Today was unlike any other day. Usually my parents didn't have much money, sometimes they only had enough for me to eat supper. They didn't have enough for toys or games. But they had enough to get the TV where I watch my favorite thing on this planet. Formula 1.
"Son come on, we have to go somewhere."
"But dad I don't want to go to the store again."
"You're gonna wanna go this time. Trust me."
We got into the car and started driving. We eventually made it to the store but we drove past it.
"Uhh Dad. You missed your turn."
"No I know where I'm going."
We made it to a warehouse and parked the car near the front doors because of my dad's bad back. We walked in and my mind was blown. Before me was something I have always dreamed of, always asked for.
A karting track.
"Dad are you serious?"
"As a heart attack."
We went to the front desk, payed, and went to get the gear required to drive. I got a helmet, a racing suit, gloves, and boots. My heart was racing, my adrenaline pumping as I walked torwards the karts. I chose one that was red and yellow like the Scudiera Ferrari team in Formula 1. I got in and strapped in and surge of joy rushed through me.
"Be careful out there son."
"Yes sir."
After that shut my visor and I took off. At first I was not doing so great. I kept bumping the wall or other drivers. Eventually I got the hang of it and started setting valid laps, my time improving every turn. I started passing the slower divers. As I got faster everything got slower. I couldn't hear anything but the kart and my thoughts. Until eventually I saw something on that wall. A fastest lap. The lap time was 1:20.56. I was setting the fastest lap and I didn't even know it. I focused on the track ahead weaving through turns flat out paving my way through. I almost set the fastest lap when someone crashed in-front of me. I started slamming the wheel with my hands and went into the pits.
"Stetson calm down. You can try again."
"Dad that idiot crashed right in front of me! I almost had the fastest lap!"
"Go again Stetson."
"Yes sir."
I put my foot on the gas and drove. Turning left, right, flying down the straights. My lap started and it felt as if I had fused with the car, like I was it apart of it, like it was apart of me. My thoughts faded, hearing nothing but silence. I made it to the last turns and took them without a single mistake. I crossed the line.
"1:18.42"
"Everyone we have a new lap record!"
Everyone stopped and climbed out of their carts and cheered. Cheered for me.
"Good job son!"
"Thanks dad!"
"Kid what is your name?"
"My name is Stetson Rhodes."
"Well that was an amazing lap!"
"Thanks."
I began to walk out since my session was over when a man stopped my father. He was wearing a suit with the letters "South Georgia Karting" on them. They are a sponsor for people who want to do karting. They stepped into a corner to talk.
"Sir your son has some amazing potential. How long has he been karting?"
"This was his first time."
"Are you serious? You should really get him into the actual sport!"
"I'm sorry but I don't have the financial resources for that."
"No, sir. You don't understand. I'm going to sponsor your son."
"Really?"
"Really."
My dad returned to the car and began to follow the man in his black car. He went through many back roads and highways. The destination was an hour away. The building said "South Georgia Karting" on it. My dad part and I look at him with a confused expression and he just smiled as we followed the man into his office. We sat down in two chairs and waited for someone to walk win. My anxiety started to rise for I had no clue why we were here. The man opened the door and sat down.
"So, your Stetson Rhodes?"
"Yes sir."
"Well we have found out that you have set a track record even though it was your first time. We here have decided to sponsor you until
You begin to earn enough to support your self through it. Does that sound good?"
"Wait are you serious? I'm gonna be a racer?!"
"Yes sir I am. Just sign right here."
My dad reached over and signed the contract. We walked out and I was shaking the entire ride home. My dream finally came true. I was gonna be a racer, and maybe be the world champion. When we arrived home me and my dad immediately starting coming up with designs and shopping for gear since the sponsors for paying for it all. I was static the entire time.
"Let's do red, black, and yellow! Like Charles Leclerc!"
"Okay!"
After that my dad made a few phone calls getting me on the roster of racers so I can participate when I get my kart fully built. I went and sat down while he did that and watched the ending of my favorite race again. Monaco 2024. The way Charles won for his dad who sadly passed really put a spark in my eye and gave me the compassing I have now. I looked at my father and he game me a thumbs up and smiled. I was officially a racer. The next day I went to school and everyone around me could tell I was happier and more ecstatic than my usual bored tired self. People's curiosity started to grow and eventually someone stopped me and the hallway to ask why I was so happy.
"Hey Stetson. What's got you this happy normally moping around?"
"My dream came true. I'm a racer."