Part 18

Tony had two more races on the Sunday, in which he came fourth, and second again, respectively. Then it was time for the Novice Run. These were always the last races of any event – Presumably so that other races weren’t hindered by unforeseen mishaps.

This was it. It was Darcy’s turn. She climbed in , fastened her straps and turned the key. As the engine fired, Darcy’s stomach was in knots. Tony guided her into her starter’s position and wished her luck, adding that he would quite like his car back in one piece afterwards. Given what she had seen in the previous races, she wasn’t sure of the chances of that. She took a deep breath and resolutely fastened her helmet.

Engines roar and car hoods shiver

Tensions mound at starter’s point

Drivers poised, with mindset focused

Limbs are flexed in every joint

Smell of petrol fills the air

And then they’re off! The track, laid bare

Gathering speed, with track dust rising

Screaming tyres caress the bends

Gaining, gaining, ever closer

Aim to pass, as this lap ends

Come in fast on inside wing

Blood pounding with adrenalin

Crop the bends, as Tony’d taught her

Curb the clutch and slide the turn

Throttle flat and fix the eye

Ignore the smell of tyre burn

Opening on the bend was missed

Great clash of bumpers in a tryst

Lap by lap contestants dwindle

Climb to fifth, then fourth, then third

Come to blows with fourth’s indignance

Cries from chequered flag are heard

Grip the wheel, defiance soaring

Fight for third as crowd starts roaring

Foot hard down for final straight

With one eye on the car ‘longside

Neck and neck for finishing place

So move in close to ‘cramp their stride’

Make rival’s final run confined

...and cross the line, with fourth behind!

Tony ran over laughing, as Darcy climbed from the car, her eyes shining and a huge grin from ear to ear. She had never felt so exhilarated. Her practice runs on the old, dilapidated runway were tame compared to this, but third place was a fine finish. Beginner’s luck? Maybe, but Tony had taught her well.

Darcy couldn’t wait to do it again.