DEAD HEAT AT LE MANS

In financial difficulty and lacking a sponsor for the

season, Wynn and Lonny are forced to sell their
Super Vee. Their luck changes, however, when they
are introduced to a group of research chemists who
are developing and testing a new synthetic motor oil.
The U. S. military, which works with the group,
provides the boys with two beefed-up Monzas
especially built to use the synthetic oil and support
Wynn and Lonnys races in the United States and at
Le Mans, France, the worlds most famous
endurance race.
The boys are elated. A life-long dream has finally
come true. But their excitement soon turns to fear
when they realize that someone is trying to terrorize
and even kill them. Then, to make matters worse, a
member of their team is kidnapped and they receive
an ultimatum: if they race at Le Mans, he will die!
Must they abandon their plans in order to save his
life?
Though they are puzzled and worried, Wynn and
Lonny work hard to reach their goals in the United
States and abroad. Read this absorbing adventure
and follow these brave and determined young racers
through the most harrowing experiences of their
lives.

WYNN AND LONNY RACING SERIES

The Mexicali 1000
Road Race of Champions
GT Challenge
Gold Cup Rookies
Dead Heat at Le Mans
The Midnight Rally

Wynn and Lonny Racing Series

DEAD HEAT
AT LE MANS
BY
ERIC SPEED

NEW YORK

GROSSET & DUNLAP

PUBLISHERS

COPYRIGHT 1977 BY GROSSET AND DUNLAP, INC.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

PUBLISHED SIMULTANEOUSLY IN CANADA

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CATALOG CARD NUMBER: 76-24708
ISBN: 0-448-12807-1 (Trade Edition)
ISBN: 0-448-13409-8 (Library Edition)

Printed in the United States of America

CONTENTS
CHAPTER

PAGE

I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII
IX
X
XI
XII
XIII
XIV
XV
XVI
XVII
XVIII

1
13
26
36
46
59
71
80
92
101
111
122
133
144
153
165
173
180

A SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGH
BLOW-UP!
THE MISSING MONZA
THE SPRUCE-PINE INCIDENT
FOOLED BY THIEVES
AIRPORT HIDEOUT
FIRST SUCCESS
THE TRAP
THE STOLEN PLANE
EXPLOSION
LAST CHANCE
A DEADLY ULTIMATUM
CUSTOMS TROUBLE
A STRANGE COINCIDENCE
WAS IT MARIE-CLAUDE?
DISASTER ON THE TRACK
SLASHED TIRES
PIT FIGHT

DEAD HEAT AT LE MANS

CHAPTER I

A Scientific Breakthrough

Wynn, are you ready? Lonny Morris asked his

partner.
Sure am, Wynn replied as he slipped into the
cockpit of his Super Vee. This may be our last race,
but were going to win it!
The tall, lanky youth smiled cheerfully through
the smoke-colored visor of his pale-blue helmet. All
around him, at Daytona International Speedway,
other drivers were preparing for the forthcoming
event.
Thats the spirit, Lonny said as he tightened
Wynns shoulder- and lap-belt straps.
Wynn Redford and Lonny Morris, formerly high
school buddies in the mountains of western North
Carolina, had become an inseparable team. Wynn,
the taller of the two, had established himself as one
of the nations best drivers, with experience in both
1

Grand Touring sports cars and single-seat Super

Vees.
Lonny Morris had been graduated from Wilkes
County High School with a technical diploma. His
parents owned a farm, and years of heavy chores
had given him broad shoulders and a willingness to
pitch in whenever there was work to be done.
Lonny tugged the last strap tight and patted his
friend on the helmet. Go get em, Wynn!
The starter raised his hand high in the air, making
small circular motions above his head. It was time
up to warm up the engines.
Wynn punched the starter button on the
dashboard and felt his own auto roar to life. Two
other cars, both Lolas, had qualified faster than his
Zink, but Wynn hoped to pass them on the first lap.
He and Lonny had changed engines since
qualifying, and the new one had more power.
The pace car moved off slowly, leading the
snarling pack of forty Super Vees around the track.
Wynn accelerated up to a comfortable speed in
second gear, then began weaving his car
rhythmically from side to side, warming the tires. In
a few moments he would push them to the limit of
adhesion, and he knew they worked best when
heated to about 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Lonny stepped back to the pit wall and picked up
his timing board. It had a built-in electronic
2

stopwatch, and columns in which he would neatly

enter the numbers of the cars as they came by. At
the end, he would know exactly how Wynn had
finished.
The pace car pulled into the pit lane and the
competitors approached the starting line. Wynn was
right on the exhaust pipe of the Lola in front of him
when he saw the green flag wave. In an instant he
jammed the gas pedal to the floor and darted to the
left, seeking to pass the driver in the pole position on
the inside!
But the Lola veered left, blocking Wynns move.
The boy fell in behind it through the twisting infield
section of the road course, unable to pass. As the
cars swarmed up onto the steep Daytona bankings,
Wynn remained behind the leader, waiting to gather
speed. Down the backstretch they flew, at close to
140 miles per hour!
Wynn again moved to the left as they entered the
high-banked north turn, and this time his powerful
Zink made it. Gradually he crept past the first car
until it was no longer in his field of vision. Wynn
had the lead as they completed the first lap!
Lonny calmly noted the time and recorded the
numbers of the competitors as they came by. The
top five were nose-to-tail and had already opened a
two-second gap over the rest of the field.
Wynn maintained his charge through the infield,
3

moving slightly away from the second-place car.

When he reentered the banking he had pulled away
enough so the drivers behind him were out of his
slipstream. They would be unable to benefit from
the pull of his Zink.
At the end of the second lap, he was a full second
ahead and from then on, it was no contest.
Look at him go! Lonny yelled to the mechanic
standing next to him. No way theyll catch him
now!
Wynn won by eight seconds, the widest margin
ever in Super Vee racing at Daytona. Lonny joined
him in victory circle for the celebration. But their
joy and elation vanished soon afterwards, as Lonny
placed a large for sale sign in the cars seat.
Youre quitting? asked a reporter in surprise.
Were out of money, Wynn replied. We raced
with sponsorship from Altadyne and Minax last
year. This year we have no sponsor and had only
enough cash left for this event.
The winners Zink is for sale, the announcer
said over the public-address system. It has won two
races here at Daytona, and Ive never seen a more
convincing display of driving skill and mechanical
perfection than Wynn Redford and Lonny Morris
have put on for us today. Were sorry to see them
quit and hope their pretty little racer will get a good
price.
4

The two boys sadly left victory circle a short

while later. By six that evening they piled into their
dune buggy, Beetle Bomb, and headed toward North
Carolina. Lonny waved silently at one of the other
drivers who had bought their Super Vee and its
spare parts.
Guess thats the best way to sell, Wynn said as
Lonny drove up the Interstate. Blow the
oppositions doors off, and theyll beat a path to
yours!
No doubt about it, Lonny agreed. Its too bad.
We really had that car working right.
There were some interesting guys in the press
box for the interviews, Wynn remarked. Two were
from some oil company Ive never heard of, and
Horst Kwech, the car builder from Chicago, was
with them. I wonder what they had on their minds.
Not us. Thats for sure, Lonny said glumly.
The conversation trailed off as day turned into
night. Soon Lonny was driving mechanically as
Wynn dozed next to him. Suddenly, there was a
movement on the road ahead.
Hold on! Lonny shouted to his partner as he
wrenched the wheel violently to the right to avoid
the obstruction. At that point the road passed over a
landfill high above a narrow creek, and he found
himself driving 50 miles an hour down the
embankment!
5

The dune buggy hit a small tree and glanced

sideways off the bank, landing in the cold creek
below. Miraculously, it did not overturn.
Wow! Wynn said shakily as he released his
seat belt. What happened?
There was something big in the road, Lonny
replied. It was moving right at us. I barely missed
it!
Lets see what it was, Wynn said and climbed
out of the car. Curious, the two made their way up
the embankment to the highway. There, in the
middle of the road, stood a black Angus bull!
That thing must weigh a ton! Wynn exclaimed.
No wonder you didnt see it, Lonny said. Its
as black as the night.
Ill go back to the car and call for help on the
citizens band radio, Wynn suggested. Maybe you
can try to coax our friend out of the highway in the
meantime.
Will do, Lonny agreed and gingerly approached
the black monster.
In a few minutes the bull was contentedly
chewing the roadside grass as a Georgia Highway
Patrol cruiser approached. A trooper jumped out.
Whats up? he asked the boys.
They explained what had happened, and the
officer nodded knowingly. Weve had cattle thieves
stealing from the McGarrity farm this year, he
6

explained. Just about two hours ago they drove a

tractor-trailer up to the fence and hauled off some of
his best Angus cows. Guess this feller is out looking
for them.
I thought cattle rustling went out years ago,
Wynn said.
It did, and most ranchers quit branding their
herds. Thats what makes it popular again.
A wrecker arrived and hauled the dune buggy out
of the creek.
Will you be able to drive it? the trooper asked.
Wynn checked Beetle Bomb and started the
engine. Yes, I think well make it. And thanks a lot
for your help. He took his turn at the wheel.
Watch out for any more black Angus, Lonny
warned.
Wynn grinned. Im smarter than that, buddy!
Lonny poked him in the ribs. Dont brag.
Hours later Wynn turned onto the road to their
apartment over a garage in Newgate. In short order,
the two parked their car and took the mail out of the
box. Jeff Kuralt, president of the Altadyne
Corporation, had left a note for them to stop by his
office in the morning. His company produced
precision electronic equipment, and he had
sponsored the boys in previous races. They had
worked in his plant between races whenever their
mechanical skills were needed.
7

I wonder what Jeff has on his mind, Wynn said

thoughtfully as he got ready for bed.
Dont wonder now. Go to sleep. Youll find out
tomorrow, Lonny advised and pulled the covers
over his head. Boy, am I tired!
Next morning, Jeff greeted them in his office.
Hi, boys, he said. Im glad youre here early. I
have some good news for you.
Wynn grinned. We can use that!
An Australian friend of mine, Horst Kwech,
called me from Daytona. He lives in Chicago now.
He built two Chevy Monzas, and hes looking for a
good team to race them in the World Manufacturers
Championship endurance races.
Jeff, youre kidding! Wynn shouted and
jumped to his feet. That means the twenty-fourhour race at Le Mans! Boy, would I love to go to
France!
Im not kidding, Jeff smiled. But as I told
Horst, this is strictly between you and him. Altadyne
is out of the racing business for the time being.
But, Jeff, were broke, Lonny put in.
I told Horst you had no money, but he wants to
talk to you anyway. So I made arrangements for you
to fly to Chicago this afternoon. Hell pick you up at
the airport.
Jeff, youre the greatest! Lonny said, and both
boys thanked their friend for making this new
8

contact. Perhaps they would be able to continue

racing after all!
Later that day they met the smiling Australian at
the airport ramp. Kwech had an unlighted pipe,
which he kept firmly clenched between his teeth as
he spoke.
Pleased to meet you blokes at last, he said. I
tried to catch up with you at Daytona, but you were
off somewhere, selling your car.
Wynn nodded. We sold it for a song, he said.
But we had some big bills left over from last year
and had to have the money fast.
Well, thats the way racing is. Kwech laughed.
Now lets get down to my shop. I have some
people coming and I want you to meet them.
The Australians garage was an unimposing
warehouse about 10 miles from the airport. He
opened the door and motioned the boys inside. As
he turned on the lights, their eyes focused on two of
the most fantastic race cars they had ever seen!
The basic body work was conventional Monza,
like thousands of passenger cars. But beneath the
front grille a spoiler extended vertically almost to
the ground. The front fenders had been artfully
widened and swept back along the sides of the body
to provide ample clearance for the widest racing
tires. Ducts in the fender allowed air to escape from
the wheel wells.
9

The rear fenders, too, had been widened, and they

blended into a neatly upturned spoiler to deflect air
upward and keep the rear of the car on the ground at
high speeds.
W-w-wow! Wynn stammered. Thats wild!
Whats underneath? Lonny asked and peered
through the window of the nearest racer. He
examined the cockpit and called out, Hey, Wynn!
This thing has a tube frame!
How about that! Wynn said as he stuck his
head inside.
They were as excited about the cars as children
are about Christmas toys. Every new detail brought
exclamations of delight, which echoed through the
building.
Kwech stood aside, puffing his ever-present pipe,
and watched the boys explore. Occasionally he
answered a technical question, but for the most part
Wynn and Lonny were too thrilled by their own
discoveries to ask much. Finally the Australian
explained why he had built the two racers.
The International Motor Sports Association saw
that foreign cars, like Datsuns and Porsche Carreras,
were dominating American road racing. They
decided it would be a good idea to build something
to compete. That decision brought about a rules
change for next year, and the Monzas comply to the
new rules.
10

How large is the engine? Lonny asked.

Its a three-hundred-and-fifty-cubic-inch Chevy
V-eight, Kwech replied. Thats big enough to give
it a top speed of over a hundred and eighty miles an
hour, and small enough so its gets reasonable fuel
economy. It weighs only twenty-five hundred
pounds.
Wynn, who had been sitting in the drivers seat,
climbed out and walked up to the Australian. Why
are you showing us these cars? he asked. I dont
think we have big enough reputations to get free
rides in something like this!
Nothings free, Kwech replied evenly. I
expect to be paid for the cars, and I want you two
because youve come from nowhere and done very
well for yourselves. You won a National
Championship in Formula Vee. You did a fine job in
the IMSA GT series, driving a Datsun 260Z, and
you almost won the Gold Cup Super Vee series last
year. Those are impressive credentials for such
young men.
Yeah, Lonny said wryly, but you forgot one
thing. Were broke.
Being broke is a matter of spirit, Kwech said
with a mysterious smile. Youre not broke. Youre
simply without funds. He walked to a workbench
and unlocked a toolbox. Sitting down, he pulled a
sheaf of papers from it and handed them to the boys.
11

These papers describe the top-secret project of a

group of research scientists in New Jersey.
What is it? Lonny asked eagerly.
The Monzas dont use regular motor oil!

12

CHAPTER II

Blow-Up!

Every engine has to have oil! Lonny said.

Kwech grinned. Theyll have oil, only it wont
come out of a well. The
He was interrupted by two men who walked in
the door. One was short and stout with white hair,
the other was thin and appeared to be nervous. Both
were well dressed and carried briefcases.
Hello, gentlemen, Kwech said. These are the
two racers I told you about, Wynn Redford and
Lonny Morris. He motioned to the white-haired
man. Boys, this is Byron Thomas, chairman of the
board of Nova Industries of Newark, New Jersey.
And Ive brought my associate and chief
chemist, Don Brown, Thomas said.
The thin man bowed slightly. Pleased to meet
you.
Weve heard of your reputation as racers,
13

Thomas went on, and wed like to have you on the

Nova team this year.
Wynns ruddy complexion deepened due to the
unexpected compliment. Thank you, Mr. Thomas.
But how can we race for you when we cant afford
to buy the cars?
Nova Industries is considering buying the cars,
Kwech said. You would drive in various races and
test their oil. Assuming that youre successful and
the oil proves to be efficient, they will mount a
major advertising campaign toward the end of the
racing season based on your performance. The
Mr. Kwech, Don Brown interrupted, this is a
top-secret project!
I realize that, the car builder replied. But
youll have to let your drivers in on it.
Not until the final decision is made, Brown said
curtly as he snatched the Nova literature from
Lonny. He quickly stuffed it in his briefcase, and
looked coldly at the boys.
Well, Thomas said, lets talk about the
details. He put an arm around Kwech and Brown
and led the two men away from the boys to a corner
of the garage. Wynn and Lonny turned their
attention to the cars again.
After a while, the men had finished their
discussion, and the two visitors left without
speaking to the boys. Kwech stood still for a
14

moment, then kicked a spare tire in disgust.

Looks like the deals off, lads, he said. Nova
had some unexpected problems and cant pay as
much for the cars as Id have to ask. I cant give
them away. Im afraid your trip to Chicago was
unsuccessful.
Wynn and Lonny looked crestfallen. I wish wed
never seen the cars, Wynn muttered to his friend.
Then we wouldnt know what were missing.
I got the feeling that Don Brown didnt like us
very much, Lonny added.
Kwech tried to cheer them up. If I find another
buyer, Ill get in touch with you. Dont give up
hope. However, he sounded as if he did not have
much hope himself.
He drove the boys to the airport motel, where
they spent the night. They would catch an early
flight home. Before noon, they were in Jeffs office,
explaining the situation.
The businessman was sympathetic, but even
though Altadynes sales had improved, there was
not enough money to sponsor another racing effort.
Tell you what, Jeff said. Why dont you work
on my assembly lines this year. Ill pay you well and
if you save your money, youll be able to afford
another car for the next season.
Thanks, Jeff, Lonny said.
They started work the following week. Wynns
15

assignment was to assemble Altaguard components

on a circuit board. Lonny took the boards from
Wynn and soldered the connections. After he
finished each one, he gave it to Dave Marr, a
government inspector, who ran the completed unit
through a careful test. If it worked, and it usually
did, it was boxed for shipment.
Within a week the boys and Dave had become
good friends. He was a lanky, good-natured man in
his late twenties, who liked to kid around and was
easy to work with. They told him about Kwech and
the Nova company.
Wed love to race those Monzas, Lonny said
longingly as he handed Dave a board for inspection.
Do you really think you could win a race like the
twenty-four hour Le Mans? Dave asked.
Not over-all, Lonny replied. We would
compete in a different category from the Ferrari and
Matra sports racing cars. Theyd probably win, but
with some luck we could beat all the cars in our
class.
Dave grinned. Youre convinced of your talents,
eh?
Lonny was embarrassed. Just optimistic, he
replied.
Dave became serious. What would you need to
get started? he asked.
Enough money to buy the cars, Lonny replied.
16

I think Nova would be willing to sponsor us if we

had the cars.
And how much would they cost?
I guess about a hundred thousand dollars.
Is that all!
Yeah. Not exactly small change, Lonny had to
admit.
They dropped the subject and did not mention it
again until the following week, when Kuralt called
all three of them into his office.
Everything I say from this moment on is top
secret, okay? he began.
Wynn, Lonny, and Dave agreed, and moved
chairs close to Jeffs desk.
Boys, do you remember Major Tynan from
TECOM? Jeff asked.
Sure do, Wynn replied. Lonny and I once
tested a device called the Altaguard for the Army
Test and Evaluation Command at Aberdeen Proving
Ground in Maryland. The Army bought it to prevent
tank engines from being run too fast and blowing
up.
Jeff nodded. Major Tynan called me this
morning. Hes interested in the project.
Really? Wynn and Lonny perked up visibly.
Dave Marr spoke up. Ive told him about it and
TECOM agreed to post funds for an evaluation of
Nova oil under high-stress conditions.
17

You mean, well use the cars to test the oil for
them? Wynn asked, his heart beating wildly.
Right.
Lonny was more practical and cautious. Is that
legal? he inquired.
Absolutely, Jeff replied. TECOM is very
interested in the research and development of the oil,
and will contribute a limited amount of money to the
racing project. In other words, theyll buy the cars.
Fantastic! Wynn exclaimed and slapped Lonny
on the back. Were in business again, partner!
Were all in this together, Marr said as he
shook hands with the two. Ill be acting as a liaison
between you and Major Tynan, and will be your
crew chief. Thomas will control the finances, and
Don Brown will provide the technical support for
the oil tests.
That sounds wonderful! Wynn said. When do
we start?
As soon as possible. Youll have to fly to New
Jersey Monday for a briefing at Nova headquarters.
Meanwhile, you can go back to the assembly line
and train your replacements!
Are you coming to New Jersey with us, Dave?
Lonny asked.
No. Ill have to wait until the government sends
a replacement for me. You can handle this on your
own.
18

The boys spent the weekend figuring out how

much support they would need to race in several
American Grand Touring, or GT, events before
going to Le Mans, and took a list with them to
Newark on Monday.
When they arrived at Nova headquarters, Thomas
and Brown greeted them with big smiles. Glad we
could get together again, the chairman said as he
ushered them into his office. This is a perfect
opportunity for us to make technical advances in the
face of a world-wide energy crisis.
What makes your oil different from regular oil?
Lonny inquired.
Ill show you, Thomas said, pressing a button.
The room lights dimmed and a color slide appeared
on a screen in one corner.
Don Brown explained, This is an oil molecule.
Oil is a hydrocarbon created by nature after millions
of years of heat and pressure. It can start as a leaf, a
twig, or perhaps a dead animal.
The slide changed, and a similar molecule, with
fewer atoms, was shown. This is an early Nova oil
molecule, the chemist went on. It was created in
our lab and has most of the desirable properties of
conventional oil, and fewer impurities.
But what is the advantage of Nova oil over the
regular oil? Wynn asked.
It lasts longer, Thomas replied. A car running
19

on Nova oil with a good filter should be able to go

ten thousand miles or more without an oil change.
Thats because our product has such a high film
strength and resists the effect of contamination so
well. Regular oil tends to break down after a while.
It loads up with dirt and little specks of sulphur that
mix with water to give you corrosive substances,
such as sulphuric acids, in your crankcase.
Don Brown went on to explain that good oils
have additives designed to absorb the impurities and
to pick up normal engine dirt. But after a certain
period, the detergents become overloaded and the oil
has to be changed.
We start with a very pure synthetic product,
Thomas said, and add just enough detergent to pick
up engine impurities. The oil can do the job longer
and much better. The absence of impurities makes it
more slippery than petroleum oil.
Isnt this type of oil available yet? Lonny
asked.
Yes and no. Some other companies are in the
market with a semisynthetic oil thats much less
expensive to produce. However, the molecules these
oils are made from are derived from crude oil that
comes out of an oil well. Our oil is expensive. It
costs six times as much as conventional motor oil.
Were trying to get the cost down, but right now
nobody but a car nut would want to pay six times the
20

going rate for his motor oil.

You see, Don Brown said, nature makes
petroleum oil out of almost anythinggrass, trees,
dinosaurs, you name it. But it takes millions of
years. Were doing it in the lab in minutes and were
paying a premium for speed. Also, the raw materials
are expensive.
What do you use? Wynn asked.
Right now were processing cellulose from trees.
But well be using mesquite plants from Texas, corn
stalks from Indiana, and cotton plants from
Louisiana. Anything that contains cellulose should
work.
We convert the cellulose into an intermediate
molecule similar to alcohol, Thomas said. Then
we use Dons secret process to turn certain esters of
this alcohol into synthetic crude oil. After that we
blend in the additives and can it. Simple, right?
The screen lit up again with a chart of the worlds
oilfields. Red lines ran from these fields to consumer
countries. If there should be another war, Don
Brown said, these oil-supply lines could be cut very
easily. All it would take would be a few submarines.
If we could produce a good synthetic oil, we
wouldnt have to worry about the Mideast so much.
We get the picture, Wynn said.
Good. Lets discuss the contract now, Thomas
suggested.
21

In a short time they had reached an agreement.

