Drag Strip Danger

Ross R. Olney (b. 1929), who also writes as E. Price Olney, wrote nearly 200 novels of young adult fiction, science-fiction, and non-fiction. He began as a columnist, contributing to both Vida Newspaper and The Reporter. He edited a 1969 anthology titled Time and Space, a collection of juvenile science-fiction stories by the likes of Fredric Brown, Robert Silverberg, and Arthur C. Clarke. My first experience with the writer is one of his many racing YA books, Drag Strip Danger. It was published by Whitman in 1972. 

High school student Scott Hunter is the book's protagonist. He and his best friend, Peter Reynolds, are both chosen to serve on drag racing pit crews. The invitation occurred in the boys' shop class in Reseda, California. Pete was assigned to one of the best-known dragsters, the Polynesian, with driver Snapper Bowers. Scott was selected for the rival Bombardier, driven by “Big Bob” Banning. This is a friendly rivalry with a sportsman's attitude...until it isn't. Scott and Pete begin to clash when several accidents begin plaguing the racing series.

The first indication of racing sabotage occurs when Snapper's car skids across the pavement and nearly explodes in a fiery crash. When Snapper is pulled from the wreckage, he mumbles to Scott that there was oil everywhere. When Scott mentions Snapper's comments, it is met with criticism. The drivers and crews think Scott is hinting that someone spread oil on the track in an effort to crash Snapper. When these same incidents begin occurring regularly, Scott and Pete accuse each other of knowing about the sabotage. Eventually, the two work out their differences and begin an investigation. Someone in the racing industry is attempting to commandeer the finishes in a sadistic way...even if it means death!

The book is presented in 216 pages of larger font. There's an illustration in nearly every chapter that enhances the narrative. I've enjoyed the juvenile racing books, including William Campbell Gault's popular novels, and found that same energy and need for speed throughout Drag Strip Danger. In comparison to Gault, particularly 1959's Drag Strip, Olney's book possesses a mystery flavor and amateur sleuth element. While the racing, technical nuances of engine builds, and the drag racing industry are all educational and prominent, the emphasis of Olney's prose is the investigation and exposure of criminality within the sport, fictional as it may be. If you enjoy The Hardy Boys and Alfred Hitchcock and the Three Investigators, then you are sure to like this rambunctious novel. 

Get Drag Strip Danger HERE.