Laxforsen Isloppet Grid Positions Announced!

The grid positions for the Laxforsen Isloppet, held on the frozen, ice-covered waterways of Sweden, are as follows:

01 - Vitez Rychly, Czechoslovakia
02 - Pedro Gomes, Portugal

03 - Godeschalk Hegkman, Germany
04 - John Milk, Britain

05 - Victor Hugo Stéphane, Belgium
06 - Teide "Volcán" Sorolla-Ledaal, Norway

07 - Diederik Olsen, Denmark
08 - Petrus de Salvion, Switzerland

09 - Tavho Myrsky, Finland
10 - Eusebius "Sebi" Orsi, Italy

11 - Louis de Montignac, Monaco
12 - Aristide La Fontaine, France

13 - Rutger "Hajen" Hägglund, Sweden
14 - Alastair MacDougall, Scotland

Race :: Round 56 - Victory to La Belle France!

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France's Aristide La Fontaine presses onward in his lone, unchallenged journey to the checkered flag. With Spain's famed Teide "Volcán" Sorolla now out, the French Salmson is a certain victor. Through the smoke and debris, La Fontaine catches the first glimpse of the crowd of French fans ahead as they lean over the wattle and hay bales and flood onto the track. Despite the smoke, they can now see their favored driver will indeed finish in first place this glorious day for La Belle France. Meanwhile, Vitez Rychly shifts up and heads toward the curve at Opéra. Unlike the previous lap, he positions the car perfectly to take on the hairpin. This maneuver now leaves him virtually unopposed for second place. Behind at Paillon, Petrus de Salvion shifts down to 1st gear, now recognizing the impossibility of challenging the Czech Bugatti for 2nd place. Indeed, nothing now stands between the last three cars and the podium. All that remains is for each to confidently finish the track, secure in the knowledge of their victory this day -- and their survival.

Other victories are also now apparent, amidst tragedy and injury. Many cars are broken and cast aside, their twisted hulks tipped and askew, some heaped to the sides of the track. Nine of the twelve that began fail to finish. Moreover, several of the drivers are injured, two even seriously hurt -- from Belgium and Germany. As well, some of the race cars are damaged beyond repair. Yet amidst the shattered dreams of the many, two drivers stand out despite their loss. A crowd of French and Spanish fans joyously carry Spain's "Volcán" upon their shoulders, lifting him up and marching together toward the finish line, singing and chanting his name. Tears stream down the Spaniard's cheeks. Farther back, a group of Italians push the Maserati of Sebi Orsi along and ahead. The left front wheel is bent but still turning -- and Orsi is smiling and shouting, as if he has won the day for all of Italy. And his moment seems all the more glorious as two beautiful Niçoise ladies sit with him atop the red car, laughing and enjoying their moment in the sun.

So now we begin the long celebration as these last three cars come home to the finish. The fires and smoke of the pit area harbinger a new mystery. Amidst the confusion, there are new questions yet to be asked, let alone answered. For the moment, however, we cannot take that time. The last instants of the race are upon us. Victory and glory is upon those who have taken the flag today. France now crosses the line, then the Czech driver, Vitez Rychly -- and finally, the Swiss driver, Petrus de Salvion Bernardus.

Au revoir! I will see you in Monaco, but first, the season will go to Sweden and elsewhere. This has been Jacques Hévin from Radio Côte d'Azur. Ici le Poste de Radiodiffusion de Cannes, Nice et de Juan-les-Pins; émission Radio Côte d'Azur, broadcasting on 240,2 meters, 0,8 kW and brought to you by the Société du Casino de Juan-les-Pins. Radio Côte d'Azur also covers the Region de Nice, Monaco, et Corse.

Race :: Round 55 - A Terrible Turn of Events

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The famed Teide "Volcán" Sorolla shifts up and rams his foot down on the accelerator. For an instant, the car seems to pause, but then the little black Bugatti leaps forward, fishtailing right and left through the bits of wreckage from the previous lap's collision at the exit of the hairpin. Ah, mon Dieu! The right front wheel of the car catches a piece of debris! The "Volcán" cannot hold it!! The front axle twists, the wheel nearly coming off the car! Desperately, Sorolla grips on as the car careens onto the straight, skidding forward. He can see the finish line a scant hundred meters ahead -- but alas, the car grinds to a halt, its axle twisted beyond use. In a moment, the glory that was to be his is snatched away. Aristide La Fontaine puts the hammer down and speeds by, holding to the edge of the track farthest from the source of the black smoke that continues to pour from the pits. Now, with the "Volcán" out, victory is assured to France!! Farther back, the Czech driver, Vitez Rychly, expertly navigates the last challenges of the debris-strewn curve at Paillon, his sights now set on the last hairpin ahead -- Opéra. The Swiss driver, Petrus de Salvion, cruises into the Paillon curve, carefully negotiating the bits and pieces of so many previous accidents and collisions. Ahead is the torn hulk of the Swedish Monza, testimony to a race that has seemed more like a disaster than a proper circuit. Surely, this day will be forever remembered as the most deadly in the history of La Grande Épreuve. Testimony to this is unfolding at Place Masséna, where Sebi Orsi lifts the two French ladies into the cockpit of his Maserati. They smile and wave! With a few words of encouragement, Orsi summons the Italian fans onto the course to push his twisted red racer forward down the track toward the finish line. One way or another, Orsi intends to bring his car across the finish line, even if the rules committee will no doubt officially rule him out of the race. Still, Orsi is clearly enjoying the moment and the adulation of the crowd, "Sebi! Sebi! Sebi!"

Yet now we reflect. In a terrible moment, the Spanish hopes have been dashed. Yet wait, what is this? A hush has settled over the crowd down on the Quai des États-Unis as the Salmson speeds away toward the finish. Those attending the race cannot believe what has happened. A race as close as this should not end with a broken wheel! Incroyable! But such is racing!! The "Volcán" stands up in the cockpit and gazes at the blue Salmson as it pulls away toward the victory ahead. He nods and then salutes Aristide, who briefly glances back -- a returned wave of recognition is made as the reality of the impending triumph settles in. Sensing the nobility of the moment, the crowd surges forward onto the track and surrounds the black Bugatti…. As one, they lift the Spanish driver onto their shoulders and begin to carry him forward toward the finish line, through the smoke and past the fires of the pits. What a day to remember!!

Race :: Round 54 - The Final Hairpin Curve

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France's Aristide La Fontaine continues to hang closely behind the Spanish "Volcán" as they enter the curve at Opéra. Their cars are just inches apart as the two make their way around the final hairpin. It looks like it will be a race to the end with the two cars neck-and-neck. The French crowd is going wild, screaming “Aristide!! Aristide!!” Yet the Spanish race fans are here as well. Over the din, almost as one, they start to rhythmically stomp their feet, first a small group, then another. Over the screams of the French, the ground shakes with the thunder of a thousand shoes, boots and sandals upon the Quai des États-Unis! And from the masses, the low moan of the beginnings of a song begins to stir. The Swiss driver, Petrus de Salvion, now flies into the curve at Jardin, his Bugatti giving one last run to catch the Czech, Vitez Rychly, who races into the Paillon curve. There, he hopes that his narrow lead will carry him to a podium finish. At Place Masséna, Sebi Orsi emerges from the crowd of cheering fans with two beautiful French ladies, one on each arm. He waves jauntily to the assembled masses and walks toward his bent Maserati, the crowd filtering in from behind…. He smiles and pumps his fist up and down, looking every bit like the winner of the race. The last cars on the course have disappeared into the black smoke that streams from the pit area. For those nearby at the northern edge of the track, who will have won and who will have lost is to be an unknown. So, caught up in the moment, the crowd begins to cheer, “Sebi! Sebi! Sebi!”

