Chassis R & D
About Chassis R&D
Chassis R&D is the racing technology brand of Bob Bolles, a veteran race car engineer, consultant, inventor, and technical author with deep roots in American motorsports. Founded on a passion for making race cars faster through sound engineering, Chassis R&D has become a trusted name among circle track and road racing competitors who demand real, data-driven guidance over guesswork.
The Mind Behind the Brand
Bob Bolles began his motorsports career in the early 1990s working with short track late models. From those early days in the pits, he developed a systematic approach to chassis tuning that would eventually reach racers around the world. As the owner of Chassis R&D, he has spent decades consulting with teams on everything from spring rates and shock theory to rear geometry and aerodynamic balance. His expertise has helped countless teams secure track championships and series titles across both dirt and asphalt disciplines.
Bolles has also served as a long-running technical contributor to racing publications, translating complex engineering concepts into practical, actionable knowledge for drivers and crew chiefs alike. His earlier books — Stock Car Setup Secrets and Advanced Race Car Chassis Technology, both published by HP Books — established him as one of the foremost voices in race car chassis technology. The Race Car Technology (RCT) series, published through CRD Publishing, represents a comprehensive update and expansion of that foundational work.
Race Car Technology Software
One of Chassis R&D's most recognized products is the Advanced Dirt Car Set-Up Software, a patented program designed to help racers configure their cars for maximum on-track performance. Rather than relying on trial and error, the software uses engineering principles to optimize how all four tires work together as a system — a methodology that translates directly to faster lap times and more consistent handling. The software has been used by racers across all levels of dirt track competition, from local short tracks to regional touring series.
Race Car Technology Book Series
The RCT book series extends Chassis R&D's mission into print, offering a structured, multi-level curriculum covering every major chassis system found on a race car. The series is designed so that anyone — from a first-year racer to an experienced crew chief — can build a deeper understanding of vehicle dynamics, suspension geometry, chassis setup, and race car design. Topics span chassis dynamics, spring and shock theory, front and rear suspension geometry, steering systems, and real-world racing aerodynamics, presented in straightforward language without sacrificing technical depth.
Whether you're campaigning a street stock on a local dirt oval or preparing a prototype for road racing, Chassis R&D's resources offer a proven, engineering-based foundation for getting the most out of your race car.