Wynn and Lonny would race two Monzas in as
many GT races as possible before going to Le Mans.
What do you need for a crew? Thomas asked.
Besides Dave, wed like to get two friends of
ours who are expert timers and scorers, Wynn
replied. Ingrid Larsson and Nancy-Rae Eubanks.
They could also race one of the cars in the
endurance events that require two drivers each.
Girls? Thomas asked, a hint of doubt in his
voice.
They won a number of Goodrich Radial
Challenge Baby Grand events with a Colt not long
ago, Wynn said with a grin.
Thomas did not look convinced, but went on to
the next subject. As to the oil, he said, you must
guard it with your lives. Dont even drain your
crankcase at the tracks. Bring the used stuff back for
us to examine. We do have some competition, and
we dont want the oil to fall into the wrong hands.
Oh? Wynn said. Who else is in this business?
There are three other companies in the United
States, Hahnes and Harris in New York, Chemco
Products on the West Coast, and a smaller outfit by
the name of Greenlief Chemicals. Theres also a
French manufacturer, Synthetique, with whom we
are quite well acquainted.
Now back to our agreement. Well supply two
22

trailers for the cars and vans to carry spare parts.

Ive discussed it with Horst Kwech. You can pick
them up along with the racers at his place on
Wednesday.
Terrific, Wynn said. I think Ill ask the girls to
meet us in Chicago and help us with the driving.
May I use your phone?
Sure. Go right ahead. And tell them well make
their plane reservations for them.
Wynn dialed Bud Eubankss home in Clayborne,
North Carolina. Inky lived in Minnesota, but spent
most of her time with Nancy-Rae Eubanks. If the
girls were not there, Bud would know where his
daughter could be reached. However, Nancy-Rae
answered the phone herself.
How would you and Inky like to go racing again
this year? Wynn asked.
Fat chance, Nancy-Rae replied. We were just
discussing our financial situation. We cant even
afford to go to the movies!
Say yes, and Ill take you both to the movies,
Wynn said. Lonny and I have just signed a deal to
run the IMSA GT series in Chevy Monzas. We need
a crew to time and score and share the driving.
Wynndid you say drive?
Right. You could take the second car in the
longer races. Got your licenses ready?
Sure do. And you got yourselves a crew!
23

Nancy-Rae shouted in his ear. She listened intently

as Wynn explained the details. Meet us in Chicago
at Horst Kwechs place on Wednesday to pick up
the cars. He lives at Fifteen Holmes Street. Nova
will make your plane reservations.
Best news Ive heard all year! the girl said and
let out a high-spirited yell before hanging up.
No point in your going home again, Thomas
said. Spend the day in Newark and fly direct from
here. Well put you up at the Holiday Inn.
Wynn and Lonny thanked their new sponsor and
left. Even Don Brown was nice to us today, Wynn
observed. Before I had the feeling that he didnt
particularly like the idea of our racing for them.
From their motel room, they called Horst Kwech
several times, but there was no response. Next
morning, they called again. Now there was a
recording of Kwechs voice, saying that he could be
reached at another number.
Wynn dialed the number given.
Forty-Seventh Precinct, a man answered.
P-police? Wynn stammered. I was trying to
reach Horst Kwech. He runs a garage and the
Hes here, the policeman interrupted. Just a
minute.
Kwech came on the phone. Wh-who is this? He
sounded nervous.
Wynn Redford.
24

Oh, Wynn, the Australian said, relieved. You

wont believe what happened.
Whats
the
matter?
Wynn
asked
apprehensively.
Somebody blew up my shop!

25

CHAPTER III

The Missing Monza

What? Wynn was flabbergasted.

Somebody planted dynamite in the garage. It
exploded last night, Kwech said. Fortunately, no
one was hurt. Ive been at police headquarters ever
since.
Were the cars damaged?
One is okay, the other will need some work. If
you can do it, theyll be all right for Sebring next
month. I cant help you. I dont have a shop any
more.
Dont worry about it, Wynn said, then told
Kwech that they had arranged to meet the girls in
Chicago.
Thats fine, Kwech said. Well see you all
tomorrow.
Wynn hung up and called Thomas. He told the
Nova chairman what had happened, and said, This
26

explosion could be connected with your visit to

Kwech some time ago. Maybe someone doesnt
want Nova oil on the race tracks this year.
No one knows about our plans, Thomas said. I
think it was one of Kwechs rivals who didnt want
the cars to beat him.
The boys were not convinced. On the way to
Chicago next day they tried to figure out who could
have been behind the bombing, but it was useless.
Maybe the police have found a clue, Wynn
said. Well know more when we get there.
When they arrived at the car builders home, the
girls were already there. Inky Larsson opened the
door for them. She was of medium height with
blond hair and blue eyes. Right now Inky was
pouting, and her nose twitched.
You didnt tell us we were dealing with
criminals! she complained.
Whos a criminal? Kwech asked as he appeared
behind her to greet the boys.
Not you, Mr. Kwech. The guys who blew up
your shop!
Nancy-Rae, red-haired and pretty, came out,
carrying a spoonful of food. She thrust it into
Lonnys open mouth before he could object. Hows
that? she asked with obvious pride.
Lonnys eyes bulged. He put his hands to his
throat, chewed twice, and swallowed with an
27

exaggerated gasp. H-hot! he croaked.

Its an Australian specialty, the girl said
proudly. Mrs. Kwech and I are making it for
dinner.
Please call us Dotty and Horst, their host said.
Youre making us feel terribly old!
The group moved into the dining room, where
Dotty Kwech, an attractive woman in her thirties,
had set the table for six. The meal that followed was
excellent, with two kinds of meat, various
vegetables, and plenty of salad for everyone.
Conversation centered around the work that
would be required to prepare the damaged Monza
for racing. The front suspension on one side was
pretty well wiped out in the blast, Horst said. I
have most of the spare parts youll need, but youll
have to get a good body repairman to do the rest.
Itll be quite expensive unless you know someone.
How about your dad? Lonny asked Nancy-Rae.
Bud Eubanks operated an auto-repair shop in
Clayborne. In his youth he had been one of the best
stock-car drivers in the south. He had given up
racing, however, when his wife was killed and
Nancy-Rae injured in a car crash many years before.
The young girl still limped slightly as a result of the
accident.
Im sure hell be glad to help, Nancy-Rae said.
Were lucky only one car needs to be fixed.
28

The saboteurs didnt plan it that way, Kwech

said, gripping his pipe even tighter. They set the
bomb against the side wall where the Monzas were
normally parked. The only reason why they werent
both destroyed was that I had them back in the paint
room and left them there to dry. One car is blue
now, the other one red.
Could the bomber have known about the Nova
contract? Wynn asked.
I have no idea, Horst replied. Ive been to
New Jersey three times, promoting this deal. The
only people Ive talked to about it were Thomas,
Brown, Major Tynan, Jeff Kuralt, and you.
You were with someone from Chevrolet in the
press box at Daytona, Wynn said.
Thats right. I also had two other guys from
Nova and newspaper and magazine writers with me.
But I didnt mention the subject.
Have the police found any leads at all? Lonny
inquired.
Nothing, Kwech replied.
Wynn and Lonny went through the bombed
building the next morning and began a systematic
search for clues. They picked up anything they felt
might not belong to Horst and showed him the
articles when they were finished.
Kwech went through everything, discarding odd
tools, bits of paper, and an empty pack of Vanguard
29

cigarettes. I know who smokes them, he said with

a grin. One of my suppliers. Finally, nothing was
left but part of a key chain with the letter W on it. I
cant place that, Horst said thoughtfully. In fact,
Ive never seen it before, and I dont know of
anyone connected with the garage whose name starts
with a W.
Maybe one of the bombers lost it, Wynn said.
Ill keep it and perhaps it will help us solve the
puzzle.
I dont see why not, Kwech agreed. The police
have searched already and I doubt that they would
find it important. Ill mention it to them, anyway,
and if they need it as evidence you can still give it to
them.
The boys spent the rest of the morning cataloging
and storing spare parts in the two white Chevy
Tradesman vans in Kwechs driveway. Meanwhile,
the girls helped Dotty pick up office records and
blueprints that had been scattered by the blast.
By noon they were all set. After a quick lunch,
the young people began their long drive back to
North Carolina. Wynn and Lonny rode together in
the first van, towing the undamaged blue car; Inky
and Nancy-Rae followed in the second rig. Both
vans had CB radios, and the afternoon passed
quickly with constant chatter. At night the caravan
stopped at a Ramada Inn between Akron and
30

Canton.
We got the last two rooms, Wynn said as he
handed out the keys. Lonny and I are on the top
floor in back. Inky, you two are on the first floor
near the lobby.
Great, Inky said. We wont have to lug our
bags upstairs.
Yes, Nancy-Rae said. But well hear the noise
in the hall all night long.
Wynn sighed. Theres no way to please a
woman!
In a short while, they retired for the night. The
vans and cars were left in the parking lot, side-byside. When Wynn woke up, the morning sun was
shining into their window. He dressed and stepped
onto the balcony, blinking and enjoying the fresh
air. Suddenly he gasped. The van with the blue car
in tow was gone!
Lonny, wake up! he cried. One of our rigs has
disappeared!
Lonny stumbled to the door as he pulled on his
shirt and pants and stared at the parking lot. Maybe
the girls left already and took it, he said. Ill go
check.
He darted downstairs while Wynn ran to the other
side of the building to see if the van was parked
there. It was not!
The girls were still in their room and had no idea
31

of what had happened. Lonny notified the desk

clerk. He had not noticed anything unusual during
the night.
By now the girls had dressed and they came into
the lobby. Whoever did this knew what would hurt
us most, Nancy-Rae cried out. They took the good
car and left us the one that needs repairs!
The young people reported the theft to the
Summit County Sheriffs Department and the
investigating officer promised to call them if
anything turned up.
However, I wouldnt count on seeing that rig
again, he said. Were not far from Cleveland,
where there are more than a thousand auto thefts
every month. Its no problem for the thieves to get a
car off the streets, strip it, and sell the pieces.
But who would want a car like that? Wynn
said. Its no good to anyone, because if they try to
race it well hear about it. And the parts are not
standard with a ready market for them, either.
I think its a plot to keep us off the tracks this
year, Lonny concluded.
Discouraged, the young people loaded their gear
into the remaining van and left. They drove into
West Virginia and along the rugged Appalachians
into Virginia. At that point the mountains were less
craggy and gradually merged with the beautiful
North Carolina Blue Ridge.
32

Bud Eubankss shop lay on the outskirts of

Clayborne on a hilly road that was not heavily
traveled. He was standing next to the gasoline
pumps when the young people arrived, and he
waved to them with a big smile on his face.
I thought you were bringing two cars, he said
as the four climbed out and stretched their tired
muscles. When he heard what had happened, he
looked concerned. Someone is playing a serious
game with you, he said. If this keeps up, someone
could get hurt. I dont want it to be one of you.
We feel the same way, Wynn said wryly.
Lets get this rig out of sight and into the garage.
Could someone have followed you?
If so, we probably lost them when we got off
Interstate eighty-one in Virginia. Its hard to keep up
with a mountain driver going home on roads he
grew up on, Lonny said.
They parked the van, then went into Buds office
to call Kwech. Wynn told him what happened.
Oh, no! the Australian exploded. This is too
much! Then he calmed down and promised to pass
the bad news on to Thomas. With a word of caution,
he said good-by. Wynn detected the anger and
frustration in his voice before he hung up.
The following day, the boys began to repair the
red Monzas damaged front end. They started by
placing the car on jack stands at waist level so they
33

could work without bending over. Then they

carefully measured the tubes, motor mounts, and
suspension brackets to see which parts were out of
line. The girls, meanwhile, shopped for the unusual
sizes of chrome-molybdenum tubing required for the
repairs.
Its not as bad as I thought, Lonny said as he
wrote the final measurements on the blueprint
Kwech had given them. Only the left front corner is
really damaged.
Wynn nodded. We can fix it by cutting out the
old tubes extending from the fire wall to the front of
the car.
How long do you think itll take to finish the
job? Bud asked.
About a week, Lonny estimated. We dont
have all the parts we need yet. Local suppliers dont
stock thin-wall chrome-moly tubing.
Ill bet Jeff Kuralt has what we need, Wynn
said.
Oh, for Petes sake, Lonny exclaimed. We
forgot to tell Jeff about the stolen car!
Since he knew how worried the industrialist
would be, Wynn dashed for the telephone. In a
moment he heard Kuralts familiar voice on the
other end.
Hi, he said. Were at Bud Eubankss place.
Well, thats just great! Kuralt shouted. Youve
34

been missing for two days, and you were last seen
by the Summit County Sheriff after reporting a
stolen car. Before that you were at the scene of a
bombing in Illinois. Dont you realize youre in
danger?
We do, Wynn said. Well be careful, Jeff. But
we do want to race!
Kuralt chuckled. Of course. He agreed to put
the tubing they needed on the next bus to Clayborne.
Just keep me posted, will you, and dont disappear
for any length of time.
After he hung up, Wynn decided to call Thomas.
He hasnt heard from us, only from Horst, he said
to Lonny. I think we should talk to him
personally.
When Thomas answered, his voice was calm, but
firm. You should have watched that car, he said.
But Mr. Thomas Wynn started, but was cut
off.
Theres no excuse for failure. Don Brown has
advised me to have another team race the Monzas.
Youll be paid for the repairs. Thats all. Ill let you
know where to deliver the car when the work is
completed.
The telephone went dead. Wynn and Lonny had
been fired!

35

CHAPTER IV

The Spruce-Pine Incident

Wynn felt a knot in his stomach. Haltingly he told

Lonny and the girls what Thomas had said.
Oh, no! Lonny groaned.
Bud Eubanks shook his head in despair. Youd
better get in touch with Jeff, he advised.
When Kuralt heard the news, he was quiet for a
moment. Then he said, Some people act that way
when theyre not sure what to do. Thomas may have
been pressured by Brown to get rid of you. Ill talk
to him. Maybe I can convince him to go on with the
program.
Thanks, Jeff, Wynn said. Well fix the car in
the meantime.
With a full weeks hard work, the two boys
rebuilt the Monzas front end and were ready to
attach the suspension pickup points. Lonny
established reference points measured from the
36

center of the chassis. Then he rebuilt the left front

suspension exactly like the right side. They stayed
up late that night, and finally Bud suggested that
they go to bed.
By noon the following day they had finished
working on the car. All they had to do was touch up
the blast-blackened paint. When the girls
volunteered to perform that task, Wynn and Lonny
took the opportunity to pick up fresh clothes at their
apartment in Newgate.
They hopped into Beetle Bomb and took a back
road, passing through Pineola, Altamont, and Bald
Creek. The steep rocky face of the mountain rose
from the edge of the highway on the right. To the
left, the ground dropped away for thousands of feet!
After traveling for several miles at low speed,
Wynn, who was at the wheel, said with a note of
alarm, Lonny, were being followed.
A large black sedan was bearing down on the
yellow dune buggy. In a moment, it was almost
nudging the smaller vehicle!
Holy cow! Lonny cried. Lets get out of here,
Wynn. Hes trying to run us off the road!
Wynn slammed the gas pedal to the floor as the
sedan gave them a solid bump, pushing Beetle Bomb
closer to the sheer drop. The dune buggys rear
suspension squatted from the sudden acceleration.
The boys had built Beetle Bomb to run the
37

Mexicali 1000. Since then, it had been their street

transportation, but Lonnys powerful and reliable
engine gave the car the same horsepower as the big
sedans V-8.
Wynn threw the buggy into a curve just ahead,
traveling as fast as he dared. Beetle Bomb slid
perilously close to the cliffs edge, then recovered
and flew down the short straight to the next turn.
They gained precious ground over the larger car. In
a few moments, they had left their pursuers behind.
Despite their speed, the boys could still! hear the
squeal of rubber on asphalt as the black sedan
cornered wildly, fighting to catch up.
Get off on the logging trail! Lonny advised.
Wynn took the next corner as fast as possible,
holding the buggy to the outside of the road. Then
he braked hard and turned back to the right onto a
trail, being careful not to leave any telltale rubber
marks on the pavement for their pursuers to follow.
Finally he stopped in a protected spot and turned off
the engine. They would be able to see the other car
as it went by without being detected themselves.
Seconds later it flashed past, and the boys
glimpsed two large bulky men with dark hair. One
leaned out the window, staring intently at the road
ahead through a pair of gold-rimmed glasses.
Wynn and Lonny were worried. They continued
slowly across the mountain on the old logging trail,
38

asking for assistance on their CB radio. After a long

wait, a forest ranger heard their signal and called the
Highway Patrol. Ten miles later a young officer
pulled up next to the boys.
Ill escort you into Newgate, he offered. Well
look for the black sedan. I doubt that well catch
them, though. There are too many small roads
leading in and out of these mountains for us to cover
them all.
Wynn nodded. I understand. Thanks a lot,
anyway.
The patrolman accompanied the boys to the
Altadyne plant, where they had decided to stop
before going to their apartment. Soon they were
talking to Jeff and Dave Marr and telling them what
had happened.
Jeff frowned and paced the floor behind his desk.
I dont like this, he said, worried. Too many
things have gone wrong since you became involved
with Thomas and Kwech. Maybe you should get
out.
I thought we were out, Lonny said. Thomas
fired us, remember?
I talked him into giving you another chance.
Now I wonder if that was wise.
Its nice to be wanted again, Wynn remarked,
but even he sounded less than enthusiastic.
Thomas also informed me that the FBI found the
39

missing racer, Jeff went on. It was discovered in a

garage in New Jersey, not far from the Nova plant.
Well, thats good news, Wynn exclaimed.
How did they find it?
Someone tipped off the police. The owner of the
place said he was paid to store the car.
The whole thing doesnt make sense, Dave
Marr said.
No, Lonny agreed. Unless someone stole the
car, tampered with it, and then called the police to
tell them where it could be found.
Wynn jumped from his seat. That sounds
logical! he exclaimed. Maybe they wanted us to
have it backwith a few modifications! Wed better
check it out carefully!
You do that, Kuralt said. Thomas wants you to
pick it up tomorrow.
Thanks, Jeff, Wynn said, and the boys rushed
out of his office. No one spoke about quitting any
more. Early the following day, Wynn and Lonny
were on their plane for New Jersey.
Dave Marr had offered to drive Beetle Bomb to
Clayborne and help the girls get ready for Se-bring.
As crew chief, he would go to every race with them.
The three loaded the van and started early the
next morning. They wanted to arrive in Florida in
time to reserve a private hangar at the former
airfield.
40

The Sebring track was one of the most interesting

on the International Motor Sports Association
circuit. It had served as a major training base for
bomber crews during the war, and then had been
virtually abandoned. In the early nineteen fifties, it
had become the site of the yearly twelve-hour auto
race.
It had not changed much since it had been used
by the Air Force. Abandoned military cargo aircraft
were stored near the hangars. They had been
stripped of all useful items by a salvage company
and now formed a picturesque backdrop for racing
cars.
When the North Carolinians arrived, Inky learned
that the small hangars had already been taken by the
Ferrari and Porsche teams. However, she was able to
rent space in a medium-sized hangar near the edge
of the field. Two other teams would share the
facility. One, a BMW group, was already there.
Their crew chief, Max von Clausen, introduced
himself and his people with a friendly smile and
offered the girls whatever help they might need.
Inky liked the tall, fair-skinned German
immediately. Thanks, Max, she said. We might
take you up on it sooner than you think.
Once they were established, Dave Marr pulled
out a check list of work that had to be done on the
Monza. It would take up all their time until the start
41

of practice.
Next morning Inky and Nancy-Rae began shakedown runs with the untried car. Though major
mechanical changes would have to wait until Wynn
and Lonny arrived, there were basic adjustments that
Dave and the girls could make.
Starting slowly, Inky drove around the special 1mile test track they had laid out on an abandoned
taxiway. As the cars oil and tires warmed up to
operating temperatures, she increased her speed.
Shes down to forty-five seconds, Nancy-Rae I
reported. It looks as if the car is understeering a lot
in the turns.
Dave chalked the time on a board and held it out
for Inky as she passed on the straight. After five
more laps, Dave signaled her in.
This thing plows! the perky blond said as she
climbed out the window. The Monzas door had
been bolted shut for safety, and agility was required
to get in and out of the drivers seat.
Its supposed to understeer a little at low
speeds, Marr said. You can correct it by using the
gas pedal. Thatll bring the back end out and push
the front end in where you want it.
OhI guess it will, Inky said, thinking about
the technique.
Dave checked the car for loose hoses or other
signs of trouble, then Inky went out again. Her
42

second lap was more than two seconds faster than

her previous best time.
That girl is a quick study, Max von Clausen
said, watching with admiration. And pretty, too!
Dave Marr grinned. He and the girls continued to
test, but once in a while his mind wandered to Wynn
and Lonny. Would they bring the second Monza to
Sebring?
The boys had arrived in Newark and talked to
Thomas, who apologized for having been so harsh.
You must understand, he said, that a lot is at
stake here. Please be more careful from now on,
especially with the oil!
Wynn promised they would, then got directions
to pick the car up from the nearby garage. Under the
bright shop lights, both boys examined the Monza
carefully. Wynn noticed a slight change in paint
color around the engine mounts.
Just as we suspected, he muttered. This looks
as if theyve been cut loose and re welded.
Lonny rummaged in his briefcase. Ive got the
blueprints. Lets check it out.
The measurements confirmed what Wynn had
discovered. The car had been subtly altered so that it
could not finish a long race!
I wonder if this was done by the same people
who tried to run us off the road and kill us, he said.
Probably, Lonny said glumly.
43

Well, were not racing this baby at Sebring,

Wynn stated. Lets tow it to Buds and repair it
after the event. And wed better call Thomas.
They arrived in North Carolina after a long and
tiring ride. Bud asked, Cant you get the car ready
for the race?
No way, Lonny replied. We might find ten
things wrong with it and fix them, but overlook
another. And that could be the one that kills us.
Bud nodded. When are you leaving?
Tomorrow afternoon, Wynn said. Ill call the
girls and ask them to pick us up.
When the plane landed in Orlando just before
sunset the next day, Inky and Nancy-Rae were
waiting. Dave had stayed behind to make final
adjustments to the car.
Guess this means were timers and scorers
again, Inky said.
Sorry about that, Wynn said. There was just
no way we could get the other car ready in time.
I know. Another enemy trick. If only we had
some idea whos behind all this.
I wonder if it could be someone at TECOM,
Lonny said thoughtfully. Maybe some spy wants to
prevent the military from benefiting from use of the
new oil by boycotting its evaluation.
The four piled into the van and drove the 75 miles
to Sebring. On the outskirts of their destination, Inky
44

slowed down. A glow in the sky ahead marked the

vicinity of the racetrack, which grew in size and
color as they approached.
Theres a fire at the track! Wynn exclaimed.