Race :: Round 53 - Racing into the Final Curve

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Spain and France jockey for position as both cars race into the final curve at Opéra. The "Volcán" still retains the lead, but Aristide La Fontaine is pressing the Spaniard hard to set up for a pass, the cars mere inches apart in trail. Who will take the advantage out of the curve to the finish line is anyone's guess. Meanwhile, the Swiss driver misjudges the entry into the curve at Jardin and watches helplessly as Vitez Rychly races past in perfect position to take the next curve at Paillon. Behind, Sebi Orsi leaps upon the wattle and hay bales and scans the crowd quickly -- then, with a leap he dives into the crowd of well-wishers. Many of the French in the crowd welcome him and a few try to lift him upon their shoulders, but he will have none of it! He seems set upon something else….

Race :: Round 52 - The Press for Advantage

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Spain makes a break down the straightaway toward the curve at Opéra as the French driver, Aristide La Fontaine, presses on in hot pursuit. The crowd thunders his name urging him on, "Aristide! Aristide!" Yet the "Volcán" is undeniably in the lead, at least for the moment. The respect of all here at Nice is apparent as many salute the Spaniard as he speeds down the straight. Farther back, the Swiss driver shifts up in a difficult run toward the curve at Jardin Albert 1er. For now, he holds onto a possible third place finish, even as Vitez Rychly of Czechoslovakia skids to the outside of the curve Place Masséna to set up for an upcoming attempt at overtaking in the next curve. Behind, the gasoline fire expands -- but the drivers are all safely clear. The rescue team gently takes the Belgian driver from Sebi Orsi who, without hesitation, looks back toward his stricken Maserati -- surely, it cannot drive, non? A grin spreads across his face -- but first he turns to the admiring throngs.

Race :: Round 51 - Spain Seizes the Advantage

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The Spanish driver, Teide "Volcán" Sorolla, launches forward to take Paillon with abandon, leaving the French driver, Aristide La Fontaine, off pace and falling back. Both drivers struggle to see ahead as the black smoke from the fires of the pit area cloud their view, yet neither dares slow down despite the dangers involved.

Behind, the Swiss driver stays in 1st gear as he carefully navigates the curve at Place Masséna. He glances back hopefully, but sees the Czech driver, Vitez Rychly, rapidly close the gap and come up fast. Both cars narrowly miss the wreck of the Italian Maserati as they set up for the straight leading into the curve at Jardin Albert 1er.

There can be little doubt that the Swiss driver has slim hope now of holding off the challenge from Czechoslovakia. If Rychly now overtakes, it appears that Switzerland’s last dream of a podium finish will be that one of the cars ahead suffers a crash. Yet even finishing the race will be a victory for Petrus de Salvion Bernardus, who seems willing to push his car across the finish line if it comes to that. It may indeed, as the car's brakes, tires and gearbox are shredded from the harsh driving on today's circuit.

What is this? A roar!! Mon Dieu!! The gasoline there on the track now ignites in a massive fireball. Yet Sebi Orsi, carrying the Belgium driver, has already leapt clear! With the explosion, he is thrown from his feet. Both he and the Belgian racer crash to the ground, landing badly, as the fireball explodes overhead. The crowd now surges forward and drags the two away from the heat of the fires.

Ah! The cars are clearly a total loss, both the Amilcar and the Bugatti!! What shall they do for the next race in Sweden?

Race :: Round 50 - The Rescue

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Spain's famed Volcán shifts up but fumbles the gears of his Bugatti, losing pace against the French Salmson. Yet even so, he holds the lead. Sensing momentary advantage, Aristide La Fontaine artfully slides to the outside of the curve to take a perfect racing line to set up an overtake at Paillon. The Spaniard can see it coming, but what can he do? In a flash he sees his options unfolding -- perhaps speed is not all that it will take to win this day, but rather something more. His eyes narrow as he starts the turn.

At the curve at Place Masséna, Petrus de Salvion Bernardus of Switzerland guns his engine and cuts to the inside lane in hot pursuit of the two leaders. His Bugatti narrowly misses the stern of the Italian Maserati. Now he is certain of rejoining the fray and perhaps holding to his third place positioning to the finish.

Yet Vitez Rychly of Czechoslovakia maneuvers through the curve at Avenue de la Victoire, closing the gap against the Swiss driver. The wrecks of the British Amilcar and the striken Belgian Bugatti will block the left lane straight ahead -- he will need to cut to the right side to get by. Rychly's challenge is whether he can catch and overtake the Swiss car ahead -- yet the advantage is his. The orange Bugatti's tires are very fresh, whereas the Swiss car's tires are on borrowed time, heavily grained and shredded from wear.

Gasoline pours onto the track just ahead, but still does not ignite. For an instant, Rychly’s eyes meet the glance of Sebi Orsi as the Italian pulls the Belgian driver from the wrecked car. Orsi hefts the unconscious man up on his shoulder and looks to the side of the track. It will be a leap to clear the wattle boarding that lines the edge. The crowd sees the look of determination in his eyes and knows -- they can sense it -- this is a man who has somehow done this before, sometime in his past, if perhaps years ago.

Orsi glances south at the billowing smoke, then turns to look toward the approaching Bugatti of the Czech racer as it rams rashly through the debris lining the exit of the curve, coming through undamaged. Suddenly, another gunshot rings out from the paddock area. For an instant, Orsi's mind flashes back to another time when, during the war, he was on the fields at the Battle of Piave River, the future of Italy hanging in the balance…. The smoke and the sound of gunfire bring back the memory of dragging a wounded soldier toward his half shattered ambulance that lay hidden in the rows of corn as the fighting raged nearby.

He shakes off the memory, then leaps toward the side.

Race :: Round 49 - A Tight Race for the Lead

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Spain and France remain neck and neck in a tight race for the lead, their wheels nearly touching as they press onward together, seemingly connected as if by a string. The drivers are so close that if they were to desire it, they could shake hands from car to car -- but not at these speeds. The French Salmson presses around the right of the Swiss car suddenly in an attempt to overtake, yet the Volcán holds the lead, if only barely, his black Bugatti’s engine roaring a shrill note. The two drivers race their cars into the curve at Jardin Albert 1er together. In an instant, they are obscured in the black smoke ahead and disappear.

Back at Place Masséna, the Swiss driver, Petrus de Salvion Bernardus, guns his engine and spins the car around to the left. Now, he positions himself to take the inside edge of the curve. With a final flick of his wrist, he lines up the car to proceed with the race by the inside lane of the curve -- the way ahead nearly blocked by the Norwegian and Italian wrecks. Despite his spinout moments ago, the Swiss Bugatti retains third place.

Behind, Vitez Rychly of Czechoslovakia slides gracefully into the curve at Avenue de la Victoire. Whatever advantage he may have thought to hold over the Swiss driver is now lost as he failed to make up the distance between the cars in time. Yet the race for third place is not decided -- a lot of action is yet to come in the sinuous and dangerous curves ahead before the finish line.

Meanwhile, despite his sprained ankle, Sebi Orsi leaps atop the Amilcar and peers down into the wrecked yellow Bugatti of Belgium. There he sees Victor Hugo Stéphane unconscious in the bottom of the cockpit. Orsi reaches in and tries to tug him out by the collar as more gasoline flows onto the track. Somehow, despite the hot exhaust pipes, sparks from passing cars and worse, the gasoline is yet to ignite. A silence falls over the crowd as they stare in shock over the scene. It is only Orsi who now is trying desperately to save the Belgian driver.

Amidst the mayhem, suddenly a gunshot rings out in the distance. The crowd turns to look toward the pit area where the fires continue to rage out of control, wondering what is happening.

Race :: Round 48 - Spinout for Switzerland

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Spain carefully presses forward, holding off the French Salmson racer, which hounds him closely from behind. Both cars now make their way past the Italian and Norwegian wrecks. Farther back, the Swiss driver flashes out of the curve, carrying too much speed. His tires are shot and there is little he can do to hold the car. Ah! He spins out, the car sliding through a slick of gasoline. The red and white Bugatti nearly strikes the corner of the wreck of the English Amilcar, trailing a shower of sparks before finally skidding to a stop.

