Pre-race Tensions

By Gordon Bell

A high-octane adventure set in the fast-paced world of Formula 1. It's only a few days until the British Grand Prix, the closing race of the Formula One season and Ray Swan, Britain's Top Driver, is missing! Pre-race tensions have rarely been greater!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jul 25, 2014
• ISBN: 9781291962086

Book preview

Pre-race Tensions

Pre-Race Tensions

Gordon Bell

Content copyright © Gordon Bell 2012

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted at any time or by any means mechanical, electronic, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior, written permission of the publisher.

The right of Gordon Bell to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by him in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents act of 1988.

Published in the United Kingdom by:

Gordon Bell

11 Victoria Crescent

Kilsyth G65 9BJ

First printed October 2012 by Cowan Print.

Second edition July 2014 by LULU.

ISBN 978-1-291-96208-6

This book is also available in hardback and paperback formats.

Note: All images used are believed to be in the public domain. I do not intend to infringe any legitimate intellectual right, artistic rights or copyright. If you are the rightful owner of any of the pictures, and you do not want it to be used, or if you require a suitable credit, then please contact me and I will immediately do whatever is needed.

Information for Teachers

There is a free teacher support pack available for this book designed to promote its use in a learning environment.

The pack includes :

-          activities for each chapter that verify comprehension and vocabulary acquisition

-          ideas for creative exploration of the themes raised

-          audio files (mp3) of each chapter being read

-          PowerPoint presentations

-          research tasks

-          suggested essay titles

This pack is available as a free download (zipped file).

To request your pack please send an email to the address below stating:

-          Your name and position

-          Your educational establishment (name and address)

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(The material in this pack was developed by Jacqui McIntyre. They are made available with her kind permission.)

Foreword

I love to lose myself in a mystery

Sir Thomas Brown-Writer and Physician (1605-82)

Pre-Race Tensions a story of mystery and intrigue set against the background of Formula One Grand Prix Racing. Three friends Colin, Mark and Steve set off looking forward to the prospect of a long awaited touring holiday together as a break from their university studies. Having set up camp near the village of Kilburn they explore the surrounding countryside and in a secluded clearing discover Canwell House a rambling mansion which attracts their attention due to the expensive cars in the driveway and the rather shadowy figures visible in the doorways and windows. As the story unfolds it emerges that Ray Swan, Britain’s top Formula One driver has been kidnapped and is being held in the house on the eve of the British Grand Prix which would settle the World Driver’s Championship.

Gordon Bell in this his first publication has captured the Pre-Race Tensions as the three friends attempt to free Swan and bring him to the circuit in time to participate in the race. He has succeeded in building a series of strong characters and skilfully sets the plot against a backcloth of English rural life. The book is well written and creates an interest which will encourage young people to read and improve their literacy skills. The book also includes a number of well-crafted insets describing Grand Prix drivers, circuits and cars. It also contains some interesting illustration and appendices. Definitely a worthwhile read.

James Hutchison

AUTHORS NOTE

While I have made mention in PRE-RACE TENSIONS of real cities and towns such as Manchester, Carlisle and Northampton any locations within them are entirely fictitious as are the other towns and villages such as Bingford and Kilburn. All characters and events in this publication other than those clearly in the public domain are fictitious and any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely coincidental.

Chapter One – Freedom Road

Manchester lay behind them, and as they headed up the motorway the lads looked forward to the prospect of this touring holiday together. The last couple of months had dragged but now it was a reality. Four weeks, it seemed such a long time and they had set off only an hour before with a keenness, a determination to cram as much into the time they had, as possible.

A holiday to remember, Colin had said, regardless of the lousy British weather. The Volkswagen unfortunately had seen better days.

Mark was doing the driving. When his imagination was allowed to work overtime he tended to dream he was driving some sort of expensive sports car. Now was one of those times. He was rudely and very suddenly brought back to earth.

He saw the sign RAMP and braked quickly. The car wasn't yet at the stage of falling to bits but no need to harass it or strain it unduly, he thought ruefully.

What time is it? asked Steve from the rear.

About three o'clock.

Steve had decided that the best way of enjoying the journey north was to lie sprawled across the back seat, owing to the lack of leg room there. Steve was seventeen and was really enjoying the prospect of the freedom from his studies. He glanced in front thinking of Colin and Mark. They were two years ahead of him in their studies, Colin in Engineering and Mark in Modern History and Politics.

Steve was the smallest as well as the youngest, the others both being over six feet while he was only five eight.

When are we going to stop tonight?

Colin, who had been looking out at the cars speeding by them turned and said,

I was thinking we'd stop around five for something to eat and then we could maybe travel on until about seven-ish before finding somewhere to camp.

Mark keeping his eyes on the road commented,

We should be well out in the country by then.

As Colin had said they motored on till just after five when going through the village of Goreham they spotted a cafe. They pulled into a side road and went over to see about a meal.

Half an hour later they emerged.

You made a right pig of yourself in there Colin said Steve cheekily.

For his trouble he got a dig in the ribs and was told to have a bit of respect for his elders and betters. In good humour they sauntered back over to the car and started off again.

Being off the beaten track now, and in no real hurry, they slowed the car down to take