45

CHAPTER V

Fooled by Thieves

Inky slammed the van into third gear and

accelerated toward the gates. Skirting the nearest
entryway, she continued down the access road
toward the billowing reddish-orange flames. They
were coming from the garage area!
Oh, no! Nancy-Rae exclaimed. Our hangars
on fire!
The rising flames lit the area around the hangar
like sunshine at noon. There was no hope of running
inside to save the race car, tools, or other equipment!
Inky, Wynn said tersely, please stop here.
Well get out to help the firemen. You drive on
down the road and park in a safe spot.
Okay, Inky said and pulled to the side. The
boys jumped out and ran up to the hangars. A
fireman was struggling with two rolled up hoses,
and Wynn and Lonny grabbed one. They played it
46

over the roofs of the hangars, noting that other crew

members had volunteered also.
If the racer is still inside, Wynn called out to
Lonny, itll burn to a crisp.
Lonny nodded. He wondered what had started the
fire. After a while, they slowly brought their section
under control. Just then somebody shouted from
around the corner, Hey, I need help over here!
The fireman they had been working with turned
to the boys. Would you go? I can handle this
myself now.
Sure, Wynn said, and the boys hurried to the
back of the building, where huge pillars of red flame
grew from the windows like inverted waterfalls,
leading into the black, smoke-filled sky above. They
helped the lone firefighter who stood near the
building, struggling to control a high-pressure hose.
After a while they could see the effects their stream
of water had as the intensity of the flames
diminished.
An hour later the fire was out. Portions of the roof
had collapsed, leaving gaping holes above the
concrete floor. Wynn and Lonny helped the firemen
roll up their hoses, then left with the fire chiefs
thanks. They were grimy, wet, and exhausted.
Lets go to the van, Lonny suggested, and see
where the girls are.
They were not at the van, but Inky had left a note
47

in the windshield: ALL SAFE, COME TO HANGAR 3.

You think it means what it says? Lonny asked,
hope welling up inside him. Perhaps the car was not
lost after all!
Hangar 3 was a small private building. Dave Marr
and the girls were inside, talking to Max von
Clausen and behind them stood their Monza, next to
three BMWs!
Dave waved as the boys entered and introduced
them to the German factory manager.
How did you get the Monza out? Wynn asked.
I was working under the car, Dave replied,
when I heard an explosion in the storage room. By
the time I crawled out to look around, the back wall
was covered with flames. Max helped me put the
wheels on the car and we lowered it off the jack
stands and rolled it out. Without him, it would be a
cinder by now.
What about the tools? Lonny inquired.
We lost them. They were sitting on the
workbench and we couldnt get near it because of
the heat. Maxs crew was luckier. Their cars and
tools were still in their transporters.
Dont worry, Max said in his slightly accented
English. You can pit next to us during the race and
use any tools you need.
Thats awfully nice of you, Lonny said. Is
there any way we can pay you back?
48

Weve already volunteered to time and score for

them, Nancy-Rae said. Max and the mechanics are
going to build us a little platform out of two-byfours tomorrow. Well be able to see over
everyones head.
Any idea what caused the fire? Wynn asked.
No one knows, Dave replied, and silently all
three wondered if it had been set intentionally to
burn their car!
Just then another team arrived with two Porsche
Carreras. The crew chief was a stocky, dark-haired
man with a mustache and an unpleasant laugh.
Okay, people, move over a bit, he commanded.
We need some room around here. Were supposed
to share space with someone driving a Monza. His
eyes lit on the boys car and he walked over to
inspect it.
Who owns this crazy contraption? he asked,
laughing shrilly.
We do, Wynn said evenly. Im Wynn Redford
and this is my partner, Lonny Morris. Inky Larsson
and Nancy-Rae Eubanks are part of our crew.
Freddy Gelz, the man introduced himself
curtly. He waved to a couple of drivers who were
busy bringing in the cars. And those are the guys
wholl beat you tomorrow.
Wynn walked away without answering. Max
caught up with him. Thats all we need, he
49

muttered in Wynns ear.

Do you know him?
I met him before. Nasty character. He has some
money and owns his cars. Thinks he can boss
everyone around and is convinced hes the best
mechanic on earth.
Youre right. That is all we need, Wynn said.
Suddenly he felt extremely tired. The excitement of
a hard day had caught up with him. He said good
night to Max, and he and Lonny pitched their
sleeping bags on the floor. The girls went outside to
sleep in the van.
Early next morning, Lonny checked their
remaining parts and supplies. Hey, Wynn, he
called out in alarm. Our case of Nova oil is
missing!
It was never unloaded from the van, Dave Marr
said, scratching his head. So it couldnt have been
lost in the fire.
The van was unattended while we fought the
blaze last night! Wynn exclaimed. Ill bet thats
when it was stolen!
Thomas will have a fit, Lonny predicted. He
was worried about the oil.
Wynn looked grim. Lonny, will you take the car
through technical inspection and move it to the pits?
Ill call Thomas and meet you later. Practice starts in
an hour.
50

The Nova chairman was upset when he heard the

news. It seems were fighting a losing battle, he
said. Somebodys out to get us. Ill have a hard
time convincing the board and especially Don
Brown that we should go on with the project under
these circumstances.
After he hung up, Wynn and Lonny went to the
burned hangar to look for clues. They poked in the
charred remains and stepped over bent tools and
jack stands. The door to the storage room was still
hanging on its hinges, and Wynn walked through.
Hey, Lonny! he called out., Come here a
minute!
Whats up?
See that tray on the floor and those parts
scattered around?
Carburetor parts, Lonny said. They must have
been soaking in cleaner.
Highly flammable stuff, Wynn added. Now
look closely on the floor. Over there.
Looks like a bit of brown paperWynn! It
could be from a cigar!
Right. You know what I think? Somebody came
through the side door, kicked over the tray with the
carburetor cleaner, and ignited it with his cigar.
Does any member of von Clausens team smoke
cigars?
I doubt it, but lets ask.
51

It turned out no one did, and the boys were

convinced that a stranger had been in the back room.
Too bad we cant prove it, Wynn said. Its only a
theory, but well have to watch out for anyone at the
track who smokes cigars.
Lonny nodded. And now youd better put on
your driving suit. Practice is about to start.
Ill be ready in a minute, Wynn said. He was
anxious to find out how the Monza handled. The
Sebring track was 5.2 miles in length and was
entirely flat. Lonny figured the Monza would exceed
190 MPH on the two long straights.
When the session started, Wynn pulled onto the
track behind his old friend Paul Sykes, a Porsche
driver. Sykes had raced and won at Sebring many
times in the past and had competed against the boys
in GT Challenge.
The Monza took the high-speed turn past the pit
exit smoothly despite the rough track surface. Wynn
was pleased that the suspension worked so well. A
rough-riding car could lead to mechanical trouble in
a long race.
After twenty minutes, the GT cars were flagged
in to the paddock to permit the Super Vees to
practice. Lonny drove the second practice session
later on, and at the end of the day their times were in
the middle of the GT category. The three BMW cars
had the top times. Marr was afraid they would not be
52

able to catch the German competition, but Wynn put

him at ease.
Their drivers have all raced here at least twice
before, he said. When Lonny and I get some more
practice, well be going just as fast.
Wynn was right. After two more days of practice
and qualifying, they brought their times down to the
point where they would be in the second row for the
start.
The night before the race Inky and Nancy-Rae
had dates with Max and Hans Fritz, the BMW
teams Grand Prix star. The boys and Dave,
meanwhile, mapped out their strategy.
Early the next day, Wynn and Lonny helped Marr
and the mechanics to push the car into the fourth
starting position. Ahead of them were two BMWs
and Paul Sykes. The Porsche driver had qualified
one-tenth of a second faster than the Monza and
occupied the inside of the second row. He waved to
Wynn.
Im beginning to worry about you, Wynn! Id
rather not have you so close to my tailpipe!
Just wait, Wynn replied, until Im in front of
your headlights and really give you something to
worry about!
The pace car made one slow lap of the circuit,
then pulled into the pits. As the sixty-two
competitors prowled up the pit straight like
53

menacing lions waiting to pounce on their prey, the

starter waved the green flag!
Wynn had anticipated the moment perfectly and
caught the BMW driver ahead of him asleep at the
switch. The Monza shot to the inside of the track
and flew around the startled German before he had a
chance to react!
Von Clausen stood next to Dave Marr in the pits
and watched. That was a good move, he said. But
it wont last long.
Dont tell me it wont last, Marr replied. Tell
your drivers!
Wynn gained an even greater lead as they
approached the second sweeping turn past the pits.
He took the line without backing off or braking, and
glanced into his rearview mirror for the first time as
he entered the braking area for the right-angle turn
leading to the esses. The two BMWs were inches
from his bumper! All three cars could have been
covered by a blanket!
Wynn waited as long as he dared, then braked
hard for the turn. The first BMW, driven by Hans
Fritz, immediately flew by on the inside. The other
German stayed back, waiting to see what would
happen.
Fritz continued braking right into the apex of the
turn, a technique Wynn had used himself in the
lighter, better-balanced Super Vee. The maneuver
54

was unusual for GT cars since their brakes were not

as sensitive as those on Formula cars, but Fritz
managed to make it pay offthe BMW had the
lead!
Wynn regained it on the back straight and held it
through the 90-degree turn on the paddock straight.
Then Fritz was ahead of him again through the
double hairpin at the pit entrance, and the two were
side-by-side as they passed the start-finish line.
Marr jumped up to watch them disappear into the
sweeping turn past the pits, then turned to Max.
Lets make a deal, he joked. Your guy can lead
the first six hours if youll let my guy lead the last
six.
The German grinned. Itll be interesting to see if
your Monza can run as fast as our BMW for twelve
hours. Of course we have the other two cars just in
case.
Max had a good point. The sabotage to the
second Monza put the Nova team at a distinct
disadvantage in long-distance racing. Their only
hope was that Wynn and Lonny would finishand
win! Dave realized that Fritz, a Formula-One driver
in Europe, did not intend to conserve his car. He
would sprint until it broke or the race was over.
At the one-hour mark, Fritz was leading by
fifteen seconds. Wynn had the same margin over the
second BMW. Paul Sykes had dropped behind the
55

third German. Gelzs driver was still fifth.

At the two-hour mark, Dave prepared for the
driver change. Fresh tires were prepared and placed
on the pit wall. The jack frames that would be used
to lift the car off the ground were moved over the
wall and the German mechanics stood by with their
pneumatic air hammers for the wheel lugs during the
tire change.
Wynn checked the pit signals as he finished the
second hour. He had only a short time remaining
before pitting, but the Monzas oil pressure was
dropping!
For three laps, he watched it fall. From 100
pounds, the normal reading, it went to 80, then to
60, and finally the needle bounced back and forth
from 0 to 40 pounds per square inch.
Wynn did not wait for the engine to blow. He
pitted early. When he slid to a stop the crew was
ready. Lonny started to climb in, but Wynn stopped
him. Hold it, buddy. Oil pressures down.
Lonny looked alarmed. He quickly lifted the hood
to check the engine compartment and the oil
reservoir. It was half-filled with water.
Somethings broken deep inside the block, Lonny
said. Theres no way we can finish the race!
They stared at each other glumly, then helped
push the car through the pits and into the paddock.
Gelz walked over. Quitting already? he asked.
56

Were having engine trouble, Wynn replied.

How come? With that super oil of yours? I
suppose its not so hot after all! Gelz laughed
unpleasantly and strutted away.
Id like to belt him in the mouth, Wynn
muttered.
Forget it, Lonny advised. Just how did he
know about our oil?
Just then Paul Sykes walked through the pits. His
Porsche had blown its engine. Good drive, Wynn,
he said. I was trying to catch you so we could draft
each other, but couldnt get around that second
BMW. Then my engine tightened up and the third
BMW got by.
I wish youd been up there with me, Wynn
replied. I felt like a World War II G.I. sum rounded
by Panzer tanks.
Sykes laughed, then put his arms around Wynn
and Lonny and guided them off into a deserted
corner of the pits. Look, fellows. I didnt want to
tell you this before the race, but its important. Last
night I got a phone call from a guy who offered me
five thousand dollars to push you off the track in the
first run!
Are you serious? Wynn exploded.
Absolutely, Sykes replied. I told the chief
steward, Billy Glenaire, about it this morning, and I
made sure I gave you plenty of room at the start.
57

Do you know who the caller was? Lonny

asked.
No. He wouldnt tell me why he wanted me to
do it, either. His voice was unfamiliar and sounded a
bit muffled. When I said no, however, he laughed
very nastily! Strange kind of a laugh, you know.

58

CHAPTER VI

Airport Hideout

Wynn and Lonny looked at each other. Both were

thinking the same thing.
Paul, when you have a chance, Wynn said,
start a conversation with Freddy Gelz. His team is
at the far end of the covered pits.
And he has the nastiest laugh on the track,
Lonny added.
Sykes nodded and turned to leave.
Just then a stranger in a colorful Florida shirt
walked up to them. Im looking for Wynn Redford
and Lonny Morris, he said.
Thats us, Lonny replied.
The boys studied the newcomer. He had a deep
sun tan, and the wrinkled skin around his eyes
indicated many years of exposure to sun.
Im Inspector Terry Smith from the United
States Army Criminal Investigation Division, the
59

man said. I hear youve had some trouble during

the past two weeks, and Ive been assigned to the
case. Major Tynan alerted us. He pulled out his
wallet and flashed official-looking credentials at the
surprised racers.
Oh, good, Wynn said. We can use some help.
Wheres your car?
The mechanics took it to the hangar.
Why dont you get into your van, and my
colleague and I will follow you over there, Smith
suggested, and pointed to a large black sedan with a
blond man in the passenger seat.
Wynn and Lonny agreed and drove through the
crowded infield to Hangar 3. When they; showed the
Monza to Smith and the other inspector, Smith said,
Weve been instructed to take your car into custody
for the time being. Well contact you tonight.
His companion hitched the trailer to the black
sedan as Wynn and Lonny looked on, stunned.
Wait a minute, Wynn said. This is our racer
and nothing that has happened to it is our fault!
Since when do you have the right to confiscate
someone elses property? Lonny asked angrily.
The car belongs to the government, Smith said
evenly. And this is a matter of national security.
Youll get it back when the government is
convinced there is no more danger. Now dont
argue. With that, he pushed the boys aside and the
60

two men jumped into their car. Within minutes, they

had disappeared down the road with the Monza in
tow.
Thats the worst treatment weve ever had from
any public servant! Wynn fumed.
Wynn, the more I think about, the more I doubt
those guys, Lonny interrupted. Dont government
agents have special license plates? That black sedan
they were driving could be the same car that tried to
bump us off the road the other day.
Lets call Major Tynan and verify their story,
Wynn said, and they quickly went to the phone in
the hangar. After a brief delay, Wynn had the major
on the line. When Tynan heard what had happened,
he was furious. Those men were impostors! he
shouted. We didnt send any inspectors out to
impound your car. You boys better do everything in
your power to retrieve it!
We will, Wynn promised and hung up.
Lonny clenched his fists. He had overheard what
Tynan had said. Lets follow these crooks! he said
hotly. The trailer will slow them down, especially
in the race traffic!
The boys jumped into the van and roared down
the access road to the gate. Outside the track a
Florida highway-patrolman was directing all traffic
toward the main route while another officer was
getting into a squad car. Wynn stopped and asked
61

him for help.

Well alert our units to be on the lookout, the
patrolman promised. I just got off duty, but Ill go
after the thieves. How about one of you coming with
me to identify the rig?
Sure thing, Lonny said and quickly got into the
patrol car. The two drove off, and Wynn checked his
map, trying to decide which way to go. Since the
highway patrol would cover all the main routes, he
wanted to look in out-of-the-way spots.
There was a small abandoned airfield near the
Sebring race track. On a hunch, he spun the wheel
around and headed toward it, taking two wrong turns
before he finally found it.
The control tower was the only building still
standing, and tall weeds and grass grew through the
joints in the runways. Wynn parked the van in an
orange grove to the left of the field. After notifying
the highway patrol of his whereabouts, he got out
and cautiously proceeded on foot.
The tower was bleached white by the hot Florida
sun after dozens of years of neglect. At the top,
broken glass marked the spot where air-traffic
controllers had once conducted operations. A few
corroded radio antennas still sprouted from the
buildings roof, looking oddly similar to the high
grass that towered over Wynns head.
He advanced carefully, trying to avoid stepping
62

on the broken glass. When he reached the building,

he edged up cautiously to one of the heavily stained
but unbroken windows at the bottom, where the
building extended into a one-story administration
area. He took a handkerchief from his pocket and
wiped the dirt away from one corner. As he peered
inside, his eyes widened in surprise!
There stood the Monza, and three men were about
to remove the engine! Two were the phoney
inspectors, the third the fellow with the gold-rimmed
eyeglasses! The black sedan was parked in one
corner, and Terry Smiths buddy was smoking a
cigar!
Wynn was furious. He noticed that the room had
been converted into a makeshift garage, with all the
tools necessary to do the job at hand.
Gold-rims spoke loudly enough for Wynn to hear.
Hurry up, we have to get this thing out of here!
Quit complaining, Wagner, Smith replied, If
you and Joe hadnt botched things at the hangar the
other night, we wouldnt have to do this now.
Why cant we take the whole car? the third man
asked. Do we have to remove the stupid engine?
Never mind why, Joe, Wagner said firmly.
Just get it out, and fast!
Wynns mind was racing. Had it been Joes cigar
that ignited the carburetor cleaner at the hangar?
And did the key chain they had found in Kwechs
63

garage with the W on it belong to Wagner? Wynn

was convinced that the people he was watching had
set both fires. He would have to call the police!
Carefully he backed away from the window. He did
not see a piece of drainpipe hanging loose until it
was too late, and he bumped into it. It fell with a
clatter!
Wynn turned and ran across the runway as fast as
he could. Behind him, the terminals rusty door
opened and the men rushed out. Wynn headed away
from the van until he was hidden by the tall grass,
then changed his direction and sprinted toward the
wild-orange grove. He heard voices and footsteps as
the men gave chase.
The Florida sun made him hot and
uncomfortable, and he was looking for a place to
hide when his right foot caught on the broken and!
rutted concrete, which sent him sprawling into a
drainage ditch! He lay there quietly, his ankle
throbbing with pain, as footsteps drew near.
I heard him over this way, Smith yelled to his
companions. His voice sounded dangerously close to
Wynn.
Hes probably in the orange grove by now,
Wagner replied from farther away.
Wynns shirt was soaked with perspiration and
moisture from the ditch. His ankle felt as though it
were on fire. He tried to occupy as little space as
64

possible while breathing quietly to avoid being

heard. The sounds of his pursuers gradually drifted
away.
Cautiously he sat up and looked at his ankle. It
was already badly swollen and discolored. He tried
to stand up. The ankle hurt, but he could hobble
toward the orange grove, where the van was hidden.
On the way he found an old piece of lumber and
supported himself with it. A few minutes later, he
arrived at the van. There was no sign of the car
thieves and no sound other than the chirping of the
birds.
Wynn hobbled quietly to the door. When he tried
to open it, he heard a rustling noise behind the van.
Wagner stepped out, a crooked smile on his face!
Ive been waiting for you, he said. Sorry you
had to hurt yourself.
Wynn spoke through clenched teeth. Im sure
you are. How about giving me back my car?
Dont be ridiculous, the man replied. Get into
the van!
Wynn tried to shove his adversary out of the way,
but with his injured ankle he was no match for
Wagner. After a brief struggle, he found himself in
the back seat of the van with his hands tied behind
him.
Wagner drove to the tower and ordered Wynn
out. The boy stumbled and fell on the rough
65

concrete. The man picked him up and helped him

into a corner of the garage. His two accomplices
were working on the Monza again.
Hurry up! Wagner commanded. This pests
buddy will probably miss him and every cop in
Florida will be after us!
Wheres the oil? Smith inquired.
In our trunk. Wagner went to the van and threw
out Lonnys carefully sorted spare parts as if they
were garbage. Well take the van and put the
engine in the back, he announced. Itll fit much
better than in our car.
Wynn struggled with his bonds as he watched. He
hoped to work his hands loose, but was not sure of
what to do afterwards. Certainly he would not be
able to run! Then, in the distance, he thought he
heard a siren.
You shouldnt throw those parts around, he
yelled at Wagner to distract the thieves. Theyre
worth a lot of money and it was hard to store them
all so theyd fit in properly
Shut up! Wagner said. Then he cocked an ear
to the wind. He, too, heard the siren! Leave the
Monza! he shouted to his associates. Theres a cop
car coming!
The three quickly jumped into the black sedan
and peeled rubber away from the terminal, heading
down the runway in the opposite direction. Wynn
66

pulled himself up against the wall and hobbled out

into the sunlight, his hands still tied tightly behind
his back. In a moment, Lonny and the highway
patrolman arrived.
Lonny was the first one out. Wynn, he cried,
are you okay?
Dont worry about me, Wynn replied. Go after
the crooks! He indicated the direction the black
sedan had taken and gave the patrolman the license
number. The officer called for road blocks on his
police radio, then drove off after the criminals.
Lonny untied his friend and listened as Wynn told
him what had happened. They wanted the engine,
Lonny, and theyre the ones who took the case of
Nova oil!
Oh, great, Lonny grumbled as he helped Wynn
into the van. Then he picked up the scattered parts
and attached the trailer to the hitch.
At least we prevented them from getting the
engine, he said as he climbed in. Well, Id better
take you to the track hospital to have your ankle
checked.
An x-ray showed that Wynns ankle was not
broken, only severely sprained. The doctor applied
an air-inflated plastic cast and gave him a pair of
wooden crutches.
In the meantime, Lonny had been in touch with
the highway patrol and was waiting for Wynn at the
67

hospital door. Not a word from the police yet, he

said. But theyre still looking.
I hope they catch those thieves! Wynn said
grimly.
So do I. By the way, I talked to Paul Sykes. He
checked out Gelz but says hes not sure about the
voice.
Too bad. I think we should keep a close eye on
Gelz, though. Whatll we do now?
Lets tell the girls and Dave what happened and
watch the rest of the race, Lonny suggested. I
dont think we have to worry about the Monza right
now. The thieves have enough problems of their
own, trying to lose the cops.
On the track, the two remaining BMWs led the
race by five and three laps over Gelzs third-place
Porsche. Fritzs car had blown its engine. There
were less than two hours to go in the twelve-hour
race, and it was getting dark.
Theres no way anybody can catch the Germans
now, Lonny said as he looked over Inkys shoulder
at the chart she and Nancy-Rae were keeping for the
BMW team.
You never can tell in endurance racing, NancyRae reminded him. The leading car has a bad
misfire and the other has a fuel leak. They may not
make it!
The boys moved into the box seats above the pits
68

to watch the drama unfold. Dave was working with

the BMW mechanics. With one hour left, the
leading German pitted. He was running on only five
cylinders, but nonetheless managed to make a
smooth, rapid stop. A few minutes later, the second
BMW failed to come around on schedule.
Max was calm despite his obvious concern. He
called up to the boys, Can you see any sign of the
cara fire, perhaps?
Lonny stepped to the top of the pit and glanced
over the dark track. The headlights looked like tracer
beams as they guided their drivers through the last
hour. Each had its own light pattern, and a
knowledgeable observer could recognize them as if
they were individual signatures.
After a moment of concentrated searching, Lonny
saw what he was looking for. Quickly he jumped
down and shouted over the noise to Max and the
BMW crew, Seems to me his lights are on the
paddock straight. Hes moving very slowly, maybe
even pushing the car.
Thanks, Max said and prepared to patch the
fuel-cell leak and refuel when the car arrived. The
rules prevented him from going out onto the track to
help in any way. The driver had to push his racer
into the pits alone.
Just then a highway patrolman approached the
two boys in their box seats.
69

Are you Wynn Redford and Lonny Morris? he

inquired.
Yes.
We located the sedan near Frostproof, just north
of here. It was abandoned. No sign of the men.
Did you find anything in the car? Wynn asked.
Nothing. Not even a good fingerprint.
Lonny! Wynn exclaimed. They took the case
of Nova oil with them!

