CHAPTER 4

CRASH!

Saturday morning was cool and breezy. It was a perfect track day.

In the changing room at the track, Austin put on his green racing suit. Just having it on made him feel better. He felt more in control.

He grabbed his helmet and gloves. He felt happy as he walked outside into the bright sun.

Then he saw his rental kart.

The kart wasn’t horrible. It just wasn’t his. The color was boring, and the cart had a few scratches. It was pretty clear that it had been around the track a few times.

Austin leaned down and inspected the tires. They were smooth and even, just right for gripping the asphalt of the track.

Feeling a bit more confident, Austin slid down into the kart. He started the engine. He listened to it roar and purr.

Suddenly, Austin felt full of energy. He was ready. He was ready to prove himself on this track. He was ready to show that he could do it. He was a great racer.

He lined up with the other karts on the grid. He was in the middle of the pack, so he’d have to make up some ground if he hoped to get anywhere near the top racers.

Then the green flag went down. They were off. Austin pushed on the gas pedal and sped forward. He broke away from the line of cars. Soon, he was passing karts on his right and his left. Ryan’s kart was so close. Only a few karts separated them.

Then Austin saw that Ryan was slowing down for the next curve. “Now I’ll pass him!” Austin said to himself.

Instead of easing up on the gas, Austin’s foot pushed down. The kart shot forward. It entered the turn at a sharp angle. The back end of the kart swung back and forth. Austin gave the kart more gas, but it was too late.

Austin slid off the track and flew right into a bale of hay.

Smash!