One of the more charming moments in DC Comics history is when the Flash first raced against Superman to determine the fastest hero in the universe. However, in multiple races against Kal-El, did Barry Allen intentionally lose on purpose and gift his opponent a win?
The Flash and Superman had their first iconic race during Superman #199, where they went head-to-head for charity, and the race ended with a tie. Later races would also end up in a tie, with Allen's the Flash being named the decisive winner in World's Finest Comics #199, and Superman being named the victor in Superman #709 and most recently, in Superman: Up in the Sky. While Kal-El is faster than a speeding bullet, beating the "fastest man alive' always seemed like an unlikely outcome. But, what if Barry was losing on purpose?
In Flash Rebirth #3 by Geoff Johns and Ethan Van Sciver, the Justice League has placed Barry in a special containment device as he's become surrounded by a black aura made of dead fuel cells. The other Flash's plan to save him is to split him from the Speed Force. While he wouldn't keep all of his speed, the plan would keep him from dying. But, after talking with Iris, Barry breaks free and attempts to reconnect with the Speed Force. Superman manages to catch up with Barry, who says the Kryptonian won't be able to stop him. Superman responds with "I've raced you before, Barry. I even won some of those races," to which Flash hits back with "those were for charity, Clark," as he speeds away.
Barry is essentially admitting he lost those races as an act of charity, as he blows by Superman. It's a great moment that illustrates just how fast the Flash is and how he might have been intentionally throwing races against his fellow Justice Leaguer in order to give him a fair chance. While Superman should always be one of the fastest heroes, the Flash should be the very fastest. His entire powerset is derived from speed - so, he should beat Superman in a race every single time, unless he's feeling generous, which he clearly has before.
Barry isn't even the fastest version of the Flash, but still, he should be able to outrace Superman when he's on the top of his game. He's just a good sport. Superman will have to rethink his wins and wonder if the Flash was throwing because there seems to be a good chance he was.