70

CHAPTER VII

First Success

Oh, great, Lonny muttered. They abandoned the

car but took the oil. Officer, can you trace them
through the license number?
Well try, but were afraid the car was stolen.
The patrolman promised to contact the boys in
Newgate if the thieves were caught, and left. Wynn
and Lonny watched the end of the race, but their
thoughts were elsewhere. They hardly noticed the
excitement when the first BMW arrived at victory
circle. The teams second car had managed to
continue after a hastily devised fuel-cell patch. It
lost second place to Gelzs Porsche, but took third
over-all.
Gelz walked up to them as they were getting
ready to leave. Told you Id beat you, didnt I? he
sneered.
Dont let it go to your head, Gelz, Wynn
71

replied. If we hadnt developed engine trouble, you

wouldnt have gotten ahead of us. Nobody ran us off
the track, remember?
Gelz looked at him sharply but did not ask what
he meant. Instead, he walked away quietly.
Lonny stared after him. Now I know he called
Paul Sykes!
Looks that way. Only well never be able to
prove it, Wynn said.
I wonder if hes behind all the other harassment,
too.
I dont know, Wynn said. Do you think hed
go through all the trouble of stealing our cars and
having us run off the road just so we wont beat him
in the race?
I guess not, Lonny said. It just doesnt make
sense. None of it makes sense.
A few hours later the Nova team was on its way
back home to prepare the cars for the next event at
Road Atlanta in Georgia. Two days before they were
ready to leave, Dave Marr stopped by their garage in
Newgate to help put on the finishing touches.
Itll be fun to enter two cars, Dave said. And
Im glad the girls will have a chance to see how well
they can drive these high-powered monsters!
Absolutely, Lonny agreed. Its a good thing
too that the BMW team wont be there. Those guys
really showed me something when they won Sebring
72

on five cylinders. Just think how badly they would

have beaten everyone if theyd been running on all
six till the end!
Marr chuckled. Those guys are dynamite. Are
you picking up the girls in Clayborne on the way?
No. Theyre driving to Atlanta in Nancy-Raes
jeep.
Marr turned to Wynn. Hows your ankle? I see
youre not wearing the plastic support any longer.
Its fine, Wynn replied. I have to keep it taped
to avoid further strain, but Ill be able to drive.
Dave Marr noted that the red car had a pink-andwhite North Carolina dogwood blossom painted on
the rear spoiler.
Who did the artwork? he asked.
I did, Lonny said. The girls have the same
emblem on their helmets. You like it?
Sure do. Just tell me something. When the girls
are not driving, which one of you will be pushed by
a pink flower?
All three of them laughed, then Lonny said, You
have a point there. Id better make that a removable
decal.
Wynn stepped back and admired the blue car
when all the engine work was finished. I think we
should call it Ol Blue, he said, and let the girls
name the red car.
As long as they both win, Dave said with a
73

chuckle.
They will, Wynn assured him. Thomas has
sent us a case of improved oil, and we rebuilt the
engine very carefully.
By the following evening, all was ready for their
departure. Wynn was closing his bag, while Lonny
was rummaging in his briefcase.
Boy, am I tired, Lonny said. I could He
stopped suddenly, then cried out, Wynn, our
contract is missing!
What!
It was right here in my briefcase. You didnt
take it out, did you?
No, of course not.
Somebody did!
Wynn scratched his head. Why would anyone
want it? he asked.
Lonny stared into space for a few moments.
Finally he said, Because they wanted to know what
our plans were. They wanted to know for sure where
and when we would race this year. They must have
stolen it while we were in Sebring.
Youre right! Wynn agreed. We could race
any number of places all summer long. Anyone who
wanted to track us down would either have to follow
us or ask the promoters questions. Sooner or later,
wed hear about it. Now they have it all laid out for
them, and they know were committed to race at Le
74

Mans!
The boys discussed the situation far into the
night. At last they fell into a troubled sleep, realizing
that more foul play would probably lie ahead!
On the way to the track next morning the boys
and Dave discussed the missing contract.
The more I think about it, Lonny said, the
more I believe it must be Novas competition whos
behind this, even though Thomas doesnt agree. Do
you remember the names of the other companies?
Two out of three, Wynn replied. Chemco on
the West Coast and Greenlief Chemicals. And there
was a French outfit
Synthetique, Lonny put in.
Lets ask around the track if anyone knows
anybody connected with these firms, Wynn
suggested. Maybe Wagner is working for one of
them.
In a few hours they reached the winding hilly
course near Gainesville. Wynn and Lonny had both
raced there before, with Wynn capturing the Sports
Car Club of America National Championship in
Formula Vee on the 2.5 mile track in Road Race of
Champions.
The girls met them in the paddock area, where
they had staked out a circle with enough room for
the two vans, the jeep, and the race cars, leaving
space for a campfire in the middle.
75

Guess whos here again, Inky said, making a

face. Our friend Gelz. Luckily he isnt next to us
this time.
Yeccchhh! Lonny said. I can hardly wait to
meet him.
The young drivers soon had their cars on the track
for the first practice session, with Wynn leading
Inky around for several laps. When she learned the
line through the turns, he moved ahead on his own
to see what the car would do. At the end of the first
practice, Wynn posted the third-fastest time behind
Paul Sykes and Stanley Rau, Freddy Gelzs star
driver. Inky was tenth.
I was just getting the feel of the steering when
they flagged it, the girl said as she rubbed her sore
arms. I didnt realize how much muscle it would
take to drive this big hunk of metal.
Wynn laughed. Thats right. Takes a real he-man
to race here.
Hmmph, Nancy-Rae snorted disdainfully. Let
the musclemen overpower the course if thats the
only way they can get around it. Well drive with
finesse, thank you!
Her point was well taken. In the second session,
after various adjustments had been made, she guided
the Red Flamingo, as the girls had named their
Monza, around the track on the fine edge of
adhesion. Her time matched Lonnys best effort in
76

the same session. The Nova cars were the third- and
fourth-fastest competitors.
Not bad, Lonny had to admit as she came in.
Ill take a lesson in finesse with you any time!
It wouldnt hurt, Inky said with a grin. You
sure could use a littlein other things, too!
Dave Marr interrupted their kidding, presenting
them with check and work lists to be completed
before the qualifying session. I think Wynn and
Nancy-Rae should qualify the cars for the race since
theyve had the fastest times.
Ill be delighted, Nancy-Rae said with a sidelong glance at Lonny.
Dave grinned. Wynn, I expect you to be on the
pole, he declared.
No promises, but Ill do my best, the slender
youth replied. An hour later he was on the track,
trying to earn a starting spot in the forty-car race.
Nancy-Rae kept Red Flamingo glued to Ol
Blues bumper as the two passed under the bridge
and slid wide toward the pit lane on the downhill run
to the timing line. Wynn took the turn slightly faster
and opened a one-car-length lead down the front
straight. The gap continued to widen, despite NancyRaes best efforts, and at the end of the lap he was
half a second ahead.
Too bad, Inky said as she timed the two cars
from the pits. I thought she could keep up with
77

him!
Wynn has too much experience at Road Atlanta
for her to stay with him, Lonny said. Nancy-Raes
doing very well.
When the qualifying was over, Wynn had won
the pole for the race the next day. Paul Sykes, both
of Freddy Gelzs Porsches, and a privately entered
BMW would be between the Monzas on the starting
grid.
Lonny pulled Wynn aside. Watch out for Gelzs
cars, he warned. Since he couldnt get Paul to
bump you at Sebring, he might tell his own drivers
to do it.
Wynn nodded. Im aware of that, he said.
Dont worry.
At the start the next afternoon, Wynn pulled
ahead of Gelzs cars in a flash and stayed in the lead
until his second pit stop, when it was time to change
drivers. Nancy-Rae had no problem either, since she
was behind the Porsches, running sixth. When Wynn
rolled in, Lonny took over. Dave Marr had recruited
two Super-Vee mechanics to help, and they changed
the outside tires. Lonny was ready to go in less than
forty-five seconds. Inky made it even faster, and
when the Porsches pitted some time later, the two
Monzas were first and second. Sykes had fallen
somewhat behind and the BMW had a slow stop.
Lonny was almost a full lap ahead of Inky, however,
78

and Paul Sykes and Freddy Gelzs drivers were

closing rapidly on the Red Flamingo.
Inky held her car ahead of one of Gelzs
Porsches, but the other one and Paul Sykes passed
her to capture second and third positions after Wynn
at the checkered flag.
Super driving! Nancy-Rae called out as she
helped her partner out of the car. Inkys suit was
soaked with perspiration, and streaks of dirt and:
grime lined her face. She pulled off her gloves and
wrinkled her nose in disgust.
One of Gelzs guys bumped me off the track in
the esses. Thats the only way he could get around.
Then Paul sneaked by while I was getting back on
the pavement!
Dave smiled sympathetically. Those are the
breaks. By the way, Ive asked practically every
team around here about those oil companies while
you guys were busy driving. No one even heard of
them!
I havent had any better luck, Nancy-Rae put
in. Well, lets go to victory circle and congratulate
Wynn and Lonny. Inky, put your helmet in the jeep
and hurry up!
Inky pulled off her helmet, tossed her long blond
hair over her shoulders, and headed toward the jeep.
Suddenly she screamed in terror!
79

CHAPTER VIII

The Trap

Inky stared at the jeep, horrified. Someone had hung

a red chicken from its door handle. A sign was
pinned to its left wing. It read, One dead bird
deserves another.
Dave Marr arrived and quickly disposed of the
unfortunate chicken. Inky was frightened, and tears
were in her eyes when Nancy-Rae ran up.
Thats horrible, Inky sobbed. How could
anyone have such an evil mind?
Theyre just trying to scare us, Nancy-Rae said,
trying to comfort her, but she sounded
unconvincing. Lets go congratulate Wynn and
Lonny.
You go ahead. Dave said. Ill stay here to
watch so there wont be any more dirty tricks.
On the way to victory circle, the girls ran into
Freddy Gelz. Why are you so glum? he asked
80

them. Is there anything wrong with the Red

Flamingo? As the girls stared at him in surprise, he
laughed shrilly and walked away, dangling his arms.
Inky! Nancy-Rae said. Ill bet he put that
chicken on our jeep!
I wouldnt be surprised, Inky agreed. Hes one
of the meanest guys Ive ever met!
In victory circle, Wynn and Lonny joyfully
sprayed the crowd with a bottle of champagne.
Lonny chatted with the announcer, and the
photographers asked the young drivers to smile and
look their way.
When the girls arrived, they all went to the press
box for interviews. Inky did not mention the episode
with the chicken until later, when they were walking
back to their car.
Thats it. I quit! Wynn said in disgust.
Theyve blown up Horsts garage; stolen our cars
twice; tried to run us off the road; tried to bribe guys
to run us off the track; and now theyre trying to
terrorize us. Enoughs enough! Lets get out of here
before anything else happens.
Wynn, Nancy-Rae said, I think I know whos
responsible for the chicken. She told him about
Gelzs remark. And Im not so sure hes involved
in some of the other things.
So weve got two enemies. Does that make it
any better? Wynn asked.
81

Besides, Nancy-Rae put in bitterly, we dont

know whether Gelz and Wagner are working
together!
Lonny did not argue with his angry friends.
Quietly he began packing the tools for their return
trip to Newgate. The girls stowed their campgear in
the jeep and, with a promise to be careful, headed
for Clayborne.
The trip to Newgate was uneventful. The boys
dropped Dave at his house and silently drove on to
their apartment. Lonny did not mention Wynns vow
to quit; he would give his friend time to think it
over.
The next day Wynn woke Lonny just after dawn.
The smell of bacon and eggs was already in the air.
Scrambled? Wynn asked as his partner groggily
looked at the clock.
Sunny-side up, Lonny replied. Whats gotten
into you?
I know how we can solve our problems, the
energetic youth said as he sprinted back into the
kitchen. Hurry up and get dressed. I want to talk to
Jeff.
Lonny laughed. Im glad youve decided to
solve our problems instead of backing out!
I guess I cant stand the idea of someone
pushing us around, after all, Wynn said. I feel like
that bull we almost ran into on the highway, coming
82

back from Daytona. I dont know whats going on,

but Im staying on the road until I find out!
In Kuralts office, Wynn outlined his plan.
Somebody knows what were doing at all times,
he said grimly. Theyve got our contract and they
follow us wherever we go. Maybe even someone we
trust is working for the other side.
So what do we do? Lonny asked.
We set a trap. Theyre interested in the oil. So
we spread the word around that Altadyne is trying to
find out why our Sebring engine blew.
Kuralt smiled. He realized what Wynn was
leading up to. And when they steal the test results,
well catch them, is that it?
Thats it, Wynn said. His plan called for Jeffs
lab to analyze the oils from the two engines used in
Ol Blue.
But Im sure Nova did that already, Lonny put
in.
Yes, but they didnt strip down our engines,
Wynn said. Maybe the clue is not in the oil, but in
the motors!
For the next three days Altadyne technicians
stripped the two engines and made numerous
scientific comparisons. Don Brown, chief chemist at
Nova, was on the telephone with advice whenever
needed. Wynn and Lonny helped as much as they
could, but spent most of their time preparing their
83

cars for the next race at Ontario, California. Dave

Marr could not help since he had been called to
TECOM for a few days.
On Friday, Major Tynan arrived. The tests had
been completed and only the final analysis remained
to be done.
Tynan, Kuralt, and the boys worked until late
Friday evening. Test readings were jotted down in
columns of numbers, each indicating scientific
measurements. It took many hours to make the
comparison.
Finally, Kuralt shoved his chair back from the
table. Theres no remarkable difference in the oils,
he said. The engines gave out when the oils broke
down and lost their viscosity.
And we still have no idea why that happened,
Wynn added glumly.
Jeff nodded. However, the analysis has brought
out a number of interesting facts that will be
invaluable for the development of the oil.
What are you going to do now? Major Tynan
asked. Will you race at Ontario?
I think we should, Wynn said. Its a short
sprint race and we may be able to finish. Also, Mr.
Thomas has issued news stories based on the Atlanta
results, announcing that we were using Nova
synthetic oil. The releases say well be at Ontario,
and a lot of sports writers will be looking for us
84

there.
Kuralt agreed. With the publicity build-up
youve been getting, you shouldnt back out now,
he said.
Theres another good reason to run, Lonny put
in. Horst Kwech has built us new engines for
Ontario, and hes made some improvements. Maybe
theyll be more reliable.
Okay, thats settled, Kuralt said. Now lets get
out of here. Major Tynan and I are going fishing to
Lake Oconaluftee tomorrow, and Im sure you boys
want to come.
You
bet!
Wynn
and
Lonny
said
enthusiastically, and minutes later hurried to their
apartment, planning the tackle they would take with
them.
Before Kuralt drove Major Tynan to his motel, he
said, I want to call Byron Thomas and tell him that
weve finished the tests, okay?
Tynan stretched. Good idea.
In a moment, Jeff had the Nova chairman on the
line. Weve completed our project, he said, but
we still dont know why the oil broke down.
However, weve gotten a lot of other valuable
information, which will help Don in his
development.
Oh, good. When can we have the report?
Ill have a copy made for you and Major Tynan
85

first thing Monday morning, and Ill send it to you

right away.
Okay, Thomas said. Ill tell Don.
The conversation ended, and Kuralt turned to
Tynan. I didnt want to go into details over the
phone, he said as he put the receiver into its cradle.
I had my office checked for hidden bugs, but I still
dont trust the situation. He placed the report,
which was in a heavy duty cardboard box, into his
desk drawer and locked it.
Youre right, Tynan agreed. We cant be too
careful.
At dawn the following morning, Major Tynan,
Jeff Kuralt, and the boys were on their way to Lake
Oconaluftee. Jeff had had his small Cessna fitted
with pontoons in order to land on the water where
the Tuckaseigee river widened and slowed to form a
small dammed lake high in the Great Smoky
Mountains.
The light plane touched down gently and he
brought it expertly to the shore. Wynn and Lonny
waded through the shallow water to tie the plane off,
and in a few minutes they had set up camp. They
tried to put all their problems out of their minds and
enjoy the fishing. That evening, however, they sat
around the campfire and discussed the situation.
Who do you think is behind this? Major Tynan
asked.
86

Good question, Jeff said. It could be another

oil company, or another racing team, or both. My
guess is that a foreign government doesnt want us
to develop a synthetic oil.
Which, of course, is not in the interest of any of
the oil-producing nations, Lonny added.
What will we do if we catch somebody in your
office and it turns out he was just hired to make the
theft? Tynan asked. He might not even know who
his employer is.
Weve considered that, Kuralt replied. And we
have a special plan worked out.
Tynan chuckled. Youre so secretive I dont
think you even trust me!
Of course we do, Jeff assured him. Heres the
idea. We
Hold it, Tynan said and laughed. I dont want
to hear it. Dont spoil my weekend. All I want to
know about right now is trout!
Early next morning, Wynn and Lonny led the
group to the headwater that supplied the lake. They
waded into the fast-moving mountain stream and
worked their dry-fly lures up and down the likely
feeding spots.
Hey, look at that! Wynn cried as he hooked a
large rainbow trout. The fish leaped in the air twice
as Wynn played the line. Just as he reached for his
net to land his catch, however, the spirited trout gave
87

one last flip and was free. Wynn glumly pulled in

the hook while his friends chuckled at his
misfortune.
They flew back to Newgate after dinner, arriving
as the sun set. Kuralt parked his plane at the airport,
then loaded the group into his car. Lets go to the
plant and see whats happening, he said with a sly
grin at Wynn and Lonny.
Two police cruisers were sitting in the driveway
when Kuralt pulled up.
Whats going on, officer? Jeff asked.
Someone broke into your office, the policeman
replied. Your security guard followed, but lost the
thief.
Major Tynan looked upset. But Jeff, didnt you
alert your people to the possibility
Dont worry, Major, Jeff replied. As I was
trying to tell you at the lake, we have a plan. Come
on. Ill show you.
He led the way to his office and got a radio
direction-finder from a file cabinet. He unfolded the
antenna.
What are you doing? Major Tynan asked
impatiently.
We didnt want to hold the thief, because we felt
he might not talk and tell us who his employer is.
My men were to follow him, but in addition to that
we set this little trap. The box with the report
88

contains a hidden radio transmitter. Thats what Im

zeroing in on now.
Tynan grinned. Rather ingenious, I must admit.
But what if your plan fails? Then all last weeks
work was for nothing!
You mean the test results? Jeff asked. The
thief got a fake. The real report went with us on the
fishing trip. He opened the briefcase he had taken
along and pulled out a sheaf of papers.
Just then the telephone rang. It was Thomas.
Listen, he said to Jeff. One of my men is coming
back to Newark from Florida tomorrow. He could
stop at your place and pick up the report.
Fine, Jeff said, and told the Nova chairman
what had happened.
You meanyou let the thief escape? Thomas
asked incredulously. And the test results are gone?
They were fake, Byron, Jeff assured him, and
explained about the transmitter.
Fake! Thomas was stunned. Then he laughed.
And youve still got the real thing!
Right. Im going to make copies for you and
Major Tynan.
All right. Ill have my man pick it up
tomorrow, Thomas said, and let Don know what
happened. He hung up.
Wynn had been adjusting the direction finder, and
finally elicited a series of low-pitched beeps.
89

Weve got it! he exclaimed. Lets go after the

thief right now!
Jeff gave the direction finder to one of the
policemen waiting outside. You have more
experience with this than I, he said. Well follow
you.
The signal led them to the Highland Motel near
Newgate Airport. When they arrived, the officer led
the way to Room 202. The door was ajar and he
pushed it open. The room was empty!
He got away! Kuralt shouted. Were too late!
There must have been two people, Lonny said.
They left their drinks on the dresser. The ice hasnt
even melted yet.
Wynn saw the transmitter box on the table. They
took the report out and split, he said. Must have
found the little gadget inside. He examined the box.
Look, they ripped the thing apart. I wonder what
made them suspicious, though. It was concealed so
well.
Thank heavens they didnt get the test results,
Lonny said. Those phony papers were designed to
mislead them.
Dejected, the group left and went to the airport,
where Major Tynan had to catch his plane. I hope
this mystery will be cleared up soon, he said as he
waved good-by.
When Kuralt and the boys turned to leave, Jeff
90

said, I dont see my plane anywhere, which is odd,

because its rarely in a hangar. I just wonder
Wynn interrupted him. You dont think it has
been stolen, do you?

91

CHAPTER IX

The Stolen Plane

I dont know what to think, Jeff said tensely.

Lets find out.
At the tower they were told that Kuralts Cessna
had indeed taken off only a short while before.
Where to? Jeff asked.
The flight plan said South Carolina, the airtraffic controller said, but our radar indicated that it
turned west into the high mountains before
disappearing from the screen.
Glumly Jeff and the boys drove back to Altadyne.
Do you think the plane was stolen by the same
two guys who gave us the slip at the Highland
Motel? Wynn asked the industrialist.
Its possible. They could have arrived at the
airport just before we did.
And Im convinced somebody tipped them off,
Lonny added. They must have known we were
92

coming, because they left in a hurry.

