01-24-2020, 02:10 PM
(This post was last modified: 04-10-2021, 08:50 PM by Terry Bentley.)
Chapter 17
Steve comes over and starts asking over and over. Is he dead? Is he dead? Whats wrong with him? Why is there blood all over his face?
A local paramedic that races on the weekends, Michael Dowis also volunteers as the track medic in case of an accident. He tells Steve to calm down, that I am not dead and checking over the vitals. But did you see how hard he hit that light pole? The helmet is cracked on top. Why is there blood all over his face. Michael carefully wipes the blood off with a damp rag and finds out there is a small cut above my eyebrow.
After several minutes, Michael is satisfied I am in no mortal danger and should be alright. Just took a serious blow when the kart catapulted end over end and slammed into the portable light pole overlooking the banked turn at end of straight away.
My dad is standing there while Michael fills in the details on my condition. Your son doesnt seem to have any broken bones or suffered anything serious. Should be fine in a little while. His eyes respond to light and no signs of neck injuries. He was sort of in a daze a few moments ago. I gave him a mild sedative. Actually, I cornered old man McDaniel and asked for his flask. I dont know what is all in that corn whisky he makes, but sure does have good medicinal value. I mixed it with some 7 UP, and honey from the concession stand. Your boy sure had a surprised look on his face when he tried to choke it down. Seemed to find himself short of breath for a few moments after swallowing that concoction. He should be resting now.
Steve had left and come back now not so much in a panic. Is he going to be OK? Michael assures him I will likely make a most remarkable recovery in a short time. For now I needed a little time to relax and come to grips with what just happened and then would be back among the living soon enough.
Steve looks down at my face and starts laughing out. He is pointing to the expression on my face and then states loudly that I really was going to be ok. "I have seen this look on his face before. See how his eyes moving around like that. And the lanky smile he has. A while back when he crashed riding his bike, I thought he just about killed himself, but just bounced off the ground a few times.
Good thing he has a really hard head. He seemed to be out of it for a few seconds, but having some stupid ridiculous dream of him racing. He told me later about it all. It was one for the books for sure. I bet this one is going to be even better. Or so far out it would maybe even make sense this time. Cant wait to hear what was going on in his head when he wakes up.
Steve mentioned that Davids and the other kids equipment didnt suffer any real damage. They tangled up together and came to a complete stop, after rolling down off edge of track. I guess Terry was the reaction to their action, without anything working to slow that kart down.
Speaking of karts, Mr Cates interrupted Steves observations and asked to come help him retrieve the carnage. Mr Cates is telling Steve that he hoped everything is going to be alright. He feels really bad about being responsible for everything since offering me the ride in his kart.
Steve stared up at him with his head slightly cocked and eyes focused. Mr Cates, you dont have any reason to blame yourself. That kid they disqualified earlier tonight is the only person at fault here. Well maybe his dad too. I think they both deserve an ass woopin! Oh, I apologize sir, that just slipped out. There is something wrong with that family. Mr Cates still told Steve he thought that he might have been pushing me to get on the track tonight. Maybe that I wasnt ready.
Steve then made real clear that was not the issue at all. He new me well enough and could definitely say without a doubt, let Mr Cates know that was not the situation. If you knew Terry at all, you would not even think that, sir. He is more than ready to start racing. If it was anybody else, they would have jumped at the chance you offered him. It is just the way he does things.
Terry does not like taking advantage of other peoples generosity. He would prefer to do everything himself before accepting help from someone. If you didnt offer him this ride tonight, we would be headed back and him already working out how and what materials were available to build a kart. Then show up in a few weeks with something totally untested and not necessarily safe to drive. It may or may not complete a lap. But eventually he would get it right.
You have actually saved him from himself. I am sure he is going to be fine. I know that look on his face right now. Even tho he is out of it for the moment. Before when that blood was all over his face, I was sort of freaking out. I didnt know if or how bad he was hurt. I could only assume the worse. I know when he comes around, will be the one freaking out about all the damage to your kart. I will bet next weeks allowance that is the first thing he asks about. Sorry I know betting is wrong, but just saying.
Mr Cates and Steve carry the kart back to the pits. Wow, this thing is a total loss. The left side front axle is torn completely off. I wonder where it went? Two of the other wheels are not even sitting flat on the ground. Man what a twisted mess. Mr Cates goes on about how many new drivers started out their first time on this kart.
