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.