Introduction The race cars of the late '50s did not closely resemble those we see on today's tracks. Back then cars were larger@ heavier@ much less nimble@ and would not corner or accelerate nearly as fast as today's race cars. Few knew anything at all about engine power bands or oversteer/understeer balance. There were few sponsors and little need for them. Electronics in racing was unimagined. Only hard@ skinny tires were used and drivers had little safety equipment. Auto racing has changed a great deal since then. Carburetors have been replaced by electronic injection@ computers now control engine functions@ shock absorbers cost $5@000 a set and their adjustments are some of the most important on the car. Wheels are sometimes wider than they are tall@ and steel tubing frames have given way to those made from carbon fiber fabric and epoxy. Race cars have become much more refined and require sophisticated techniques to prepare them and to drive them. Indeed@ the entire racing industry is more sophisticated@ requiring a professional approach to obtain successful results regardless of the level of competition.