CHAPTER 5

COOL DOWN

Tony looked over at the finish line and saw the checkered flag. Finally, the first race was over.

Devin, Corey, and Jon did a cool-down lap, and Devin and Corey drove their karts off the track.

But Jon kept going. He pulled to the side of the track next to Tony, turned off his engine, and took off his helmet. “You okay, Tony?” he asked.

“I didn’t crash,” Tony said. “Of course I’m fine.”

Jon looked hurt. “I know you didn’t crash, dude,” he said. “Just wanted to make sure you were okay.” He pulled his helmet back on, started his kart, and drove off toward the pit.

Tony’s dad was walking toward him. He waited for Jon to drive by, then crossed the track.

“Ended up in the grass, huh?” he said gently.

“Yeah,” Tony said sadly. “I’m really doing great with my new TAG kart.”

Tony’s dad laughed. “Thing is, kid, you are doing great. Your times are faster than ever. Every lap is better than the one before it. Give yourself a break!”

“Okay,” Tony said. “I mean, I just took that turn too fast.”

“That’s right,” Dad said. “You’ll remember that next time. Now, let’s get that kart out of the grass and back onto the track, where it belongs.”

“Okay,” said Tony. They pushed the kart back onto the track.

“Does it still start?” asked Dad.

Tony climbed into the kart and pressed the start button. The engine roared to life.

“Good,” said Dad. “See you back at the pit.”

“All right, see you there,” said Tony. He pulled his helmet on and waited for Dad to cross the track. Then he drove around the rest of the course.

Tony saw Devin and Corey watching him as he drove into the pits. Devin pointed at Tony and then they both laughed.

Yeah, right, Tony thought. Like you’ve never run onto the grass. Give me a break.