Race :: Round 47 - Portugal Conquers France!

As Sebi Orsi slows his Maserati and prepares to take the checkered flag and stop. He will have taken an honored fourth position in a very difficult and challenging race. Godeschalk Hegkman, who has already taken in 3rd place, skids through the curve beyond the finish and spins out, narrowly avoiding the Belgian and Swiss cars. He comes to a stop at the edge of the snowbank at trackside. The German's white Bugatti may be facing in the wrong direction, but he has done it!! A podium showing for the German – and soon he is swamped with well-wishers.

Meanwhile, in a dangerous development, the Frenchman, Aristide La Fontaine, shifts down hard to 2nd gear and steers left in an effort to cut the Portuguese driver off and force him through the debris inside the narrow chicane. In response, the Portuguese ace, Pedro Gomes, instead cuts to the right – he shifts down only into 3rd gear. Driving recklessly through the debris, he takes damage to his underbody from the pieces of metal that litter the track, but still skids around the blue Salmson racer to take the lead. The race to Fiskekroken is on and the Portuguese driver is now better positioned – can Aristide even catch him? It will take luck and hard driving now....

At the pit lanes, the trespassing German Mercedes SSLK cuts hard to the left – he is trying to collide with the British driver! But John Milk cuts left hard also! Somehow, the two cars glance off each other – with heavy damage to both! That should have been a near certain collision! The Germans lose control! While nimble Amilcar speeds off northward toward the chicane, the heavy SSLK spins off the track and into the trees. Catching a tree on the right front tire, the car flips and rolls!! After three terrible crashes, it comes to a stop against a large tree, smoke and steam rising from the engine compartment. Clearly, nobody could have survived such a horrific crash!

Back on the ice, the Finn, Tavho Myrsky, lifts Vitez Rychly into his car. The stewards issue a judgment – when the great white Chrysler comes to the pit lane, the Finn will be flagged to a stop and credited with having completed the whole race, placing last amongst the remaining drivers on the circuit. The medical teams are already mobilizing to care for Rychly.

The Finn has demonstrated a willingness to risk his life despite gunfire and brave a stop aside the burning wreck of the orange Bugatti to save another driver – such sportsmanship will no doubt earn him front page coverage in the Laxforsen Dagbladet. He could finish the race at this point, if only in 1st gear, but it is more important to attend to the Czech driver's wounds – and so the race stewards have ruled. For the Finn, the race ends at the pit lanes.

Race :: Round 46 - Germany Takes Third!

Crossing the finish line with Teutonic flair, Germany's Godeschalk Hegkman takes third place – a sorely needed podium showing for the white knight. In his joy, Hegkman forgets to shift down to 2nd gear, setting up a possible spinout at the next curve, yet the German is far from interested in such minor issues! He stands up in the cockpit and raises both arms to the sky! The crowd erupts into cheers seeing the audacity of the German!! Many more spill onto the track to surround the yellow racer.

Coming out of Fiskekroken onto the final straight, Sebi Orsi cannot seem to accelerate the little Italian Maserati. It fishtails on the ice, the rear tires spinning. There was no hope of challenging Germany for the final podium spot in any case, so it cannot matter. Orsi's gaze shifts to the crowd ahead at the finish line, where he spies several beautiful Swedish ladies waving cheerfully.

France and Portugal narrowly miss the oncoming German Mercedes SSLK driven by the German shooters. Both blast forward and by on the right side in 5th gear. The German takes a single shot with his pistol but misses widely. Both racers cut through the narrow tree-lined lane and take on the chicane at great speed. Aristide is in the lead, he reaches for his gear handle, preparing to shift down hard to avoid a spinout. It looks like it will be a tight race into the final curve after all! The race for fifth place is heating up and it could go either way!

Meanwhile, Britain's John Milk storms out of the hairpin and is shocked to see the big SSLK racing toward him. There is no chance now for the British driver to challenge the two cars ahead, so he is now certain of a seventh place showing, so long as he holds it together on the track. His shock turns to fear as the driver pulls out a gun and takes aim at the hapless Brit.

Back on the ice, Tavho Myrsky leaps from the cockpit of his big Chrysler and pulls the downed Czech driver, Vitez Rychly, toward his car. Stopping on the track may not have resulted in anything but a last place showing for the Finn, but it certainly deserves great recognition. The gunfire has subsided, yet the crackling flames lick the side of his white car. The Czech driver is sorely in need of medical attention and Myrsky's rescue now ensures that.

At the front of the race, the victorious Belgian brings his car to a stop – his eyes set upon the flaming wreck in the distance. There will be no victory lap. He leaps from the cockpit of the big yellow Duesenberg and lifts his goggles for a better look. The flames are angry and deep orange, black smoke towering in the air. What accident is this? Then the crowd overwhelms him and lifts him onto their shoulders, carrying him!

Race :: Round 45 - France Overhauls Portugal

The Belgian, Victor Hugo Stéphane, is victorious and now shifts down to begin his victory lap. Suddenly, Norway's Teide Sorolla-Ledaal flashes past, out of control and running too fast to manage the curve just after the finish line! He spins off into the snow, wedging the car into a snow bank. The Volcán is done for the day. A cloud of steam erupts from the Bugatti's radiator as he stands up and waves jauntily to the crowd, which continues cheering him on. Yet more and more, the crowd recognizes the Belgian's victory. Many rush onto the track and wave their hats in a salute.

Vying for third place, Godeschalk Hegkman speeds out onto the final straight toward the finish line. He ducks down behind the windshield, leaning forward to get every inch out of the car's performance. As the curve looms ahead, a quick glance behind assures him that Italy's Sebi Orsi remains too far back to challenge for the last podium spot. He smiles and eases off – it has been a perfect race.

Coming out of the Hårnålskurva hairpin, Pedro Gomes shifts up to run the straight. Yet he cannot possibly hold off the Frenchman, Aristide La Fontaine, whose blue Salmson roars by in higher gear. Britain's John Milk takes into the hairpin conservatively, but is well-positioned for the challenge ahead. It is possible to catch the French and Portuguese cars up and the green Amilcar is in reasonable condition. The race for fourth place could well be decided here on this final straight as these last three cars, head toward the narrow forested chicane ahead.

Finally, Tavho Myrsky brings his great white Chrysler to a halt beside the downed Czech driver, Vitez Rychly. He reaches out and pulls the Czech's body around, preparing to lift him into the cockpit. No other car on the track (except perhaps the French Salmson) could take the Czech on board, but the Chrysler is a huge race car – a real American ice beast. The flames from Rychly's Bugatti singe the back tire of the Finn's car, but despite the heat and the risk of the gunfire – which has died down for the moment – Myrsky proves himself to be as daring as noble in his rescue.

Back on the straight up ahead, the big German Mercedes SSLK skids onto the track from around the corner of pit area. Heading south against the traffic, the driver grins as he realizes he is heading directly toward the Frenchman's Salmson racer – he guns the engine and shifts up to 3rd gear. Helvete! The two are on a collision course!! Is the German driver a veteran of the Great War? In the back of the Mercedes, the second German pulls himself into the car's rear seat. He fires another round from his Mauser pistol into the air.

Race :: Round 44 - Belgium Takes the Flag!

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Shifting down to ease his car into the next corner, the Belgian driver, Victor Hugo Stéphane, smoothly glides across the finish line, waving jauntily to the crowd. Close behind, Norway's famed driver, Teide Sorolla-Ledaal, also known as the the Volcán, accelerates in a final bid to catch the Norwegian. He cannot do it. Just seconds behind, he crosses the finishing line, to take a second place flag. Still, the crowd erupts into cheering, “ Volcán, Volcán, Volcán!!! Despite being at the front, the yellow Duesenberg of the Belgian receives polite applause but otherwise goes almost unnoticed as the fans seemingly favor their Scandinavian neighbor.

Skidding deep into Fiskekroken, Godeschalk Hegkman maneuvers his white Bugatti forward toward what looks to be a dominant third place finish. Italy's Sebi Orsi shifts down and takes the beginning of the Fiskekroken curve with care, surrendering to an inevitable conclusion that he will place fourth in the race. Even with his low speed and gear, Orsi's red Maserati still takes a hard hit from the debris that litters the track just at the entry point of the curve. The Maserati soldiers on.

