13 Race Day

Race Day written by John Lockyer illustrated by Kelvin Hawley

Charlie's grandmother, Nan, worked at the rally car races every Saturday. One weekend, she told him, "I'm starting a new job at the races today." Charlie tried to guess what her new job could be, but Nan wouldn't tell him. She said, "You'll just have to wait and see."

When they got to the gate, Charlie saw a woman selling tickets. "Is your new job selling tickets?" he asked. "No, my job is much more exciting than that," answered Nan. Inside the gate, they walked past some food stalls, where Charlie could smell hot dogs and hamburgers. "I hope your new job is selling food," he said, "because I'll be able to have a hot dog whenever I want one." "That's a hot and smelly job," said Nan. "I don't want to do that."

When they came to the place where the rally cars were parked, Charlie and Nan walked along the row of cars. They watched the teams getting ready for the races. They stopped in front of a bright red and yellow car. A man wearing red and yellow overalls gave Nan a large red and yellow bag. He said, "Be ready in five minutes."

Nan walked quickly to the changing rooms, with Charlie running beside her. "Do you work for the red and yellow racing team?" he asked. "Yes, I do," answered Nan with a smile. "What's your job?" asked Charlie. "Do you clean the number seven racing car?" Nan shook her head. "Wait and see," she said, laughing as she went into the changing room.

When Nan came out, she was wearing red and yellow overalls and a red and yellow helmet. "I'm a rally car driver now," she told Charlie. He was very surprised. "How did you become a driver?" he asked. "I've been training hard for a long time," said Nan. "It's nearly time for my race to start. Let's go!" Nar's racing team helped her climb into the car. Charlie helped too — he made sure she put on her safety belt. Nan drove the car slowly to the starting line, where she revved the engine. Brrrm! Brrrrm! All the rally cars sounded very noisy. When the green flag was waved, Charlie shouted, "They're off! Go, number seven!" Nan had a good quick start and raced to the front.