But also, still faster, came the reports from Noddy's auto. He
was not going to be beaten if he could help it.
Around the two machines swung, the yellow car having given up and
dropped out. There was a confused shouting from the spectators, and
Bob could distinguish cheers for the red auto.
"We've just got to win!" he cried. "Win, Jerry! Win!"
Try as he did, by "nursing" the engine, Jerry could not gain an inch
on Noddy's car. The red machine was fifty feet behind the green one,
both going at top speed. Only an accident, it seemed, could make the
motor boys win.
As they swung into the last lap Ned cried:
"Noddy isn't going to slow down for the turn!"
"Neither are we!" cried Jerry fiercely. "Quick boys! All of you get
out on the inside step! Crouch down! That will help hold us as we go
around the bank, or, otherwise, we'll go over."
They all knew what he meant. By hanging out on the runboard or step,
nearest the inside of the track, more weight would be added to that
side of the car. It was what automobilists call "shifting the center
of gravity," and aids in preventing spills.
Giving one glance to see that the boys were in their places, Jerry
grasped the steering wheel firmly, and sent the car at the dangerous
turn at full speed. Noddy was doing the same, but he had not thought
of having any of his passengers hang out on the step.
"Look out now, boys!" called Jerry, as they took the turn.
"Swing out as far as you can, boys, but hang down low!" called Tom
Jennings, who had been in races before.
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