Jake Maddox - Pit Crew Crunch

When Sean Tiffany was growing up, he lived on a small island off the coast of Maine. Every day, from sixth grade until he graduated from high school, he had to take a boat to get to school. When Seanisnt working on his art, he works on a multimedia project called OilCan Drive, which combines music and art. He has a pet cactus named Jim.

CHAPTER 1

As soon as he got home from school, Peter ran to the mailbox. He flipped open the white metal lid and carefully slid out the mail.

Nothing. Still no letter from the NASCAR officials.

While flipping through a magazine the month before, Peter had seen an interesting ad. The ad announced a new NASCAR contest.

The winner would be able to work on a pit crew for one of the major race car drivers of NASCAR! All Peter had to do was write a short essay, fill out some information, and send in his entry.

Peter couldnt believe his luck. He loved NASCAR more than anything. Winning the contest would be a dream come true.

He knew a lot of kids would enter. But he figured he had a good chance anyway, since he loved NASCAR so much.

Hed given it his best try. He had filled out the form right away and sent it in that very same day.

I think NASCAR is the best sport around! Peter had written. You have to know how to handle a car. You have to understand engines, tires, and tracks.

NASCAR is more than just knowing the rules. Its about knowing the mechanics of cars and racing, too.

With my love for cars and racing, I think Id be an excellent member of any pit crew.

It wasnt hard to explain why he loved NASCAR. The hard part was waiting to find out if hed won. What was taking the selection committee so long to make a decision?

Peter headed back to the house. He kicked the gravel on the driveway.

Hed been so certain that the notice would come today. After all, it had been almost a month since he sent in the form.

As he walked up the front steps of his house, he heard the phone ring. Peter ran inside and answered it.

Is this Mr. Peter Granger? asked a mans voice.

Peter clutched the receiver. Um, yes.
Yes, it is! he said.

Mr. Granger, this is Lee Harlow at NASCAR headquarters, the man said. We are pleased to announce that your contest entry was one of only a few chosen out of several thousands.

Peter gulped. It was? he asked.

Yes! Mr. Harlow said. You may be able to work in a pit crew during a NASCAR race!

CHAPTER 2

Peter couldnt believe it. Hed actually won the contest! This is awesome! he told Mr. Harlow.

Im sorry it took us so long to call you and tell you that youd won, Mr. Harlow said. I hope it was worth the wait!

It definitely was! Peter said.

Good. Ill be sending you some forms to sign. Ill also send you some information about NASCAR, Mr. Harlow said.

Information? Peter repeated. But I already know pretty much everything about NASCAR.

Yes, but there are rules about working in the pit crew, Mr. Harlow explained. We cant just let anyone behind the scenes of a NASCAR race. Youll have to pass a few tests before you can help out.

Peter hadnt thought of that. So it will be a while before Ill actually work the pit crew, he said.

Not too long, Mr. Harlow said. Take a look at the information Im sending and see what you think.

Peter didnt need to look at the information to decide. He knew hed do whatever it took to be able to work on the pit crew.

Hed dreamed of being part of a NASCAR race for his whole life. He wasnt going to blow this chance.

After Peter hung up the phone, he called his best friend, Kurt. Kurt was just as excited about the pit crew spot as Peter. Peter told him everything Mr. Harlow had said.

What do you think the tests will be about? Kurt asked.

I have no idea, but Im sure I can pass them, whatever they are, Peter said. Will you help me out?

Of course, said Kurt. But I dont think you need to worry. You know more about NASCAR than anybody, except maybe your dad. Youll definitely pass the tests.

* * *

Another week went by. Peter checked the mail every day. Finally, there was a thick envelope from Mr. Harlow inside the mailbox.

The envelope contained some forms for Peter and his dad to sign. Mr. Harlow had also sent a lot of information about NASCAR and about working on a pit crew. Peter read all of the information really carefully.

The biggest problem Peter knew he had was that hed never worked on a real car before. The pit crew preferred members who were experienced. Working on the crew was not easy.

Peter knew it would take practice and hard work. He wasnt afraid of that. He was just worried that he didnt have the right skills to join the crew.

Hed won the contest, but that didnt guarantee him a spot in the pit crew. He hadnt realized when he entered the NASCAR contest that hed have to pass so many tests.

I wonder how many more kids have been chosen, Peter said to Kurt.

Why dont you call Mr. Harlow, Kurt suggested. I bet he could tell you.

Thats a great idea! Peter said. He found Mr. Harlows phone number and called him up.

Mr. Harlow answered the phone right away. He told Peter that four other people had been chosen as possible candidates for joining the pit crew. They all needed to go to the racetrack in two weeks to take the tests.

I really want the spot, Mr. Harlow, Peter said.

I like your eagerness, Peter. Just be prepared when you come to the racetrack, Mr. Harlow told him. Well see then if youve got what it takes.

CHAPTER 3

On Sunday, Peter and his dad planned to watch a NASCAR race together. Peter loved watching the races and hanging out with his dad. It would be the perfect time to tell his dad about the contest.

Just before the race began, Peter brought all of the information from Mr. Harlow into the TV room. His father was sitting down with a bowl of chips and a soda, getting ready to watch the race.

Hey, Dad, look at this, said Peter. He handed his father a copy of the essay hed written about NASCAR.

Is this for school? Dad asked.

No, said Peter. Its for NASCAR.

NASCAR? his dad repeated. He frowned and read the essay.

Peter explained how he had entered the contest. Four other people won, besides me, he said. Now I have to pass a test to be on the pit crew. So what do you think, Dad?

Well, Im not sure, his father said.

Peter took a deep breath. He remembered what Mr. Harlow had said on the phone. Peter needed to show that he could be a great pit crew member.

I was wondering if maybe you could help me, Peter said. I need to learn how to change tires and jack up the car. And maybe you could show me how to quickly screw in the lug nuts and stuff.

So if you pass the tests, then you get to join the NASCAR pit crew? his father asked.

Thats what Mr. Harlow told me, Peter said. He said to meet him next Saturday at the track here in town.

Peters dad was silent for a moment. The only sound in the room came from the NASCAR announcer on the TV.