with an interest in mechanical things and automobiles will enjoy reading about these unique vehicles.
–Greg Romaneck, Children's Literature, 01/01/2022