I dont believe anyone tipped them off, Wynn
said. No one knew about the transmitter except
you, me, and Jeff. Of course, a lot of people knew
about the tests. We spread the word around at
TECOM, Nova, and Altadyne. Obviously our
enemies have a spy in one of these organizations,
but well never find out which one unless we catch
the thieves!
The boys took Beetle Bomb, which was parked in
the Altadyne lot, and drove to their apartment. On
the way, they talked about their upcoming trip to
Ontario, California. They were to stop in Chicago
first to pick up the new engines from Horst Kwech.
Well, with all the luck weve been having, I
wonder whats going to happen on this trip, Lonny
said pessimistically.
Wynn sighed. It seems that problems are all we
can look forward to any more, he agreed.
A few days later Jeff Kuralt stopped by their
apartment to give them some welcome news. You
fellows will get an extra pair of hands for a while,
he said. Novas concerned about the oil, and
theyre assigning a chemist to the team. They hope
he can help prevent future failures by advising you
on filters or whatever. Dave Marr came back today,
too, and will go with you, and this other fellow
might be extra protection.
93

Thats what we need, Wynn said. Will he be

here in time to go to California with us? Were
leaving at dawn.
Yes. Hell arrive this afternoon at four. His
names Brian Rupp. Youre to pick him up at the
airport. Hell wear a brown jacket with NOVA on it.
But Thomas wants to save money. Since its a sprint
race, he doesnt want the girls to go. Therell be four
of you to share the driving to California, and Brian
can time for you.
Brian Rupp was tall and slender, with blond hair
and blue eyes. He had played basketball in college
and had tried racing while he was a student. He
greeted the boys with a friendly smile.
Were delighted to meet you, Lonny told him.
If you can help us get through the next week
without problems, youll be the best friend we ever
had.
Ill try, Brian said. Mr. Thomas filled me in on
everything that has happened. Itll be fun to spend
time at the tracks again.
Were leaving tomorrow morning, Wynn said.
You can stay at our place for the night, okay?
Oh, great. Thanks a lot, Brian said.
At dawn the following day the team was on the
road. Wynn drove the lead van with Brian while
Lonny and Dave Marr followed, towing the Red
Flamingo. Brian found a clear channel on the CB
94

radio and proved to be an interesting

conversationalist. The day was filled with chatter
between the two vans as they headed through
Tennessee and into Kentucky. In the evening the
caravan stopped at a campground near Cincinnati.
Wynn called Lonny aside while the others prepared
the camp.
Have you noticed whats been following us? he
asked.
No. What is it? Lonny asked.
Weve had an airplane dogging our trail for the
past hour. It had pontoons, too. I think its Jeffs!
Lonny quickly scanned the sky. No plane was in
sight, however. When did you last see it? he
inquired.
Just before we stopped, Wynn replied. Lonny,
were in for more trouble unless we stop these
people right away!
Youre right. Wed better tell the others and
work out a plan.
A few minutes later everyone sat around the
campfire, discussing the mysterious airplane. My
guess is the pilot will land at a local field, refuel, and
then stop at a lake to spend the night, Wynn said.
Lets call all small airports around here and see if
theyve serviced Jeffs plane.
He and Brian went to their CB radio, while the
other two checked a map for conveniently isolated
95

lakes where the craft could land without being

noticed.
Theres one just a few miles from here, Lonny
said after some minutes of study. It has only a
single-access road.
Brian and Wynn returned and confirmed their
suspicion that it was Kuralts stolen Cessna that had
been trailing them. The Mill Grove Airport
refueled it two hours ago, and gave the pilot a new
map, Brian reported. There are two men aboard.
Weve found a lake not far from here, Lonny
said. Lets drive over there in one of the vans. Who
wants to stay here and watch the other one and the
race cars?
I will, Dave volunteered, Dont get lost.
Brian and Lonny piled into the van next to Wynn,
who drove to the lakes access road, then pulled into
the woods and parked. A half-moon gave some light
and the teammates walked down the white gravel
road to the lake shore. The woods closed around
them and their footsteps echoed softly through the
trees. The night was chilly, and Wynn zipped up his
racing jacket to ward off the cold. After a ten-minute
hike, the group reached the shore.
It was a small lake, used mainly by campers and
boy scouts. It had been formed by damming a small
mountain creek, and the map had shown a
campground at the edge, with nothing but thick
96

woods around it. The campgrounds, as the searchers

soon realized, were empty.
Brian, you head to the right, Wynn whispered.
Lonny and I will cross the dam and circle to the
left. Well meet you on the other side. Our signal
will be a whippoorwill call, all right?
Fine.
Brian disappeared into the darkness, and Wynn
and Lonny took off their shoes for the short, slippery
walk across the top of the dam. On the other side,
they put them back on and went into the woods. The
evening dew had reduced the brittleness of the
leaves, and the boys were able to move almost
without making a sound.
They searched for an hour, but found no sign of
the stolen craft. Occasionally, they left the woods to
examine the ground ahead from the edge of the lake.
The silence was broken only by the nocturnal
activities of woodland animals.
Then Lonny saw the plane. It was tied to a tree in
a small cove just ahead!
There it is, he whispered, and pointed.
Yeah, Wynn agreed. How are we going to get
there?
The thieves had picked a perfect mooring for
their protection, since the hills presented a steep
obstacle to anyone approaching the cove on foot.
Well make too much noise if we try to climb
97

down that hill, Lonny commented.

Well, lets swim, Wynn suggested.
In a moment the boys had slipped out of their
clothes and were in the water. It was cold, but not
unbearably so. They were faced with a half-mile
swim around several outcroppings of rocks and old
trees to the entrance of the cove. Once there, it was
about 100 yards to the stolen airplane.
The young racers used the breaststroke to save
energy. Soon they were near the coves mouth.
Wynn swam to a large rock and waited for his
partner to join him.
The thieves must be camping right at the shore,
he said when Lonny arrived. The hills too steep to
sleep on.
Lets untie the plane and tow it, Lonny
suggested, and he continued to swim with Wynn
right behind him. Suddenly the silence was I broken
by a heavy crashing sound in the woods ahead!
Brian must have fallen down the hill! Lonny
whispered. Unless it was a deer.
Then a man called from across the water. Lets
go! Somebodys after us!
Wynns spine tingled at the familiar voice. It
sounds like Wagner, he said to Lonny. Weve got
to stop them!
The two swam toward the floating airplane as fast
as they could. Their limbs were numbed by the cold
98

water, however, and before they had covered half

the distance, the planes engine coughed to life!
Lonny turned around and gasped. Theyll run
right over us. If we dont dive way down, well be
killed!
The last thing both boys heard was the buzz of
the propeller. Then they sucked in as much air as
they could and dove for the bottom. The darkness of
the water wrapped around them as they struggled to
stay below. Their lungs felt as though they would
burst. But they could not surface without running
into deadly danger! Lonny bumped into something
cold and slimy in the lake bed. It was a sunken log,
and he held onto it with both hands.
The onrushing crafts propeller, skimming just
inches above the lake, beat the water to a white
froth. The sound of the engine increased, then
diminished, as the craft crossed above the boys and
headed for the open water.
Wynn and Lonny surfaced, their lungs ready to
explode. Relieved that they were both safe, they
gasped for air and turned to watch the stolen plane
attempt its takeoff. The pilot was in trouble. He had
had no time to warm up the engine properly. In
order to get it running fast enough, he had left the
mixture of fuel at too rich a setting. However, the
engine could not run at full speed with an excess of
gas and insufficient air, and continued to cough as it
99

crossed the lake.

Desperate now, the pilot pulled back on the
controls. The craft lifted a few feet, then nosed back
into the water. The pontoons dug in, and in an
instant the Cessna had flipped onto its back!

100

CHAPTER X

Explosion

Wynn and Lonny stared in the direction of the

overturned plane. They heard voices.
You okay? a man was yelling.
Yep. Lets get out of here! another answered.
Whatll we do now? Lonny asked.
Theyre too far for us to follow them, Wynn
replied. Lets get back to shore.
When they arrived, shivering from the cold, they
signaled Brian. Luckily he was nearby and met them
a few minutes later.
You two had better get back into the van and
warm up, he advised. Where are your clothes?
Well pick them up on the way, Lonny said
through clattering teeth, and the three set off through
the woods.
Soon they were in the van and the boys dried off
while Brian notified the police on their CB radio.
101

Surprised to hear what had happened at the lake, the

authorities promised to look for the fugitives.
We cant haul the plane out of the water in the
middle of the night, an officer told Brian, but
well send someone over at daybreak.
Thanks, Brian said.
Whatll we do next? Wynn asked.
I guess we should stick around until the cops
retrieve the plane, Lonny suggested. Maybe well
find a clue to the thieves identity.
I think one of the voices we heard was
Wagners, Wynn said. But I cant be sure. They
were quite far away from us.
The police arrived promptly with the first rays of
daylight. Two officers went out on the lake in a
collapsible boat and towed the overturned plane to
the dock.
The inside was a shambles, with seats, maps, and
insulation strewn about. Theres blood on the
pilots side of the instrument panel, one of the
policemen reported, but not enough to indicate
serious injury. He must have banged his head when
the plane flipped. Obviously, the other passenger
wore his shoulder harness. Theres no blood on his
side.
Though they searched thoroughly, neither the
police nor the boys found any clues to the thieves
identity.
102

Well notify the owner that the plane has been

found, one of the officers said. You fellows have
been a great help. I doubt that well be able to catch
the fugitives. We dont even know what they look
like.
The police, determined to find the men who had
abandoned the aircraft on the recreational lake,
roped off the area to search for the thieves. The boys
decided not to wait, since they were due in Chicago
to pick up the new engines from Kwech that night.
Several hours later, the two vans were on the road
again.
Horst was dismayed to hear about still another
incident and, after loading the equipment into the
van, begged them to be especially careful. Even
though the crooks cant follow you in Kuralts plane
anymore, he said, they can rent a car and be in
California by the time you get there.
The boys promised to watch out for their
enemies. Three days later they arrived safely at the
Ontario track. Dave Marr obtained garage space, and
they installed the new engines in the race cars.
Wynn and Lonny worked for a while, then took the
vans and drove them around the track, refreshing
their memories as to which way the turns went.
Official practice would begin the following day.
Max von Clausen came to their garage to greet
them. All set to win again? he asked with a
103

friendly grin.
If we could afford to, wed let your guys be first
this race. Lonny replied. But we cant!
Thanks anyway, Max said. Where are the
girls?
Theyre not with us this time, Lonny said, but
they send their regards.
Regards, eh? Max asked, disappointed. Thats
all?
What did you expect, Max? Wynn kidded the
German.
I was hoping to take Inky to dinner tonight,
Max replied. Well, maybe next time.
He walked off, and Wynn mumbled, Im just as
glad shes not here. Old Max is getting entirely too
chummy with her!
To their relief, the boys learned that Freddy
Gelzs team was not present, either. Thats fine
with me, Lonny said to Wynn. I cant stand that
creep!
Wynn qualified Ol Blue on the pole, and Lonny
placed the Red Flamingo third, after Paul Sykes.
The race started with the two Monzas jumping into a
100 yard lead over Sykess Porsche. The BMW
team had entered only one car with Hans Fritz
driving. He developed a minor fuel-feed problem on
the pace lap, however, and was in the pits when the
green flag fell.
104

Two laps in arrears, the BMW roared back onto

the track. In a while, Fritz caught up to Wynn and
Lonny, though he was still two laps behind. Wynn
saw the BMW closing in and increased his own
speed. Fritz continued to narrow the gap, and after a
few more laps Wynn, Lonny, and the flying BMW
were running nose-to-tail, with Sykes falling even
farther back.
On the twentieth lap, Fritz pulled out of the threecar draft, entering the high-speed turn, and passed
the two Monzas on the inside. Wynn could not
prevent it. The BMW braked and handled better than
the heavier American car, and Fritz was at least
Wynns equal behind the wheel.
During the next two laps, Wynn was able to catch
up to the BMW on the straight, although he could
not pass. Lonny lost the tow and fell several hundred
yards back, remaining clear of Sykes, however.
The first round of pit stops at the one-hour mark
brought no change in the standings. Wynn took on
20 gallons of fuel and returned to the track in
twenty-six seconds. Lonnys time was thirty-four
seconds, since the crew had trouble fitting the drybreak hose and fuel-tank couplings together.
Fritz did not stop. Dave Marr estimated that the
six-cylinder car could run the entire three-hour race
with only one refueling stop.
After one and a half hours, Fritz brought the
105

BMW in. Dave watched in amazement as the

German pit crew changed the two outside tires,
refueled, and signaled him back in eighteen seconds.
The Grand Prix star was now one lap and ten
seconds behind Wynn, and ahead of Lonny on the
track, although still almost a full lap in arrears.
Wynn has to make one more stop, Dave said to
Brian. The BMW is good till the finish. If Fritz
keeps on driving this way, its going to be a dead
heat at the end!
Lets check the dry-breaks and make sure they
dont jam on Wynns stop as they did on Lonnys,
Rupp suggested.
The crew continued their preparations while
Wynn watched the BMW grow ever larger in his
rearview mirror. After a few laps of nose-to-tail
racing, the BMW again passed and pulled away. The
two cars were now on the same lap, and almost a
full hour remained in the race!
Wynn made his final pit stop and was back on the
track in thirty-two seconds, since he had to take both
tires and fuel. Lonnys drive ended with thirty
minutes to go in the race when his engine blew on
the banking, putting the Red Flamingo into a
spectacular spin! The cars engine disintegrated in a
ball of flame and white oil smoke after a connecting
rod poked a hole in the side of the block. The oil
lubricated the track under the Monzas rear tires and
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the car began an uncontrollable slide toward the

outer wall!
Lonny held onto the steering wheel with all his
might as his racer snapped around twice, then hit the
wall. A fiery orange light blazed at the rear of the
car. The Flamingos fuel tank had ruptured when the
Monza hit the wall, traveling backwards at over 170
miles per hour!
Lonny let go of the wheel with one hand and hit
the red button controlling the fire-extinguishing
system. In an instant the trunk, engine compartment,
and drivers section were filled with an inert gas that
could be inhaled without discomfort, but did not
contain enough oxygen to feed the fire.
The car slid to a halt on the track apron, and
Lonny bailed out of the still-smoldering machine,
gasping for fresh air. Wynn did not see the accident
until his next lap around, when he noticed the
parked car with Lonny standing next to it and
waving. He waved back and continued his pursuit.
Since no other cars were involved in the crash,
Wynn realized it must have been caused by engine
failure. Hesitating, he checked his own oil pressure.
It was down to forty pounds! His motor could let go
at any time! The two Monzas had identical
components and had been running at about the same
speed. Wynn decided to take the risk and keep his
foot on the gas. With less than fifteen minutes
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remaining in the race, perhaps the engine would last.

In his mirrors, however, the boy could see the
white-and-burgundy BMW closing in. If Fritz got
past him this time, the German would have the lead!
The two were less than 100 yards apart and Wynn
was ahead as they crossed the line, with one lap
remaining. Fritz had caught Wynns draft, and the
Monza driver could not prevent it. The BMW
continued to close in, and at the end of the straight,
the two cars were again bumper-to-bumper!
Wynn held his lead through the first two infield
turns, but Hans Fritz moved his car inside and
gained the advantage through the slow hairpin.
Foreign-car fans in the grandstands roared! The
Grand Prix drivers comeback from two laps down
had captured their imagination.
Wynn bullied his way back in front on the last
infield straight, forcing the BMW to take a wide line
through the turn that led onto the final straight. Now
Chevrolet fans cheered loudly.
Both cars charged up the track toward the
checkered flag. Wynn held the advantage almost to
the line, when the BMW veered out of the draft and
suddenly seemed to leap ahead. At the finish, Fritz
was the winner by half a car length!
Wynn quickly slowed Ol Blue almost to a crawl
and turned into the pits. Lonny, Dave, and Brian
rushed over to greet him. Great going, Wynn!
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Lonny called out.

I made it by the skin of my teeth, Wynn said.
Oil pressure was way down.
Wynn wanted to talk to his crew, but was called
to victory circle. He congratulated the winner, then
excused himself and went back to his car.
What happened? Lonny asked as he gave his
partner a Coke.
The engine began to lose power as we came up
to take the flag, Wynn explained. I couldnt have
finished another lap.
Theres something wrong with the oil, Dave
Marr said in disgust. You guys ought to raise the
roof with Thomas and Brown after this.
We will, Lonny assured his crew chief. We
didnt build two cars and tow them to California just
to have them break down on us.
Brian Rupp, the Nova chemist, was mystified.
After taking oil samples from the ruined engines he
retired to his motel room to make tests. The next
morning the team drove to Chicago to get new
engines and to repair the Red Flamingo, while Rupp
flew ahead to New Jersey to consult with Brown.
Three days later the team arrived at Kwechs
rebuilt shop and in a short time the engines were out
of the cars and repairs were underway.
Theres no major damage, the Australian said.
Youll need fresh body panels, a new fuel cell, and
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bits and pieces like fuel pumps, steel-mesh fuel

hose, and some minor structural tubing. I think the
parts are in stock. If we all work at it, you should be
back on the road the day after tomorrow.
The team completed the work as he had
predicted, then headed for Nova in Newark, New
Jersey. Lonny had modified the cars oil-cooling
system so that it would lower the temperature and
help the engines last longer. He was anxious to find
out from Brown just how cool the oil would have to
be in order to last in a long race like Le Mans.
When the caravan pulled up at Nova
headquarters, Dave Marr stayed to guard the vans in
the parking lot while the boys went to talk to the
chairman. Thomas greeted them with a solemn
expression. Boys, I have bad news for you, he
said. Don Brown assures me that there is no way
we can do any better than that right now. The board
decided that if you cant win with the oil you have,
forget Le Mans, leave the cars here, and fly home.
Wynn was thunderstruck. His dreams of driving
an American car in the worlds most important race
had just been shattered!

110

CHAPTER XI

Last Chance

Just then Brian Rupp burst into the room. Ive

found the problem! he exclaimed, pitching a
handful of technical papers on the desk. Now we
can make the oil work!
Don Brown had followed the young chemist in
the room and seemed annoyed. Why didnt you tell
me about this? he demanded. And what have you
found out anyway?
I tested samples of oil from the engines the boys
used in Ontario, and also checked samples of brandnew unused oil. The test consisted of arranging
sliding blocks of steel on mechanical arms that
would move one block against the other, with a
constant supply of oil being supplied by a small
pump.
Go on, Thomas said.
One block in each test was attached to a strain
111

gauge. It recorded the friction between the two

plates. I set the machine up to cycle at one thousand
rpm.
What happened? Lonny inquired.
Nothing, Rupp replied. All the plates had
exactly the same friction when the test started.
So how does this solve our problem? Brown
asked.
I heated the oil for the next test, Rupp replied.
The oils that had been in the engines broke down at
three hundred and ninety degrees Fahrenheit, and
the friction increased. The unused oil kept on
working past five hundred degrees, just as we
thought it should. I tried the test twice, and it came
out the same both times.
You mean theres something in the engines that
is reacting with the oil at a certain temperature and
causes it to lose its heat resistance? Wynn asked.
Brian nodded, but Brown frowned. Thats not
logical, he said. One of your cars held up at Road
Atlanta, and that was a much longer race!
There was a difference, Lonny told him. For
sprint racing, such as at Ontario, we had engines
with higher compression ratios. They put out more
power than the endurance-race engines that we used
at Road Atlanta, and run hotter.
The discussion continued into the afternoon. Even
though they were beginning to understand the
112

mysterious failures, the cause remained unknown.

No one could think of any substance or additive in
the engines that could be the source of the problem.
Brown remained unconvinced. We cant make
plans based on one experiment, he declared flatly.
I vote that we stop all racing until the problem has
been solved. With that he got up and stomped out
of the room.
Lonny brought up the idea he had been thinking
about since the California race. Brian, how cool
would the oil have to be in order to hold up?
I guess about three hundred and fifty, to be
safe, the young chemist replied.
We can achieve that, Lonny replied. On the
way back from California I sketched out a plan for
relocating the oil cooler and increasing the capacity
of the system. If it works, it should drop the
temperature just about the right amount, even on a
hot day.
How do we know for sure? Thomas asked. I
cant afford to send two cars and crews to France for
another disastrous failure.
Lets enter the Watkins Glen three hour race in
New York State, Wynn suggested. We can set up
both cars with the new system. If it works well take
it from there.
Okay. Ill go along with that, Thomas said.
But at this point Im the only one whos willing to
113

continue with the project. Youve heard Brown. He

wants to stop it, and so do other people on our
board. I can stick my neck out one more time,
fellows, but after thatforget it.
Itll work, Lonny promised. Andthanks, Mr.
Thomas.
I hope it will, Thomas said thoughtfully. Im
convinced that you have a good chance of doing
well at Le Mans as long as the oil works. Were so
close He broke off and stared into space for a
moment, then he went on, Were sending Brian
Rupp to France to help set up a chemical plant near
Paris. I dont know if I mentioned it before, but
were expanding throughout Europe. Hes leaving in
a few days, and perhaps he should go ahead and
make arrangements for you at Le Mans. If Watkins
Glen proves to be another flop, he can always cancel
them.
Oh, Mr. Thomas, that would be great! Wynn
jumped up and paced up and down in front of the
window. He could rent garage space for us and get
rooms and
Okay, Thomas interrupted. You fellows run
along now and make the necessary improvements on
your cars. And most importantwin the race at
Watkins Glen!
The boys left, elated. We wont have time to go
home, Wynn said when they joined Dave in the
114

parking lot. Lets drive straight up to Watkins Glen

and work on the cars there.
Will do, Lonny said. His plan was simple. The
oil coolers had been located behind the driver and
just in front of the rear wheels, in order to place their
weight well back in the chassis. Moving them
forward next to the water radiator with an air duct
leading into the cooling vanes would maximize
airflow.
At the track the two youngsters registered and
took the cars into the garage area.
Late the next afternoon the changes were
completed. Wynn took Ol Blue out for a test run,
while Lonny followed in the Red Flamingo.
The engines ran perfectly, but Wynns car was
much faster through the corners. After a few laps,
Lonny stopped at the pits to have his rear suspension
adjusted. Wynn continued, then he, too, pitted to
have the oil checked.
The temperature gauge shows three hundred and
fifty! Wynn shouted from inside his flame-resistant
face mask and thick helmet. Is that good enough?
Terrific, Dave shouted back. We attached the
temperature-sending unit in the hottest part of the
system. I think were in good shape.
The next two days of practice confirmed their
estimates. The oil was holding up, and Lonny was so
excited by their apparent success that he out-drove
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Wynn and found himself on the pole for the race 0.3
seconds ahead of his partner.
Fantastic! Wynn exclaimed when the times
were posted. You really show us the way around,
good buddy!
Lonny grinned. Anyone with my good looks,
brains, and driving skills could have done it!
Oh, no! One pole position in his entire life, and
already he has an ego problem! Dave grimaced. It
is my opinion that our new hero should buy dinner
for his crew to celebrate his success!
The team agreed enthusiastically and Lonny
could not talk himself out of paying for their steaks
at the Lake Seneca Inn that evening.
Meanwhile, Brian Rupp was on his way to
France. When he arrived, he rented a car at Orly
Airport and intended to drive to the little provincial
capital of Le Mans to reserve garage space and
rooms for Wynn and Lonny. The route he had
chosen led past Paris, and he decided to spend a few
hours sightseeing.
Just after he got into the city, however, he made a
wrong turn in an area of tall, narrow houses and
even narrower streets that twisted back upon one
another. In a short while, Brian was hopelessly lost.
I think I should go south until I hit the perimeter
road, he said to himself and tried not to become
confused by the seemingly mad French drivers. If
116

only I knew which way south happened to be! I

should have gotten a street map of Paris!
In a few minutes Brian found himself in a
deserted street with the dark waters of the Seine
straight ahead. Now how did I get here? he asked
himself. This is north!
Brian noticed that a brown Citron had been
following him for a while and he began to feel
uneasy. Either this guy is lost, too, he reasoned,
or else He had no time to finish his thought. In
an instant, the Citron had pulled up next to him and
an ugly-looking machine gun was pointed in his
direction!
There was no way for Brian to escape.
Frightened, he slowed his car and halted on the side
of the road. The Citron stopped beside him and two
tall, middle-aged men in business suits silently
motioned him out. In less than a minute, Brian was
securely locked in the trunk of the kidnappers car!
While Brian was being driven to an unknown
destination, Wynn and Lonny were starting the race
at Watkins Glen. Paul Sykess and Gelzs two
Porsches were their main competition. The BMW
team was absent from the event, having headed
home to prepare for Le Mans.
At the start, Sykes jumped the green flag and was
beside the two Monzas as they crossed the starting
line. Lonny took the inside line through the first turn
117

and Wynn followed right behind as the three headed

nose-to-tail up the hill.
Freddy Gelzs first car, with Harry Hansen at the
wheel, charged after them, while his second
Porsche, driven by Stanley Rau, hung back and then
pitted for a while before returning to the track.
After fifteen minutes it was obvious that Wynns
car was slower than Lonnys. The Red Flamingo
pulled away on the straight, towing Paul Sykes with
it. Wynn was six seconds behind them when Marr
signaled the interval and instructed Wynn to hold his
position. At the halfway point, the leaders caught up
with the slower cars and began to lap them. When
Lonny and Sykes attempted to pass Stanley Rau, the
Porsche driver suddenly gained speed and held his
competitors back. They circulated nose-to-tail, with
Harry Hansen at the end of the formation.
Somethings got to give, Marr said to himself
as he watched from the pits.
Hansen, driving like a maniac, passed Wynn on
braking into the first turn. Wynn was forced off the
track. He sawed at the wheel desperately, but to no
avail. The Porsche bumped the Monza twice,
causing it to leave the road and hit the catch fence a
glancing blow. It spun on the loose dirt, shedding its
front air spoiler and pieces of fiberglass from the
fenders in the process.
Lonny saw the damaged car as he passed by on
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the next lap, and realized what Gelz had planned.

