Brite Star Sports & Recreation "The Biggest Race"

The Biggest Race A Brite Star Sports and Recreation Copyright © 2023 by The Brite Star Foundation, Inc., a 501 (c)3 All rights reserved.

Published by The Brite Star Foundation, Inc. 11411 Southern Highlands Parkway Suite 338 Las Vegas, Nevada 89141 Vincent W. Goett, Publisher

ISBN Paperback

979-8-89750-113-7

Digital

979-8-89750-114-4

No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission of the publisher.

Robby wasa dreamer. He spent countless hours watching car races on TV. He followed the famous racers in their races every weekend. He grabbed the sports section of the paper before his dad had a chance to read it.

Robby’s parents loved the fact he had big dreams.

“Mom, one day I’m going to be a great racer and be in the biggest race,” Robby said.

Robby loved tinkering on the go kart his dad built for him.

He and his dad spent hours in the garage working to maketheir kart go faster. “I really think our cart is ready to winthe race this weekend,” Robby told his mom.

“Justremember it’s not always about winning but is about doing your best,” Mom said. “I’m sure if you do your best, you will be pleased withthe outcome.”

“Yeah. But Ijust want to win,”said Robby.

There were go kart races every Saturday at the Brite Star Park.

Robby wasalways the first to arrive. He studied the course and his competitors.

“Hi Robby, good luck today,” said Steve.

Steve went to school withRobby. He wasthe best go kart racer in Brite Star. Robby liked Steve but wasjealous that he alwayswon.

Today’s race wasexciting, Steve and Robby we’re neck and neck asthey cameto the finish line. But, asusual, Steve edged out Robby for first place.

“Why don’t Iever win? Iwork hard on my car.Ipractice. Icome close, but Inever win,”saidRobby.

“Robby, to be a winner, you need keep doing everything you’re doing. Over time you’ll get better and better,” saidMom. She gave him a big hug.

“We have things to get ready for next Saturday’s race,” said Dad. “But for today, who wants ice cream?”

“Yes!” Robby and his mom shouted.

The three sitting in the Brite Star Candy shop having ice cream with the 2nd place trophy on the table

Monday at school Steve asked, “Can Ieat lunch with you?”

Robby always thought of Steve ashis rival who always beat him on the racetrack. But he liked how good Steve wasat racing so he said, “Sure.”

The twoboys talked all through lunch about racing and their cars and how much their families loved watching themrace.

Steve’s favorite driver wasthe same as Robby’s, Mario Andretti!

“This wasa lot of fun. Let’s do this more often,” said Robby.

“How about if wework on our cars together this weekend?” asked Steve.

“Mom guess who Ihad lunch with today,” Robby said.

“Hmm, that’s a tough one. Let me take a guess, Mario Andretti?” Mom replied.

“Very funny,” said Robby. “No, Ihad lunch withSteve, and wetalked about racing cars. His favorite driver is Mario Andretti, too! He’s a super nice guy.”

“Justbecause you guys race against each other doesn’t mean you can’t be friends. Youprobably have a lot in common which will makeyou even better friends,” said Dad.

The family having dinner together

Robby and Steve were soon inseparable.

They worked on their cars together. They watched races on weekends and went to car shows withtheir dads. Robby looked forward to the Saturday races. Robby wished Steve the best of luck and Steve wished Robby the best of luck. After the race they congratulated eachother.

Someone said, “Those twohave great sportsmanship. Their parents did a great job teaching them that.”

Robby and Steve’s momsoverheard and smiled at eachother.

A picture of Robby and Steve holding their trophies arm and arm after a race.

Every year at the end of racing season there wasa championship race. The winner got a big trophy. Robby and Steve were super excited. They couldn’t wait for the big race.

“I’ll come tomorrow morning and wecan work on our cars. We’ve only got two weeks until the big race. Our cars need to be in tip-top shape,” said Steve.

“Why do you help me withmycar when you know how badly I’d love to winfirst place?” asked Robby.

“Simple, when I’m racing against the best it’s only going to makeme better. If your car is better, you’ll race better and that will help me get better,” said Steve.

The friends gave each other high fives.

The 2 boys high fiving

The next day Robby wassurprised when Steve didn’t show up. That wasvery unusual. “Mom,” said Robby, “Steve didn’t come to work on our cars.”

“That’s odd. I’ll call his momto makesure everything is OK,” said Mom. Robby could hear his momtalking to Steve’s momand knew something was wrong. When she got off the phone he asked, “What happened?”

“Steve is alright but on the wayto our house he fell and broke his leg,” said Mom. ‘He’s in Brite Star Hospital. We can see him tomorrow.”

Mom on phone and Robby concerned standing next to here.

Robby and his parents went to the hospital early the next day.

Steve waslying in bed withhis leg in a cast. “What happened?” askedRobby.

“It’s a little silly,” Steve said.

“On the wayto your house a big dog waschasing a catso Idodged them and slipped on the sidewalk, but I’m going to be fine.”

“What about the big race?” asked Robby.

“No racing for a few months for me. You go winfor both of us!” said Steve.

“OK! Hey, webrought you a surprise— your favorite ice cream.”

Steve with his leg in a cast, eating ice creamwith everybody.

Robby missed his friend at the big race but he knew what he had to do. Not only did Robby winthe race, he broke the Brite Star record for fastest time. After the race he held the big trophy and ran to his mom and dad. Before he could even get a word out his momsaid, “Let’s go see Steve.”

When Robby walked into Steve’s room withthe big trophy Steve wasmore excited than Robby.

“Congratulations. Youwon the big race!” said Steve.

“I didn’t winthe race. We won the race,” replied Robby. “This is for you!”

Robby and Steve’s friendship and their races would continue for a long time.

Steve holding the big race trophy next to Robbie

Think About It

1. Did Robby or Steve alwayswin theraces?

2. How did Steve break his leg?

3. Who wasRobby and Steve’s favorite racer?

4. What did someone at the race say about Robby and Steve?

5. What did Robby do withthe big trophy?

Let’s work together!

Ittakes a lot of work and dedication to be really good at something.

What would you like to be good at?

I will . . .

*Be willing to learn from those whoare better than Iam..

• Be willing to work hard to get better..

• Be a good sport withmy competitors..

The best part of this story is that Robby and Steve became good friends whocheered for each other. Are you willing to cheer for those you compete against?