Hot Rods and Racing Cars #1

Young Speed Davis has his father's racing legacy in his blood, but his protective mother forbids him from following that dangerous path—until he discovers his natural talent for hot rod mechanics and driving when he connects with a pair of car-crazy pals rebuilding their machine for a big race. As Speed's knowledge and instincts prove invaluable to getting their rod competition-ready, he finds himself caught between his mother's fears and the pull of the track, wondering if he'll finally get his chance to prove himself behind the wheel.

A practical guide to the flag signals that officiate a racing event, from the starter's green flag that unleashes a field of speeding machines to the various warnings and commands that keep drivers—and the race itself—under control. This single-page breakdown walks you through what each flag means and when you'll see it waved during competition, giving fans and newcomers alike a peek into the organized chaos of the track.

Jimmy Mullane watches the 1951 Indianapolis 500 unfold with his grandfather, a veteran of the race's first running in 1911—and the old driver can't resist swapping stories of those early days, complete with fiery crashes and last-lap drama. As the race enters its final laps, Jimmy gets caught up in the excitement of Lee Wallard's charge toward victory while his grandfather reflects on how much—and how little—has changed in forty years of racing at the Brickyard.

Buster Camshaft, a hot-rod tinkerer with more ambition than sense, takes a job souping up Judge Longstretch's sluggish car—with hilariously disastrous results. When the judge test-drives Buster's wild creation, complete with unconventional controls and jury-rigged parts, things spin gloriously out of control on the road.

Guy Vaughan catches sight of one of the first automobiles at the turn of the century and becomes utterly captivated by the horseless carriage—so much so that he lands a job at Desberon Motors to learn the trade from the ground up. From factory work to racing records to designing his own car, Vaughan rides the explosive growth of the automobile industry, proving that an early eye for innovation can fuel a lifetime of success.

Take the wheel of a supercharged MG at the Grand Prix races of Watkins Glen, where a determined driver navigates hairpin turns, rivals, and fifteen grueling laps in pursuit of victory—all while a menacing Jaguar XK120 closes in from behind. With skill, nerve, and increasingly weary hands, the driver must find a way to stay ahead and reach the finish line.