Haynes Publishing

 COMPETITION CAR COMPOSITES A PRACTICAL HANDBOOK

Simon McBeathForeword by Brian O'Rourke Publication: Out Now, Format: Hardback, RRP: £25.00, ISBN: 978 1 84425 701 0

Today most competition cars have at least some components made out of composite materials, and this book explains how to exploit composites technology in the home workshop.

It covers all the main materials and methods, from 'wet lay-up'glass fibre to 'pre-preg' carbon fibre, together with core materials and resin systems.

Well-presented and readable, this fully updated second edition will appeal to anyone who builds, repairs or develops competition cars or components.

In this fully updated second edition, Simon McBeath examines the materials and methods that can be used, and explains basic 'wet' and 'dry' laminating techniques, pattern making and mould construction, and the design and manufacture of components. He then goes on to consider material and technology upgrades, and how more advanced materials can be exploited to achieve improved properties and reduced weight. The use of thermoplastic materials, resin infusion methods and especially 'pre-pregs' in the homeworkshop are also discussed, as are the composite techniques used by top racecar manufacturers.

Simon McBeath is an experienced motorsport competitor and author. During three decades of involvement in UK hillclimbs and sprints he has prepared,raced and made composite components for a number of single seaters and also for other competitors in other competition categories. He lives in Dorset.