Racing into the Hårnålskurva hairpin, Pedro Gomes from Portugal gracefully rounds the corner in a tight skid. Directly behind, the Frenchman, Aristide La Fontaine, brakes late and takes the curve with incredible speed. His great blue Salmson racer nearly clips the little red and green Bugatti of the Portuguese team.

Bring up the rear, the British Amilcar cruises out of Lekböjen. Meanwhile, Vitez Rychly, shot gravely, passes out, perhaps for the final time. Alarms are sounded as the medical teams run to the report of an accident on the ice. Nearby, the body of the German shooter lays still on the snow. The Finnish driver, Tavho Myrsky, shifts down further and cruises up slowly to the scene of the flaming wreck. He enters the smoke as the big Chrysler skids on the ice.

Out of the woods, bursting into the gap behind the pit area, a big Mercedes SSLK speeds forward. It skids and turns south. The driver's face is cloaked by a pair of goggles – a second man clings precariously to the back of the car, one leg in the back seat and one leg dangling outside the car. He points a Mauser pistol into the air and fires off two shots to clear the crowds ahead of the car.

Race :: Round 43 - Belgium Dashes Forward

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Victor Hugo Stéphane flies out of the final curve and shifts up, spinning the tires of the great yellow Duesenberg as he strains toward the finish line. Behind, in a last bid to catch the Belgian, Teide Sorolla-Ledaal presses around the curve in 3rd gear. His Bugatti skids through the curve. The Belgian has a dominating lead and it will be impossible for the Volcán to close the gap.

Meanwhile, coming out of the chicane, Hegkman suddenly accelerates away from Italy's Sebi Orsi and enters the final curve. The German's driving is precise and highly technical, while the Italian's car seems propelled forward only with the force of emotion. The Italian's attempt to force the German into difficulty has backfired and now the Teutonic knight has capitalized on the error. There is almost no way the Maserati can challenge the white Bugatti for third place at the finish.

Back at Lekböjen, Vitez Rychly, shot gravely, fades in and out of consciousness. Somehow, he pulls himself forward with one last heave toward the edge of the track just as the Portuguese driver cuts past the burning wreck of the orange Bugatti. The car misses Rychly's legs by inches as Gomes glances down and realizes his mistake – to have taken this side of the wreck was reckless.

To the right side of the wreck, the German gunman struggles up and lifts his pistol. He is bleeding, himself somehow shot from behind. He aims at Rychly as the Portuguese Bugatti speeds past, between the two. Suddenly, he hears a great roar from his left – there, bearing down on him is Aristide La Fountain in his the French blue Salmson. The huge racer cuts to the right, and slams into the German's arm, knocking the gun out of the shooter's hand. Another shot rings out from the wood line and the German gunman falls backward into the snowbank at the edge of the track, this time shot fatally.

Coming out of Storkurvan, the British driver, John Milk, accelerates forward, steering directly across the edge of the flames, nearly clipping the wreck of the Czech's Bugatti. His Amilcar races directly into the heat of the fire.

Farther back, the Finnish driver suddenly downshifts inexplicably. The momentum of the big Chrysler carries him forward at speed but it is clear that he will soon fall off the pace further as the tires skid slower. What is he up to? Perhaps he is slowing to ensure he can make it through the mess ahead.

Race :: Round 42 - Belgium Advances

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Victor Hugo Stéphane shifts down hard to avoid skidding out of the final curve, showing his Belgian conservatism. The great yellow Duesenberg slides smoothly around, setting up a beautiful finish. Meanwhile, Teide Sorolla-Ledaal, in his Bugatti, struggles into the curve. The Volcán shifts down and prepares for a daring dash to catch the Belgian at the finish. It could work – but only with good luck and explosive driving. The true nature of the Volcán is about to put to test.

His red scarf snapping against the wind, Italy's Sebi Orsi glances back. The German's white Bugatti is closing fast. Unexpectedly, Orsi slams on his brakes. He skids the Maserati short within the chicane, forcing the German nearly into disaster. Hegkman dodges to the right and drive his white Bugatti through the debris that fills the track, barely holding the car in the chicane as the balding tires nearly skid out. He slams on the brakes to avoid spinning out. The Italian's move has burned the last of Hegkman's brakes – but it has also cost Orsi dearly. Both cars are now set for a final dash for third place, the German barely edging out Orsi for the run to the final curve.

At Lekböjen, beside the burning wreck of his Bugatti, Vitez Rychly struggles to pull himself off the track. He turns his head and sees the German gunman step to the edge of the track. The man raises his gun and fires. The bullet impacts the snow bank inches from Rychly's skull. The German smiles as Rychly makes a last desperate attempt to pull himself up the snowbank. He has nowhere to go. Another shot rings out – another bullet into the snowbank. From this distance, how can he miss? He must be toying with the downed Czech, as if enjoying it. In extreme pain, Rychly passes out just as one final shot is fired.

Meanwhile, coming toward the burning wreck, Aristide La Fontaine maneuvers his Salmson racer smoothly into the Lekböjen curve, cutting to the right edge of the track. Instantly, he spots a man standing beside the edge of the track – a gun raised in his hand, pointing across the track at something – or someone.... Momentarily, Aristide lifts his foot from the gas pedal, but then realizes there is no slowing down or stopping – he will have to drive past the shooter. Suddenly, to Aristide's surprise, the man crumples forward, as if shot from behind. His body falls across the snowbank at the edge of the track. What is all this?

Behind, Pedro Gomes skids out of Storkurvan and flashes past the French Salmson to take the position. He shifts up, hoping to gap the field now and take a confident lead – yet suddenly, a mess of fire and debris looms ahead – should he go left or right? He has but an instant to decide.... Farther back, the Britisher glides out of Storkurvan with the Finnish driver comfortably falling back. The cars are racing forward into what appears to be a gunfight.

Race :: Round 41 - Belgium Overtakes!

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Suddenly, Victor Hugo Stéphane guns the engine of his great yellow Duesenberg – the American 8 cylinder responds with a throaty roar and leaps forward, closely rapidly on the Norwegian Bugatti. Trying to hold off the Beglian, Teide Sorolla-Ledaal presses forward toward the final curve, he stays to the left, in hopes of forcing the Belgian to the inside and slower. His tire chains, long an advantage in the race, hold him back as the little Bugatti is unable to make the curve. Nothing can stop the Belgian, who cuts inside and overtakes, entering the curve with incredible speed. It looks like the Belgian has it! This could the key moment of the race – can the Volcán place anything but second now without some sort of miracle?

Italy presses deep into the chicane with Germany hot behind. Hegkman's white Bugatti looks better positioned, but anything can happen on this section of the narrow, tree-lined raceway. The Italian must downshift hard to keep the Maserati from overshooting and piling into the trees, yet he does it with perfection. The driving prowess of Sebi Orsi shows clearly in this section of the course.

At Lekböjen, close to the flaming wreck of his car, Vitez Rychly tries to pull himself forward, but he cannot. The pain is too great. Suddenly, he hears the soft crunch of footsteps in the snow approaching from behind. The sound is still distant, but he recognizes it can only be one thing – the German gunman coming to deliver the coup de grace. For an instant, Rychly recalls the old days, when he still carried his Czech-made revolver. He left that behind in Prague, his days of scrapping among the lesser drivers in mountain racing long behind him. The footsteps stop and he hears a heavily accented voice calling to him. “Vitez!” The accent is that of the German gunman. He calls again, “Vitez – Auf Wiedersehen.” A single shot rings out.

Back at Storkurvan, Aristide La Fontaine skids out of the curve, making an incredibly adept slide to prevent a disastrous overshoot. With this, he is positioned to take the curve at Lekböjen. With caution, he eyes the flames, now a reddening glow – it is a gasoline fire. He wonders which driver it was and if the man had escaped the inferno somehow. No driver could survive that. Left or right? Which route will be best?

The Portuguese car, in the hands of Pedro Gomes, cuts to the inside in a bid to catch the Frenchman. Close by, the British and Finnish drivers vie for position, only inches apart as they come around Storkurvan. The Britisher has the advantage as the Finn has too much speed to hold to the curve on the inside line. He must slow and yield, giving Milk the lead for the moment. Once again, Myrsky falls into the all too familiar last place.... Yet, the race is far from over for these cars, a knot of four racers far off the pace of the leaders.

