NASCAR takes centre stage in new novel

Accomplished storyteller Sharyn McCrumb ventures into new territory with Once Around the Track. Her gentle but biting spoof targets megabucks sports entertainment, in this case the NASCAR circuit.

Some wealthy women, with too much money and time on their hands, decide to field a NASCAR team with an all-female crew. The driver, however, will have to be a man because there are no women drivers at the Cup level. Their major sponsor is the pharmaceutical company that produces Vagenya, a new drug that’s supposed to do for women what Viagra does for men.

The driver they want (and can afford) is the currently unemployed Badger Jenkins. At home in a tiny hamlet in Georgia, dressed in worn jeans and a ratty T-shirt, he’s a shy, unassuming country boy. But once he dons his firesuit and sunglasses, he becomes a dark and dangerous warrior — and his skill on the track is legendary.

Unfortunately, these days, skill isn’t enough. Luck, a good car, sponsors, pit crew and marketing all play a role and the women investors are trying to come up with the gimmicks. Snazzy purple uniforms, the Vagenya sponsor and the proposed all-female pit crew are just the beginning. Although Badger’s undeniable sex appeal entices scores of applicants, most leave when they learn that heavy work is involved.

Crew chief Tuggle is a tough, no-nonsense woman who’s been around drivers and cars all her life. Automotive engineer Rosiland, an MIT grad, loves cars but is probably more motivated by her wealthy mother’s disapproval. Melanie, the team’s publicist, is secretly planning to dredge up behind-the-scenes scandals so she can write a bestseller. Taran, an electrical engineer, is the true Badger believer. Along with the rest of the crew, they’ve got a lot to learn but they’re determined to make Badger successful and keep him safe.

This unusual, warm and witty tale demonstrates a true knowledge of racing and the racing business. The characters are wonderfully developed and the lives of the unseasoned pit crew and their driver are forever changed.

John Francome, ex-jockey and popular sports commentator, also knows how to set up a good story.

In Free Fall, Pat Vincent is a veteran jockey with a respectable string of wins. His girlfriend Zoe Morris is a talented but inexperienced apprentice jockey. She’s determined to succeed in a “man’s sport” and Pat does everything he can to help. Zoe tries to keep her mind on racing but she’s constantly distracted by her sister Harriet’s discontent in her marriage and worried about Harriet’s current fling with a handsome tennis pro.

Pat, realizing that he’s never going to become a wealthy sporting hero, devises a foolproof scam to make some money. His partner-in-crime is Zoe’s brother-in-law Andy, the head lad at the stable where they all work or train. All appears to be going well. Andy and Pat are making money. After a major win, Zoe is becoming known in racing circles.

Then Andy dies when he falls down a cliff while out walking his dog, shortly after Pat learns about Harriet’s affair. Most people believe that Andy died in a tragic accident. Pat fears that his friend, distraught over his failing marriage, might have taken his own life. And the local police seem suspiciously reluctant to close the case.

If Pat’s scam were ever discovered, he would be banned from racing forever so his money was held in Andy’s name. Now that Andy is dead, Harriet thinks the money is all hers.

A fast-paced tale with believable characters, full of action and wonderful twists and turns, Free Fall will keep readers involved until the very last surprise.