CHAPTER 4

IN THE GRASS

The next weekend, Tony sat in his kart, waiting for the race to start. He had qualified for last place. No surprise there. But he wasn’t really sad about it. He’d qualified in his fastest time ever.

As he had pulled through the finish line, he looked over to the pit and saw his dad, jumping into the air and screaming with happiness. That was pretty cool.

The track official walked out to the track with the green flag that would start the race. Tony took a deep breath.

As soon as the flag went down, Tony pressed his foot down on the accelerator. The kart roared off!

Devin took the lead again. After him was Corey, and then Jon, and then Tony. Tony squinted, trying to figure out the best strategy. There were eight laps in this race. Maybe there’d be time to pass Jon, and then even edge up to Corey.

Tony followed Jon in the Lefty. Now I’ll pass him, he thought. But Jon was driving really close to the edge of the track, and Tony knew he’d lose him if he tried to take the curve on Jon’s right. In the Swing Back, it was the same story.

Once again, Jon rode the line right near the edge of the track.

He’s following the straightest line! How will I ever pass him? Tony thought, feeling frustrated.

At the Hairpin, Tony wasn’t ready. He slid too fast into the tight hairpin turn, too close to the edge. Tony pulled the steering wheel as hard as he could the other way and the kart stayed on the track. Barely.

Tony felt sweat on his forehead. That had been close, too close. And now Jon was way ahead of him. They went through the Double S and were back to the start.

One lap down, seven to go.

Tony pressed his foot down harder on the gas pedal. He knew he could make up some time in the straightaway.

By the time he reached the Lefty again, he was catching up. Around the Swing Back, he was steadily gaining ground on Jon. By the time they went around the Hairpin, Tony was almost on his tail.

One more corner to go. Tony took a deep breath and pushed the gas pedal down. One more corner. Almost around Jon. Their bumpers were almost touching, they were so close.

And then Tony’s kart ran off the track and onto the grass.

Tony hit the steering wheel with his gloved hand. He was completely stuck.

Over in the pit, his dad raised his hand, shielding his eyes from the sun so he could see Tony. Tony turned off the motor and waved at his dad.

He wasn’t hurt, just embarrassed. He was going to have to sit there, in the grass, for another five laps, while Corey, Devin, and Jon drove around the track, probably laughing at him.

Tony remembered what his dad had said. “Watch the other guys.” He’d have plenty of time to do that now.

Tony looked at the other side of the track. Devin had already reached the start and was headed around for another lap.

Tony closed his eyes and rested his head on the steering wheel.

What was he supposed to do when the guys drove by, laughing at him? Was he supposed to pretend like everything was okay? Was he supposed to wave, or what?

Devin, Corey, and Jon roared past. It almost seemed like Jon slowed down, just a tiny bit, as he drove by. He’s probably laughing, Tony thought. Great.