Rau was to block the road while Hansen bumped
him off the track, too!
Frantically, Lonny looked for a way around Rau.
The Porsche was quicker through the turns, but lost
a little ground on the straight. To stay ahead, Rau
was weaving the car from side to side.
Wynn restarted his crippled Monza and made a
quick pit stop. Marr taped up the broken fiberglass
and sent him back into the race.
Ill get those guys, Wynn vowed as he came
out of the pits just ahead of Rau. Lonny was behind
the Porsche, followed by Sykes and Hansen. Wynn
waited until he reached the back straight before he
placed his plan into action.
Halfway down the long straight, he hit the brakes.
Before the Porsche could ram him, he jumped back
on the gas and moved to one side. Rau hit his
brakes, too, as he followed Wynns sidestep,
allowing Lonny to blast past him!
Ahead of both Porsches, the Monzas quickly
pulled away. When Lonny made his pit stop for
refueling, he re-entered the track well clear of the
Gelz cars. He won the race comfortably, with Paul
Sykes second and Harry Hansen third. Wynn was
fourth, and Stanley Rau fifth.
Dave Marr had already filed a protest against the
Gelz team. His first car blocked for five laps and
119

the second one put Wynn Redford into the fence,

he told Billy Glenaire, the chief steward. Freddy
Gelz ordered his drivers to put us out of the race.
They should be disqualified!
Glenaire immediately sent for Gelz and his
drivers. Hansen arrived first, saying that Rau had
already left the track and Gelz would be coming
shortly. Wynn and Lonny had walked in with him.
When confronted with the accusation, Hansen
hung his head. I admit that Freddy told us what to
do. He promised to pay me two thousand dollars for
putting Redford off the track, and another two
thousand for Morris. I didnt go along with it
because of the money, but I didnt want to lose my
job!
Freddy Gelz had walked in and overheard his
drivers last words. He tried to sneak out
unobserved, but Wynn had seen him and tackled
Gelz as he went through the door, grabbed his arm
in a hammerlock, and held him down.
Youd better talk, Gelz. Whats behind all this?
Okay, Gelz cried. Youre hurting me!
Wynn increased the pressure. Speak up!
I couldnt afford to race at Le Mans and wanted
the Nova sponsorship, the man gasped. I would
have had a chance if you looked bad at Sebring and
the Glen.
You called Sykes and offered to pay him to
120

bump us off the track at Sebring? Marr asked.

Yes, Gelz said. Wynn, let go of my arm!
Wynn continued to apply pressure, to make sure
Gelz would continue talking but he was careful not
to really hurt the man.
Did you steal our car in Ohio and pay someone
to run us off the mountain in Spruce Pine?
No! no! Gelz cried. I dont know what youre
talking about. The only other thing I did was put a
chicken on your Jeep. I heard one of your girls say
you named the car Red Flamingo, and I wanted to
scare you. Thats all. Now please, let me go!
Wynn released the captive. Billy Glenaire looked
at him hard. Gelz, your team is disqualified from
this race, and Ill do my best to have you suspended
forever. Now get out of here and stay out!

121

CHAPTER XII

A Deadly Ultimatum

Wynn, Lonny, and Dave left the chief stewards

office right after Gelz. Do you think he told the
truth about what he did and didnt do? Lonny
asked.
Im inclined to believe him, Wynn said. He
was just a nuisance who bothered us for his own
petty motives. I dont think hes connected with
Wagner and whoever he works for.
Lets call up Thomas and tell him the oil held up
fine this time, Dave suggested. That should make
him happy.
Thomas, however, was not happy at all. It
doesnt matter now, he said tersely. Brian has
been kidnapped in France and will not be released
unless you forget about Le Mans!
What! The boys could hardly believe their ears.
Youd better drive down here and meet me my
122

office tomorrow morning, Thomas went on. Ill

give you all the details then.
The team left the track as quickly as possible and
drove through the night to Nova headquarters.
Thomas was already there when they arrived. He
filled the boys in on the events of Brians
kidnapping.
Theyve got us where they want us! Lonny
stormed. This is the end.
Well have to find Brian, Wynn added. Who
knows whether theyll release him, even if we go
along with their demand. They might feel that he
knows too much and would be able to expose them.
The French police are working on it, Thomas
said.
I dont think we should leave it up to them,
Lonny declared. We ought to get over there
ourselves. After all, its because of us that Brian got
kidnapped in the first place. We must find him, Mr.
Thomas!
Thomas nodded. I agree. Go to France and see
what you can do.
Dave spoke up. As far as Le Mans is concerned,
do you think we could enter secretly and ask the
authorities not to announce it until we find Brian?
That might work, Thomas said. Lets call the
Automobile Club de lOuest and see if they would
cooperate.
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Lonny shook his head. What makes you think

these kidnappers havent put spies in the ACO? The
very person we talk to could be working for them!
Youre right, Thomas admitted. I suppose any
organization that could have known when Brian
would arrive in France would be able to infiltrate the
ACO. When is the deadline for registration?
In three days, Wynn said. Itll be a miracle if
we find Brian before then.
Dont even think about the race, Lonny said.
Just think of Brian.
Ill tell my secretary to call the airport, Thomas
said, and have her make reservations for you on the
next available flight.
Whatll we do with the race cars and vans?
Dave asked.
Leave them here until we hear from Paris,
Thomas replied. If the boys cant race at Le Mans,
well have to quit. TECOM will sell the cars and
well apply the money scheduled for racing to other
marketing programs.
Thomas called his secretary and a few minutes
later she informed them that the boys were to leave
from Kennedy Airport to Paris that same evening.
Dave Marr would fly from Newark back to North
Carolina in the afternoon.
Good luck, boys, Thomas said, sounding
worried and anxious. Dejected, they left his office.
124

Lets take one of the vans and drive Dave to the

airport, Lonny suggested, and in a short time they
were on their way. No one talked much, and Wynn
felt as if he had a lump of lead in his stomach. All
were afraid that they would never see Brian again.
Lonny idly read the billboards as Wynn drove
along the highway. Suddenly an ugly green-andorange sign caught his eye.
Wynn, look! he cried out. That sign!
Wynn glanced at the billboard. It read:
WELCOME TO TOTOWA, N. J.
HOME OF
GREENLIEF CHEMICALS, INC.
MANUFACTURERS OF
FINE SYNTHETIC MOTOR OILS

Thats one of Novas competitors! Wynn

exclaimed. Lets go see their plant. We have plenty
of time before Daves flight. He took the next exit
and stopped at a telephone booth. Greenlief
Chemicals was on Farside Avenue.
The plant was not impressive. It looked like a
vacant warehouse. The street was littered with
pieces of broken concrete blocks, glass, and other
refuse. The grass around the walkway was uncut,
125

and a window had been broken.

They parked and Dave offered to stay with the
van while the boys explored.
Seems nobody is home, Lonny observed.
We wont know unless we go in, Wynn
suggested. He was the more impulsive of the two,
and quickly walked up to the door. He turned the
handle firmly. It opened and the boys went in.
The building was empty. Two small offices had
been built in the front of the warehouse and their
occupants apparently had left quite a while ago.
Papers were strewn across the floor, and a table had
been broken.
Looks as if theyre out of business, Lonny
remarked. Maybe they werent competitive.
Wynn nodded. Then his eyes caught a glint of
blue on the concrete floor. Lonny, whats that over
there?
Lonny stared at the spot. Its the same cobaltblue paint Horst used on the Monza frames!
Remember how the front chassis and engines
mounts were changed on Ol Blue after it was
stolen? Ill bet this is where the crooks tampered
with the car!
Lets call the police, Wynn said. They can get
a search warrant and go over this place with a finetoothed comb.
A police officer arrived some time later. He knew
126

about the car theft, and was pleased to have another

clue that might solve the case. The boys explained
about the paint, and he scraped some off the floor.
Then they all went into the offices and checked the
wastebaskets, some of which had not been emptied.
Greenlief went out of business six month ago,
the officer told the boys.
They were competitors of Nova, our sponsor,
Wynn said. I wonder if Mr. Thomas knows theyre
closed down. Wait a minutesome of these
crumpled letters are in French! He told the officer
that Brian had been kidnapped in Paris and added, I
wonder if these letters have anything to do with the
incident!
Well work on it, the officer promised, and
search everything thoroughly. If we feel Greenlief
was in any way involved, well get in touch with
Nova.
The boys thanked him and were soon on the road
again. They delivered Dave in time for his plane and
returned to Newark, where the race cars and vans
were placed in Novas garage for the time being.
The boys spent the afternoon taking their clothes
to the laundromat and preparing for their trip, then
they rode a bus to Kennedy airport.
When they were airborne, Wynn asked the
question that had been bothering him all afternoon.
Lonny, well be in Paris in approximately seven
127

hours. We know that we have to find Brian. But

where do we start?
Lonny was more practical and had already
formulated a plan in his mind.
If you wanted to kidnap a person who arrives at
Orly airport and youre not quite sure where hes
going first, where would you do it?
As close to the airport as possible. Why let him
go any distance and risk losing him?
Right. Now, where would you hide him?
I suppose the risk again would be minimized if I
didnt have to take him far.
Correct. I think there are two good possibilities.
He might be held in the city, where he would be
almost impossible to locate. Or he might be hidden
in an isolated place on the outskirts, which the gang
might be using for their headquarters in France. Of
course there are a million other alternatives, but
well have to start with something. What do you
think?
Lets get a map and check the area around Paris
first, Wynn suggested. Perhaps the police can give
us a clue, too.
When they visited police headquarters, however,
the officer in charge could not help them. We have
no leads whatsoever, he told them. We did find his
rental car at the edge of the city near the river, and
rubber marks on the pavement indicated that the
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kidnap car went in a northerly direction. But we

have not found a trace of the criminals yet!
Wynn and Lonny rented a car and went to the
spot where the kidnapping had taken place. Lets
go north and ride around the area, Wynn suggested.
Maybe well see something suspicious.
Lonny nodded and pulled away. Both boys had
hardly slept on the plane and had only had a quick
breakfast after they arrived. They were tired and
weary, but the tension and anxiety kept them awake.
They cruised around for hours, and finally stopped
at a roadside restaurant for lunch. Conversations
with the waiter and the various patrons were
difficult because of the language barrier and
revealed nothing. Soon they continued their search,
with Wynn at the wheel.
A brisk wind had developed, blowing dust and
leaves into the road. Lonny looked out the window
to his right when he noticed a navy blue booklet
blowing into the ditch.
Hey, Wynn, hold it a minute! he said. I think I
just saw an American passport over there!
Wynn coasted to a stop and both got out to look.
Here! Wynn said and picked up the object. He
opened it up. It is a passportLonny! Its Brians!
Both boys leafed through the pages. On the last
one they found a scribbled message. Kidnapped.
Mange dEgise.
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He must have been able to write this and drop

the passport out of the kidnappers car, Wynn
exulted.
Lets call the officer we spoke to this morning
and see if he knows what Mange dEgise means,
Lonny suggested.
The boys stopped at the next gas station and
phoned police headquarters. The officer was
surprised when he heard about the passport and told
them that Mange dEgise was an abandoned farm
and stable, where the Egise family once had kept
horses and run a riding school.
The officer gave Wynn directions to the place and
said, Go ahead and stake it out. I will send a
number of men to arrest the kidnappers if they are
there. Do not go in without my people, because it is
too dangerous for just the two of you.
Okay, Wynn said and hung up. Come on,
Lonny, lets go!
They drove through an area of fields and woods
and found the abandoned farm. Wynn parked some
distance away behind a clump of bushes and the
boys got out of the car. There was no sign of life.
While Wynn and Lonny were watching the
building, Brian Rupp was tied to a chair in the
kitchen. He could hear his captors in the front room
discussing something, but since he spoke little
French, he could not follow the conversation. The
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voices occasionally rose in excitement.

Brian struggled silently with his bonds, not
knowing how long it would be before someone
checked on him. Now and then he heard a car drive
down a distant road, or the whine of jets landing at
Orly Field. He grunted with effort as he strained
against his bonds. Suddenly, he felt a knot slip! A
few minutes later he pulled his right hand free.
Ive got it! he said to himself triumphantly, and
quickly undid his other hand, then his legs. The
voices in the living room reached a peak. Suddenly
Brian froze. He heard footsteps coming his way!
He jumped up and raced out the back door,
leaping across the rickety porch fence into the yard.
The men shouted behind him, and shots rang out.
Brian ducked and zigzagged toward a barn standing
several hundred yards behind the house.
He squeezed through the half-open door and
stopped momentarily to survey his new
surroundings. Horse stalls lined both sides of the
barn. Overhead was a hayloft, with openings
through which hay could be pitched down to the
animals below. Many small doors and windows
opened on all sides, flooding the interior with light.
There were more shouts outside and Brian was
desperate for cover. He scampered up a ladder into
the loft, and hid in a pile of hay. He was barely
settled when the door burst open and two men
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rushed in, carrying guns. They conversed excitedly

in French, then one ran out the opposite door while
the other climbed up into the hayloft. Brian did not
dare move, and his heart beat loudly as the man
poked around the hay with his gun!

132

CHAPTER XIII

Customs Trouble

Suddenly Brian heard more voices as a number of

people entered the barn.
Brian, are you here? Wynn called out.
Brians captor ran down the steps and when the
young chemist heard the word gendarme, he
realized that his kidnapper had walked straight into
the hands of the police!
Brian rushed out of his hiding place and flew
down the steps. He saw Wynn and Lonny with three
police officers, looking through the various stalls. A
fourth one held Brians captor in check.
Hey! Im here! Brian called out.
His friends hurried up and greeted him with slaps
on the back.
Boy, am I glad to see you! Brian said.
We wouldnt have found you without your
passport, Lonny told him. How did you manage to
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drop it?
Brian laughed. You know, the kidnappers put
me in the trunk of their car. On the way here they
stopped for a few minutes and both walked off.
When they returned, they stood next to the car and
talked. They mentioned the name Mange dEgise a
few times, and I wrote it into my passport. Since
European cars usually have a drain plug in the trunk,
I was able to drop the passport through the hole.
While the police rounded up the rest of the gang,
Wynn used the telephone in the farmhouse to call
Thomas.
A miracle has happened! he almost shouted
into the phone. Weve found Brian!
Terrific! Thomas shouted back. Now go ahead
and register for the big race!
The group left the farmhouse and before the Nova
team went to sleep that night in a Paris hotel, Wynn
called the Automobile Club de lOuest and entered
the two Monzas in the Le Mans competition.
Oh, good, the French official replied. We were
hoping you would call. Your cars will help us draw
an excellent crowd, and we will be happy to accept
your entries.
Thanks a lot, Wynn said. Were in Paris
already, and our crew will follow with the cars.
When should they leave?
As soon as possible. Practice starts in less than
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three weeks. If you wish, I can arrange to ship your

cars aboard one of the French Line vessels leaving
New York next Friday.
Good. Therell be three crew members, two
trailers, two vans, and the Monzas.
Fine. I will take care of your reservations.
Wynn put the phone down and pumped Lonnys
hand triumphantly. Were in, partner! Were going
to race at Le Mans!
Yoweee! Lonny cried and jumped high into the
air. Then he called Dave Marr and the girls and told
them to have the cars in New York by Friday. Do
you think youll be ready by then? Lonny asked.
Dont worry, Dave replied. Well be there.
Two weeks and three days later Wynn, Lonny,
and Brian met Dave, Inky, and Nancy-Rae at the
dock at Le Havre and the next few minutes were
filled with shouts and happy greetings.
You guys had a nice vacation in France, Dave
said. Did you have fun?
Are you kidding? Wynn replied. After we
made all the reservations, we worked with Brian at
the new Nova plant!
Poor fellows, Inky said mockingly. So all you
could do was enjoy the Paris nightlife!
No. Were sure some of our enemies are still at
large, Lonny said, so we hid in the apartment of a
Nova employee every night. Now, you want to
135

know where well be staying?

Where?
At the Hotel Ricordeau in Loue, about twenty
miles from Le Mans. Its the closest place we could
find, and very nice. We also reserved garage space
in a gas station in Arnage near the track. We can
leave the cars there once the race has started since it
would be very difficult to drive the rigs through the
narrow streets because of all the traffic.
Sounds great, Dave said. Lets go to customs
and get the cars.
Luckily the official there spoke English. Good
afternoon, messieurs. You have come to pick up
your racers, yes?
Yes, Lonny replied. Will it take long to unload
them? Wed like to get on the road.
Oh, they will not be ready until tomorrow
morning. And there is an import tax on all cars and
parts brought into France from countries not
belonging to the Common Market. Do you have
your certificates of bond?
Yes, Inky said, and handed him the papers.
These are for the racers, vans, and the parts. We
were told the trailers would be admitted without
additional charge.
That is correct, the man said, and looked at the
certificates. Then he raised his eyebrows. Five
thousand dollars per car? he said. Surely your
136

racers are worth more than that!

No doubt about it, Dave agreed. But we
understand that the import tax is based on the
Monzas list price. It sells for about five thousand
dollars, so thats the amount were prepared to pay.
I am sorry, the official said. The import tax
will be twenty thousand dollars for each car. It must
be paid on the real value!
Wh-what? Lonny asked, flabbergasted.
Wynns face flushed with anger. But we dont
have that kind of money. We came here to race and
you
Brian pulled him back from the desk. Calm
down, he advised. These are the rules and well
have to comply like everyone else. He turned to the
agent. Where can we obtain a bond?
The Frenchman gave him a list of bondsmen and
added up the import taxes. The total was more than
the boys had with them!
Discouraged, they left the customs shed. Whatll
we do now? Lonny asked.
Well need money from Nova to cover this,
Wynn said, and itll take a day or two to get here!
We cant wait that long, Dave decided. I
figured out the time required to tow the cars to the
track and prepare for the first practice session on
Wednesday. We wont be able to make it unless we
start tomorrow morning!
137

Wait a minute, Lonny said. I have an idea.

Suppose we leave the spare parts and the vans here
and just take the cars? Wed have enough money for
them!
Good thinking, Dave agreed. After all, a
Grand Touring car is supposed to be driven on the
street. We can adjust the suspensions a little, put on
rain tires with tread patterns, and drive the Monzas
to the track!
What about mufflers? Brian asked.
No problem, Lonny replied. There must be an
auto-parts store around here. Well cut and bend any
muffler they have until it fits!
Well need license tags, too, Brian said.
Temporary tourist plates, Dave replied. In the
Army we used to drive our cars from one country to
the other all the time. Well have to give a copy of
the title to the customs people here and theyll
supply us with the tags.
Lets take care of all these things this
afternoon, Brian said, and then we can come back
in the morning and get the racers. Well find a
place to stay overnight in Le Havre.
When the customs office opened next morning,
the boys were already waiting. They negotiated the
release of the cars, and were soon fitting the
mufflers. By noon the work was finished.
Now we hardly have enough money left for
138

lunch, Lonny said as he counted his change.

We dont have any choice, Wynn said. Lets
get the cars on the road. Lonny, you lead the way in
the rented Peugeot, and well follow in the racers.
It had been agreed that Brian and the girls would
stay in Le Havre and wait for the money, then drive
the vans to Loue. They had promised to be
extremely careful and stay together at all times, so
as to discourage another kidnap attempt.
Soon the caravan was on the way. Ol Blue and
Red Flamingo followed Lonny through the narrow
streets of the city to the open road. There was no
speed limit on the highways in France, and Lonny
drove as fast as was reasonably safe. Wynn and
Dave revved their engines constantly to keep the
spark plugs from fouling.
They reached Le Mans in about three hours.
Since Loue was almost 20 miles beyond the famous
race-track town, they stopped at the gas station
where they had rented garage space.
The owner greeted them with a friendly grin. He
spoke little English, but they understood that if they
wanted to look at the track, he would watch the
racers for them.
Oh, good, Dave said. Lets all get in the
Peugeot and drive over. Id like to see it.
Wynn got behind the wheel this time. We can
even take a spin around, he said.
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Are we allowed to do that? Dave asked.

Only on the part thats a public road, Wynn
replied. The rest of the course is closed to tourists
until after the race.
They reached what appeared to be a long, straight
road. Were on the track now, Wynn said. This is
Les Hunaudiers straight. It starts near Fouillet and
runs in a southeasterly direction to Mulsanne. There
the course turns northwest and runs almost to the
village of Arnage, and from there back again to
Fouillet. Altogether its over eight miles long.
Ive read about this, Dave said. The different
sections of the track have names. But I thought this
one was called the Mulsanne straight.
Lots of people think that, because it leads into
the Mulsanne corner, Wynn explained. Its the
longest straightaway on any road course in the
worldover three miles. Weve geared the Monzas
to go two hundred miles per hour, and theyll be
doing it here, too.
Well, quit practicing in this thing, Dave
advised, looking out the window as the ground
flashed by the little Peugeot. This isnt a race car,
you know.
They returned to the gas station and resumed their
journey to Loue. Wynn noted that one of the
mufflers on Ol Blue was coming loose, but thought
it would last through the trip.
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At six oclock the team arrived at their hotel,

which was run by Monsieur and Madame Ricordeau
and their three daughters. The eldest, seventeenyear-old Monique, opened the door. Dave broke out
in a big grin at the sight of the pretty girl, who
welcomed them in flawless English.
Im glad you speak our language, Dave said, j
This will make it much easier for us.
Monique speaks quite a few languages, Wynn
put in. Shes a whiz!
Really? Dave was impressed. How many?
Only five, Monique replied. My little sister,
who is seven, will learn six. We speak Dutch to her
now so shell pick it up more quickly. It is important
to know languages when youre in the hotel business
in Europe.
Wow! Dave exclaimed. I didnt even know
there was any language but English until I was in the
fifth grade. Which ones do you speak?
French, English, German, Italian, Spanish, and
some Dutch, Monique answered. You see, foreign
racing teams often stay here. We must communicate
with people from many countries.
Dave smiled at the lovely girl. Any time youd
like to talk to me, Ill be glad to give you a few extra
pointers in English.
Hey, Dave, Moniques English is good enough
as it is, Lonny needled. Besides, you came here to
141

take care of our cars, remember?