The crowd watches as Italy's Sebi Orsi vaults forward at a run. He leaves his little Maserati behind, a hopelessly broken wreck with its front wheel askew and caught on the rear undercarriage of the Norwegian Monza. Meeting the Swiss car halfway, Orsi leaps atop and over the rear as the Bugatti skids to a stop. He lands badly and twists his ankle. Grimacing in pain, he looks up and realizes that time is running out -- gasoline spreads menacingly across the track. It is only a miracle that no fire has yet ignited beside the Belgian car, whose driver is still unconscious and wedged in the bottom of the cockpit. The crowd draws back, sensing the danger even as Orsi now limps forward, seemingly oblivious to the pain in his leg and the danger he faces. A cameraman leans forward and Orsi waves -- perhaps he is waving him off to keep his distance!

Meanwhile, the Czech, Vitez Rychly slowly works his way toward the curve of Avenue de la Victoire. He is taking no risks at this late moment of the race. Rychly is very much aware of the drama unfolding just ahead. All it will take is one spark and a second conflagration will erupt on the track, blocking his path. Yet he knows he must persevere -- if just one of the other three cars ahead makes a mistake, the Czech driver knows that he too will end the day on the podium. But what a day it has been -- great, but terrible….

Race :: Round 47 - Navigating the Chaos

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Attempting to avoid the final skidding twist of the Italian Maserati, Spain maneuvers to the inside lane, closely followed by the French car. Yet the Volcán misjudges and catches up on Orsi's car, damaging the black Bugatti's front axle. Even as the Maserati comes to a rest, Sebi Orsi, already clear of the cockpit, clambers over the top of the wrecked Norwegian Monza to assist Megane Omalie, who staggers to the side of the track, partly injured from her skid into the wattle barrier. Seeing her injuries to be minor, Orsi turns and looks up the track at the wrecks of the two racers, the Belgian Bugatti and the English Amilcar. What he sees there makes his blood run cold. The Belgian is trapped in the cockpit as gasoline slowly spreads across the track. With a flip of his red silk scarf, which he still wears, Orsi heads for the wreck. Farther back, the Swiss driver maneuvers through the debris that clogs the racing line of Avenue de la Victoire, looking ahead at a difficult run for the finish, while the Czech racer shifts down and throttles back, seemingly willing to sacrifice the position just to ensure that with enough care, he can navigate and finish the course.

Race :: Round 46 - Disaster Comes in Threes!

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Sebi Orsi cuts to the left to dodge past the Norwegian Monza but catches the Maserati's front wheel on the wreck -- with a crash Orsi's car comes to grief. A gasp comes from the crowd as many recall the near tragedy of Staouéli, but now Orsi adroitly leaps clear, uninjured. Directly behind, England skids out of the curve and crashes into the wattle side walls on the left side of the track, his green Amilcar ending up on its side, another hapless wreck. And from behind, the Belgian's yellow Bugatti storms through the curve and collides with the British car, tearing apart as it too flips. The Belgian, Victor Hugo Stéphane, is injured, his body smashed into the bottom of the cockpit. Even as the crowd steps back in horror from the triple accident they've just witnessed, Spain's famed Teide Sorolla also skids daringly out of the curve right into the mess, seemingly barely in control. But the Volcán shifts down hard and holds to the center lane! He manages to pass both wrecks. As well, France's Aristide La Fontaine slides out of the curve, cutting over to come up behind the Spaniard. Farther back, Switzerland drives forward aggressively, seemingly unaware of the accidents just ahead. Vitez Rychly prudently shifts down and falls back from the leading pack. The Czech is safe now in the knowledge that it is suddenly a four car race.

Race :: Round 45 - The Volcán’s Moment!

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Orsi slides smoothly into the Place Masséna curve, smiling as he waves to the crowd of cheering Italians, his red silk scarf snapping in the breeze behind. Yet the fickle attention of the crowd shifts. Yet all turn to look behind the Maserati. Ignoring the track ahead, Orsi twists to glance back at an astonishing sight! Immediately behind, skidding through the curve at Avenue de la Victoire, Britain's John Milk fights to control his Amilcar C6 -- holding on at the edge of now certain disaster! Afterward, the great blue Salmson of France's Aristide La Fontaine maneuvers into the curve, closely hounded by both Bugattis of Belgium and Switzerland. Yet what’s this? Through the mix, in a flash of black and in perfect command of his racer, Spain's Teide Sorolla explodes into the corner from behind. It is the Volcán’s moment!! As one, the crowd roars, joined even by the Italians in admiration of such an extraordinary attack on the lead! Moments before, Italy had seemed nearly assured of victory, but now it is once again an all-out race for the lead as both cars come within a few lengths of one another. And Spain has come up from the back of the pack! Still, Orsi remains in a commanding position, but the gauntlet has been thrown! It is a moment of driving brilliance every bit like Orsi's own stunning dash down the straight to Avenue de la Victoire, setting up the Spaniard for a clear challenge of the lead.

Race :: Round 44 - Orsi Hammers On!

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Orsi jams his bright red Maserati 4CM into 2nd gear, straining the gearbox, brakes and engine into an extreme deceleration as he holds the car along the outside of the curve at Avenue de la Victoire. The high shriek of the Maserati's engine cannot overpower the screaming Italians lining the sides of the curve -- "Sebi! Sebi! Sebi!" Orsi's sudden mastery of the circuit is undisputable! England, France and Belgium press down the straight from behind, any hope of catching the corsa rosso seemingly a dream now -- yet the track is littered with debris and is treacherous, ready to take down even the finest driver; victory is far from assured. Vitez Rychly hammers into the curve at Hôtel Ruhl, closely followed by Spain. Yet Petrus de Salvion Bernardus of Switzerland slides by on the center line of the curve as all three drivers prepare for a hard race up the Jardin.

Race :: Round 43 - Norway Crashes; Italy Soars!

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Norway slides, skidding and fishtailing out of the Avenue de la Victoire curve as Megane Omalie fights the wheel. But no!! The tires are too far gone to hold the car. Helplessly, she fights it but cannot. The car flips and only her grip on the steering wheel saves her from serious injury! A low moan arises from the Nordic portion of the crowd. In the course of a single lap, the Scandinavians have gone from dominating the top three positions to complete elimination. Their disappointment is palpable. Yet the attention of the crowd swiftly shifts as Italy powers out of the curve at Hôtel Ruhl, the Maserati's engine in a low roar. Orsi shifts up expertly and the car leaps forward, flying ahead into the Victoire curve! The Italians in the crowd -- and there are many -- suddenly go wild! From a 9th place start, Sebi Orsi has stalked and clawed his way into 1st place -- and is the unchallenged leader!! The Italians surge forward against the sides of the hay bales and wattle: "Sebi! Sebi! Sebi!" If Orsi holds his car together, with victory and the speed record, the jubilant Italians will paint the city red! Farther back, England, France and Belgium work their way forward, a distant second, while Vitez Rychly fumbles his gears and falls short of the curve. Both Spain and Switzerland jockey for position close behind. The final three positions seem well established -- but now, even the last on the track places seventh overall.

Race :: Round 42 - Norway on the Edge!

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Norway is too hot heading into the curve at Avenue de la Victoire, suddenly finding that she cannot downshift enough to control the car! The crowd holds its breath as they watch her struggle into the first turn on the north side of the Jardin. The Monza fishtails left and right as she fights the wheel, braking in an attempt keep on line. It will take a lot of luck to hold to the track now and keep from spinning out! Norway's reign at the lead now comes down to a gamble -- it is here and now that she must hold it or spin out and lose pace, or worse. Behind, Britain's John Milk takes the curve at Hôtel Ruhl, hounded closely by Sebi Orsi of Italy, the engine of his red Maserati purring with confidence. The midfield falls short of the curve as Belgium overtakes France in high gear -- but now both of these cars too have a challenge and must downshift hard to make the left turn up the Jardin. At the back, Spain once again comes up on Switzerland. Sorolla edges out the red and white Bugatti for the lead once again! The crowd watches in awe as the two closely matched racers challenge one another, side by side, first one, then the other in the lead! But then all eyes turn to the Norwegian Monza -- her brakes shot, Omalie's future as the race leader hangs in the balance….

