Hot Rods and Racing Cars #20

Old Pop Gregg, determined to claim victory in his final race, faces off against the reckless young driver Tarzan Brack in a grueling, high-stakes showdown. As the race pushes both men to their limits, a moment of moral choice arises when Brack’s car spins out, forcing Gregg to decide between winning and saving his rival.

A series of practical, clever garage tips for car owners, from using a rubber ball to gauge precise parking to hanging a blanket over the radiator for faster warm-up in cold weather. The story offers simple, inventive solutions for common car care frustrations, like organizing loose papers or keeping small parts easily accessible.

A young mechanic learns how a car's cooling system manages extreme heat generated by the engine, with water circulating through a water jacket around hot engine parts, then cooling in the radiator as air flows through it—both from the car's motion and a fan. The system's thermostat plays a key role, adjusting water flow to maintain the engine's ideal operating temperature.

Steve Drake, a car engineer, teams up with his girlfriend Peggy White to enter a high-stakes race with a custom-built car, hoping to prove the value of his innovative designs. As they face sabotage from rival racing tycoon Walter Barnett and dangerous crashes on the track, Peggy takes the wheel in a daring move that puts her life at risk.

A young mechanic learns crucial safety tips while working on a car, from securing a heavy hood with a broomstick to preventing electrical hazards by removing jewelry. The story emphasizes precautions like blocking wheels when changing tires and checking for dangerous exhaust leaks, especially in winter.

Victor Corey, a passionate racer and devoted husband to Stella, finds his life upended when a series of mysterious engine failures plague his fellow racers—starting with his friend Wallace, who dies in a crash that seems suspicious. As Vic begins to suspect foul play tied to the track owner, Lupe, he uncovers a scheme where rigged cars and sabotage are used to manipulate race outcomes for profit.

In the 1903 Paris-to-Madrid race, a field of daring drivers including Charles Jarrott, Henry Fournier, and the Renault brothers take off on a treacherous journey marked by high speeds and deadly accidents. As the race begins, chaos erupts with crashes, panicked crowds, and a fatal incident involving an English Wolseley racer, setting a grim tone for the grueling contest.