DIRT TRACK SUMMER

In Dirt Track Summer, Mr. Gault once again offers teenagers the vicarious thrills of auto racing through the experiences of Skip and Tom Ludlow and their Mexican friend Jose Lopez. The three boys enter an agreement with the owner of a Cragar racing car to pay him ten percent of the winnings in any race. The first three races they enter are qualifying sprints which stress driving technique. When all three qualify, they go on to competitive racing from Fresno to Salem, from Seattle to Oregon City and finally to the two hundred mile race in Canyon City. En route, ideals of fair play and good sportsmanship are always stressed, culminating in Tom's refusal to accept a bribe that would able a reckless and therefore potentially dangerous driver to continue racing. Although the story centers on hot rods, the author dispels the stereotyped image of the ""hot rodder"". The boys, manning these cars, are ethical, idealistic young Americans with a deep respect or rules and a deep love for the intriguing intricacies and power of automobiles. Detailed scriptions of numerous races, written in a knowledgeable, forthright style, will fasciate the teenage racing enthusiast, but, beyond the half way mark, may tire less avid fans. ore specifically recommended for boys of this age.