Race :: Round 40 - Explosion at Lekböjen!

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The Norwegian driver, Teide Sorolla-Ledaal, shifts up and attempts to break away toward the final curve. Grinding his clutch, he sputters forward. The little Bugatti coasts out lamely onto the pine-lined straight, losing all momentum. Directly behind, the Belgian Duesenberg powers through the chicane and closes rapidly. Victor Hugo can smell the exhaust pipes of the fiery Volcán now – he looks likely to overtake for a victory! But will the Norwegian somehow hold on? This is going to be a close one!

Germany presses on staidly as Sebi Orsi's Italian Maserati leaps forward in high gear. Suddenly, the Italian's red hot nature takes hold and the Maserati burns past the German in 5th gear, carrying incredible speed. Hegkman falls back to 3rd position, as he watches the Italian's red scarf snapping in the breeze. The two cars are now in the narrowest part of the course as they approach the chicane.

Meanwhile, at Lekböjen, Vitez Rychly scrambles away from the growing pool of gasoline. Another gunshot rings out. The bullet could have easily hit him, but instead it appears that it was fired purposefully to miss. He glances up to see the bullet ricochet off the under body of his orange Bugatti, sparking brightly. In an instant, he realizes that the German is attempting to set fire to his racer! The gas ignites with a sudden whoosh and the the ice and car are aflame.... Had Rychly slipped again, he would have been in the inferno, but now the car blocks the track amidst the flames. Rychly scrambles toward the far snowbank, the smoke shielding him from the shooter's wrath. He hears another shot – suddenly his left leg gives out from under him and he falls to the ice. Looking down, he sees blood on his thigh.... Through the smoke, the German shooter took a lucky shot and somehow hit him. He turns to crawl toward the snowbank, the heat of the flames too close.

Meanwhile, back at Storkurvan, Aristide La Fontaine shifts down and yet still skids deep into the curve. The Frenchman cannot seem to time his entries into any of the curves today – perhaps it is because of the ice or perhaps the tuning of the great blue Salmson racer if off. Aristide curses – but then stops as he sees a fireball erupt directly ahead on the track. Are there any lanes open? Perhaps the rightmost side? Or perhaps through the smoke on the left? He cannot tell.... He reaches for the gear shift handle and wonders what has happened, remembering Nice. He can see nothing, but wonders – could it be Rychly's car in a wreck at the snowbanks?

Farther back, The Portuguese and British drivers cruise into the big curve with near perfection, while Finland again falls just short. Forced to the inside, he must now take the curve on the wrong racing line, though he has slight advantage on British car.

Race :: Round 39 - More Action at Lekböjen!

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The Norwegian driver shifts down hard and gracefully cruises around the tight bends of the narrow chicane at Barrböjen. Suddenly, the explosive nature of the Volcán seems contained as he appears to enjoy some confidence of impending victory – why should he dare to press the car with abandon at this juncture of the race? The Belgian also shifts down hard and falls in behind with his big American Duesenberg, yet still he has the bending lanes ahead to contend with and by the time the Belgian is finished with the chicane, the Volcán will likely be into the final curve at Fiskekroken – the checkered flag looms.... Victor Hugo's only hope to overtake seems to be a miscalculation by the Norwegian driver.

Germany shifts up in a bid to overtake the Italian Maserati as the two cars race down the straight. He slides past, changing lanes to the left, yet Hegkman fumbles his gear lever and fails to make his breakaway stick. Sebi Orsi remains close behind and both cars will now vie for the lead going into the tight tree-lined chicane up ahead. It is a drag race past pit lane with the German car in the lead!

At Lekböjen, Vitez Rychly slips and nearly falls into the pool of gasoline that is rapidly growing under his car. He glances over his shoulder and sees the German take aim for another shot with his pistol. The bullet ricochets off the under body of the orange Bugatti, sparking as it does so. Somehow the gasoline surrounding the car does not ignite. His pant legs and shoes soaked in gasoline, Rychly knows now that he cannot hide behind the car – desperately, he looks around. He grabs the tire rim of his broken car and turns to make a dash toward the snowbank on the opposite side of the track. Rychly looks back again and sees VV held tightly by one of the men in the backseat of the Mercedes SSLK in the trees. Suddenly, she breaks free of her captor and hits him on the nose. He reels back and in an instant, she leaps out of the car! Slipping on the icy ground, VV falls onto the snow. She tries to pull herself away, crawling forward. In the backseat of the Mercedes, his nose bloodied, the man stands up and pulls a pistol from his jacket. Calmly, he points it at her back.

Meanwhile, racing out of Höksböjen, Aristide La Fontaine misjudges and slips his clutch, momentarily missing his gear selection. Knowing that he will fall short, he dodges to the right so as to set up an ideal racing line into Storkurvan – he rams the gear lever down and prepares to use the power of the big blue Salmson racer to his advantage. The Britisher, John Milk, also races down the straight, but cannot yet overtake the Frenchman. Finland's Tavho Myrsky cuts to the outside of the curve while the Portuguese driver, Pedro Gomes, shifts up and noses out the big Chrysler yet again, leaving Myrsky again in last place.

Race :: Round 38 - Gunfire at Lekböjen!

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The Volcán presses on into the narrow chicane, creating a gap over the Belgian car. With this graceful curve, he takes a commanding lead over the yellow Duesenberg. The Belgian's gambit to shift to 5th gear did not pay off and he falls short. Now Victor Hugo must shift down as he enters the chicane.

Farther back, coming into the Hårnålskurva hairpin, Italy and Germany press closely together as both cars skid around the curve. The German taps his brakes to avoid a spin out – both cars are now set for a race down the straight, yet the German is higher gear! Is there nothing the Italian, Sebi Orsi, can do to catch Hegkman now?

At Lekböjen, the Czech Bugatti begins to drain fuel across the ice as Vitez Rychly turns and runs toward his car, hoping perhaps to take cover behind its tapered tail. He know that the German is already aiming to fire his pistol again! How long will it be that he misses? The man moves swiftly, stepping sideways toward the waiting Mercedes behind amongst the trees. He fires his pistol again, missing Rychly by inches as a second bullet impacts the Bugatti. Two other men force VV into the back seat of the SSLK – she screams out, “Vitez!!” Suddenly, Rychly sees the fuel spreading on the ice and realizes that the German must have purposefully missed him, hoping to set the car ablaze with him close by.... He tries to stop – but slips on the ice....

Back at Barrböjen, Aristide La Fontaine accelerates smoothly onto the straight. He comes out of the curve, setting up perfectly to take Storkurvan before the others. He will likely now assume a leading position among the cars in the last group. The Britisher, John Milk, slides in close by, hitting the apex of the curve with perfection, as the Finnish and Portuguese cars enter the curve behind.

Race :: Round 37 - Norway Breaks Away!

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Teide “Volcán” Sorolla-Ledaal accelerates rapidly down the pit straight, maneuvering his Bugatti through the narrow tree-lined lane. He throws his head back and roars some sort of victory yell – is it Spanish? Is it Norwegian? Over the sound of the engines, none can tell, yet one thing is certain, the Norwegian is now solidly in the lead. Farther back, Belgium exits Hårnålskurva in lower gear. Victor Hugo Stéphane knows that it will be difficult to catch the little Bugatti up ahead. There remain but two more chances – one in the upcoming chicane and other at Fiskekroken where, if the Norwegian takes too much of a risk, he could fall “off the cliff” and skid too quickly onto the ice.... With his tires worn thin, there would be nothing to save him from a wreck.

Coming out of Lekböjen, the damaged Czech Bugatti skids sideways and flips onto its side. Vitez Rychly deftly leaps out and, without thought for himself, sidesteps as both the German and Italian cars flash past in high gear – the Italian is slipstreaming off the German car.... Sebi Orsi waves but Rychly takes no notice. His eyes are focused on the distant wood line where moments ago, he had spotted his missing fiancée, VV. At this section of the track, there are no spectators. The view to the wood's edge is clear and close. Rychly catches sight of VV through the trees, fighting the two men as they drag her toward a waiting car – a Mercedes SSLK. Without hesitating he leaps forward. Suddenly, a third figure steps out from behind a tree – he is closer and Rychly is surprised to see his features are distinctly German – blond hair, a thin face, a deep fencing scar on his chin.

