Kart Competition, page 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: HOMETOWN HERO
CHAPTER 2: KART CAMP
CHAPTER 3: WHO’S THE SNOB?
CHAPTER 4: DESPERATE TO WIN
CHAPTER 5: BENCHED
CHAPTER 6: AN UNFAIR ADVANTAGE
CHAPTER 7: LEVELING THE PLAYING FIELD
CHAPTER 8: GOOD-NATURED RIVALS
CHAPTER 9: RACING FOR THE FINISH LINE
CHAPTER 10: A SURPRISE WIN
Author Bio
Illustrator Bio
Glossary
Discussion Questions
Writing Prompts
Karting History
Karting Equipment
Copyright
Back Cover
CHAPTER 1
HOMETOWN HERO
Ted Forge leaned forward in his seat. Next to him, his best friend, Ashley Alvarez, did the same. They were watching the best event to visit their town all year: Indy car racing. Ted and Ash were both serious go-kart racers and racing fans. They had been looking forward to the race for months.
“I think Jeff has a real shot this year,” Ted yelled. He had to shout to be heard over the roaring of the engines on the track.
Ashley nodded. They’d talked about Jeff Stevens a million times. He was their favorite driver, largely because he was from their town, Lakeville. He was having his best season ever this year.
The pack of cars sped by their seats and Ted and Ashley jumped to their feet. They cheered as Jeff’s number-eight car zoomed across the finish line.
“Another first-place finish for hometown favorite Jeff Stevens!” the announcer called out over the loudspeaker. “That puts him just nine points out of first in the standings.”
“One more win and he’s got it,” Ted said. He gave Ash a high five.
“Are you Jeff Stevens fans?” a boy next to them asked. He looked familiar.
Ash and Ted glanced at each other. “Isn’t everyone here a Jeff Stevens fan?” Ted said.
“Yeah,” Ashley added. “Jeff Stevens is from Lakeville, just like us.”
“He’s the hometown hero,” Ted said. “You must not be from around here, huh? Otherwise you’d know that.”
“Nope,” the boy said, smiling. “I live in the city. My dad grew up here. We come up every summer for a few weeks.”
Ted and Ash glanced at each other. They saw city kids come and go all the time in the summer. They came up to Lakeville to go fishing and boating and ride ATVs.
“I’m Jake, by the way,” the boy said.
“I’m Ashley,” Ash said, shaking his hand. “And this is Ted. We’re the two biggest racing fans in Lakeville.”
“In that case,” Jake said, “I’ll probably see you two tomorrow at Kart Kamp.”
Ted raised his eyebrows. “You’re going to Kart Kamp?” he asked.
Jake nodded. The Kart Kamp Racing, Engineering, and Pit School was going to be the highlight of Ted and Ash’s summer. They’d spend the next two weeks speeding around the track in their own Indy-style go-karts. They’d learn driving techniques and even get a chance to work in the pit. Apparently they were also going to get two weeks with Jake.
“Great,” said Ted, forcing a smile.
Ashley elbowed him in the side and motioned past Jake. She was grinning.
“What?” Ted asked.
“Look who’s coming,” Ash said.
Jeff Stevens was walking toward them. He was still wearing his racing jumpsuit and carrying his helmet under one arm.
Ted scrambled to find his racing program. “Do you have a pen?” he asked.
Ash already had her pen out. “Of course,” she said.
Jake shook his head. “He’s just a regular guy, you know,” he said.
“Maybe you’re not impressed, but we are,” Ash said. “We have Lakeville pride.”
“Yeah,” Ted agreed. “Who do you root for, anyway? Is one of the drivers from down in the city?”
Jake stifled a laugh as Jeff walked up.
“Hi, kids,” Jeff said. He clapped Ted and Jake on the shoulder. “Enjoy the race?”
“We sure did!” Ash said. She held out her pen. “Can you please sign my program?”
“Mine too?” Ted added, holding out his booklet.