Everyone laughed. Then the boys parked their I
racers in the garage. Monique reminded them that
dinner would be served promptly at six-thirty.
This wont even give us time for a fifteenminute nap, Lonny said as they entered their room.
He flopped down on the bed. Must be the change in
climate, he said. Im beat!
Not too beat to eat, are you? Wynn asked.
Of course not.
The two boys were the first guests in the dining
room. Dave Marr arrived a few minutes later in an
elegant leisure suit accompanied by Monique
Ricordeau in a stunning long dress.
Man alive! Lonny remarked as he stared at the
newcomers. Whats going on?
If you grease monkeys had a little more class,
Dave said, youd know youre supposed to dress
for dinner around here. Monique is joining us and
then Im taking her to a dance.
Wynn and Lonny sunk lower and lower in their
chairs. They had not changed their blue jeans since
they mounted the mufflers in Le Havre!
Im going to check on the cars, Wynn said. Ill
just be a minute. He hurried out the door, planning
to take a quick look at the Monzas, then put on clean
clothes.
As he walked into the garage, he stopped short. A
142

beautiful blond woman stood near their racers! Her

soft perfume drifted over to him.
Bon soir, she said in a low, melodious voice.
Are these your cars?
Yes, Wynn replied, but before he could say
anything else, he felt a heavy blow from behind.
Unconscious, he sprawled on the floor!

143

CHAPTER XIV

A Strange Coincidence

The cold concrete floor felt rough against Wynns

face as he gradually regained his senses. At first he
could not remember what had happened. However, a
sharp pain in the back of his head jarred his
memory, and the sight of the beautiful blond woman
returned to his mind.
He sat up slowly and waited for the dizziness to
pass. Lonny rushed in, followed by a large German
Shepherd, who flopped down in front of Wynn.
What happened? Lonny asked, taking his friend
by the arm.
Somebody knocked me out, Wynn replied.
Wow! Youve got a lump on your head as big as
a goose egg!
Im okay, Wynn said. Really, I feel better
already.
I heard the dog bark so I came to look for you,
144

Lonny said. Obviously he scared away your

attackers.
Im glad he did, Wynn said, and told Lonny
about the blond woman as they went back to the
dining room. The Ricordeaus were shocked that
their guest had been attacked, and M. Ricordeau ran
out immediately to lock the garage.
I left Copain inside, he reported when he
returned. If somebody tampers with the lock, he
will bark. This will insure the safety of your cars. I
also called the police. They will patrol here
frequently tonight.
Thanks, Lonny said, then turned to Wynn.
And now youd better go to bed, partner.
Wynn protested weakly, but was overruled by
everyone, and was happy to rest his aching head on
a soft feather pillow.
In the morning, Lonny tiptoed out of their room,
taking great pains not to wake his friend. He
inspected the cars thoroughly before attempting to
start them in case Wynns attacker might have
damaged them.
Finally he went back into the hotel. I dont think
anything has been tampered with, he told Dave.
Nothings wrong with the ignition or fuel systems.
Unless someone threw a bomb into the fuel cell,
where we cant see it, I think the cars are okay. We
ought to buy old Copain a great big steak!
145

You do it, Dave said with a chuckle. By the

way, Monique called the track and got us the
schedule. The first practice session starts at six this
evening. The roads will be closed to normal traffic.
Okay, Lonny said. Lets go and get the cars
through technical inspection. Ill drive Ol Blue and
you follow me in the Red Flamingo. And wed
better stop at the station in Arnage to fix the
mufflers.
The two left with a shattering noise from the
loose exhaust pipe, which woke Wynn and brought
him quickly to his feet. He rushed to the window
and saw the Monzas disappear around the town
square in the direction of Le Mans.
I dont believe this! he ranted as he burst into
the breakfast hall, tucking in his shirt with one hand.
A guy cant even trust his friends not to run out on
him at the crack of dawn!
Monique was serving coffee. Sit down and eat a
croissant, she said. They didnt want to disturb
you after that awful blow on your head last night.
Oh, yes, Wynn said and grimaced as he rubbed
the nasty lump. It doesnt feel so great.
Thats why youll have to take it easy today. The
first practice session isnt until evening. Dave and
Lonny will get the cars through technical inspection.
Your other friends are on their way from Le Havre
already. Everything is under control!
146

Well, I suppose so, Wynn said as Mme.

Ricordeau brought him some orange juice.
Inky, Nancy-Rae, and Brian, meanwhile, had
received the money from Thomas quicker than
expected, and had obtained the vans, trailers, and
spare parts. When they were ready to leave, Brian
took the lead and the girls followed close behind.
The three maintained constant contact on the CB
radios and discovered the channels were less
crowded than in the United States. At noon they
rolled into the garage at Arnage. Dave and Lonny
were just returning from the track.
How was the trip? Lonny asked as he hugged
the girls.
No problems, Inky said. Whats new on your
end?
Lonny quickly told them about the incident of the
previous night.
Brian looked worried. Are the cars all right?
Yes. We got them through tech, but well have
to fix a couple of things. They want two hood pins
on each car, not just one. Well also have to move
the fire-extinguisher button. It has to be located so a
driver can see it.
Thats no problem, Dave added. We can be
ready to practice by six.
Wynn arrived in the afternoon. He had talked
Monique into taking him to the garage, insisting that
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he was perfectly all right and wanted to participate

in the practice sessions. He and the other three
drivers took the Peugeot and alternated driving slow
laps around the track while Dave and Brian worked
on the racers. Other teams were doing the same, and
some were racing each other in their rental cars.
After an early sandwich instead of supper, the
young people put on their flame-resistant driving
suits and prepared for the first practice. Wynn
climbed into Ol Blue and Inky won the toss to be
first in the Red Flamingo. All was ready when the
siren signaled the start!
Wynn led the cars out of pit lane onto the track,
feeling rather proud that his American Monza was
first on the course. That feeling soon vanished as the
prototype category Ferraris and Matras began
passing on both sides before he reached the ess
turns.
Inky followed her team leader through the esses
and into Tertre Rouge, the last corner before the
long straight. Then she pulled up alongside, waved,
and passed. She had never driven a car as fast as the
Monza, and did not want her view to be obstructed
by Ol Blue.
Three-quarters of the way down the straight she
looked at the tachometer. It indicated 6500
revolutions per minute, or 185 miles per hour.
Thats enough for now, Inky decided and held that
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speed into the braking area for the Mulsanne hairpin

corner.
Wynn passed her smoothly on the inside in the
right-hand bend before Mulsanne and led up the
next straight to the double right-angle corners
known as Arnage. He geared from high into third,
then second, and accelerated back into high as he
drove up to the Maison Blanche, or White House,
turns.
From there on, only a slight left-right turn and the
ess of Ford Chicane slowed the drivers as they
completed a lap and passed their crew in the pits.
Lonny had figured out that a good time for both
Monzas would be anything under 3.25 minutes. So
far neither Wynn nor Inky were fast enough.
However, they improved the next time around, then
pitted for quick checks of tires, temperatures, and
other items that might cause trouble. Dave changed
Wynns left front tire, because the old one had lost
some air. He would take it to the tire tent to have it
checked.
As the two drivers returned to the course, he
placed the tire and a spare rim on a small hand
wagon and headed across the infield.
Lonny was looking at the track and saw a red
Monza flash by. That was a quick lap, he said,
surprised, checking his watch.
That wasnt Inky, Nancy-Rae exclaimed. It
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was somebody elses car!

There arent any other Monzas entered in the
race, Lonny said, and checked the list.
Look, here come Wynn and Inky now, NancyRae pointed out. She was right. There was a
mysterious red Monza on the track! When it came
by the pits the third time, it was only four seconds
ahead of Wynn.
Wynn knows the cars in front of him, Lonny
observed. He can see it now.
Does anyone else besides Horst Kwech convert
Monzas for racing? Nancy-Rae asked.
I think so. Horst started, but others have
followed suit. Its funny though that one should
show up here without being mentioned in the entry
list, Lonny said.
Wynn caught the competition in Tertre Rouge,
and pulled alongside as they accelerated in the
straight. It was very neat, with fender flares and
spoilers that were quite different from his own. The
sponsors name, Synthetique, was lettered along the
side!
Wynn was startled. Thats one of Novas
competitors! he thought. What a strange
coincidence!
Since the drivers face was covered by a helmet,
Wynn could not distinguish his features. In the
braking area, he passed and led around the corner.
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The mystery car got ahead of him again as they

braked for Arnage. Then Wynn took the lead by
passing on the inside through the left-hand turn in
Maison Blanche. Inky was close behind when all
three cars flashed by the pits.
She made her move at Tertre Rouge, just as
Wynn had done earlier. This time, however, it did
not work. The mystery driver cut Inky off before she
could pass. The three ran in a pack down Les
Hunaudiers, with Wynn gradually pulling away.
Inky made a slingshot pass into the braking area,
but the other driver repassed and took the corner
almost on two wheels to hold the advantage.
Determined, Inky wound her engine to the red line
and shifted to third gear on the straight leading into
Arnage. The acceleration spun the Red Flamingos
tires, but the other car kept pace!
Inky could not get around the mystery driver. She
did not know the course well enough to push hard in
the turns, and her competitors engine was every bit
as powerful as her own.
Wynn had pulled away. His experience with the
car made up for his unfamiliarity with the track, and
he had no trouble putting a considerable gap
between himself and the other two. Three laps later
the session ended. Night was falling, and Wynn
pulled into the pits.
Wheres Inky? he asked as Lonny helped him
151

remove his helmet.

Shes coming. Couldnt get around that other
car, Lonny answered.
The strange red Monza slowly drove past,
heading to its own pits at the end of the row. Inky
followed and joined her crew. Seems the Red
Flamingo has a twin, she said as she climbed out of
the cockpit. Lets go meet the driver.
You go ahead, Nancy-Rae replied. Ill watch
the cars until Dave comes back from the tire tent.
The two boys and Inky walked through the pits to
the red Monza. The driver was just emerging from
the car. Long delicate hands and the shape of the suit
indicated that it was a woman.
She took off her helmet and long blond hair
tumbled out.
Oh, no! Wynn exclaimed. Thats the girl I saw
in Ricordeaus garage last night!

152

CHAPTER XV

Was It Marie-Claude?

The driver of the mystery car brushed her hair back

from her face and turned to greet the Americans.
Bonjour, she said pleasantly. I will try to go
faster in the next practice.
Wynn stared at the attractive French girl. He was
no longer sure she was the person he had seen the
evening before!
Pardon me, he said, but didnt we meet briefly
at the Hotel Ricordeau last night?
Oh, no, the girl replied. I was with my father
and the racing team. We are staying in Le Mans.
What makes you say we have met?
Because I saw a beautiful blond in our garage in
Loue, and she looked just like you.
The girl smiled. Perhaps I have a double. By the
way, my name is Marie-Claude Beltoise.
The boys and Inky introduced themselves, then
153

Wynn said, I see youre driving for our sponsors

competitor.
Yes. My father owns Synthetique, MarieClaude told him. Here he comes now.
A middle-aged Frenchman with gray hair walked
up to them along with a much younger man of
medium height, slender build, and a black mustache.
My father, Alain Beltoise, Marie-Claude said,
and this is my co-driver, Henri Tallon. Henri
imports Chevrolets to France.
I didnt know there were any racing Monzas in
Europe, Lonny said after shaking hands with the
men.
We built it just for this race, Henri Tallon
explained. Here, let me show you. He removed the
hood and proudly displayed the engine and
suspension. The basic design was developed by
Chevrolet for IMSA racing in the United States, he
said. We thought it would also work well in the
Grand Touring Experimental Class here.
Its very well done, Lonny acknowledged.
Who built it?
My own mechanics, Tallon replied. We
obtained a copy of the drawings from the United
States and began construction two months ago.
And your firm is sponsoring it? Inky asked M.
Beltoise.
Yes. I knew from industry gossip that Nova
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would have entries in the twenty-four-hour race this

year. It seemed a good idea, and Marie-Claude was
anxious to drive with Henri, so I am supporting
them.
Lonny glanced at his partner. Wynns raised
eyebrows communicated their common thought:
how could Beltoise have known two months ago
about their plan to enter Le Mans? It was a well-kept
secret. Did he learn about it from the Nova contract
that had been stolen from Lonnys briefcase in
Sebring?
Are you using synthetic oil, too? Wynn tried to
sound casual.
Yes. We are ready to go into production with a
racing version of the product, Beltoise replied. It
is still very expensive to make, but we believe the
publicity we get through racing will encourage other
teams to buy it. After that, the consumer will accept
it more readily.
Thats why were here, too, Lonny admitted.
Nova needs a good image. I dont think they plan
to sell racing oil, though. They want to get into mass
production for use in passenger cars.
They are ahead of us in development, Beltoise
admitted. M. Don Brown, your chief chemist, is a
genius. But we will not be far behind with our own
product. He smiled. And now if you will excuse
me, I have some business to attend to.
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He left after promising the Nova team support in

case they needed parts. Wynn offered their help in
return, and the boys said good-by to Tallon and the
girls, who had stepped aside to discuss racing
techniques.
Ill see you in a few minutes, Inky called out as
they walked off.
Okay. Take your time, Wynn said. He and
Lonny made their way through the crowded pits. It
was dark and the carnival attractions around the
track were beginning to come to life.
I could almost swear that Marie-Claude was in
the garage when I was slugged last night, Wynn
said. And how did they know wed run at Le
Mans?
And did they enter late so we wouldnt know
about it? Lonny added. I wonder how they got
away with that, anyway. Must have connections
with the Automobile Club.
Wynn nodded. Its too much to be coincidental.
Well have to keep an eye on them.
Ill be glad to keep mine on Marie-Claude,
Lonny said with a grin.
Lonny! She may be in with our enemies! Wynn
cried out. Dont you understand?
Sure I do. But shes still something to look at!
When the boys arrived in their pit, Dave Marr had
just returned from the tire tent and was upset about
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the treatment he had received.

I had to leave the tire and both wheels with those
people overnight, he complained. They said they
werent mounting anything until tomorrow morning.
Somehow I got the feeling they didnt like me very
much.
Dont worry about it, Brian advised. Maybe
they have a union that says no work after four in the
afternoon! Well, the oils okay. Lonny, want to help
me refill the engines?
Lonny did, and also adjusted the sway bar on the
Red Flamingo to give it more bite on the outside
front tire.
All was ready when the first nights practice
began. Nancy-Rae took the wheel of the Red
Flamingo this time, following Lonny in Ol Blue.
Both started out cautiously, since neither had driven
the track at racing speeds, especially in the dark.
After a few laps, however, they improved.
Wynn helped Inky to check the timing and make
the pit signals. On the sixth lap, both cars were
faster than Wynn had gone during the day!
Looks like our co-drivers know more about this
business than we do, Inky said with a laugh as
Wynn recorded the scores.
I dont believe they realize how dangerous it is
out there, Wynn kidded. If it were daylight they
could see how fast theyre going, and theyd slow
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down!
I think the difference is in some of the chassis
adjustments we made, Dave remarked. You two
were my guinea pigs. Now Ive got the cars working
better, and they can go at higher speeds without a
problem.
The discussion continued as the Monzas shot past
the pits again. The times were even better.
Finally Dave said, Bring them in. I want to look
at the front tires again.
Wynn changed the signal board to say in, then
resumed his position at the pit wall. Lonny drove by
and flashed his lights to indicate that he had seen it.
A few minutes passed, but there was no sign of
Nancy-Rae.
This is odd, Wynn said, worried. Where is
she?
Ill find out, Dave said and sprinted down to
the stewards building. What happened to my
second car? he asked. Its overdue.
There was an accident, the steward told him.
Im afraid your driver wrecked it!
On the track, meanwhile, Nancy-Rae climbed out
of her damaged racer. She had hit the guardrail in
Tertre Rouge corner, and the car had bounded back
across the track, leaving the radiator and most of the
fiberglass nose-cone along the way. She was shaken
and nervous, but otherwise unhurt. When Lonny
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arrived at the scene, he pulled to the side and waved

to Nancy-Rae. His heart sank as he glanced at the
Monza, which was being picked up by a French
wrecker and lifted behind the barrier.
What happened? he asked Nancy-Rae after she
climbed into the passenger window of Ol Blue.
Somebody threw a Coke bottle at me, the girl
said, trying to choke back tears of anger.
Maybe whoever did it doesnt like Americans,
Lonny said. Dont worry about it. Well look at the
car when practice is over and fix it. Silently he
wondered if this had been another dirty trick by their
enemy!
After dropping off his passenger and getting the
okay from Dave Marr on the front tires, Lonny
returned to the track and lowered his lap time even
more. When the session ended, Inky reported that he
was the fastest car in the GTX category!
This cheered the Nova crew, and when the
wrecker arrived with the Red Flamingo in tow, they
managed not to be too discouraged.
Lets take it to the garage in Arnage, Dave said.
No sense in trying to work on it here in the pits.
Nancy-Rae hobbled around, trying to be helpful,
as the car was shoved onto its trailer. Inky looked at
her with concern. Maybe we should take you to the
field hospital and have your leg checked, she said.
No, its all right, Nancy-Rae said. I can tell
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its not serious. It always hurts right after I hit it,

even if the impact is slight.
I think you two should go to the hotel so NancyRae can get some rest, Dave Marr advised. Well
take the racers to Arnage and work on the Flamingo
all night.
A short while later the girls were on their way to
Loue in the Peugeot, while the rest of the crew
towed the Monzas to the garage.
Okay, lets fix this mess, Dave said with a sigh
when they arrived. Wynn, you and Brian take off
the broken pieces and stack them in the corner over
there. Lonny, you see what needs to be replaced and
check if we have it in our inventory.
The repair work went smoothly under Daves
firm direction. By four in the morning all damaged
parts had been removed and Lonny had begun
straightening out and rewelding the bent tube-frame.
They had the water radiator and spare hoses
required, but Lonny found they needed a new oil
radiator.
Its the special one we built for the Watkins
Glen race, he said. I should have included some
spares.
Can we get one here and fix it? Wynn asked.
Not unless a native shows us where to buy it and
helps us with the work. Its too much for us to
handle.
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How does Tallon cool his oil?

He has a radiator, but its different from ours,
Lonny replied. Im sure he could help us, though.
Do you trust him?
No. But if we watch him, he cant sabotage us. I
think its worth a try. Let me call him. Its the only
way we can get the car fixed in time.
Tallon was very cooperative and promised to be
over in the morning. Promptly at nine the next day
he and one of his mechanics arrived. Marr briefed
them on the things to be done, and Tallon wrote
down what spares they needed. I know where to get
them, he said. We will be back shortly.
An hour later they returned with the required
parts and set to work.
We really appreciate this, Dave said as he
watched the Frenchmen pick up their tools.
It is nothing, Tallon replied. We are glad to
help. I hope you will have both cars in the race. It
will be good for the future of synthetic oils, no
matter who comes out on top.
While Dave and Brian worked with Tallon and
his mechanic, Wynn and Lonny headed for the hotel
in one of the vans to get some rest. They met the
girls at lunchtime.
Hows your leg? Wynn asked Nancy-Rae,
affectionately squeezing her shoulders.
Much better, the redhead replied. Did you fix
161

the Flamingo?
Yes, with Tallons help, Wynn replied and told
the girls about the French teams assistance.
Then they all drove to the garage to pick up their
crew for final practice. Marr was asleep on the cot,
and Brian Rupp was installing the oil cooler. The
French team had returned to their hotel earlier.
Those guys were a great help, Brian said.
Were almost ready, but Im afraid we wont be
able to run the Red Flamingo today. We found
something wrong with the front suspension, and
when we get a chance we have to replace the control
arms.
Well, we can all drive Ol Blue and change the
Flamingos suspension after practice tonight,
Lonny suggested. Lets go.
Nancy-Rae set up the timing stand and recorded
the lap times as Inky, Wynn, and Lonny took turns
driving. Marr made a series of minor adjustments to
the chassis at each driver change, and Brian
carefully checked the engine.
When practice was over, Ol Blue had earned the
pole position in the GTX class! Dave went to look at
the qualifying times the French officials had posted
outside the stewards door, and found that both
Nova cars were in the top sixty-five positions.
Though the Red Flamingo had been out of
commission during the qualifying runs, its practice
162

times had been fast enough to earn it a spot.

Were in, Dave reported proudly when he came
back. The Flamingos speed is better than that of
one other GTX car and two prototypes. That puts it
in the race for sure.
Great, Lonny said. Now all we have to do is
tackle those front suspension arms on the
Flamingo.
The teammates returned to the garage in Arnage,
and by midnight had finished the job. Next morning
Dave, Wynn, and Lonny checked the starting lineup,
which was posted in the stewards building.
Wait a minute, Wynn said. They made a
mistake. Red Flamingo isnt listed!
Youre right, Dave agreed. I wonder
Well have to go to the Automobile Club de
lOuest and protest the line-up, Lonny put in.
Come on, lets hurry!
Within an hour they were at the offices of the
club. Our second car is faster than the Porsche you
put in its place, Wynn complained. Theres no
reason not to let our Monza race!
The French official was not sympathetic. We
saw your car after the accident. It was a total wreck.
It has not been on the track since then and we feel it
is unsafe.
Wynn was furious. This is unfair! he burst out.
Weve come all the way from the United States and
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youve bumped us in favor of a local team. Theres

nothing wrong with our car, and you cant get away
with this!
Lonny pulled his partner out the door. He knew
there was no way to force the organizers to change
their minds.
You know what I think? Wynn said on the way
back. I think the Synthetique team is behind this!

164

CHAPTER XVI

Disaster on the Track

Glumly the boys returned to the track. Nancy-Rae

and Inky were upset when they heard the news, but
smiled bravely and set up their timing-and-scoring
stand. Dave and Brian placed the spare tires and
tools where they could easily be found, and by
lunchtime all was ready for the 4:00 P.M. start.
As the hour approached, Wynn and Lonny called
the crew together in the pit. Weve all got to be
extra careful from now on, Wynn said. Somebody
has been trying to keep us out of this race. Now its
too late, and Im sure theyll try to knock us out of
action as fast as they can.
Were not going to take any chances on the
track, Lonny added. And you should be equally
careful in the pits. Dont let anyone sneak up behind
you or get at the spare tires or tools.
Right, Dave said and outlined how the pits
165

would be run during the race.

