CHAPTER 6
Austin headed to GKC the next day. As he walked in, Mike, the instructor, smiled at him.
“Hey, Austin!” Mike said, waving. “Nice to see you again!”
“Just thought I’d get in some practice time,” Austin said. He tried to sound like it didn’t matter, like he didn’t really need the practice. “I love to race,” he added. “Once a week doesn’t seem like enough sometimes.”
“That’s how a lot of the kids feel around here,” Mike said. “Come on. Let me get you set up.”
Mike led Austin to a big, barnlike room. The floor was lined with go-karts. They weren’t the shiny, brand-new models he’d seen in the store window. All of them were used. Still, Austin’s heart sped up at the sight.
Mike smiled. “There’s something about racing that just gets into your blood,” he said. “There’s no other feeling like it.”
Austin just nodded.
“Well, pick out a kart, and come on outside,” Mike said.
Austin chose one that looked a lot like the go-kart he’d left at home. It was a shiny green kart with twin white stripes.
He stepped into the snug seat and sat down. He put on his helmet and gloves. After twisting the key, he slowly drove the kart forward. He moved it away from the line of cars and toward the large open door.
Austin had no problem figuring out the direction of the track. Groups of people were gathered around it. Engine noises echoed through his helmet.
Mike met Austin at the edge of the track. He handed Austin a small earphone. “Put this in your helmet,” he instructed. “I’ll call out advice as you drive, okay?”
Austin nodded and slid the earphone into his ear. Racers always wore earplugs on the track to protect their hearing. Even though he was wearing earplugs, Austin could still hear Mike’s voice.
He put his hand on the steering wheel and took a deep breath. Then he pushed down on the gas pedal ever so slightly and joined the rest of the drivers on the track.
“Good, Austin!” Mike said through the earphone. “Now keep going, steady. Nothing too big at first.”
Austin knew Mike was right. He should take it slow. But the power of the go-kart called to him. He knew it was just a practice run, but it still felt like a race. He wanted to get ahead of one more kart. Then he could dash around one more line. Then he could get around one more curve.
On the earphone, Mike warned Austin a few times, but he didn’t pay attention.
And then he saw it. A flash of red and gold. Ryan Stone had driven onto the track.