What's the Name of That Book??? discussion

I read this book as a kid (early 90s), it belonged to my dad (he's long since sold them all and doesn't remember anything about them) and he gave it to me to read. It was definitely science fiction, I remember it involved a space race where at one point the ship the main character is on gets too close to the sun. The cover had a checkered flag motif (like a racing flag) covering some portion of it.

My dad is fairly older now and is in the early stages of dementia. I'm revisiting books that remind me of him, and I just recalled these vague plot points this morning.

AltLovesBooks, I'll mention a few long shots (with space or intergalactic races) because they have multiple cover images and Goodreads doesn't always show all versions.
- Terra! (1983) by Stefano Benni?
- Thousandstar by Piers Anthony?
- Tom Swift and His Rocket Ship by Victor Appleton II?

(https://www.worldcat.org/advancedsear... > Keyword: "space race" ? | Subject: science fiction | 1960-1997 ? | Audience: ? | Fiction | Book | English)


Is this book for kids, teens or older adults?

Can you describe the main character (e.g., age, gender, job, skills)?

What's the prize in this space race? Is it a scavenger hunt?

Let us know if we can help find books your dad enjoyed reading in his youth.