CHAPTER ONE The Basics of Speed 4 CHAPTER TWO Speed on Wheels 10 CHAPTER THREE Speed on Water 18 CHAPTER FOUR Speed in the Air and in Space 26 CHAPTER FIVE Speed on Rails 34 Fast Facts 42 Stop and Think 44 Glossary 46 Learn More 47 Index 48 About the Author 48 CONTENTS
THE BASICS OF SPEED A dragster engine hums as the vehicle approaches the starting line Crewmembers carefully clean off the rear tires as the car inches forward The crew wants to make sure nothing comes between the tires and the track The wide fat tires are designed to create as much friction or grip on the track as possible When the light turns green the tires will turn the engine’s power into speed on the track Drivers spin their tires before the race to get rid of unwanted substances Crews then brush away extra rubber that has come off the tires 5 CHAPTER ONE