One of the girls will signal Ol Blue when to
stop, he said. Then Ill check the front tires and
change them if necessary, while Brian refuels and
takes care of the rear tires.
We could use some more help, Brian
concluded, but we dont trust anyone here. From
now on, nobody outside of our team will touch the
car.
Just then Henri Tallon walked into their pits.
Bonjour, he said. I see your second car was not
accepted.
Wynn looked at him suspiciously. Yes,
somebody told them it wasnt raceworthy. You
wouldnt have any idea who did, would you?
No, ehno, Tallon replied haltingly. He had
caught the suspicion in Wynns voice and looked as
if he had been slapped in the face.
I only learned you were not in the line-up late
last night. Then I stopped by the garage in Arnage to
offer you my assistance in dealing with the ACO,
but you were not there.
Tallon looked sincere, but Wynn still doubted the
man. We left when the qualifying times were
posted, he said.
How did you find out last night? Lonny asked.
The starting line-up wasnt posted until this
morning.
166

The Frenchmans face turned crimson. I have

friends in the ACO, he admitted. They gave me a
preliminary list, but I had nothing to do with their
decision. With that, Tallon turned and stalked
away.
Hes either a good liar or completely innocent,
Lonny observed. I wish we could find out which
before the race starts.
Not a chance, Wynn said as he picked up his
helmet and driving gloves. Its time to get to the
grid.
Thousands of people jammed the grandstands and
spilled over onto the track in all directions as the
cars were pushed to their starting positions. When it
seemed impossible to get through, gendarmes
wearing round blue hats with flat tops walked armin-arm across the track, moving everyone back into
the spectator area. In a short time, only the cars and
team members were left on the grid.
A few bars from the national anthem of each
country represented by a driver were played on the
public-address system. A line of school children
carrying the appropriate flags stepped forward to the
music. Wynn, Lonny, and their crew smiled when
The Star Spangled Banner began, and stood
proudly next to their gleaming blue All-American
GT Monza.
When the ceremony ended, Wynn jumped into
167

the cockpit. Lonny helped him with the straps, then

ran back to the pit wall. The engines were running,
and in a moment the pace car drove off.
Five more minutes, Inky said as the pack
moved slowly away. I hope itll be a good race!
At the end of the lap, the pace car pulled away
from the field. The Matra that had the pole position
led the competitors smoothly through Ford Chicane
and onto the straight. The Ferrari beside it kept pace
perfectly. Then the starter waved his flag. A roar
louder than the screaming engines swept through the
packed grandstands. The race was on!
The girls started their watches. Ol Blue was on
the pole in the GT class, but was seventeenth on the
starting grid behind the faster sports-prototype cars.
Wynn held his position, then passed two slower cars
on the Hunaudiers straight. Both repassed in the
Mulsanne corner, and at the end of the first lap
Wynn was still seventeenth over-all.
Behind him, Marie-Claude was second in class,
followed by von Clausens BMWs, a long string of
Porches, and two GT-class Ferraris.
Wynn settled down to driving as precisely as
possible. He wanted to build a good lead before
making his first pit stop. After one and a half hours,
he was fifteen seconds ahead of Marie-Claude. Hans
Fritz, the BMW star, was right behind her. Wynn
knew he would lose the lead when he made his stop,
168

but also that the length of the race would tend to

equalize things. The BMWs might break down, and
he hoped his Monza would prove to be reliable.
Inky gave him the signal to come in. Wynn
checked all the gauges in order to report their
readings, then let the drivers around him know he
planned to pit by holding one arm in the air.
When Ol Blue slid to a stop, Dave quickly
attached the fuel hose while Brian checked the tires.
Inky stepped up to the door to write down the
various instrument readings as Wynn shouted them
out.
Brian concluded that the tires were okay, and
quickly glanced at Inkys notebook to see what the
temperatures and pressures were. Satisfied that the
oil was working, he signaled Wynn back onto the
track.
Twenty-three seconds, Nancy-Rae called from
her seat behind the scoring table. Thats pretty
good.
Despite their speed, Wynn had lost the lead.
Marie-Claudes stop was almost as fast, but now the
two BMWs and several Porsches had moved in
front. Wynn gradually began to reel the other cars
in. He passed one Porsche in front of the pits, then
took another at Tertre Rouge. On the long
Hunaudiers straight he closed in behind a black GTclass Ferrari, which obviously did not want to let
169

him by.
Wynn moved to the right and the Ferrari blocked.
He went left, and the black car again changed
position to prevent him from passing.
Wynn fell back, waiting for the braking area at
the end of the straight. When the Ferraris brake
lights came on, he kept his foot on the gas, and
moved on the inside as they drove into the turn.
Wynn downshifted into second gear and turned the
wheel.
The Ferrari bumped him, gently at first, then
harder. Wynn could not pass, even though he had
the right of way! The other driver bumped him
again, then jumped ahead as he stood on the gas.
The next moment the Ferrari slid sideways directly
in front of Ol Blue!
Wynn slapped the clutch pedal to the floor and
revved the engine with his throttle foot as he fought
to keep the Monza on the track. After two complete
spins he got the car under control and looked around
to see what traffic was coming and where the black
Ferrari had gone.
It had spun too, and sat just opposite Wynn on the
grass near the track. Wynn could see the driver
staring at him as other cars flashed past between
them.
The Monza seemed to be undamaged, and after
the traffic cleared, Wynn put it into gear and drove
170

back onto the track. The Ferrari fell in behind him.

At the next corner Wynn hit the brakes and the
Ferrari clouted Ol Blue in the rear bumper. The
impact broke the fiberglass bodywork and Wynn
spun into the guardrail. The Ferrari stopped, too, its
nose bashed in back to the radiator. It was obviously
out of the race.
Wynn restarted his engine and cautiously let out
the clutch. The car moved forward. Just then the
other driver stepped out of his Ferrari, laughed, and
hopped over the guardrail. Obviously the crash had
been no accident!
Wynn nursed the crippled Monza into the pits,
where Dave and the crew had been alerted about the
incident by the officials.
Some guy bumped me, then stuffed both of us
into the guardrail when he hit me again, Wynn
explained as he climbed out. And he did it
intentionally!
Calm down, Dave replied. Well fix it. The
chassis tubes arent hurt at all. We can rob some
body panels from the Red Flamingo, and have you
out there again in a few minutes. Give Lonny a
hand!
Everyone was tense and furious, but concentrated
hard on the job at hand. Dave and Brian pulled at the
broken body panels on Ol Blue, while Wynn and
Lonny cut off the rear section of Red Flamingo. The
171

bodywork consisted of the steel panels from the

original Monza, with fender extensions pop-riveted
on to allow for the wide racing tires. The damaged
areas included both rear fenders and the original rear
bumper sections, all of which needed to be replaced.
Wynn and Lonny cut the Flamingos fenders off
at the pop-rivet joint. The rear bumper was simply
unbolted. When Lonny had the left fender off,
Nancy-Rae carried it down to Dave. The boys
followed close behind with the other necessary
parts.
In a short time, the work was completed. The tail
section from the Red Flamingo had been riveted and
silver was taped onto Ol Blues damaged area. The
car was refueled, new tires were installed, and
Lonny strapped himself in to drive the next segment.
Go! Wynn shouted when all was ready. Lonny
left twin streaks of black rubber on the pavement as
he headed into the race.
How far back are we? Dave asked Inky.
Four laps, the blond girl replied. Can we make
up that much?
Dave started to reply, when he noticed the chief
starter unfurl a black flag with their Monzas
number on his blackboard.
Ol Blue was going to be disqualified!

172

CHAPTER XVII

Slashed Tires

Inky, Wynn, look! Dave yelled and pointed to the

number on the signal board. It was clearly visible in
the beams of the headlights, which the drivers had
turned on as darkness approached.
Weve got to stop the flagman from kicking
Lonny out of the race! Wynn said. Come on!
The three ran toward the starters stand. Lonny
had not come by yet when they arrived. Dave
jumped up the three steps to the flagman and
grabbed his arm. What is the black flag for? he
shouted above the noise of the speeding cars.
Whats wrong?
The official said something in French and angrily
shook Daves hand loose. He turned back to the
track, just as Ol Blue flashed by, but it was too late
to wave the flag.
Tell me whats wrong, Marr pleaded. You
173

cant disqualify us without telling us why!

The official was a red-faced man with a short,
black mustache. His fiery dark eyes sparkled with
anger as he pushed Dave back toward the steps.
Henri Tallon was standing nearby, watching.
What is the matter? he asked.
As if you didnt know, Wynn replied. Howd
you talk them into this?
I dont know what you are talking about, Tallon
said coldly. All I see is poor Marcel being pushed
around by your crew chief. What is the problem?
Wynn did not answer right away, so Tallon
jumped up the steps and began speaking rapid
French with the flagman.
In a moment he turned to Wynn and Dave. He
says your car is unsafe. The steward told him it was
damaged in the accident, and the rear bodywork
could fall off.
Thats ridiculous, Marr replied. We riveted it
on securely and covered the joints with tape. Its as
good as new!
The two Frenchmen resumed their conversation.
It looks as if Tallon is pleading for us, Wynn said
to Inky. But if hes trying to keep our car in the
race, whos working against us?
Inky was puzzled. I have no idea!
The flagman now called for the pit steward
assigned to the Nova entry, who arrived a few
174

minutes later. Again there was a lengthy discussion

in French, then Tallon said, Your car may continue.
The flagman says he was incorrectly informed that
the new coachwork had been attached with nothing
but racing tape. Obviously that would not have been
sufficient for the safety of the other competitors.
Thank goodness! Wynn exclaimed. And
Henri, thanks for helping us. But why? Were your
competition.
You are driving a Monza. I sell them in France.
If your car remains in the race, maybe I will be able
to sell more next week!
But Synthetique is a rival of Novas. How could
M. Beltoise approve of your helping us?
The group moved away from the starting area
before Tallon replied. I am not happy with M.
Beltoise and his sponsorship arrangement, he
admitted. Marie-Claude is a fine driver, and I am
glad she is with me. But the Synthetique oil is not as
good as it should be. We have had some problems
and the oil has not been all we were led to believe. I
hear you have had trouble, too. However, M.
Beltoise is our sponsor, and as long as he is, I must
remain loyal to the company.
I understand, Wynn said. Maybe well get
together and talk about it after the race.
The Frenchman nodded and headed toward his
pit. Wynn waited until he was out of earshot, then
175

turned to Dave and Inky.

Did you hear what he said? Tallon knows we
had oil trouble!
I heard, Dave said. And theres no way he
could have known unless somebody told him!
He could have spoken to Horst Kwech, Inky
suggested.
Yes, but Horst agreed to keep quiet about the
whole project, and I trust him, Wynn replied.
Well, weve got all night to worry about it,
Dave said as they reached their pit. Youd better
get some sleep, Wynn. Lonny is due in for gas in
forty minutes, and you go back out in less than two
hours.
Wynn nodded, and in a few minutes he was
asleep on the cot they had set up in the covered pit
area.
Time passed slowly. Wynn drove his stretch of
the race, then gave the car back to Lonny. Inky and
Nancy-Rae took turns on the timing stand, and Brian
and Dave catnapped whenever they could.
Lonny pulled into the pits for gas and a tire
change at dawn. After he had left again, Wynn asked
Inky where the cars stood.
The BMWs are first and second, she replied.
That Ferrari we had trouble with is out of the race
with a blown engine. Tallon and Marie-Claude are
third in class, and were fourth. The Porsches are all
176

pretty far back.

Just as we figured, the BMWs are the cars to
beat, Marr said. Guess weve got our work cut out
for us.
Lonnys coming back in, Brian said suddenly.
He has a flat tire!
The car limped slowly up pit lane and stopped.
The left tire had completely disintegrated, leaving
only shreds of rubber clinging to the cast
magnesium racing wheel.
It started thumping, then blew at the end of the
straight, Lonny reported.
Dave mumbled something under his breath as he
jacked the car into the air. Brian quickly removed
the old wheel and put a new one in its place.
Seconds later, Lonny returned to the track.
I wonder what happened, Dave said as the crew
examined the torn-up tire. This looks rather
unusual to me
Dave! Inky cried out. Here he comes again!
Lonny coasted to a stop. Same tire blew in the
Mulsanne corner, he said, disgusted, as Dave
jacked up the car once more. Brian was just about to
fit a new wheel, when Wynn, who had heard the
commotion and gotten up, stopped him.
Dont use that tire, its been cut! Wynn cried.
His sharp eyes had picked out a thin line on the
sidewalls. Someone had slit it with a razor blade so
177

that it would blow out under stress.

Probably the other two have been tampered
with, too, Wynn said furiously. Hurry and get a
wheel from the Flamingo.
A quick examination revealed that the
Flamingos tires were undamaged, and Lonny was
soon back on the track. The crew examined the
spare tires behind their pit. Every one of them had
been cut!
It must have happened while we were riveting
the Flamingos bodywork on Ol Blue, Dave
remarked. Lucky for us they forgot about the
Flamingos tires.
Lets get some new rubber on these wheels,
Wynn said, and helped Dave and Brian load the cut
tires on a small wagon. Together, they hauled them
through the pits to the tire tent. When they arrived,
the manager just shook his head.
Were all out of your size, he said. A team
driving a black Ferrari has been having some trouble
and they bought all we had. Their crew chief just left
with my last tires.
Theres only one black Ferrari in the GT class,
Marr whispered to Wynn, and they blew their
engine a long time ago.
This proves that it was no accident when that
driver bumped me off the track, Wynn said.
Right, Dave agreed. And they probably cut the
178

tires behind our backs when they saw us getting Ol

Blue back in the race.
Wynn turned to the manager again. Wed like to
buy some tires from them, he said. Where is their
pit?
Down at the end of the row, the man replied,
pointing. Youll recognize the crew chief easily.
Hes a big dark-haired guy wearing gold-rimmed
glasses!

179

CHAPTER XVIII

Pit Fight

Wynns skin tingled when he heard the mans

description. Was the crew chief with the goldrimmed glasses their enemy?
They quickly headed through the crowded infield
toward the Ferrari pit. Many of the spectators had
stayed up through the long night and were now fast
asleep on the ground along with the exhausted crews
and drivers.
Brian, go get a gendarme, Wynn instructed at
the pits entrance. Dave and I will try to avoid
trouble, but maybe we cant. Lonnys due for a stop
soon and we have to get those tires!
Okay, Brian said and hurried off while Dave
and Wynn silently approached the Ferrari pit. A
mechanic alerted the manager as they opened the
back door to the enclosure and walked in. Wynn
recognized him immediately. He was Joe!
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Now Wagner appeared at the front wall! Ive

been expecting you, he said with an evil grin. He
reached down and grasped a razor-knife near a stack
of new tires.
Is this what youre looking for? he inquired.
Wynn eyed the instrument warily. So thats what
you used to cut our tires.
Joe reached into his boot, and in an instant, he,
too, held a knife. The two men slowly advanced
toward Wynn and Dave.
Your race is as good as finished, Wagner
sneered.
We didnt come here for trouble, Wynn said,
backing off. We need some tires. Well pay you for
them.
You can have as many as you can take, the man
laughed, waving his knife menacingly.
Wynn kept talking, stalling for time. He hoped
help would arrive soon.
Okay, you got us, he said. Theres no need to
fight.
Youve caused a lot of trouble, the big man
said, edging closer with his weapon. You should
have stayed in the United States. I thought youd
take the hint after Sebring.
We knew somebody didnt want us to race here,
after our contract was stolen from Lonnys
briefcase, Wynn replied evenly. But why not?
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Whats going
Never mind! Wagner cut him short and turned
to Joe. Tape their wrists and watch them, he said.
As soon as Terry gets back well move them out of
here!
And if youre real good, Joe said sarcastically,
nobody will get hurt. If notyoull be sorry.
Wynn wondered momentarily if Terry was the
phony government inspector Terry Smith, then he
took action. With a shout to Dave, he faked one
way, then moved the other and hit the mechanic
squarely on the jaw.
Hold it! a voice commanded. Brian Rupp and
three French policemen jumped into the pit from the
track-side wall. The gendarmes, wielding long black
batons, quickly took control. One prodded Wagner
in the ribs, causing him to drop the knife and raise
his hands.
Lets get out of here! Lonnys due to stop in five
minutes! Dave Marr yelled, and the three Nova
teammates each grabbed a new tire. Well pay you
for them later, Dave said to Joe as they headed for
the door.
But a gendarme brandished his nightstick at
Wynn. Pardon, monsieur, he said. You must
remain with us. When we arrived you had just struck
this person. You are under arrest!
But hes our driver, Dave cried out, and told the
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policemen what had happened, describing their

troubles in the United States and Brians
kidnapping.
The officers were polite but adamant. They
promised to check out Daves story but made it clear
that they would have to hold everyone involved in
the fight until they were finished with their
investigation.
Brian shook his head in frustration. How can we
expect Lonny to drive all night? he complained.
Lonny! Hes due in right now! Dave
exclaimed. Lets get him refueled. Move!
He started off, lugging two tires. Brian followed
with a front wheel after quickly asking where Wynn
would be held. Lonny brought the car to a
screeching stop just as they arrived in their pit.
Stay in the car, Dave told him. Wynns not
here. Can you drive another shift?
Okay, Lonny said, but he looked tired.
The crew changed the tires, and after refueling,
Ol Blue sped on its way.
Weve got to get Wynn, Marr said. The rules
say no person can drive more than six hours at a
stretch!
Nancy-Rae prepared her signal board, showed it
on the next lap as Lonny raced by, then turned to the
men. We can drive, she suggested. Inky and I
were listed as alternate drivers in Ol Blue when the
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Flamingo crashed, remember? We can fill in until

Wynn gets back.
Dave and Brian looked at the slender redhead and
smiled. Thats a great idea! Dave said. NancyRae, suit up. Youre going out at the next stop.
And Ill get in touch with the Nova manager in
Paris, Brian said. He can call Thomas about
Wynns arrest. He went to a phone booth and
returned some time later. The line was busy, but I
got the night watchman at the plant. He promised to
keep trying.
When Lonny came in for the next pit stop,
Nancy-Rae took over. He watched the car disappear
into the night, then listened to Daves account of the
events of the last few hours. The gendarmes are
checking the story with Interpol now, but Wynn
probably wont be released until they reach Thomas
and Major Tynan.
Lonny just nodded. He was too exhausted to get
upset. Yawning, he stretched out on the cot and
minutes later was fast asleep.
Inky continued timing. Neither Dave nor Brian
knew how to keep track of the cars properly, and it
was vital for the team to know where they stood at
all times. Even though the girl was extremely tired,
she was determined to carry on.
The morning sun appeared on the horizon, and
Dave went to get breakfast. Inky smiled at him
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wearily as he handed her a cup of coffee. I hope

thatll pick me up, she said. I sure need it.
When there were only three hours left in the race,
Nancy-Rae pitted and turned the Monza over to
Lonny, who was rested by now and eager to finish.
After he had roared out onto the track, the
teammates examined the standings.
Nancy-Rae had advanced to third in the GT class,
within sight of the leading BMW and the
Synthetique car.
Considering all our problems, were doing just
fine, Inky declared. And who knows, we might get
farther ahead yet!
Im glad youre managing so well, a familiar
voice said behind them. The group whirled around.
Mr. Thomas! Dave cried out. When did you
get here?
I arrived in Paris yesterday, and was notified
about your pit fight with the Ferrari team, so I came
right out here to see if I could help.
You can! Brian said. Wynn is still in custody,
and
No, hes not! Wynn called out as he walked up
behind them. Mr. Thomas sprung me already! And
I just checked the standings. The officials say
That Lonny took the class lead, Inky
interrupted. Ive been trying to tell you, but
couldnt get a word in edgewise.
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Woweee! Dave exclaimed. Nobodys going to

catch us nowI hope! Keep your fingers crossed,
everyone, he added.
When the excitement had died down, the
teammates told Thomas about their trouble with the
Ferrari crew. He nodded when they were finished,
then said, You wont believe this, but during the
investigation this morning, the police found out who
was behind this whole thing.
Who? everyone asked eagerly.
Thomas sat down on a stack of tires and looked
depressed. Don Brown, he said slowly. He was
arrested a few hours ago. I cant tell you how bad I
feel about this. I trusted him completely, but he was
in league with the group that gave you so much
trouble. Im really sorry.
Don Brown? Brians jaw dropped when he
heard his bosss name. But how?
Ill tell you, Thomas said. Don and I worked
together to develop the original Nova-oil formula. I
supplied the money for his research, and put
together the company to produce and market it. We
were equal partners, but Don wanted control.
It was my idea to get into racing, and the board
of directors agreed with me. Don said no.
Wynn nodded. I always felt he was against our
effort.
Right. He apparently decided to sell the formula
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to Synthetique. They promised to make him

president of their subsidiary in the United States.
So thats why we had all the trouble! Wynn
exclaimed. Ill bet Wagner worked for Brown all
along.
Exactly, Thomas confirmed. And M. Beltoise,
whom I understand youve met, is in jail in Le Mans
right now. He was picked up this morning.
Beltoise? Wynn said slowly. What about
Tallon and Marie-Claude?
Theyre clean. Didnt know anything about her
daddys schemes.
So it wasnt Marie-Claude in the garage when I
got slugged?
No. It was Wagners girl friend. The police
questioned the gang about the incident since M.
Ricordeau had reported it. The idea was to disable
your cars, but the dog scared the gang off. Later they
threw a coke bottle at Nancy-Rae when she was
practicing.
Wynn scratched his head. There are still a
couple of things I dont understand. How did you
catch on to Brown? And who stole the papers from
Jeffs office, and his airplane?
Wagner stole the report on Browns orders, then
he and Terry Smith took the Cessna. I became
suspicious of Brown right after Jeff made those
tests. You see, it was the last thing Don wanted, but
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he couldnt do anything about it. So he decided to

steal the results before TECOM or Nova could see
them. He knew they contained valuable information
that would further the development of the oil. And at
that point, he didnt want to go any further.
But what made you suspicious? Wynn asked.
When Jeff called me that Sunday night and told
me what had happened, I got in touch with Don at
his home. I mentioned the box with the radio in it.
Just then we were disconnected, and when I called
him back, his line was busy. I tried several times,
then checked with the phone company. They told me
there was nothing wrong with Dons telephone and
that he was speaking to another party.
Must have been Wagner, Inky put in. No
doubt Brown told him about the beeper.
Thomas nodded. When I asked him the next day
about it, he denied talking to anyone else and said
his phone must have been out of order. Of course I
couldnt prove anything. However, when Brian was
kidnapped in Paris, my suspicions were reinforced,
because only Don, Brian, and I knew his exact
schedule.
How did you find out for sure that Don Brown
was guilty? Brian asked.
I told the police last night about my suspicions,
and they mentioned Browns name to Wagner and
his crew. At first Wagner wouldnt talk, but it seems
188

that Terry Smith was dissatisfied with his part in the

operation, and he spilled the beans.
Where are these guys now? Inky asked.
In jail with M. Beltoise, Wynn said. M.
Beltoise and Brown planned everything, beginning
with the bombing of Horst Kwechs garage. When
one of the cars remained undamaged, they had
Wagner follow us and steal it on the way to North
Carolina.
And they took it to the abandoned Greenlief
plant to alter the front end! Inky put in.
Right, Thomas said. Beltoise had managed to
push Greenlief out of business a few months ago. He
bought the factory and it was all very hush-hush.
Then they used the old Greenlief plant for some of
their crooked schemes.
What about the fire in the hangar at Sebring?
Brian inquired. Were they responsible for that?
Indirectly, yes. They wanted to get Dave out of
the hangar so they could disable the car and prevent
you from racing. Instead, they set off an accidental
explosion.
And after the race they tried to steal our engine,
Wynn said. Why?
Brown wanted to keep us from finding out why
the oil didnt work. He knew it wouldnt, and he was
afraid you might examine the broken parts, discover
the reason, and wonder why he hadnt been aware of
189

it.
Well, it works now, Brian stated. And I know
itll perform at high temperatures when I change the
manufacturing process a little. While I was working
in Paris, I found out that the trouble was in the way
we made the racing oil, not the oil itself. It was
picking up some lead contamination from the solder
joints in the laboratory pipes. In production, well
use polyvinyl-chloride pipes. Nova oil will work
better than ever!
Boy, Ill bet Lonny will be glad to hear this!
Wynn said.
His partner was due to pit and everyone got
ready. Wynn drove the final hour, maintaining his
lead. When the checkered flag fell, the Nova Monza
was first in its class, and twelfth over-all!
The tired members of the crew jumped up and
down with joy, hugging each other and shouting
happily, while thousands of spectators swarmed
across the track and escorted the blue American car
to the start/finish line, where the awards presentation
was made. The entire team was soon sitting on top
of Ol Blue while race fans cheered and applauded
the finishers.
Lonny grinned at Dave Marr. Told you wed
win, didnt I?

190