Introducing ABCs of NASCAR Racing: A New Kids Book from Red Racer Books

Andy Amendola
2026-01-28T16:21:45-05:00

Introducing ABCs of NASCAR Racing (and why I made it)

If you have been around Red Racer Books for a while, you know what I care about most.

Turning the thrill of motorsports into books kids cannot wait to read. And I think this new book lives up to that.

ABCs of NASCAR: My First Guide to NASCAR Racing is an officially licensed picture book arriving February 9, 2026, just ahead of the DAYTONA 500 on February 15.

Woohooo. 🏁

The bigger idea: making racing more accessible for kids

One of my biggest beliefs is simple: the best way to build readers is to start with what they already love. For a lot of kids, that spark is cars. Anything that goes vroom.

Another belief is also true. Racing can feel like a club if you do not know the language. The barrier to casual fandom can feel high, and when you are new to it, it is easy to feel like you are missing something.

My vision for Red Racer Books is to open the world of racing to every kid and help make motorsports more accessible for the next generation.

That is also why I keep exploring new racing series and building books that act like a welcoming first step. Each time I learn a new corner of the sport, I ask the same question: how do I bring this to kids in a way that feels fun, approachable, and true to the real racing world?

This NASCAR book is a big milestone in that mission.

Why an ABC book about NASCAR?

NASCAR is thrilling, but if you did not grow up with it, it can be hard to know where to start. I wanted to make NASCAR feel approachable for kids and easy for parents.

It also helps that NASCAR is one of the most accessible major series for fans. If you have been, you know what I mean. Kids tickets are often free or under 15 bucks.

So I built this book as a simple A-to-Z guide, from A is for Aerodynamics to Z is for Zoom, with bite-size facts, vibrant illustrations, and a big emphasis on one of the best parts of racing: teamwork.

Because yes, the driver matters, but so does the entire crew behind the wall. I want kids to see the whole world of racing, including the different roles and career paths. If you see it, you can be it.

What is inside the book?

This is designed as a read-aloud that also sneaks in real learning.

Inside, kids will discover:

Race-day vocabulary like pit stop, white flag, drafting, and more

The traditions and rhythms that make NASCAR feel like NASCAR

Track types and what makes them different

Kid-friendly STEM concepts without it feeling like a lesson

The people behind the scenes who make race day happen

My goal was for families to learn and cheer together.

Click and order your copy today: https://www.redracerbooks.com/products/abcs-of-nascar-kids-book

A couple reviews that made my week

As a tiny publisher, trade reviews mean a lot. They are one of the few places where the work gets evaluated purely on the book itself. So seeing these come in honestly made me pause and smile.

From Midwest Book Review

“Adults who choose ABCs of NASCAR Racing will appreciate how both educational opportunities dovetail in a rich, inviting survey of the world of car racing that will educate and enthrall young picture book readers and their read-aloud adults.”

Link to read more: http://donovansliteraryservices.com/january-2026-issue.html#abc

From IndieReader (IR Approved, 4.7 rating)

“Engaging, informative, and vividly illustrated, Andy Amendola’s and Wei Ren’s ABCs of NASCAR Racing is an excellent introduction to the popular motorsport for young readers.”

IndieReader also called out something I care about a lot: the book is not built around specific drivers or teams, so it should not feel dated quickly.

And huge credit to illustrator Wei Ren. The goal was always kid-friendly but still authentic, and Wei nailed that balance.

Link to read more: https://indiereader.com/book_review/abcs-of-nascar-racing-my-first-guide-to-nascar-racing/

Quick book details

Title: ABCs of NASCAR: My First Guide to NASCAR Racing
Author/Publisher: Andy Amendola / Red Racer Books
Format: Hardcover, 32 pages, 8" x 10"
Ages: 3–8 (read-aloud friendly for younger racers)
Publication date: February 9, 2026
Price / ISBN: $19.99, ISBN 979-8-218-76910-9

Pre-order links

You can pre-order now. Copies ship on or around launch day, February 9.

Pre-order from Red Racer Books (best way to support the small business):
https://www.redracerbooks.com/products/abcs-of-nascar-kids-book

Pre-order on Amazon:
https://a.co/d/4IwRMSm

What is coming next

All month in February, we will be celebrating this book in the lead-up to the DAYTONA 500 with family-friendly content, creator partnerships, and community promos.

Charlotte local book launch: February 21 at Fred and June’s Bookshop in Mooresville, NC (Racing City USA). Please come say hi, join us for a NASCAR story time reading, and pick up the book.

If you want to help support the launch, the simplest thing you can do is share a post when you see it or tag a NASCAR parent who would love this. Every bit of momentum helps more than you know.

Thanks for being here and for cheering us on.

See you at the track!

Andy
Founder, Red Racer Books
@RedRacerBooks