Race :: Round 41 - Norway Presses On!

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Norway heads up toward Avenue de la Victoire with the hammer down, racing alone now in a commanding lead. Britain's John Milk misjudges the approaches to the curve at Hôtel Ruhl, falling back and away. Behind the rest of the survivors shift up in a vain hope of catching the leaders. They can see that the smoke over the pit area and finish line has thickened. Rychly glances quickly back one last time, the question hanging as to where his fiancée, VV, might be found. Perhaps she will greet him at the finish? Her absence is troubling. Italy pulls ahead of France and Belgium down the straight and presses up on Britain; it is suddenly apparent that Italy is poised to possibly take 2nd place from among the pack, an unexpected turn of events. Yet Orsi's Maserati is hard driven and needs care. Still, it is likely that he too will be one of the top contenders for a podium finish. A lot can happen, however, as the racers take on the curves around the Jardin Albert 1er. Looking ahead, Monaco's Alfa Tipo B has been moved off the track, but behind there is an oil slick at the inside of the curve. It is the first of the dangerous challenges they will face as they press ahead toward the finish.

Race :: Round 40 - Norway Extends her Lead

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Norway navigates the curve at Hôtel Ruhl with perfection as Britain's John Milk presses on from behind. France extends past Belgium and Italy as Orsi cuts left and then back right to avoid Hegkman. Vitez Rychly of Czechoslovakia presses out of the curve at Hôtel Negresco and grins as he passes the wreck of the German. Switzerland and Spain once again are neck and neck as they round the remaining portion of the Negresco hairpin. Their wheels are nearly touching. Sorolla grits his teeth and presses the gas pedal as they start to make their run down the straight. He is quickly matched by Petrus de Salvion. Looking across the field of the remaining cars, many show a lot of wear from the race so far, with France and Spain well situated to finish strongly -- if only the gap against Norway could somehow be overcome. Clearly, the last few curves will be a hard fought experience and lot of tire rubber will be left on the track when it is all finished. A podium for Norway seems likely, but the risks of the last half of this lap could prove to be very dangerous indeed.

Race :: Round 39 - France Overtakes for 3rd!

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"Aristide, Aristide, Aristide!" The shouts of the crowd nearly drown out the roar of the Salmson's powerful aircraft engine as Aristide La Fontaine flies out of the curve at Hôtel Negresco. The Frenchman dodges to the right and cuts around the German wreck. Then, he cuts back left and overtakes Sebi Orsi's Maserati to also edge out Belgium. It is a daring advance, moving the Frenchman ahead to 3rd position on the track. Orsi dodges right to curve around the German car and then heads down the straight, watching in shock as the French car pulls past, seemingly propelled by the adulation of the many Niçoise gathered at the circuit. In the lead, Norway continues to gap the field. Omalie leaves the Britisher's Amilcar in the dust as she roars toward Hôtel Ruhl, the unchallenged leader. The Czech driver, Vitez Rychly, navigates the hairpin with perfection and is positioned now in a tail chase with the mid-pack leaders ahead. Both Switzerland and Spain cut around the deadly Hôtel Negresco hairpin, side-by-side, their wheels nearly touching as the two Bugattis press one another for the position. Switzerland's more modern T51 seems to have a minor advantage, yet the balance of the greatest racing Bugatti design, the Bugatti T35B driven by Sorolla, holds its own. Both cars sport the same 2.3 liter engine, a straight 8 cylinder. Who would have considered that the race for last place would be so tightly fought between these two cars? They have chased one another for the position from the very start! This is Jacques Hévin reporting on the Grand Prix de Nice for Radio Côte d'Azur, broadcasting on 240,2 meters, 0,8 kW and brought to you by the Société du Casino de Juan-les-Pins. We are the voice of Nice, Cannes, Monaco, Corse et de Juan-les-Pins!

Race :: Round 38 - Hegkman Thrown Clear!

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Out of the corner, Germany's white Bugatti T51A skids onto its side in a shower of sparks. It slides to a stop in the middle of the track as Hegkman is ejected from the cockpit! Belgium skids out of the corner, burning tires as Italy's Sebi Orsi presses in from behind -- everyone looking ahead at Hegkman, laid out on the track -- unconscious? Dead? There is no blood seen on his white racing tunic…. No time to know -- they must cut to the outside to avoid running him over! And Orsi is a gear up and ready to overtake Belgium down the straight toward Hôtel Ruhl. France's Aristide La Fontaine navigates through the corner at Hôtel Negresco in perfection. Then comes the Czech driver, Vitez Rychly, who shifts down further to carefully work around the hairpin curve. Ignoring the wreck of the German, the Czech looks upward with a penetrating eye -- it is now clear that VV, who in just the previous lap had been hanging over the balcony cheering on her fiancé, is nowhere to be seen. The concern on his face is evident. Meanwhile, farther back, Switzerland accelerates past Spain as Teide Sorolla cuts to the outside lane, all are now into Nice's most deadly hairpin curve. What an incredible race!! Four cars out!! Ah, but what of the Teutonic racer? How badly is he hurt?

Race :: Round 37 - Absolute Disaster for Hegkman!

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In the lead, Norway accelerates down the straight toward Hôtel Ruhl even as Britain's John Milk follows in close pursuit. The green Amilcar has emerged as the best challenger of the remaining field against Norway's famed woman racer. Milk's face is a grimace as he presses ahead with the Amilcar, knowing that he has one last point of advantage remaining, a final press with the exotic benzine fuel mix that feeds his engine -- will it be enough? Belgium's Victor Hugo Stéphane slides smoothly around the hairpin. He glances back to see Orsi's Maserati cut across the turn in a bid to close the gap -- and another car -- a white Bugatti!! Ah!! It is Hegkman!! He shifts down, but his brakes fail him! Out of control, he careens into the hairpin. Rychly cuts left to avoid an impact. France too downshifts and holds to the outside. Together, they watch as Hegkman roars past, seemingly possessed with the thought of overtaking the Czech car. The German hammers through the debris-laden curve past the Italian Maserati, his tires shredding off tread -- still carrying far too much speed. Now, he realizes his danger…. He is desperate to hold on -- but cannot!! As he clears the Maserati, the Bugatti slides away and violently spins around. It almost flips, but the front end collides with the yellow Bugatti as Hegkman spins past…. Farther back, Switzerland accelerates as Spain closes the gap and overtakes to his right as they challenge one another for the deadly hairpin curve ahead….

Race :: Round 36 - Headlong into the Hairpin

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Norway's Megane Omalie skids out of the hairpin at Hôtel Negresco, her Monza fishtailing as she holds the line and lead. Britain's John Milk slides through the curve, still carrying a lot of speed as he barely holds on. The Belgian, Victor Hugo Stéphane, cuts around the curve in an attempt to close the gap on the leaders, but he carries too much speed as he enters the hairpin. Meanwhile, the Italian, Sebi Orsi, smoothly shifts down and laughs as he cruises his Maserati around the hairpin, his driving skill nearly perfect. From behind, France shifts down hard and skids perfectly into position closing on Orsi as the crowd cheers for their hero, “Aristide, Aristide, Aristide!!” The Czech driver, Vitez Rychly cuts forward in his Bugatti, his eyes glancing upward toward the empty balcony where his fiancée, VV, had been before -- the concern of her absence is visible in his eyes, even through his goggles. Germany soars forward from behind, his desire to catch the Czech leading him perhaps into too much daring as he comes to the deadly hairpin at Negresco. At the back, the Spanish driver presses forward and is stunned to see Petrus de Salvion Bernardus of Switzerland overtake in the left lane. The wreck of the Finnish Chrysler lies upon its side, gasoline pouring onto the ground as Tavho Myrsky crawls free of the wreckage, seemingly unscathed despite the horrific crash. His car, however, this great American machine -- a Chrysler Special -- is a complete loss. Perhaps he can rebuild by the time of the next race which will be upon the ice in the northern reaches of Sweden. Or perhaps not. It will take a superhuman effort on the part of the mechanics….

