A joint collaboration between cognitive science professor Dr Otto Lappi and race driver efficiency analyst Alan Dove, ‘The Science of the Racer’s Mind’ faucets into – because the preface notes – the beforehand vacant hole out there for a ebook on the neuroscience of motorsport.
Motorsport science and understanding driver’s brains has superior considerably prior to now three a long time, from a time when Professor Sid Watkins would typically current x-rays of an empty cranium as a driver’s mind scan, to a far stronger appreciation of the neuroscience behind the game’s best athletes.
Drawing collectively insights from each the slicing fringe of neuroscience and elite driving efficiency, ‘The Science of the Racer’s Mind’ comprehensively unpacks the totally different elements of the subject.
Crucially for a ebook primarily about mind science (and I’m penning this as somebody whose GCSE science paper stays the spotlight of the examiner’s Christmas occasion), it’s well-written and accessible. My full absence of scientific information (in keeping with my biology trainer ‘photosynthesis’ isn’t a Smashing Pumpkins b-side) implies that I’ll evade making an attempt to summarise the important thing factors – as, frankly, Lappi and Dove do a much better and extra complete job than I ever may.
One other massive plus is the avoidance of mythology and hyperbole. Sure, elite racing drivers have a differentiated ability set and carry out in extraordinary situations – however you don’t need to go full Buxton to make the purpose.
‘The Science of the Racer’s Mind’ is a severe ebook and deep dive into an fascinating matter. That mentioned, it gained’t be for everybody – ghost-written autobiography this isn’t – however for anybody with an curiosity in a hitherto little explored side of the game, there’s lots to take pleasure in.
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The Science of the Racer’s Mind
Authors: Dr Otto Lappi & Alan Dove
Writer: Dr Otto Lappi
Printed: February 2022
Pages: 270
Worth: £19.99
ISBN: 9789529458547