The man lifts his hand.... What's this? He levels a pistol and fires. The bullet flies past Rychly, going wide and across the ice-covered lake behind. The Czech dives for the low protection of the snowbank at the side of the track. A second bullet flies past – it strikes the rear of the Bugatti, puncturing the fuel tank....

Meanwhile, back at Barrböjen, the French driver, Aristide La Fontaine, slides gracefully toward the apex of the curve, shifting down. Similarly, the British Amilcar pulls in tightly behind, taking the same line into the curve. The big Chrysler of Tavho Myrsky falls off the pace, short of the curve as the Portuguese Bugatti cruises out of Fiskekroken. Gomes hopes to close the gap from the rear as the cars head next toward Storkurvan – can he do it?

Race :: Round 36 - Hegkman Rams Rychly!

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Teide “Volcán” Sorolla-Ledaal fumbles his gear handle as he exits Hårnålskurva. The breakaway was there for the taking, but now, it will likely turn into a race into the chicane against the Belgium. The door is now open for the yellow Duesenberg, which slides perfectly into the hairpin in close pursuit. The narrow lanes of the forested section of the track beckon as the two vie for the first spot on the podium. Yet the Norwegian is ahead – an advantage that might carry him through to the end.

Out on the ice, Vitez Rychly slides his orange Bugatti gracefully into the Lekböjen chicane – he shifts up into 5th gear, confident of a podium finish. Rychly glances back to see both the German car and the Italian in hot pursuit.... Suddenly, he realizes the Teutonic knight seems fixated.... Is he out of control?

No! The German slides, Rychly tries to cut to the side, but it is impossible – the white Bugatti of the German crashes into the already damaged Czech car, tearing the Czech's rear wheel from its axle. Over the roar of the engines, Rychly hears what sounds like the German's hard laugh – could he be imagining it? He suddenly remembers the Grand Prix d'Algiers at Staouéli.... There, at the embassy, he had struck Hegkman, his hatred of all things German taking him over the moment.... That was an insult never repaid. Now, it seems the tables are turned and the German is evening the score.E ven without looking, Rychly feels German's eyes burning through him – his car begins to skid toward the snow drift, out of control. Rychly's eyes focus on the distant wood line and he sees three figures emerge at the icy edge of the lake.... In a flash, he realizes the first is VV.... She is trying to run forward toward him – and there are two men.... They grab her and pull her back toward the trees.

Back at Barrböjen, the Swiss and Scottish cars separate and spin to a stop in the curve. Both Petrus de Salvion and Alastair MacDougall climb quickly out of the cockpit, battered but okay. The cars are damaged beyond immediate repair, all that is left to do is to get to the safety of the snowbank off the side of the track. Both drivers look back and see the French driver, Aristide La Fontaine, press past the big Chrysler of Tavho Myrsky.

Just behind, the British Amilcar skids dangerously out Fiskekroken, at the very edge of a spin out. Somehow, John Milk holds the car to the track as he nearly collides with the wreck of the Alfa Romeo Tipo B that rests directly in front of the stands along the finish line straight.

The Portuguese Bugatti follows, with Pedro Gomes in perfect control.

Race :: Round 35 - Two Cars Crash Out!

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At the lead, the Volcán catapults into Hårnålskurva with perfection, while the Belgian falls off the pace slightly. With this, it looks like the Norwegian car may have set up for a first place finish against all odds! Yet his car is in terrible shape, the tires are shot and the brakes are nearly gone – can he hold on for a victory?

Farther back in Storkurvan, Vitez Rychly rounds the curve with amazing precision, shifting up to set up for the chicane ahead. Close by, the German Bugatti and the Italian Maserati close in, setting up to challenge the Czech for third place.

Suddenly, the crowd gasps! Usch... A crash!! A misjudgment and... oh, the Swiss driver and the Scot are both out! Petrus de Salvion had cut to the right to round the outside of the curve – it would have been alright, but that the Scottish driver entered the curve with such speed – he fishtailed left and right, but couldn't hold it. The blue Amilcar clipped the Bugatti from behind! Both cars, damaged from earlier collisions, are now out of the race!! The field has narrowed terribly as the last lap begins....

In Fiskekroken, France pulls alongside the Finnish driver, Tavho Myrsky. The big Chrysler roars to life as the Finn presses on the gas pedal in an attempt to outrun the great big blue Salmson racer! It is a classic battle that is developing – the two largest cars on the circuit, one of American make, the other of French design, will now be in a pitched battle for position as they both accelerate down the grandstand straight. Which will show the other mercy? Which car will prove its mettle?

Meanwhile, the British Amilcar slides onto the ice, still revving high in 3rd gear. Oh! He hits some debris!! Yet it looks like he is carrying too much speed as he exits the wood line onto the lake's frozen surface! He nearly clips the wreck of the Swedish Monza as that car slams backward into the snowbank, it is now out of the race, blocking the left lane. The Portuguese driver, Pedro Gomes, displays far more control than John Milk. He slows as he enters into the curve, setting up perfectly now to advance over the hapless British driver, who must now somehow avoid a crash in the coming moments....

For the two leaders, there is only half a lap left now – just a few more curves to the checkered flag....

Race :: Round 34 - Sweden Crashes Out!

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The Volcán continues to press his lead, setting up perfectly for the upcoming hairpin. Meanwhile, the Belgian racer holds back, but wisely shifts up to prepare to capitalize on the potential of upcoming straight away. If all goes as planned, he will undoubtedly pass the Norwegian before the pit area. The Duesenberg's engine roars to life in a throaty blast as the car dances through the chicane.

Vitez Rychly slides smoothly into Storkurvan with the German Bugatti close behind. Meanwhile, the Italian, Sebi Orsi,sets up his Maserati with perfection to take the curve. All three cars are perfectly matched in speeds and capabilities as they vie for position in this, the last lap of the race. Coming down to Höksböjen, the Swiss and the Scottish drivers fall short as both fight for control down the icy straight.

Farther back, coming into the top of Fiskekroken, the Swedish car leads the pack. Without concern, the Swede shifts down hard and plows into the debris field that litters the entrance to the curve – the bottom of his car takes damage! With a rending tear, Rutger Hägglund's Alfa Romeo Monza loses a wheel. The Shark fights for control, but already knows it is hopeless.... He holds on as the car slides sideways toward the ice – there will be no stopping the Monza now as it slides toward the barriers. Directly behind, the French driver, Aristide La Fontaine, plows straight ahead in close pursuit. Like Hägglund, the Frenchman sustains damage to his great blue Salmson racer. Coming alongside at this late moment in the race, the Finnish driver, Tavho Myrsky, smiles as he flashes past the Frenchman to take the position. Amidst the chaos of the curve, the Finn's car is suddenly coming alive! The crowd roars in excitement!! This is what ice racing is all about!

Finally, John Milk of Britain passes the Portuguese Bugatti, leaving Pedro Gomes in last place.

Race :: Round 33 - Norway Pulls Away

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At the front, the Volcán recovers his composure and smoothly slides into the chicane at Lekbojen. Still, the Norwegian's Bugatti is battered and in terrible shape – will Sorolla-Ledaal even finish the race? Behind, Belgium tries to close the gap but cannot as the big yellow Duesenberg comes out of Storkurvan belching black smoke.

Vitez Rychly fumbles his gear lever and fishtails out of Höksböjen, closely followed by the German's Bugatti T51A, which skids out of the curve and passes the Italian Maserati. Orsi stands on the brakes to hold the car from a spin out leaving Höksböjen. It is now going to be a close race into and through Storkurvan.

In Fiskekroken, the Swiss and Scottish cars round the top of the curve and prepare for the race down the grand stand straight away. Meanwhile, back in the Barrböjen chicane, the French driver, Aristide La Fontaine, leads, yet the Swedish shark pulls around at the last moment to overtake for position. The Finn cruises out of the chicane smoothly. Portugul's Pedro Gomes neatly cuts through the narrow chicane, while behind, the John Milk of Britain begins to close the gap.

Race :: Round 32 - Monaco Crashes Out!

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At the edge of disaster, the Volcán skids through Storkurvan. The last ounces of his energy are consumed as he struggles to keep the car together. Somehow, he manages it and forges on, against all odds.... Yet behind, the Belgian's yellow Duesenberg closes the gap, confident in his ability to overtake the battered Norwegian Bugatti.

