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Chapter 12 The boys go racing – Part 1

Harry and James decided it was time that they had a go at go kart racing. After
all, Harry can race around the garden very quickly so why not try on a
racetrack, they thought. The circuit at Lydd is not too far away so they asked
their Daddy if he would take them down there one weekend. He thought that it
was a great idea and looked up on the Lydd calendar when might be a good
weekend.

“In three weeks’ time, there is a meeting for juniors like yourselves and there
will be a beginners’ series of races,” said their Daddy. So, it was agreed that
they would go and give it a try then.

In the meantime, preparations needed to be made. In the first place, the cart
needed to be tuned to run at full speed. Harry opened up his bag of tools and
the two of them set to making the necessary modifications.

It was decided that on this first trip, Harry would be the driver and James, the
mechanic and general support. James worked hard to learn about carburettors,
brakes, fuel additives, hot engines and cold engines, tyre pressures, under steer
and over steer. His head was buzzing with knowledge after a week of research
and trying things on the cart. Harry was really impressed with his dedication

and soon realised that being the support guy was just as exciting as being the
driver and that he would enjoy supporting James at another event.

The weekend came and the cart was loaded onto the trailer and tied down. A
picnic was put in the car. Harry and James climbed into the car and their Daddy
drove them down to Lydd.

On arriving at the track, Harry felt very nervous. He wasn’t sure whether he
really wanted to try racing. There were so many people busying about,

knowing what they were doing. Harry and even his Daddy were pretty unsure
about what they should or could do.

“Come on guys”, said their Daddy, “let’s find someone to tell us what to do”.

Harry was relieved that his Daddy had taken the initiative.

They walked up to what was labelled the “Secretary’s Hut”.

“Hello, can I help”, said a friendly voice.

“This is our first time so we have no idea what to do”, replied Harry’s Daddy.