Race :: Round 35 - Leading Deep into the Hairpin!

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The Norwegian, Megane Omalie, holds tightly to the wheel as her Alfa Romeo Monza cuts around the hairpin -- she flicks right, then back left to avoid the tire shed by the Finnish Chrysler that lies there blocking the lane. The Finnish car has slammed through the wattle barrier and crashed into the side of a building, leaving a trail of debris behind. Most of the bystanders were able to leap aside. Somehow, from the wreck, Myrsky pulls himself free of the twisted cockpit. He is dazed, but not terribly injured, his hand slightly burned from the heat of a thrown exhaust pipe. The smell of gasoline fills the air….

Following next into the hairpin comes John Milk of Britain. He shifts down in his Amilcar and follows Omalie of Norway, carrying great speed and driving deep in the curve. Both Italy and the Belgium slide into the entry point to take the Hôtel Negresco hairpin as the Belgian, Victor Hugo Stéphane, noses out Orsi for the position.

The other drivers fly down the straight away of the Promenade, Germany trailing white smoke as Hegkman pushes his engine too hard. France fumbles a gear in the blue Salmson, a fact which goes unnoticed as the crowd of French fans cheers him on. You can hear them right over the radio… “Va! Va! Va!!”

Now Vitez Rychly of Czechoslovakia surges forward, closing rapidly on Aristide La Fontaine -- yet his eyes are fixed not upon the track ahead but upon the balcony of the Negresco by the hairpin. There, his boisterous fiancée, VV, had been before. Mais maintenant… Ah! The balcony appears empty!! What has become of her! Surely she should not miss her man's run down the Promenade into the hairpin?

At the back, the trailing cars, Spain and Switzerland, too press onward, with the Spanish car now sporting a fresh set of tires and more from a stop in the pits. Even Switzerland is now past the fires of the pit stop, where the scene remains one of confusion and chaos. Those who dared take a pit stop were served well by their teams, who endured choking smoke and the heat of the blazes to turn the racers back onto the track and into the fray. Surely the heroes of today are the oft-forgotten pit crewmen!!

Race :: Round 34 - Disaster for Myrsky!

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In the lead position, John Milk of Britain shifts down hard into 4th Gear to set up for the curve, only to see Megane Omalie of Norway and Tavho Myrsky of Finland coming from far behind. They flash past into the curve ahead at Hôtel Negresco. Wisely, Megane cuts to the outside lane, shutting down options for the daring Fin, who presses into the debris-filled curve hoping to command the lead once again! Yet he is too fast to avoid the pieces left on the track from the damaging collisions of the last lap!! He catches first one, then another piece of another car -- a shower of sparks!! The front axle! Myrsky skids, there is no way to hold the car! For an instant, he has it, but then the front right wheel tears off! Out of control, he slides toward the bales and wattle! He is out! The ice racer is out!!!

There is no time to think as the other drivers press forward toward the hairpin curve at Hôtel Negresco. The Belgian, Victor Hugo Stéphane, advances from behind as Sebi Orsi comes on strong, shifting up perfectly into high gear. The Italian’s red Maserati surges forward! Incroyable! Orsi sets yet a new record for speed, surpassing even the amazing Englishman’s run down the Promenade! France rejoins the race, coming out of the pits into 6th place, but cannot possibly keep pace with the red Maserati, which flies past at extraordinary speed! Yet Orsi presses his machine too hard, past the limit of his RPM! The sound of tearing metal is heard! His engine suddenly kicks out a ragged stream of white smoke! He is done for!! Ah terrible! Mais… mais non! Non, non!! Orsi presses on -- even at this speed, the little Maserati is holding together! He closes in on the yellow Bugatti just ahead! Deftly, he pulls in behind, slipstreaming for a moment…. Then, ignoring the shrill note of his engine, he cuts hard left and around; his red scarf snaps wildly behind him! This is amazing driving!

Behind, Vitez Rychly of Czechoslovakia comes through the smoke and accelerates onto the Promenade des Anglais. To his right, the Czech glances over to see the German Bugatti coming out of the pits. Hegkman presses hard on the gas, hoping to rejoin at the middle of the pack. Clearly, the German car remains in some disrepair, yet now he stands a reasonable chance of finishing. Behind, the Spanish driver cuts right and dives into his pit area, disappearing from sight as he hopes for a quick change of tires and more. Yet he is completely shrouded by the chokingly vile, black smoke of the pit fire! Coming onto the Quai des États-Unis, the Swiss driver shifts up, but cannot find his gear. It is yet another mistake and he loses even more ground against the leaders ahead -- clearly the luck is not with the canton flag.

The field is still very spread out, and the deadly hairpin curve at Hôtel Negresco looms ahead. It is one of the most menacing challenges on the circuit and with the wreck of the Finnish Chrysler…. Littered with debris and bits of tire from the previous lap, it seems to await the onslaught of the remaining drivers in La Grande Épreuve -- almost as if welcoming them with a sinister grin.

Race :: Round 33 - Britain Sets a Speed Record!

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Megane Omalie of Norway shifts into high gear and accelerates rapidly ahead on the straightaway of la Promenade des Anglais. John Milk of England falls in close behind, his Amilcar C6 catching a draft off the Norwegian Monza. Suddenly, Milk makes a daring overtake to assume the lead! Et mon Dieu! He has set a new record for speed at Nice! Incroyable!! Never before have I seen a car at such speed! Ah, non!! The engine suddenly spews white smoke! Clearly, some damage has been done! And just ahead lies the deadly hairpin curve at Hôtel Negresco -- it will take some amazing driving to achieve what is to come....

Behind the two leaders, others are now in hot pursuit. Coming back onto the track from the pits are two racers, Finland and Belgium. The Finnish driver, Tavho Myrsky, adroitly steers his modified Chrysler Special into the right lane, shifting up and hoping to keep some advantage over those cars that did not take a pit stop. Almost directly behind, Victor Hugo Stéphane's yellow Bugatti too is making excellent time. Together, they gap the field, with Italy's Maserati far behind, lost in the smoke of the disaster at the pit area.

France roars out of his garage and heads down the pit lane to the sound of the cheering throngs of well-wishers who line the course. A new set of tires and some transmission oil have been added to the blue Salmson. Yet Aristide sees the Italian race by, having forgone the pits and remained upon the track. Germany pulls into his garage, skidding to a stop as several German mechanics, stalwart in their mission to assist the Teutonic warrior, leap out of the smoke and begin to change the tires. Their white overalls remain untarnished despite the black smoke that has now completely overtaken the pit area.

Wisely, Vitez Rychly has also bypassed the pit lane and now continues down the straight -- briefly, he turns to look through the smoke at what has become of his garage, now almost completely consumed by fire. Finally, the Swiss driver, Petrus de Salvion Bernardus, comes out of the final hairpin curve and begins to make his way down the straight away, falling even further behind as he shifts up in what may be a fruitless chase of the leaders.

The field is spread out over the entire breadth of the Nice circuit -- an amazing sight!

