Speed Freak Read Online Free Page B

got the job done, all the time turning over in my head what could be wrong with the kart.
    I gave Dad a yell, mashed the spuds — and heard the sweet sound of the engine.
    He came in as I was dishing up. ‘What was it?’
    ‘Let me get in the door, Archie.’
    Damn it, he was in one of those moods when he’d tell me in his own sweet time. Still, I wasn’t too worried. The engine was going and it had sounded good.
    But after he’d done nothing with his mouth except put food in it for five minutes, I gave in. ‘Everything’s sweet now?’
    ‘Yep.’
    ‘Dad!’
    He laughed. ‘It was electrical. The starter motor brush wire was broken.’
    I let out a sigh of relief — it wasn’t going to take big money to fix. ‘I didn’t even think of that. Good call.’
    Craig wouldn’t know how much anything cost. He wouldn’t even be interested. Dad was right — the battle to win the extra sponsorship was going to add a kick to the year.
    Bring it on.

CHAPTER SIX
    WE DROVE UP to Palmerston North on Saturday night, and there was a nasty surprise waiting for me at the motel — Craig came strolling out of the unit next to ours.
    ‘Thought you’d turn up sooner or later,’ he said.
    ‘Didn’t see your name on the entry list,’ I said.
    ‘Last-minute decision.’
    I looked around for his kart trailer. ‘Are you planning on doing the course on your own two legs?’
    ‘I’d still beat you. Gary’ll be here in an hour or so.’
    ‘Gary? Isn’t Carl your mechanic?’
    ‘Gary’s new. He’s the best. Dad made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. He’ll be taking it easy. It’s a long drive from Auckland.’
    I didn’t bother asking why Craig hadn’t jumped in the van and come down with Gary. His father would have handed him the plane tickets —
Here you are, son. We don’t want you getting tired by a long road trip.
    ‘Your dad’s going to be here?’
    He shook his head. ‘Gary’s doing the honours.’
    Dad locked the van, then said, ‘We’re cooking dinner. Got enough for three. How about you join us?’
    Old Craig’s face lit up like a tail light. ‘Cool! Thanks,Bill. I was just going to order pizza.’
    Dad tutted and treated him to the
proper food
lecture. I winked at Craig, and he grinned back. He’d heard the same lecture a few times by now.
    Over dinner of cold corned beef, coleslaw, mashed spuds and broccoli — possibly a more basic feast than Craig was used to — conversation inevitably got around to the Challenge.
    ‘Have to warn you, Archie,’ Craig said, ‘I’m planning on winning.’
    ‘Plans are good,’ I said. ‘But it’s the performance that counts.’
    Dad just smiled, leaned back in his chair and listened to us sparring.
    Craig and I dealt to the dishes — he did seem to know how to dry a plate. We’d just finished when we heard Gary pull up outside. Craig hung up the tea towel, thanked us for the meal and left. Through the sliding door I watched him go up to Gary and high five him.
    ‘I’m glad you don’t do that,’ I said to Dad.
    ‘What’s wrong with a high five?’
    ‘Not that. I reckon it must be lonely for Craig. Gary might be the best money can buy, but it’s not like having your old man with you.’
    My old man didn’t respond to that, except to look pleased and tell me to make him a cup of tea.

    WE GOT TO the track at 7.30 in the morning. Craig and Gary were right behind us.
    We set up our base and unloaded the kart. I pulledon my race suit, picked up a rag and rubbed it over the bodywork.
    Dad took the rag from my hand. ‘Calm down. Go and check out the track.’
    I was a couple of steps away when he said, ‘Archie, drive your own race. Don’t worry about any other bugger.’
    He was right, as usual. I couldn’t let Craig get into my head. I couldn’t worry about him beating me.
    We took the kart to the tech shed for scrutineering. Gary and Craig were already there. Gary and Dad shook hands and I could tell they were sizing each other up —
I bet