CHAPTER 11
“I can’t believe it,” Stephen shouted as he ran over to where Jason and Paul were standing.
Paul smiled at Jason. “You tore it up out there,” Paul said. “Congratulations.”
“Thanks, man,” Jason said. “But I can’t take your bike.”
“It’s yours,” Paul said. “A deal is a deal. Besides, you’ll need that bike for next time.”
“Thanks, Paul,” Jason said. “You know, I was wrong about BMX racing. It’s a lot harder than it looks. I had fun, though!”
“Keep at it,” Paul said. “You were born to ride a baby bike.”
Jason laughed. Paul isn’t such a bad guy after all, he thought.
“Thanks, man,” Jason said.
Paul hopped back on his bike and rode off toward his friends. “See you at the track sometime, Tillman,” Paul called over his shoulder.
“I’m still amazed,” Stephen said, shaking his head. “First place. I didn’t think you’d even finish.”
“I got lucky,” Jason said. Then he frowned. “Hey, wait a second. You didn’t think I’d finish?”
Just then, a man in a Mudd Ripper Bikes jacket appeared. He smiled at Jason and held out his hand.
“Otto Jones,” he said. “I represent the Mudd Ripper racing team.”
“Hi,” Jason said, shaking Mr. Jones’s hand. “I’m Jason Tillman.”
“That was one of the best races I’ve seen in a long time,” Mr. Jones said. “You really kept it together after that crash.”
“Thanks,” Jason said.
“We’re looking to fill a few spots on our team this summer,” Mr. Jones continued. “Are you interested in racing for us on the weekends?”
Jason blinked and nodded. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. For once he was speechless.
Mr. Jones handed Jason a business card. “Give me a call after you’ve talked with your parents,” he said. “We could really use a guy like you on the team.” With that, he turned and headed toward the parking lot.
“Wow,” Stephen said. “The one time you should open your mouth, you keep quiet!”
Jason stared at the card. He thought about what Mr. Jones had said.
We’re looking to fill a few spots.
“I’ll be right back,” Jason told Stephen.
Jason zipped through the fans, ducked under a rope barrier, and slipped between two cars in the parking lot. He spotted Mr. Jones just as he opened the door to his car.
“Mr. Jones! Wait a second,” Jason called. He braked to a stop next to Mr. Jones’s car.
Mr. Jones seemed surprised, but smiled kindly. “What’s up, Jason?” he asked.
“First of all, I’d love to join the team. I’ll see what my folks say,” Jason said.
“Excellent,” Mr. Jones replied.
“You said you needed to fill a few spots on the team, right?” Jason asked. “You should add my friend Paul, too. He’s the one who got me into BMX biking.”
Mr. Jones frowned. “Was he here today?” he asked.
“Paul took third place,” Jason said. “He probably would’ve won if he hadn’t gotten knocked over.”
“He showed promise too,” Mr. Jones said. He nodded. “Have him call me. We’ll give him a shot.”
Jason shook Mr. Jones’s hand again. Then he watched the man climb into his car and drive away. A moment later, Stephen ran over.
“They’re handing out the trophies soon,” Stephen said. “What are you doing?”
“Nothing,” Jason said. “Just returning a favor. I’m using my big mouth to do something good for once.”
“About time!” Stephen said, laughing.
Jason turned to his best friend and put an arm around his shoulder. They walked back toward the stands together.
“You know, Stephen,” Jason said. “If I’m on the Mudd Ripper BMX team, I’m going to need a coach….”