The Czech driver slides smoothly through Höksböjen, lining up for a dash to Storkurvan. Cutting through the field of debris there, his only mistake is to damage the under chassis. He shrugs it off. Hot on his trail, Germany's Godeschalk Hegkman enters the curve and sets up perfectly. The Italian, Sebi Orsi, instead guns his Maserati and overtakes the hapless Teutonic knight. Orsi cuts to the inside lane at the edge of control. Yet Orsi's skills are legendary and few expect him to spin out at this late stage in the race.

The crowd turns to see Monaco's Louis de Montignac shift up to take Fiskekroken. Roaring clear of the wooded shoreline, the famed driver presses on as the Alfa Romeo Tipo B leaps forward and skids out onto the ice. Too late, he realizes his error – the studs on his tires are too far gone to hold to the curve. He rams his foot onto the brakes, but, abused and worn, they offer no aid. As if in slow motion, the back end of the car breaks loose. Somehow, de Montignac momentarily holds the car on the line and rounds the top of the curve – yet it cannot be done. Out of Fiskekroken, the car spins right as he comes down the straight past the first grand stands! The tail end catches the snowbank at the edge and the car flips over onto its side and skids to a halt on the ice. Wrecked and twisted, it is a complete loss. De Montignac emerges, needing no help – he clambers swiftly over the snowbank at the edge of the track to safety. With one lap to go, he has made only one mistake – but it was one too many.

Behind, Switzerland and Scotland cut through the debris at the edge of Fiskekroken and prepare for the straight past the grand stand, unaware of the wreck of the Alfa just ahead. The Swiss car rumbles through the debris and takes some damage. The little Bugatti cannot take much more abuse before it will give out, but for now, Petrus de Salvion will take the risk and struggle on.

At Barrböjen, the French driver, Aristide La Fontaine, urges his blue Salmson forward. He is dogged closely by the Swede, Rutger Hägglund, whose blue and yellow Monza appears brilliant in the sunshine. Immediately behind, closing the gap, Tavho Myrsky's Chrysler looms. The Portuguese driver, meanwhile, shifts down and calmly navigates the chicane, setting up to overtake the Finn once again for position.

Finally back up to speed, the British Amilcar of John Milk rejoins the pack at the tail end. He hopes to yet catch those ahead before this, the last lap of the race, ends.

Race :: Round 31 - The Volcán Goes Hot!

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Teide Sorolla-Ledaal, known as the Volcán, shifts down and presses deep into the curve still carrying too much speed. He is at the very edge of control. His tires and brakes shot, the Norwegian is risking everything now to hold the lead. It is an impulsive strategy, some would say demonstrating the hot-headed nature of his Spanish half. Even if his driving technique carries a lot of risk, the crowds erupt in cheers and applause! They simply love the Norwegian's daring!! Indeed, races are won and lost on split second decisions.

Immediately behind, on a more conservative note, Belgium's Victor Hugo Stéphane instead slides smoothly into the Storkurvan holding to the perfect racing line. He appears to be biding his time, awaiting the chance to overtake the Volcán when the moment is right.

At Höksböjen, the Czech driver, Vitez Rychly, rams down the gas pedal and takes the next curve with perfection. Once again, he demonstrates yet another example of relentless and pure driving skill. The orange Bugatti is handling brilliantly and Rychly is taking each curve as it comes, steadily closing on the leaders. Meanwhile, coming out of Fiskekroken, Germany's Godeschalk Hegkman and the Italian, Sebi Orsi, fall short. The Czech driver has now gapped them and appears primed to easily take a commanding lead.

Monaco's Louis de Montignac shifts up yet again and perfectly makes the Fiskekroken curve. The engine on his Tipo B purrs and this is the talent that the Prince of Monaco long ago saw in the man!

Behind, in the Barrböjen, the Scottish driver urges his Amilcar forward, only to see Switzerland's Petrus de Salvion Bernardus nose past him on the right side. Meanwhile, the Swedish shark, Rutger Hägglund, shifts down hard and edges his way into the curve. France's Aristide La Fontaine fishtails side to side and pulls alongside, barely nosing the Swede out for position. The Portuguese and Finnish drivers find themselves blocked in this, the narrowest point on the track. With nowhere to go, Gomes skids left and right to avoid colliding with the two cars ahead, who have slowed to take the chicane. It is desperate, but it pays off.

Finally, the British Amilcar of John Milk shifts up again to continue a slow acceleration hoping to rejoin the pack ahead. He will fall short of the chicane, but is far from out of the race. Whereas most other cars are running on balding tires and worn brake pads, the Britisher's car is now perfectly ready to press his advantage, sporting fresh tires and a repaired car. If he drives well, he will be assured of a mid-pack finish now.

Race :: Round 30 - Rychly Vaults to Third!

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At the front of the pack, Belgium's Victor Hugo Stéphane rams on his brakes to hold on as the car skids through Höksböjen. Immediately behind, in higher gear, the Norwegian driver, Teide Sorolla-Ledaal, is forced to veer left to avoid a collision. He hammers through the center of the curve, running over debris and bits of tire. Barely in control, he skids dangerously out of the curve, using the last of his brakes to avoid a spin out! In seconds, the Volcán has gone from perfect positioning to barely hanging on – but he takes the lead as the Bugatti and Duesenberg vie for podium position in this, the final lap.

Coming out of Fiskekroken, Germany's Godeschalk Hegkman noses out the Italian, Sebi Orsi. Suddenly, both drivers are surprised to see the orange Bugatti of Vitez Rychly rocket past to lead them out of the curve. The Czech driver is simply relentless – curve after curve, he has advanced to now a promising podium finish. His driving has been textbook perfect, showing how to take risks and capitalizing on every bit of grace Lady Luck has through his way. The Czech could now instantly take the Höksböjen curve and thus a commanding lead over the other two stunned drivers – will the German yet defeat his nemesis, Vitez Rychly? Can Orsi challenge?

Meanwhile, struggling out of Barrböjen, Monaco's Louis de Montignac shifts up, accelerating to keep some semblance of position. Behind, an aggressive mass of drivers press toward the chicane, ready to take advantage of the Alfa Romeo Tipo B as it struggles to regain speed in the straight leading to Fiskekroken.

The Scottish driver is first into the curve, followed by the Swiss driver, Petrus de Salvion Bernardus. Falling short, the French and Portuguese drivers prepare to assault the curve as well. Then, what's this? Roaring out of Hårnålskurva, the Finnish Chrysler shifts up to 6th gear! Could it be a late showing of the daring Finn's driving skill? Ahhh! No, yet once again, the most promising of circumstances result in little gain for Myrsky, who curses as the big V8 engine falters, somehow unable to propel his car forward with enough speed to overtake the cars ahead and regain his honor. No matter what he does, the Finn's luck seems to have run dry this race.

The British Amilcar of John Milk accelerates out of the pit stop, sporting fresh tires and other quick repairs. He is now in last place and must shift up to regain momentum to join the pack ahead. Perhaps his pit stop came too late in the race or perhaps his car will finish where others, barely limping along and nursing bald tires and overheated brakes, will fail in the final moments before the checkered flag. Only time will tell – yet one thing is certain, if he is to place, John Milk must now drive with the determination and daring of all Britain itself!

Race :: Round 29 - Belgium Struggles for Control!

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Belgium's Victor Hugo Stéphane slides into Höksböjen, deep into the curve and carrying too much speed. Victor Hugo looks down and notes that his tires are near shot. In a flash, he realizes that disaster looms. He shifts down in hopes of holding on as the car skids across the outside line of the curve. Just behind, Norway enters the curve with greater control, calmly taking the outside line at perfect speed. The Volcán grins, knowing that in moments he will spring past the yellow Duesenberg for the lead.

At Fiskekroken, Italy presses ahead to nose out Germany as the two come onto the ice. Meanwhile, the Czech racer vaults out of the Barrböjen chicane and enters the Fiskekroken curve with perfection. His orange Bugatti T51A slices through the debris that litters the track, suffering no damage as the car makes yet another epic advance to continue in a relentless attack of the leaders. Rychly sets up perfectly to challenge as the German glances back. He realizes the threat of the Czech driver, whose goggled face leers dangerously close.

