CHAPTER 8

FASTEST TIME EVER

The rest of the week flew by. The pre-final race was Saturday. If Tony finished in the top three times, he’d make it into the February regional finals. If he made it into the finals, he had a chance of winning a season trophy.

For the first time, Tony thought he had a chance. A week ago, he wouldn’t have even thought he’d make it into the pre-finals. Now it seemed possible.

As he drove into the starting grid for the qualifying round, someone called his name.

“Hey, Tony. You sure you’re supposed to be at this race?”

Tony turned. It was Corey, smirking at him from his kart. “Yeah, I’m sure,” Tony replied.

“Oh,” Corey said. He laughed. “Because I’m pretty sure the little kids race later.”

Just then, Jon’s kart pulled up between them. “Leave him alone, Corey,” Jon said. “Tony’s cool.”

Corey laughed, but then he looked away and put his helmet on. “Whatever,” he mumbled.

Devin pulled up alongside Corey, but he didn’t say anything.

All four boys stared straight ahead.

The track marshal raised the flag.

And they were off!

Tony pressed down on the accelerator. The engine roared.

Tony raced down the straightaway and into the Lefty. The qualifying race was only five laps, so he knew he had to drive as fast as he could.

Up ahead, Devin roared into the Swing Back. Corey and Jon were right behind him. Tony stayed on Jon’s tail.

He tried not to focus on passing, just on driving. But it was hard. The four karts raced down the straightaway.

Tony pulled right to try to pass Jon, but the Hairpin came up too fast.

Jon pulled left to prepare for the turn. They both rolled into the Hairpin.

“Don’t even look at the grass!” Tony told himself. He rode through the Hairpin and then straight into the Double S: left, right, left, right.

Round and round the track they went. But when the five laps were over, Jon was still in third and Tony was still in fourth.

Last again! Tony hit the steering wheel. I can’t stand it!

Tony drove back to the pit.

His dad was smiling. “What are you so happy about?” Tony asked.

“That was your fastest time ever!” said Dad. “You qualified!”

“Faster than Wednesday?” said Tony.

“Five seconds faster,” said Dad. “Chasing those boys is making your time better and better!”

“But I’m still last!” said Tony. “Even though I made it into the pre-final, I am still last.”

“For now,” said Dad. “But that’ll change.”

“When?” said Tony.

“That’s up to you,” said Dad.