Race :: Round 32 - Roaring down the Promenade

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Having started at pole position, Megane Omalie of Norway retakes the lead down the straight onto la Promenade des Anglais. England's Amilcar C6 thunders past the pit exit as the Fin, Tavho Myrsky, roars out of the pit lane, sporting a fresh set of tires and some additional work to his highly modified Chrysler Special. Moments ago, it had looked as if he was going to help his pit crew, but seeing things in order, he instead dropped back into the seat of the racer. On the signal, he pressed the gas pedal and rolled onward toward the exit of the pit lane. Also emerging from the black smoke of the fires, a fine technical pit stop perfectly completed, is the Belgian Bugatti T35B, driven by Victor Hugo Stéphane. Despite the fires and smoke, it now appears that the pit crews are at working well! France too darts into the pit lane and skids to a stop beside the French garage. Untouched by the fires, a cloud of smoke hangs overhead the French paddock, nearly obscuring the Tricoleur of La Belle France that flies above! Even as Aristide's blue Salmson pulls up, his pit crew rolls a fresh set of tires out of the garage, but they seem uneasy, as if looking toward the Czech pit. Another shot is heard! Then another!! Amidst the chaos, Sebi Orsi of Italy rockets past the pit entrance lane in his bright red Maserati, the polish reflecting the fires to his right. He overtakes the stricken German car as it takes to the pit lane -- Hegkman gripping the wheel and concentrating on the challenge ahead. Spain shifts up and heads down the straight as does the Czech driver who badly fumbles his gears leaving the hairpin at Opéra. Similarly, the Swiss driver, Petrus de Salvion Bernardus, seems slow through the hairpin and misses a chance to close the distance on Rychly's orange Bugatti just ahead.

Race :: Round 31 - Diving into the Pits

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Tavho Myrsky skids into his pit area amidst a cloud of choking black smoke. Closely behind, the Belgian driver also darts right and takes to his pit lane, neatly skidding into his garage in a hallmark case of perfect race driving. Behind, Norway and England seem to ease toward the pit lane for a second but then both make a break down the straight away, bypassing the pit entrance in a bid for the lead. Both drivers gear up and prepare for a duel as they accelerate down the Quai des États-Unis toward the Promenade des Anglais. Meanwhile, safely out of the hairpin, France's Aristide La Fontaine gears up. His big Salmson aircraft motor almost drowns out the sound of the cheering crowd of well-wishers who urge him on -- "Va! Va! Va!!" The Spanish driver skids out of the turn at the edge of control, closely followed by Sebi Orsi, whose Maserati sashays from side to side in the skilled hands of the Italian driver. Germany accelerates ahead toward the pits, pulling abreast of the Spanish driver momentarily for the position, but it is fleeting. Hegkman must take to the pits in hopes of repairing the damage to his car. Bringing up the rear, Czechoslovakia and Switzerland smoothly navigate the hairpin at Opéra, both demonstrating extraordinary cornering technique. Many of the drivers crane their heads forward to see what is happening in the pits -- except Rychly, who seems to look straight ahead now toward the other end of the straight…. Will the Belgian and Finnish cars be serviced amidst the fires and black, acrid smoke? Oui, it looks like it may be -- oui! There are men there and…. Mais…. Wait, is it the pit crew? It is someone else? Oui! It is…. Non…. I cannot tell. Non, je ne sais rien! Mais, it looks like Myrsky is climbing from his car! What is this?

Race :: Round 30 - Collision at Opéra

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The famed Finnish ice racer, Tavho Myrsky, suddenly cuts right and into the pit lane, pressing onward and into the black smoke from the fires. Ahead, his pit stop garage remains a blur, nearly hidden from view by the darkness and by the shadows of figures running back and forth. Belgium too cuts right and appears to be angling toward the pits. Other racers fly out of the curve at Opéra, lead by Britain and Norway, both side by side heading down the Quai des États-Unis. France's Aristide La Fontaine too accelerates out of the hairpin, his tires skidding as dark smoke trails from the burning tire rubber. Spain's Teide Sorolla presses deeper into the hairpin as if abandoning himself to the fate of chance, now making his move and pressing into the mid field. He barely holds onto the steering wheel as the car fishtails right and left at the edge of control -- a masterful command of black Bugatti. Germany's Godeschalk Hegkman also gracefully slides through the hairpin, his driving in perfect form, his eyes glaring with determination behind the white edged fighter pilot goggles he wears. He must hold on and reach the pit stop area if he is to complete the race. But now Italy charges up too quickly -- and he misjudges! CRAC!! Sebi Orsi collides with the hapless white Bugatti! The damage is significant yet still not fatal! Momentarily locked together, they press onward, the front of the Maserati twisted and dented terribly and the white paint of the German racer scuffed with the rosso corsa of the Italian car, appearing like a streak of bright red blood upon a white shroud. Now perhaps even the Italian will have to dare a stop at the pits after all! Switzerland pulls into the hairpin and closely dogs the Czech driver, Vitez Rychly, who appears to be focused ahead. Rychly turns to look far into the distance and down the long straight as if seeking someone. Ahh, it is this -- what has become of his beautiful fiancée, VV? He is truly a man of courage and heart, to be so concerned now, even surrounded with the challenges of the race. And we too must wonder….

Race :: Round 29 - Finland Flies On!

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Tavho Myrsky of Finland accelerates cleanly away down the straight toward the pits. The fires and smoke…. C'est incroyable! Black smoke clouds the question of what may happen to those who elect to try to make a pit stop -- but for many it is a must! Will Finland take to the pit lane? Crac! Was that more gunfire? At the curve by Opéra, the Belgian driver daringly skids through, fishtailing his yellow Bugatti back and forth to hold on as the car is closely dogged by the British Amilcar and the Norwegian Monza. With the straights of Quai des États-Unis beckoning, France's Aristide La Fontaine cuts tightly through the hairpin. “Aristide! Aristide! Aristide!!” the crowd chants, urging the blue Salmson forward. Incredibly, La Fontaine waves to the crowd, setting off even wilder cheers from many of us Niçoise. Yet Germany is there too, as Hegkman the Teutonic warrior shifts down and takes a cautious line into the curve. The Czech driver now finally eases his orange Bugatti T51 into the outside lane, only to see Sebi Orsi of Italy nose by to come close in behind the German. From far behind, suddenly the Spanish driver darts forward and takes the inside line. Steering deep into the curve, the black Bugatti shows its tires are still fresh from the easy pace Sorolla has kept until now. Yet in an instant, he overtakes three cars and nearly approaches the French Salmson! It is a daring move for the "Volcán" even still, yet great…. Truly great! At the rear, the Swiss Bugatti rushes forward in hopes of catching the field, but it cannot yet be….

Race :: Round 28 - Finland Gaps the Field

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Tavho Myrsky of Finland shifts up and skids through the curve at Opéra, opening up a small gap on the field. Yet the Fin is barely under control as the big Chrysler Special fishtails back and forth onto the Quai des États-Unis. Gripping the wheel, Myrsky contemplates the smoke cloud obscuring much of the pit lane and the paddocks. Meanwhile, the Belgian, Norwegian and English drivers hold together in a tight knot, working through the curve close behind. Vitez Rychly shifts down yet again and coasts his orange Bugatti gingerly forward, losing more time and needlessly sacrificing position to France's Aristide La Fontaine and Germany's Godeschalk Hegkman. The sound of the car engines is nearly drowned out by the crowd as they cheer on Aristide La Fontaine. With the Monegasque out of the race, those from neighboring Monte Carlo now join the Frenchmen in cheering on the big blue Salmson racer. Both La Fontaine and the German hammer past the Czech Bugatti in a competitive assault on the hairpin curve ahead. They fall in line behind the British Amilcar as the pack jostles for position. Farther back, demonstrating true mastery of his machine, Sebi Orsi smoothly shifts up and races ahead of the Spanish driver, who cannot seem to keep pace with the red Maserati. The Swiss Bugatti, driven by Petrus de Salvion Bernardus, skids badly into the debris field as he struggles to go around the stricken Swedish Monza and hold on coming out of Paillon. His only hope is to make up lost ground as the black Bugatti pulls rapidly away.

