It’s time; finally it’s actually time to go racing. NCMP opens for testing in a few days and the first race is only a week and a half away. Things have been more than hectic here at the palatial World Headquarters of Rapid Racing and as a result this writer will begin the season in the same Tony Venox/Parilla that we campaigned last year. Stay tuned for the new ride a bit later.

Recently I had an experience that confirmed the fact that despite the whiteness of my hair I am still in touch with my rebellious youth. A long time friend and customer had a surprise birthday party held for him at a local indoor karting center. I had never been to one of these establishments and thought it might be a good time. After several minutes of razzing and roasting our good friends 40th birthday we all signed up to do four races, (Gotta love those discount coupons)

Race one; I got saddled with a machine that just flat would not turn and eventually came in mid pack or a little worse.

Race two; Wasn’t so hot either as this kart would push then snap oversteer immediately. To make matters worse it would backfire twice then go every time you stepped on the gas. Result, mid pack again.

Race three; The kart I was given this time clearly had a different seating position and as I left the pits I discovered that while not a great machine it would at least turn in, take a set and accelerate. Starting fifth I was up to second in two laps. On lap three I pushed the leader down what qualifies as the longest straight. Upon arriving at the turn at the end of the straight I saw the flashing yellow lights come on. Backing off the gas I came around the corner only to find the kid (race director) standing in the middle of the track with black and red flags in his hands pointing at me and yelling “You’re black flagged! Take it to the pits!”

Upon arriving at the pits the kid (I mean race director) commenced to giving me and “In your face” type of butt chewing going on about ignoring the yellow and driving too fast. (?) The whole place is shut down and he asks me if I understood. Of course I told the truth and said “No!”

That evidently didn’t sit well with the young man and the “In your face” butt chewing commenced once again. By the way the other members of the birthday party were having a great time with this.

On and on he ranted resorting to references to a “Blind Old Man” which of course didn’t sit very well with me.

Upon finishing his rant for the second time the young man crossed his arms, looked me in the eye and said “Well? You have anything to say?”

I looked around at the assembled audience and motioned the kid (I mean race director) closer and doing my very best Clint Eastwood impersonation said “Yeah. **** you!”

Race four; I was in the parking lot.

Ahhh the transgressions of rebellious youth.

Enough of that, Let’s go do the real thing. Racing season is finally here. Let’s hear a hurrah from everybody.

‘Til next time, Race Hard, Race Safe, and God Bless America