In Barrböjen, Monaco's Louis de Montignac rams the gear lever down and grinds the clutch as he struggles to slow the car. The maneuver works and despite his balding tires, he slows just enough to avoid a spin out.

The Scottish driver launches forward, pursued by the Swedish shark, the Swiss Bugatti and the great big blue French Salmson racer even as the Portuguese driver, Pedro Gomes, falls off the pace and drops back.

John Milk of Britain leaps into the cockpit of his Amilcar and yells to the mechanics to turn the crank and get the engine restarted. Sporting new tires, a tightening of the transmission nuts and some minor repairs, the British Racing Green race car is now ready to get back into the race.

Finally, back at Hårnålskurva, the Finnish Chrysler slides into view. With the right gear selection, he may yet overtake the Britisher down the straightaway and avoid a last place finish.

Race :: Round 28 - Skidding through the Hairpin!

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In the lead, Belgium and Norway press on, clearly unchallenged as the final lap of the Isloppet begins. Hundreds of fans lean forward and cheer on the Norwegian driver, showing favoritism to Sweden's closest neighbor. Farther back, at Fiskekroken, Germany and Italy both fall short, sacrificing the lead to the two ahead as the gap widens. Sebi Orsi, in a rare moment, misjudges his gear handle and coasts out of Barrböjen, while Hegkman's Bugatti rockets ahead.

Meanwhile, in the chicane, Vitez Rychly cuts smoothly through the curve as Monaco skids forward alongside. Yet Louis de Montignac is only barely in control of his Tipo B, and he must now slow hard to avoid spinning out at the exit to the chicane. Clearly, Rychly will now again pull away as both cars will race toward Fiskekroken.

The British driver, John Milk, pulls into the pit stop and leaps out of the cockpit to help with the repairs. Cruising rapidly ahead to close the gap, the Scottish nationalist, Alastair MacDougall, presses on. He will now overtake the Britisher's car.

Back at Hårnålskurva, the four wolves jockey for position. Sweden skids out of the curve in a bid to set up for a rapid dash down the tree-lined lanes. He is closely followed by the Swiss driver, who skids out behind and slams on his brakes to avoid a collision. In the hairpin, France noses out the Portuguese driver for the lead, but only by inches. And at the tail end, the Finnish Chrysler continues to drive ahead ponderously toward a near certain last place showing.

Race :: Round 27 - Belgium and Norway Unchallenged Now!

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At the front, Norway and Belgium continue to battle for position as the two race nearly side by side through Fiskekroken. Both are identically positioned now for the drive toward Höksböjen. Clearly the Belgian Duesenberg is a good match for Norway's Bugatti. Yet the Belgian's tires are shot, while the Volcán appears in better condition to press for advantage into the last part of the upcoming, final lap of the Isloppet.

At Barrböjen, Italy dodges left, forcing Hegkman's Bugatti into the field of debris lining the inside of the curve. The Teutonic knight, however, casually flicks the wheel left and right and avoids the danger, overtaking the Italian in the process. Hegkman's discipline is showing benefits now as the two position for Fiskekroken.

Vitez Rychly rams down the gears in his Bugatti T51A, skidding the tires and burning rubber as the car fishtails at the edge of control. From 6th gear, he drops to 3rd and takes the entrance to Barrböjen perfectly. Such driving is the Czech's signature here in Sweden. Conversely, Monaco's Louis de Montignac falls short of the chicane, losing his bid to close with the Czech in the tree-lined mid-section of the course.

The British driver, John Milk, continues to drag the car forward slowly in 2nd gear. Time is bleeding off the clock as he crawls the wounded Amilcar toward the pit stop. He glances back in time to see the the Scottish nationalist, Alastair MacDougall, skid aggressively around the hairpin at Hårnålskurva. Instantly, the Scot sees the Britisher's green Amilcar ahead – he throws his head back and howls a Scottish war cry.

From the sidelines, a Scottish fan bellows, “Remember Culloden, laddie!”

Meanwhile, the wolves fall short of Hårnålskurva, leaving it to Scotland alone. These four cars are now in a fateful match up to see who will make it through the hairpin. Even over the raw sounds of the engines, a collective gasp can be heard as it ripples through the crowds. All realize that an accident may be all but unavoidable now as the four cars will funnel into the hairpin with insufficient spacing.

Finally, the Finnish Chrysler powers out of Storkurvan yet somehow falls short of making the Lekböjen chicane. More advantage is lost as the Finn's hapless journey around the track continues to careen into a near certain last place finish among the field.

Race :: Round 26 - Rychly Moves Up!

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As Norway and Belgium race ahead, they slide into Fiskekroken, running side by side. Neither driver will give quarter! The yellow Duesenberg inches past the Bugatti., but only by a hair The Volcán grits his teeth and prepares to fight for the position as both will momentarily come onto the ice.

At Barrböjen, Italy cruises into the chicane, closely followed by the German Bugatti. Hegkman looks to be enjoying himself, closing within inches of the already damaged Maserati. Both cars remain still cautious, neither wishing to burn too much tire at this point in the race.

Behind, the opposite is true for the Czech, Vitez Rychly. His orange Bugatti presses forward in 6th gear, all caution thrown to the icy winds that whip the car. Mere feet away, the trees lining the roadway flash past. Hundreds erupt into cheers, urging the Czech forward. Rychly is unfazed, the very picture of control. Despite the temptation to twist to look for his beloved Vilhelmina amidst the crowd back by the pits, he remains steadfast in his pursuit of the leaders. Falling short of the curve, he has no choice now but to ram the gears down hard, but he is well-positioned to challenge for the podium now....

Monaco's Louis de Montignac presses on, bypassing the pits. Meanwhile, the British driver, John Milk, shifts down to 2nd gear, obviously lining up to take a stop. Yet he fumbles the gear lever. The car barely crawls forward. He will sacrifice yet more time to take a pit stop as a result – it is a terrible turn of events for the Britisher.

Racing out of Lekböjen, the Scottish nationalist, Alastair MacDougall, presses his Amilcar forward with abandon, but misjudges the transition from the ice to the roadway. He falls short of the hairpin at Hårnålskurva and now must shift down hard, opening opportunities for those behind to close the gap and challenge him.

And indeed, like a pack of hungry winter wolves, those four cars form up for the assault on Hårnålskurva. Their sights are set on the blue saltire of the Scot's Amilcar. It will likely become very crowded in the hairpin – and will any yield?

At the tail end, Finland comes around the outside lane of Storkurvan, his engine complaining heavily as Tavho Myrsky seems unwilling to press ahead to regain advantage. The Belgian and Norwegian drivers look across the ice and both they realize that it might be possible to lap the hapless Finn before the end of the race. What an embarrassment for one of the world's greatest ice racing nations. The crowd begins to jeer at the Finn, urging him on to at least try to regain some honor....

Race :: Round 25 - Rychly Charges Forward

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Norway and Belgium skid dangerously out of the Barrböjen chicane. The yellow Duesenberg's tires are shot but the Belgian drives on with abandon. Farther back, Italy shifts down and approaches the curve, glancing back to see the German, equally cautious, shifting down as well.

Coming out of Hårnålskurva, Monaco's Louis de Montignac and the British driver, John Milk, shift up and ram the throttle down, hoping to press ahead and hold on to the lead from the orange Bugatti of Czechoslovakia. Yet there is no chance – Vitez Rychly takes another curve with perfection. The Bugatti roars through the tree-lined hairpin curve, eating up the circuit now.

In a supreme sign of confidence, Rychly has already shifted up to 6th gear coming off the ice. This was an all or nothing play yet again, highlighting talents he learned on the mountain circuits of his homeland. There can be no holding back now as he cuts the corner in a cloud of gravel and dirt. With such speed, the Czech will soon even challenge Hegkman and Orsi up ahead as they come into the Barrböjen chicane.

The Scottish nationalist presses his Amilcar deep into Lekböjen, comfortable now that he has a clear track around him. He sets up to follow Rychly's line into the hairpin, hoping for good luck. Through the forest, he cannot see the British car any longer, but he knows it must be just ahead....

Meanwhile, back at Storkurvan, the Swiss and Portuguese Bugattis press ahead. The French Salmson and the Swedish car fall into a line abreast coming out of the great curve. Finally, still off the pace Finland slides left to the outside lane of Storkurvan. The great Chrysler closes the gap, but only a small bit.