Race :: Round 27 - Reaching for Opéra

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Finland's Tavho Myrsky shifts down hard, desperately holding on as the big Chrysler Special roars its way around the curve at Opéra, still in the lead position. Norway's Megane Omalie pulls smoothly into the curve, taking the outside lane and slowing as the full weight of the challenge of the Opéra hairpin along the Quai des États-Unis becomes apparent. She glances over as the Belgian races past, intent on chasing Finland. The little yellow Bugatti runs deep into the curve in high gear as Victor Hugo Stéphane nervously glances over his shoulder, hoping to hold off the Englishman’s Amilcar. Yet John Milk holds steady and instead slides in beside the Norwegian car at the entrance to the curve.

Farther back, Vitez Rychly falls short as the Frenchman powers up from behind at high speed, the Salmson's large aircraft engine announcing the intentions of its race car pilot, Aristide La Fontaine. Even Germany's Godeschalk Hegkman comes onward now, despite being slightly off the pace set by France yet still positioning well despite the battered state of his white single seat Bugatti.

Italy's Sebi Orsi cuts right, skidding out of the curve, his red scarf snapping in the wind. Orsi is clearly seeking to hold off the Spanish driver, Teide Sorolla, who takes the corner at Paillon in textbook perfection. In last place, Switzerland slides into the Paillon curve as driver Petrus de Salvion notes the multiple skid marks and the field of debris leading to the wreck of the Swedish Monza -- all the ill-fated work of those who came before.

In the lead, Finland glances hopefully toward the pit lanes. Mon Dieu! The fires have spread! Smoke obscures much of the view down pit row. Only the first of the garages is in the clear, its roof graced by the red on white Cross of St. George marking out England's team. The flag flies strong before the tumult of menacing black smoke and flames beyond. Amidst the chaos, the British team's pit crew stands at attention, unfazed and ready to take the Amilcar if John Milk elects to make his stop. And through the dark smoke behind, there are but glimpses of other men running back and forth…. Mais… Voilà! On voit aussi la tricolore de la Belle France!

This is Jacques Hévin reporting on the Grand Prix de Nice for Radio Côte d'Azur, broadcasting on 240,2 meters, 0,8 kW and brought to you by the Société du Casino de Juan-les-Pins. We are the voice of Nice, Cannes, Monaco, Corse et de Juan-les-Pins.

Race :: Round 26 - Into the Straightaway

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Pressing on, Megane Omalie of Norway shifts down and again fumbles her gear selection, failing to capitalize on the lead position as Finland speeds by, deep into the curve in 3rd Gear. Behind, Britain races past the Czech driver and Germany gears carefully up to head into the straight, dismayed to see France's Aristide La Fontaine pull alongside and ahead. Italy's Sebi Orsi cuts to the center and prosecutes the curve at Paillon, holding off Spain's pressure to overtake. Carrying a lot of speed, Orsi cannot avoid the debris now littering the length of the curve from so many previous mishaps. Farther back, Switzerland glides into Jardin Albert 1er and prepares to head toward Paillon. The bulk of the field is now on the straightaway at the Quai des États-Unis, with Finland's Tavho Myrsky now the undisputed leader of the pack after a daring pass of the Norwegian driver who seems mired in the approaches to the curve at Opéra.

Race :: Round 25 - Collision at Paillon!

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Pressing on, Megane Omalie of Norway fumbles her gear selection and misses the opportunity to accelerate into the curve at at Opéra. From behind, racing up the straight of the Quai des États-Unis, Finland's Tavho Myrsky rapidly closes the gap once again. Belgium's ace, Victor Hugo Stéphane, presses in close pursuit. Back at the curve at Paillon, Vitez Rychly cuts to the outside of the curve, narrowly missing the stricken Swedish Monza, while Britain cuts around the Swede as Germany shifts down hard to 1st Gear in an attempt to avoid the traffic ahead -- mais non!! Vas ist das?? His tires and brakes shot, Godeschalk Hegkman's white Bugatti simply cannot stop and runs into the British Amilcar from behind! The impact nearly pushes the Britisher into the Czech car, but somehow yet another collision is avoided. Yet the damage is light to both the British and German cars. Behind, France's Aristide La Fontaine jockeys into the Paillon curve, skidding left and right and braking to avoid the German car just ahead -- ah, but he cannot avoid the debris in the roadway from the previous crash. Pieces cut into under body of the blue Salmson!. Farther back, Italy's Sebi Orsi shifts down and holds off, while Spain flies into the curve at Jardin Albert 1er and pulls close alongside the red Maserati, nearly clipping wheels as he challenges for position looking ahead to the curve over the old riverbed of Paillon. Switzerland's Petrus de Salvion Bernardus presses onward from behind but once again falls off pace. And what's this? Back at the pits, another explosion of fire erupts, filling the sky with black smoke, this time from Belgian garage.

Race :: Round 24 - Norway in a Breakaway!

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Rutger Hägglund's Alfa Romeo Monza is a wreck against the boards and wattle at Paillon, blocking the outer lane of the curve. Yet Norway's Megane Omalie is already past the wreck in a full-on breakaway down the straight of the Quai des États-Unis, pressing onward to the intersection with Rue Sulzer, halfway to the curve by the Nice Opéra house. Finland's Tavho Myrsky must slow to maneuver safely around the Swedish wreck, while behind, Belgium's ace, Victor Hugo Stéphane, too finds the way ahead blocked. To avoid a collision with the Fin, he slams on the brakes -- which are now glowing red hot from the abuse!

The Czech driver, Vitez Rychly, cuts hard left to avoid the traffic and mess ahead, as Germany's Godeschalk Hegkman in his white Bugatti, shifts down and takes the center lane to avoid any further stress on his car. Not so for Britain's John Milk who storms into the curve in higher gear on the outside. But what's that? It looks like he has picked up debris from the track, a part of the under body from the Norway and Sweden collision. Sparks fly as the piece momentarily cuts into his rear axle. Seeing the Swedish Monza blocking the lane ahead, John Milk hits the brakes to join a tight knot of cars crowding into the curve. But what choice is there? Fully half of the remaining racers are now tightly jammed into the curve over the old riverbed of Paillon.

Holding off, Italy's Sebi Orsi smoothly takes the curve at Jardin Albert 1er, seemingly content to stay clear of the melée. He is joined again by France's Aristide La Fontaine as the two jockey for position. Meanwhile, bringing up the rear in a black cloud of tire rubber, Spain's Teide Sorolla skids terribly out of the curve at Place Masséna. He is seemingly hell bent on taking advantage of the sudden, if small lead he has pulled over the Swiss driver, whose red and white Bugatti takes the rest of the Masséna curve at a more restrained pace.

Race :: Round 23 - Sweden Hits the Boards

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Sweden's Alfa Romeo Monza race car careens forward to the right as Rutger Hägglund struggles with the wheel. Despite his best effort, the car flips onto its side and slides into the wattle sideboards at Paillon. The Shark leaps clear, somehow uninjured amidst the debris and damage. Behind, Norway's Megane Omalie cuts left and shifts down to avoid the accident. Finland's Tavho Myrsky also cuts hard to the left to take the inside line, close on the heels of Omalie. Belgium flies forward to close the gap, taking the outside line as all watch the Swedish car come to grief against the wattle-backed sideboards, strangely still in the lead position, but only figuratively so as the Monza is clearly out of the race now.

Farther back, the Czech driver, Vitez Rychly, cruises smoothly into the curve at Jardin Albert 1er, while Britain and Germany fight for the lead into the curve. Hegkman's white Bugatti once again overtakes John Milk's Amilcar to come alongside the Czech driver! Yet the three take no notice of each other as they look to see what is happening at the pits.

They can see glimpses of the security man, Orlince Strazny, as he bypasses the fires at the Monaco garage and cuts to the rear of the buildings. Quickly maneuvering past trees and across the grass, he leaps from the red motorbike to slide feet first into the doorway of the flaming Czech garage. A flick of his wrist reveals a small gun suddenly in his hand. Mon Dieu!! A shot rings out!! The Czech pit crew dives aside as a second explosion takes the back of the garage area and Strazny disappears inside. What is happening in our beautiful race!!

