Speed Kings makes for a last-minute stocking filler, or your January-by-the-pool read. It details the exploits of the 17 Australians and New Zealanders who have tried their luck in the Indianapolis 500, one of the world’s most famous and dangerous races.

The “Indy 500” started in 1911 and Australian race driver Rupert Jeffkins was there with a Velie car. It broke down, so he tried to qualify in a Cole Flyer without success. Jeffkins drove some of the race nonetheless, as a back-up for the other Velie “works” driver. Or at least that what he claims. But “Australia’s Original Speed King”, as the man later called himself, was a rogue (and bigamist!), writes author John Smailes in his detailed and lively account, and the lap charts haven’t survived. Smailes reckons it’s a 50:50 chance.