THE FASTER THEY GO

A novel on a popular par with The Racers captures something of the attraction and/or addiction of speed- and sports car marathons, tells the story of Wesley Rich, who like Bentley, began as a sports writer and ended up behind the wheel driving for a foreign team. In Carrera, Rich comes in second, having stopped to pick up the German ace- Delius-the victim of a crash, is later given- through Delius- a chance to drive at Le Mans- but Delius is unwilling to extend his largesse to include his girl- Francesca- an Italian film star. Breaking with Delius- although Rich is far more interested in another girl- he drives for another team, survives two crackups. The story line is souped up here when Delius disappears in East Berlin- and Rich is asked to rescue him to make the most dangerous run of all in assisting his escape.... Foreign cars and courses, reckless men and speeds, these have a sporting appeal and some will go along for the ride.