But we must report the Grand Prix! There, at Place Masséna, France's Aristide La Fontaine shifts up as Italy's Sebi Orsi, in his red Maserati, presses forward. Both cars skid out of the curve with Italy barely in the lead. Coming out of Avenue de la Victoire at the rear, Switzerland presses forward into the curve yet is stunned to see Spain's Teide Sorolla explode once again out of the back to overtake, carrying speed deep into Place Masséna! Is this the return of the "Volcán legend", now suddenly taking his advantage to challenge those ahead?

And what will become of the pits -- are they even usable with all this damage? Our fair jardin! Our fair jardin all aflame!!

Race :: Round 22 - A Terrible Fate for Sweden!

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Sweden and Norway, both in Alfa Romeo Monza racers, are now in a tight battle for 1st place. In a surprise move, Norway cuts across to the right to edge out the Swedish car. Omalie must expect the famed Shark, Rutger Hägglund, to slide to left as well -- but he stays the course on ahead!! Hägglund presses the accelerator to take the lead as the two cars come to the Paillon curve. Mon Dieu! A terrible collision!! Just there at Paillon by Rue Sainte-François de Paule, the tires touch first and Sweden spins around as the Monza nearly tumbles!

Omalie holds the wheel and keeps to the track despite the damage to her car -- she drives on. In an instant, it is almost as if the rest of the race is forgotten. The two historic Scandinavian ice racing rivals nearly both come to grief in this ill-begotten challenge for the lead!! But Sweden is out!

Farther back, Finland's ice racing champion, Tavho Myrsky, holds off and takes the curve at Jardin Albert 1er, assessing the situation ahead. Belgium's Victor Hugo Stéphane now closes in steadily from behind. Germany's Godeschalk Hegkman barely holds the curve at Place Messéna, exiting to the outside lane as he downshifts. The white warrior watches the Czech driver, Vitez Rychly, fly past him -- and then the Amilcar of Britain's John Milk too pulls alongside the white Bugatti.

France's Aristide La Fontaine shifts down to enter the curve at Place Messéna, his blue Salmson holding to the outside as Italy's Sebi Orsi slides into trail, very close now and clearly about to challenge for position. At Avenue de la Victoire, Switzerland also shifts down and holds the curve while Spain's Teide Sorolla presses forward and nearly overtakes, cutting to the inside. Once again, the Spaniard strikes some of the debris in the road from a previous collision by the leading cars.

Looking to the pit area, the fires continue to burn vigorously as the crowds hold back from the heat. The pit crew of the Czech team is boldly rushing equipment out from the garage, knowing full well that the fire at the back is out of control. There, Orlince Strazny races into the pit lane and skids Orsi's Benelli motorbike sideways past the fires at Monaco! It is an amazing show of handling and talent -- perhaps he should take up racing himself! But what can be done!! What can be done? The conflagration at the pits is simply too great!

Race :: Round 21 - Norway Falls Off the Pace

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Racing ahead toward the Jardin Albert 1er, both Norway's Megane Omalie and Sweden's Rutger Hägglund take the curve beautifully and are now in a tight race for the lead. Tavho Myrsky of Finland, once the undisputed leader of the race, somehow fumbles his gears and cuts to the right lane, falling off the pace of the lead pack.

Belgium's Victor Hugo Stéphane shifts down and comes out of the curve at Place Messéna. For the Belgian, it is a near perfect exploitation of his previous overtake on the Czech driver, Vitez Rychly. His tires only skid slightly as he expertly maneuvers the yellow Bugatti T35B into position. It is clear to all that he will soon challenge the Finnish driver ahead for 3rd Place.

Vitez Rychly's continued hatred of the German again becomes evident as the Czech audaciously seizes an opportunity to force aside Germany's Godeschalk Hegkman, who is still carrying too much speed as his white Bugatti vaults toward Place Messéna. Gamely sacrificing the position to the Belgian Bugatti, Rychly instead cuts right and blocks the Teutonic ace, holding him to the inside lane. The German responds by cutting ahead of the Czech car, nearly skidding and at the edge of control, his tires clearly stripped of tread. There can be no doubt that shortly the Czech will cut back ahead of Hegkman, whose car is only barely holding to the line of curve.

Farther back, France's Aristide La Fontaine shifts up and heads toward Place Messéna, his powerful Salmson aircraft engine unsuccessfully straining to get the car back up to speed. John Milk of Britain now shifts up a gear, gunning his Amilcar to overtake. In a cloud of benzine, Milk uses the fuel boost feature of his car to vault ahead of France and come in behind Rychly. As he maneuvers past, his left hand flicks up into a smart British salute.

Meanwhile, Italy's Sebi Orsi maneuvers gracefully through the curve at Avenue de la Victoire, while Spain slams his car down to 1st Gear and carefully edges forward. Despite his slow speed, the Spaniard still manages to skid on a piece of debris in the roadway, damaging the under body of his all black Bugatti. Switzerland makes no attempt to slow and blazes past the Spanish driver to overtake for 10th place, cutting left to fall in behind the Italian, who does not even care to glance back.

Meanwhile, at the opposite side of the track by Hôtel Negresco, the Czech driver's security man, Orlince Strazny, races eastward along the Promenade des Anglais, his black suit flapping in the breeze as he leans forward and confidently shifts through the gears of Orsi's red Benelli motorbike, his eyes fixed upon the conflagration ahead at the pits.

Race :: Round 20 - The Nordic Duel

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At the tight curve of Place Messéna, the action is swift. Norway's Megane Omalie cuts off the Finnish driver, Tavho Myrsky, who must slam on his brakes to avoid a collision. Behind, capitalizing on the ruthless maneuvering, Sweden's famed Shark cuts to the right and overtakes Finland in a deadly scissors -- it is the battle of some of the world's greatest Nordic drivers!! Coming out of Avenue de la Victoire, the Czech ace, Vitez Rychly, cruises smoothly into the next curve, his driving technical perfection. But Belgium's yellow Bugatti racer, Victor Hugo Stéphane, now again challenges the Czech! Unexpectedly, he shifts up to make a daring pass -- and succeeds!! Now, the Belgian is deep into the curve at Place Messéna, nearly into the lead group, to take 4th place.

Farther back, Aristide La Fontaine proves to be a dark trickster, shifting down suddenly -- his blue Salmson gingerly passing through the debris left from Rychly's collision with Belgium a moment ago. But Hegkman of Germany will have none of it -- he cuts past and pulls to the right, skidding out of the curve, his tires now nearly bald from abuse. Mais oui! It is Britain's John Milk who is suddenly caught off guard by the Frenchman's brilliant maneuver! Milk must shift his green Amilcar down hard and hit the brakes to avoid colliding with the huge blue Salmson. A cloud of black smoke surrounds him. Amidst the grinding of gears, Milk glances up to see La Fontaine looking back at him, a wide grin spreading on his face.

Italy's Sebi Orsi downshifts again and gracefully enters the curve at Avenue de la Victoire, his Maserati almost purring from his gentle touch upon the wheel. Meanwhile, the backfield makes a daring dash toward the curve from behind, closing the gap but not yet finding advantage.

Suddenly, a gasp comes up from the crowd waiting by Hôtel Negresco. Bursting through the front door onto the street, Vitez Rychly's security man, Orlince Strazny, dressed in his all black suit, flies out to the street atop Orsi's red Benelli motorbike. With a flick of the throttle, he launches the borrowed bike skillfully over the wattle fencing at the barrier onto the street. His eyes narrow as he looks up the Promenade des Anglais into the distance at the burning fires by the back of the paddocks. Without further pause, he guns the bike toward the fires!! Almost covered by the loud roar of the Benelli, a shriek is heard -- mais non!! Was that not the pale wail of Rychly's fiancée, VV? What terrible mischief must be afoot!!