Race :: Round 24 - Into Barrböjen!

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Norway shifts down hard and takes the Barrböjen chicane, cutting across the narrow road between the tall pines. The Volcán glances over and is shocked to see the yellow Duesenberg of Belgium pull alongside! The Belgian driver, Victor Hugo Stéphane, waves his hand against the harsh and frigid wind, then reaches for the gear shift – his hands are nearly frozen with frost bite.

Meanwhile, Sebi Orsi lets the two leaders pull away, staying in 4th gear and biding his time. Perhaps he is too casual, for not far behind, the German, Godeschalk Hegkman, guns his little white Bugatti in a bid to catch the Italian's bright Maserati. Indeed, it will be a race into the Barrböjen chicane.

Back in Hårnålskurva, Monaco's Louis de Montignac presses around the outside of the curve, closely pursued by the British driver, John Milk. Both shift down hard to 2nd gear in a bid to avoid overrunning the curve, grinding their gearboxes against the over speed. Each driver manages to avoid a dangerous skid and both have lost momentum and slowed greatly.

The Britisher twists to look back, knowing who is closing in from behind. He sees the Czech Bugatti slide smoothly into Lekböjen. For Vitez Rychly, this was an all or nothing gambit – had he fumbled his gears just then, he would have likely undershot the curve. With that, he would have certainly wrecked the car into a snowbank nearby. Yet Rychly's touch on the gear handle remains sure. Once again, his driving is the epitome of control. Perhaps it is luck, perhaps it is fate, but without doubt, the Czech driver is now ready to challenge into the top five. He will likely overtake both the British and Monegasque cars before Barrböjen as they both struggle to build speed after the risky hairpin. But only if Rychly can also ace Hårnålskurva....

The Scot, Alastair MacDougall, rockets around the far lane of Storkurvan, perfectly positioned for the upcoming chicane. Farther back in the great curve, the Swiss Bugatti, the French Salmson, and the Portuguese Bugatti battle for position – they look over to the Monza driven by Sweden as it closes the gap and slides toward the apex, overtaking Gomes.

Finland skids out of the Höksböjen curve, setting up for Storkurvan. He has fallen off the pace but could once again challenge for the middle of the pack if he drives with abandon now. Perhaps the Finn's Chrysler is not performing well or perhaps Myrsky is merely biding his time – the race is only half way through and, with care, he stands a reasonable chance of finishing without too great a point penalty. He must choose now – a wild race or a careful one.

Race :: Round 23 - Mad Dash to Barrböjen!

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Norway presses on, fighting against the drag of his tire chains as he struggles to set up for the upcoming Barrböjen chicane. Despite his high gear, he cannot quite break away from the others, who press on stoically.

Belgium's Victor Hugo Stéphane cuts to the right to avoid the debris that litters the track, closely followed by Sebi Orsi of Italy. The sound of the big American Duesenberg overpowers the red Maserati's more refined purr. Orsi seems content to sit for now in third place. Among the leaders, it appears that the top three are a near certainty for the podium, though only half the race is done. Will none other challenge?

Germany slides gracefully into the Hårnålskurva hairpin, while both the Monegasque and British drivers fall short, crowding one another for position. Both will now have to shift down hard if they are to survive the curve.

Farther back, in Storkurvan, Vitez Rychly guides his Bugatti around in preparation for the run into the upcoming Lekböjen chicane. He is all alone, safely nestled between the two packs of cars – one pack of leaders ahead and the other pack of trailing cars falling off rapidly now behind. Only the Scottish Amilcar can possibly catch him, if he makes a mistake in the upcoming curve. Rychly eyes the upcoming curves.... Yes, if he times his gear selections correctly, he may yet overtake the John Milk of Britain and Louis de Montignac of Monaco as they soon race down the straight toward Barrböjen.

The Swiss Bugatti, in the capable hands of Petrus de Salvion Bernardus, literally flies out of Höksböjen and overtakes the French Salmson. Yet now, both are short of taking Storkurvan and are badly positioned. Each will likely suffer as a result.

The Portuguese driver, Pedro Gomes, misjudges and skids desperately out of the curve, barely in control. Still, he has a fresh car and he can afford the tire burn. With a laugh, he overtakes the Swedish Alfa Romeo Monza of Rutger Hägglund.

Finland pulls to the right and gently eases the big Chrysler around the outside of the curve – it is looking almost hopeless for the Finnish ice racer and indeed, many of the fans from Helsinki are already cursing, shouting at him to press on with greater speed. Surely, Finland, the most renowned of the Scandinavian ice racers, will not hang in last place through the race!

Race :: Round 22 - The Volcán Erupts!

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Norway's famed ice racer, Teide Sorolla-Ledaal, explodes out of the backfield in an aggressive launch to take the lead. This is why he is known as the “Volcán!” The Bugatti's engine screams as he shifts up into 6th gear for a dash down the straightaway toward the Barrböjen chicane. With this he may well establish a commanding lead over the others.

Meanwhile, Belgium's Victor Hugo Stéphane glances to the right to watch the Volcán pull ahead, but he is in lower gear – can he stay the course and keep in the running or will he shift down and take a pit stop? One and a half laps remain and most believe that this is realistically the last likely time for any of the cars to take a pit stop and repair.

Italy's Sebi Orsi is also in lower gear and now he cannot shift to 6th and try to stay the course with the Norwegian, despite the power and light weight of his Maserati. Yet Orsi seems pleased – his red scarf snaps in the breeze as he puts the pedal down, willing the damaged Maserati forward.

Germany's Godeschalk Hegkman overtakes Monaco. Britain is in trail and together they race toward the hairpin at Hårnålskurva. All three do not shift up, somehow willing to sacrifice the chance at the podium for the moment – although a long race is still ahead and anything can happen.

Back at Storkurvan, Vitez Rychly fishtails his car as he enters the curve. Immediately behind, falling just short, the Scottish Amilcar comes up, yet MacDougall has yet to close the gap much against the Czech Bugatti.

In Höksböjen, France and Switzerland both cut to the apex of the curve, still locked tightly together. Frances skids, but the Swiss car jams the back of the big Salmson racer, damaging both cars. At these speeds, real damage is done. Indeed, five of the remaining thirteen race cars are badly damaged now. How many will fail to complete the race? Will any take a pit stop to repair the damage? Will Aristide La Fontaine manage to make it into Storkurvan before the Swiss driver? If so, this will give him the breathing room he needs to advance against the Scot just ahead, and ensure that the Swiss car doesn't hound him as closely.

Portugal breaks ahead and closes the gap on Sweden into Höksböjen. Finland, however, falls off the back of the pack and finally loses the match with Portugal for last place – for the moment at least.

Race :: Round 21 - Germany Overtakes Britain!

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At the lead, Belgium's Victor Hugo Stéphane continues to dominate, but is too slow to take the upcoming hairpin – is he planning a pit stop? It is hard to tell.

Behind, at Lekböjen, Norway, Italy, Monaco and Britain cruise into the chicane. Yet Germany surprises the field and leaps forward in a slingshot out of Storkurvan. Hegkman overtakes Milk's British Amilcar! The white Bugatti T51 is showing its merit!

Vitez Rychly presses forward, but falls just short of entering Storkurvan, while behind, Scotland tears through the debris field without sustaining any damage. MacDougall sets up to advance, hoping to close the gap on the Czech Bugatti as the two cars race through Storkurvan.

Farther back in Höksböjen, France's Aristide La Fontaine slides to the right and cuts off the Swiss Bugatti. The two cars are tightly spaced, the Swiss nearly touching the rear of the big blue Salmson. Petrus de Salvion Bernardus grits his teeth. If he is to overtake in the curve, he will have to cut to the left and run through the debris field – yet what other option will there be? Only the outside lane is free.... Or, no.... In a flash, he recognizes another option is available, even as he realizes that the tilt of the French driver's head means that he also sees it....

Sweden continues forward while behind, both the Finn and the Portuguese drivers race one another through the curve, still side-by-side after nearly a half lap running near neck and neck in a tie for last place.

Race :: Round 20 - Belgium Soars!