Jeff laughed and took the pen from Ash. “Happy to,” he said. Then he turned to Jake. “You ready to grab some lunch?”
“Yup, be there in a minute,” Jake said.
Ted stared at Jake. Ashley’s mouth dropped open.
“Okay,” Jeff said. “Mom and I are ready when you are. See you kids later.” With that, he walked off.
Ted and Ash stared at Jake. Jake smiled back at them.
“Jeff Stevens is my dad,” Jake said. “Didn’t I mention that?”
CHAPTER 2
KART CAMP
The next morning, Ashley and Ted arrived at Kart Kamp bright and early. Their friend Javier was waiting for them when they walked up.
“You two ready to race?” Javier asked.
“You know it,” said Ted. “Let’s check in so we can get on that track.”
The Kart Kamp employees were manning desks set up inside. The man at the desk closest to the door waved them over.
“Morning, and welcome to Kamp,” he said. “What are your names?”
The kids checked in and moved along the line of tables. They were given gloves, jumpsuits, helmets, and tools. At the last table, they chose the car they would use for the rest of Kart Kamp. The karts were smaller, less-powerful versions of the Indy cars driven by drivers like Jeff Stevens.
“Let’s see,” said the woman at the last table. “Ted Forge, number three. Ashley Alvarez, number four. And Javier Farmer, number five.”
“I really wanted number eight,” Ted said. He looked out the rear window at the track, where all the go-karts were parked.
“I don’t even see a number eight,” said Ash, peering over his shoulder.
“Yeah,” said Javier. “I see one through seven, and I see nine through fifteen.”
“Well, what happened to number eight?” Ted asked. “They wouldn’t just skip it.”
“Number eight is mine,” Jake Stevens said as he walked up. He pointed over his shoulder out the front window. The three friends hurried over and looked out.
A trailer was delivering a brand-new, freshly painted go-kart. It looked just like Jeff Stevens’s Indy car, only much smaller. A big number eight was painted on the side.
Ted’s stomach twisted with jealousy. But when Ash and Javier ran outside to check out the car, Ted had no choice but to follow.
“Wow,” said Ash.
“This is the coolest kart ever,” said Javier, running a hand over the little chassis.
“Thanks,” Jake said. “My dad had it specially made for Kart Kamp.”
Ted crossed his arms and scowled at Jake. “Must be nice,” he said. “I guess he got you that jumpsuit and helmet too?”
“Yup,” said Jake. The jumpsuit he wore was identical to the one his dad had worn the day before. It even had the same two stickers at the top of the visor — one for each race Jeff Stevens had won that year.
Ted grabbed Ash and Javier by the wrists and pulled them aside.
“It’s not fair,” he grumbled.
“What isn’t fair?” asked Javier. He was still staring at Jake’s go-kart.
“Jake has an unfair advantage,” Ted said. “He has a new car and gear. The rest of us have to use Kart Kamp’s rental stuff.”
“Maybe you’re right,” Javier said.
Suddenly the loudspeaker on the roof crackled. “Kart Kampers, please report to the track,” a voice said.
“Well,” said Ash, “I guess we’re about to find out. It’s time for the first race.”
* * *
Sitting in his rental kart on the race track, Ted tightened his grip on the steering wheel. He could smell the gasoline from the karts in the air. The roar of the karts’ four-stroke engines rumbled under his seat.
Jake’s kart sat directly in front of Ted’s. It was the only red car on the track. Jake’s helmet was easy to see. It wasn’t dirty and scuffed from being used. It was brand-new, shiny, and sleek with the number eight painted on both sides.
Ted swallowed hard as he stared at the start lights up ahead. The light flashed to green, and the track was filled with the sound of engines shrieking higher and louder as the karts took off.
Ted held tight to the steering wheel and stomped down on the accelerator. Ahead of him, Jake’s kart pulled away from the pack.
He’s ahead because his machine is better, Ted thought. There’s no way he got a quicker start on that green light than I did.
