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 A SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGH 1

II BLOW-UP! 13

III THE MISSING MONZA 26

IV THE SPRUCE-PINE INCIDENT 36

V FOOLED BY THIEVES 46

VI AIRPORT HIDEOUT 59

VII FIRST SUCCESS 71

VIII THE TRAP 80

IX THE STOLEN PLANE 92

X EXPLOSION 101

XI LAST CHANCE 111

XII A DEADLY ULTIMATUM 122

XIII CUSTOMS TROUBLE 133

XIV A STRANGE COINCIDENCE 144

XV WAS IT MARIE-CLAUDE? 153

XVI DISASTER ON THE TRACK 165

XVII SLASHED TIRES 173

XVIII PIT FIGHT 180

DEAD HEAT AT LE MANS

1

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

2

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

3

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,

4

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.

5

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!

6

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

7

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.

8

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-four-hour 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

9

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.

10

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.

11

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.

12

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!

13

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,

14

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

15

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

16

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.

17

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.

18

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.

19

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

20

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

21

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.

22

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

23

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!

24

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.

25

Oh, Wynn, the Australian said, relieved. You wont believe what happened.

Whats the matter? Wynn asked apprehensively.

Somebody blew up my shop!

26

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

27

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

28

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.

29

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

30

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

31

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-by-

side. 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

32

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.

33

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

34

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

35

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!

36

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

37

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

38

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,

39

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

40

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.

41

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

42

of practice.

Next morning Inky and Nancy-Rae began shake-

down 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 1-

mile 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

43

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.

44

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

45

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.

46

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

47

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

48

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?

49

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-by-

fours 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

50

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.

51

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.

52

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

53

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

54

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

55

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

56

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.

57

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.

58

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.

59

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

60

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

61

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

62

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

63

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

64

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

65

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

66

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

67

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

68

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, Nancy-Rae 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

69

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.

70

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!

71

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

72

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