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Belgium's Victor Hugo Stéphane presses ahead, suddenly putting a gap to the field. The great yellow Duesenberg claws forward across the ice-covered surface of Laxforsen. Norway presses out of Storkurvan but can't seem to get enough power out of the Bugatti to make it to Lekböjen.

Meanwhile, Italy and Monaco stay close and come around the outside of the curve, while the British racer cuts to the inside and lines up to overtake the two in the dash to the upcoming chicane.

Germany's Godeschalk Hegkman slows through Storkurvan, falling badly behind. Despite shifting up, the Bugatti does not advance. Hegkman's only advantage is that no other will likely put his single seat Bugatti T51 at risk of a collision. From this point, just in trail of the lead pack, he can sit on his perch, waiting for disaster to befall those ahead and then, perhaps in the third lap, press to rejoin the group and hammer out a podium finish. It is a hopeful plan, given the extraordinary performance of the Belgian's Duesenberg and Vitez Rychly's cunning advance from behind.

Farther back, the Czech racer continues to dominate the middle of the pack, now setting his sights on the white Bugatti ahead. Rychly is taking each curve with extraordinary precision, the very picture of driving art as he hits every apex, every curve, time after time with amazing accuracy.

The Scot, Alastair MacDougall, comes into the Höksböjen curve. He eyes the orange Bugatti and takes the racing line, despite the risk of damage from the debris that now litters the track.

France's Aristide La Fontaine presses past the Swiss Bugatti into the approaches to Höksböjen. Both cars steady themselves in preparation for the challenge of the icy turn.

At Fiskekroken, Sweden slows and gingerly takes the curve while both the Finn and the Portuguese drivers press into the entrance of the curve, side-by-side.

Race :: Round 19 - Sweden Suffers Badly

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Belgium's Victor Hugo Stéphane continues to dominate in the lead position. The great American Duesenberg racer roars around Storkurvan with perfection. Norway, Italy and Monaco hold position, taking a conservative line, while the British racer overtakes Germany on the inside to come up alongside de Montignac.

Farther back, the Czech racer, Vitez Rychly, shifts down and brilliantly slides into the inside lane of the Höksböjen curve, neatly cutting past the Scot, Alastair MacDougall. The saltire-painted Amilcar falls short and MacDougall watches sadly as the orange Bugatti dashes past, continuing his climb back toward the lead pack. Over the past half lap, Rychly has steadily moved up, challenging and overtaking multiple cars as he continues to press forward, his tires and brakes fresh from the recent pit stop.

Back at Fiskekroken, Switzerland and France maneuver through the curve as they come back onto the ice. Both drivers shift up in hopes of pressing to the following curve, only inches separating their tires.

Meanwhile, the Swede, Rutger Hägglund, struggles forward on his tire chains, clattering into the entrance of the curve from behind. It is a daring move, however, given the amount of debris littering the track. Terrible luck befalls the Swede as his car takes extreme damage to the under body! In an instant, the race has now changed for the Hajen. Risking another run through more debris will likely spell disaster for the badly damaged Monza.

Finally, the Finn and the Portuguese continue their race for last place, finishing the chicane as they prepare for the dash to Fiskekroken.

Race :: Round 18 - Belgium Leaps Ahead!

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Belgium's Victor Hugo Stéphane leaps past Norway to take the lead, driving deep into Storkurvan. Norway slides left to take the curve with perfection, while behind, Orsi calmly positions himself for third place, sacrificing the lead for the moment. Monaco skids dangerously out of the Höksböjen curve, barely in control, shredding his tire spikes and burning brakes as he struggles to avoid spinning out, such is the speed he carries. Germany's Godeschalk Hegkman smoothly exits the curve, with Britain tucked in close behind. Farther back, Scotland and the Czech driver, Vitez Rychly, storm out of Fiskekroken, vying with one another for the lead. Switzerland and France shift down hard and come into the center of the curve, back on the ice. The Swede steadily advances while the battle for last place continues between the Finnish racing hero, Tavho Myrsky, and Portugal's sheep-frenzied driver, Pedro Gomes.

Race :: Round 17 - Denmark Crashes!

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Coming out of the Höksböjen curve, Diederik Olsen of Denmark struggles at the wheel. His Alfa Romeo Super Sport narrowly clips the snowbank to the right and slides toward the center of the track – the Dane corrects, but the front tire twists and the car spins to the left, out of control. Realizing it is hopeless, the Dane braces himself for a crash. The car flips onto its side as it spins. It skids to a stop at Storkurvan. The Dane is uninjured. He scrambles clear.

Behind, Norway's famed Volcán cuts across the apex of Höksböjen, overtaking Sebi Orsi for the lead. He cuts through the debris that litters the track, damaging the underside of his Bugatti in the press for advantage. Nonetheless, he skids out of the curve into the lead. The Volcán glances back to see Orsi's Maserati pull around.

The Belgian driver, Victor Hugo Stéphane, follows the Norwegian closely, cutting past Orsi into second place as the three cars line up. The yellow Duesenberg has run through the debris field as well, damaging to the car.

Germany and Monaco fall in behind, with the British driver, John Milk, taking the curve with great skill, his Amilcar perfectly positioned.

At Fiskekroken, the Scot cuts to the inside as Vitez Rychly, clearly back in the race after his pit stop, cuts left across the French car, blocking the way. With a laugh, Rychly tears off one of his gloves and flings it at Aristide. The French driver ducks and cuts in behind, but for an instant, he loses control of the great Salmson and it clips the Czech Bugatti from behind, damaging both. Finally, the Swiss driver cuts into the mix, crowding the corner dangerously.

Sweden's Rutger Hägglund maneuvers through the Barrböjen chicane, avoiding the debris that litters the track on the right side, all alone. Meanwhile, farther back, Portugal and Finland accelerate, positioning themselves for the upcoming Chicane in a race for last place.

Race :: Round 16 - Denmark on the Edge!

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Sebi Orsi slides into the Höksböjen curve, willingly sacrificing his lead position to the two cars who follow. Denmark's Diederik Olsen realized too late his predicament and is now suddenly caught in too high gear and carrying too much speed into the curve. He struggles to hold the car as it skids forward. In a flash, he races past Orsi, who salutes Olsen as the Dane goes by. Olsen cuts left to take the apex of the curve, hoping that the Alfa Romeo Super Sport will live up to its reputation. He barely holds on as the car skids back to the right through debris on the track. He is far too fast! Olsen can feel the car sliding away as he comes to the edge – in a flash, he recognizes the inevitable. There is no escaping a crash now. A snowbank looms to the right. He must hold it onto the track. The long skid begins....

Norway's famed Volcán follows, watching the Dane's car in horror. Yet the Norwegian is in better control. He noses out Orsi for the position. Behind, the Belgian driver, Victor Hugo Stéphane, pulls into the curve in complete harmony with his great American car. The yellow Duesenberg purrs as it moves into position to soon challenge for the lead.

Behind, Monaco's Louis de Montignac skids and slides his way out of Fiskekroken, tearing the spikes and tread off of his tires. The Alfa Romeo Tipo B holds together – it is a desperate ploy, but it works, putting de Montignac back into the hunt. Germany's Godeschalk Hegkman presses ahead too, skidding his way down the start straight, his white single seat Bugatti blending in nicely with the snow and ice. Behind, John Milk takes his Amilcar through the rest of the curve. He glances over to nervously eye the Scottish nationalist, Alastair MacDougall, who presses in. Yet MacDougall has miscalculated. He fumbles his gear change and falls short of the curve, giving the Englishman some needed breathing room.

The French driver shifts down hard completes the chicane. He is surprised to see Vitez Rychly's orange Bugatti pull past to edge out the position, but the Salmson racer is not to be so easily overcome. Behind the pair, the Swiss driver comes forward in hot pursuit, while even further back Sweden's Rutger Hägglund shifts down and takes the Barrböjen chicane. His Alfa Romeo Monza is showing its dominance now as the Swede begins to close the gap on the middle of the pack.

Finally, roaring out of the pits, Portugal's Pedro Gomes slips his clutch and slows the Bugatti, despite an earlier near perfect restart. Tavho Myrsky instead shifts up and rams his foot to the floor, passing the Bugatti with aplomb. The huge Chrysler's engine strains and roars as Myrsky laughs, enjoying the pursuit. While these two cars are in last place, their tires are fresh and the damage is repaired – if they can drive well now, they know that they will end the race in good position.