It took all of Ted’s upper-body strength to keep the car under control as he approached the first curve. For a little kart, it was sure powerful.
Up ahead, Jake’s red kart sped into the first curve. Ted pushed harder on the gas pedal until his foot was flat on the floor.
Wait for it, Ted told himself going into the curve. Don’t brake too soon.
At the last moment, Ted tapped the brake and cut hard to the left, passing Jake on the inside. But it wasn’t enough. He was only in the lead for an instant before Jake sped around him.
It’s just because Jake can race whenever he wants, Ted thought. He probably has a dozen go-karts at home and his own personal track.
The race was short — just four laps. Ted stayed close, but on the last turn Jake pulled away. He crossed the finish line and the checkered flag waved over him.
Ted came to a stop and
CHAPTER 3
WHO’S THE SNOB?
By the time they left the track for lunch, Ted’s whole body was sore. It had been too long since he’d driven that much. He stood up and stretched his arms and legs.
When Ashley and Javier walked up, they headed inside to eat. They all grabbed slices of pizza and found seats at a long table.
“Good race,” said Javier. He shook his head. “I can’t believe how slow I was out there. My arms feel like jelly right now.”
“We’re just rusty,” said Ted. “It’s been a while since I drove like that.”
Ashley laughed. “Rusty?” she repeated. “You were on Jake’s tail the whole time!”
Ted shrugged, but he was happy to hear it. “Thanks,” he said. He nodded at Ash. “You were pretty close to my tail too.”
“For a few laps, maybe,” Ash said.
“I would have passed Jake if it wasn’t for that fancy kart,” Ted said. “It’s not fair.”
Ash and Javier looked at each other.
“Maybe he’s just a good driver, Ted,” Javier suggested. “His dad sure is.”
“That’s another thing,” Ted said. “He gets so much driving time. I bet his dad had a track built in their yard or something just for Jake to practice all the time.”
Javier took a bite of his pizza. “That’s probably not true,” he said. “But yeah. He probably got more practice than we did most of the year.”
Just then Jake walked up to their table, holding a paper plate stacked with pizza. “Do you mind if I sit with you guys?” he said. “I don’t really know anyone yet.”
Ted didn’t answer. He just stared at his pizza and sighed.
Ashley elbowed him. “Sure,” she said, smiling at Jake. She scooted over on the bench to make room for him. “Have a seat.”
“Thanks,” Jake said. He smiled gratefully and sat down, but hardly anyone spoke for the rest of lunch.
* * *
In the afternoons, Kart Kamp was all about classes. It wasn’t like school, though. Instead, the classes were held outside in the garages or on the track itself.
For one class, they followed an instructor around the track on foot. He pointed out skid marks, scuff marks, and ideal places to brake, turn hard, and hit the gas.
By the time the last lesson was over, Ted was exhausted, but more excited than ever.
“The next two weeks are going to be amazing!” Ted said. He and Ashley were waiting for Ash’s mother to pick them up.
“I know,” said Ash. “I bet all our times improve a lot in the next race.”
Ted watched as Jake stepped out from behind the building. He was walking with Javier. They were talking and laughing.
“Well, except for Jake’s,” said Ted. “He already has great gear, and he probably knows all the tips from his dad’s coaches.”
“Hey, guys,” said Javier as he walked up.
Ted looked at Jake. “Is your dad’s limo coming to pick you up?” he asked. “Or maybe the private chopper?” He regretted the words almost as soon as they left his mouth. But he couldn’t stop himself.
Javier laughed. Ashley did not.
Jake didn’t say anything. Shoving his hands in his pockets, he shuffled off and sat down on a bench to wait for his ride. Alone.
* * *
“That wasn’t very nice,” Ash said as they sat in her mom’s car on their way home.
“What?” Ted asked.
“You were rude to Jake,” Ash said quietly.
