Synonyms for autoist

I think the newspaper reporters did more harm than the autoist.

For a dog under an autos wheels is a dangerous proposition, not only for the dog but for the autoist as well.

The autoist emptied his cigar-case into his hand and offered the cigars to Farr, who had just tugged on his coat.

"I'll wager fifty dollars I can beat you bad on this three-mile stretch," went on the autoist.

Why is an autoist whose machine has been completely wrecked like a reformed autoist?