Top 10 Books About Motoring To Read While Working From Home

The COVID-19 coronavirus has pushed the more fortunate of us into working from home. Social distancing can turn into social isolation. While you protect yourself from the virus, chow down on some quality automotive literature with our top picks. From motorsport to road tripping with a dog, if you love reading about the world of cars, bikes and motorsport, our list below has you covered:

How to Build a Car by Adrian Newey

This isn’t a manual for building F1 cars, but an autobiographical account of the blood, sweat and tears that go into making them. Newey’s writing will pull you into his world, from the highs of victory to crushing lows. 

Wheels by Arthur Hailey

Never buy a car made on a Friday. Hailey’s novel is a dramatic and emotional account of the US auto industry in the post-war era. Through his brilliant storytelling, Hailey exposes you to the lives of those involved in America’s richest business. 

Zen And The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig

Pirsig’s fictionalised autobiography is an intellectual journey through the author’s mind. It is based around a 17-day riding trip the author took with his son, placed in the backdrop of the author’s meditations on philosophy. 

Riding Man by Mark Gardiner 

The Isle of Man TT is one of the world’s most gruelling motorcycle races, witnessed by thousands of fans each year. One fan went home, quit his jobs, and bet his savings and fortunes to race in the TT himself. An honest account of the world of motorcycle racing. 

The Mechanic: The Secret World of the F1 Pitlane by Marc ‘Elvis’ Priestley

Priestley used to be McLaren’s number one mechanic. He has witnessed F1 races and rivalries from the frantic environment of the pitlane. This is F1 without the champagne and parties, where races are won with the sweat and toil of every crew member.  

Stealing Speed by Mat Oxley

Ernst Degner sold Nazi engine building secrets to Suzuki in the biggest spy scandal in motorsport history. A story of blackmail, racing pedigree, secretive engineering, and the rise of the Japanese motorcycle industry. 

Ring of Fire by Rick Broadbent

Your closest look at Moto GP racing. Riders put their lives on the line and ignore the pain of broken bones to win races. Broadbent’s book introduces you to the mechanics, pitlane crews, and doctors who stay behind the scenes in addition to stars and racing legends. 

Beyond the Limit by Sid Watkins

Watkin’s book discusses how racing technology has advanced over the years and how important it is for safety tech to keep up. Beyond the Limit shows you some of the worst motorsport accidents and how crash physics has helped build better safety tech. 

Travels With Charley by John Steinbeck

Steinbeck mapped his own trail and purchased a truck which he converted into a motorhome. The author and his dog Charley set off on a road trip across the country on Rocinante so he could take one last good look at America. 

Motorcycle Dynamics by Cossalter Vittore

Okay, you might have to be an engineer to appreciate and sometimes understand this book. Vittore explains the complex physics of vehicle dynamics based on the latest research. If you want to know the science behind how a motorcycle behaves and performs, Motorcycle Dynamics is for you. 

Cannonball by Brock Yates

The Cannonball is an illegal race from the East to the West coast of the United States. The spirit of American freedom inspired Yates to take on this dangerous cross-country trip with F1 and Le Mans champion Dan Gurney. Their noble steed? A Ferrari Daytona!  

Bonus: BMW Group The Next 100

BMW completed its centenary last year. The Next 100 asks questions about the future of transport, cities, administration, and daily lifestyles. Read this to understand how carmakers expand their horizons to build concepts and new technologies. 

These were our top picks of compelling and entertaining books about motoring. Let us know in the comments if you’ve read any or all of them. Did we miss any of your favourites? 

Also Read: 

Top 5 ZigWheels YouTube Videos You Should Watch While Working From Home

Car Movies To Watch During Your Coronavirus Self-Quarantine