“Oh, please,” said Ted, rolling his eyes. “He didn’t even care. He’s just a snob.”
Ash crossed her arms and stared out her window. “I think you’re the snob,” she said.
CHAPTER 4
DESPERATE TO WIN
The next morning at Kart Kamp, the kids met on the track. They were all suited up with their helmets under their arms. Their karts were parked along the track.
“Today we’ll practice mastering the line,” the driving coach announced. “Try to remember what we talked about yesterday. Brake at the right time, cut the wheel at the right time, and keep your foot down on the straights and wide curves.”
He scanned the group of eager faces. “One more thing,” he said. “This morning is just a practice. This is not a race.”
Ted glanced across the group and found Jake. Jake was staring right back at him.
“Helmets on. Get in your karts,” the coach said. “I’ll tell you when to start. And remember, no racing.”
Ash bumped Ted with her shoulder as she walked passed him toward her kart. “I hope you were listening,” she said.
“Yeah, yeah,” said Ted. He grabbed his helmet and climbed into his kart. He clicked the ignition and pulled onto the track.
Ted rolled into line right behind Jake’s shiny red kart. Before long, every kart was on the track, weaving back and forth on a slow lap around the track.
As Jake’s car reached the start line, the driving coach pointed at him. The coach lowered the green flag and Jake floored it. His kart zoomed away from the pack.
Ted gripped his wheel tightly as he rolled along helplessly. “Come on,” he muttered, staring at the coach. “Start me already.”
It seemed like ages, but the green flag finally came down again. Ted stomped on the accelerator, making his wheels squeal. He zipped into the first curve and looked ahead on the track. Jake was already on the first straightaway.
Ted kept his eyes on every turn, doing his best to remember the line the coach taught him the day before.
When he reached the straightaway, Jake was already heading into the next turn.
I have to catch him, Ted thought. That meant keeping his foot down on the accelerator as long as possible and braking as late as he could.
The first two turns, he got the timing just right. At the end of the first lap, Ted had almost managed to close the gap between himself and Jake. But it wasn’t enough.
All fifteen karts were spaced around the track now like the coach had wanted. Ted spotted Javier’s kart, number five, at the very back. He was in last place, right in front of Jake. And he was slowing down.
Ted smiled. He knew what Javier was doing. He was going to box Jake in so Ted could catch up. Jake came up behind Javier and zipped back and forth, trying to pass. But Javier refused to let him go around.
This is my chance! Ted thought. He hit the straightaway a hundred feet behind Jake and Javier. His foot was heavy on the gas.
Jake couldn’t keep his foot down. Javier wouldn’t let him get that fast. Before long, Ted had cut the lead in half.
It was working!
Just as Ted caught up with Jake, Javier slipped to the outside of the track. Ted zoomed past both cars on the inside. He was going to win!
Up ahead, the driving coach stood in the infield. He waved the black flag furiously. Ted and Javier were in big trouble.
CHAPTER 5
BENCHED
“I tried to warn you,” Ash said. Ted and Javier slumped on the bench behind the camp building. From there, they could see the track, but they weren’t allowed on it.
“I know,” Ted said miserably.
The black flag meant Ted and Javier had to pull off the track for unsportsmanlike conduct. They both got a big lecture about driving safety, and about how practice drives were not races.
After lunch and mechanics lessons, everyone else was going down to the track for a race. But the boys had to sit there on the bench.
“Well,” Ash said. “Enjoy the race.” She pulled on her helmet and shook her head. Then she turned and walked to the track.
* * *
“I hope you’re happy,” Ash said in the car on the way home.
“I’m not,” said Ted. He crossed his arms.
“You know you missed three hours of driving today,” Ash said.
“I know,” said Ted.
“That’s three hours of practice,” Ash said. “Three hours you could have spent actually improving as a driver.”
“I know!” Ted snapped.
“All because you were trying to beat Jake,” Ash said, “a boy you hardly even know. A boy who hasn’t done anything to you.”