He had begun building these karts about two years ago. This is one of the very first models after the jig was finalized. Steve saw a small tear from Mr Cates right eye as he was talking. Oh well, I have a new style chassis on the drawing board right now. Guess it is time to make some headway with it.
What will you do with this chassis now Steve asked? Well son, you can see there is not one piece salvageable. Probably not even worth loading up. Are you being serious?, Steve questioned. Mr Cates responded, Yes, I am. Sometimes you just gotta accept your losses and move on. This is not worth fixing at all. There is not one thing straight. I dont see a reason even to salvage any of the parts either. There isnt anything left that is usable.
Steve was quiet and bit his lip for a moment. Mr Cates, If you are totally serious, could I ask of you a really big favor? Would you sell me whats left of the kart? Son, have you not been listening to me ranting on over the last ten minutes? There is really nothing useful at all. If you seriously want it, you can have it. I couldnt sell this to anyone regardless for what reason. I dont see why you would waste any time trying to make something of it.
Mr Cates, I know we have just met tonight, and dont know me or Terry at all, but you have no idea how much this means. This isnt for me. Its for him. If Terry knew I let this slip away, if you were really serious, I wouldnt hear the end of it from him.
You may not think its worth fixing. I understand that. But Terry sees things like this and somehow manages to turn a pile of twisted rubble into anything but that. He isnt always successful, but the journey of seeing the transformation is nothing short of amazing.
Well boy, I do know Terrys dad. Actually for some time now. I know his grandfather extremely well. We both worked at Temco after the war for several years. Way before I worked for Bell Helicopter. He is a good man. If Terry is anything like his grandfather, I do know where you are coming from. Some people are natural at improvising things. With a little mechanical aptitude, and basic skills, some kids your age can do amazing things.
I have a lot of years studying engineering. Not so much with natural talent, but can turn a blueprint into reality. But I have to draw it out first, and crunch all the numbers before I would actually start building something. I have seen other people able just to picture it in their heads and proceed from there with a finished product. They are only limited by their imagination. But for most people like this tho is really limiting.
If you really feel you boys can make something of this twisted up mess, I wont put the brakes on your journey. Here let me throw in some parts to help out. Here is an extra seat. Its been repaired a few times, but is really solid. It is just a backup in case of a night like this. Well not this bad, but you get the idea. The one on this kart is really not much more than splinters now. Dont see much use in trying to fix it at all.
A couple spare wheels, spindle and some tie rod ends. Here take these old Texcon tires. There is still a little life left in them. These are just used parts that were changed out with now ones. I keep them only for backup spares. I really dont see you getting this kart back together, so not too concerned about these old used parts ever getting put to use. But maybe time spent will be a good learning experience for the both of you.
How about helping me load up my twin on the trailer and I guess it time to head back home tonight. Glad to here Terry is coming around and is going to be fine. I will give his dad a call in a few days to see how things are going. Take care and it was really nice to meet the both of you. Steve shakes Mr Cates hand and really thanks him for everything. The old Studebaker station wagon fires up and is headed out of the pits and then down the road toward Ft Worth.
Steve comes over and starts asking over and over. Is he dead? Is he dead? Whats wrong with him? Why is there blood all over his face?
A local paramedic that races on the weekends, Michael Dowis also volunteers as the track medic in case of an accident. He tells Steve to calm down, that I am not dead and checking over the vitals. But did you see how hard he hit that light pole? The helmet is cracked on top. Why is there blood all over his face. Michael carefully wipes the blood off with a damp rag and finds out there is a small cut above my eyebrow.
After several minutes, Michael is satisfied I am in no mortal danger and should be alright. Just took a serious blow when the kart catapulted end over end and slammed into the portable light pole overlooking the banked turn at end of straight away.
My dad is standing there while Michael fills in the details on my condition. Your son doesnt seem to have any broken bones or suffered anything serious. Should be fine in a little while. His eyes respond to light and no signs of neck injuries. He was sort of in a daze a few moments ago. I gave him a mild sedative. Actually, I cornered old man McDaniel and asked for his flask. I dont know what is all in that corn whisky he makes, but sure does have good medicinal value. I mixed it with some 7 UP, and honey from the concession stand. Your boy sure had a surprised look on his face when he tried to choke it down. Seemed to find himself short of breath for a few moments after swallowing that concoction. He should be resting now.
Steve had left and come back now not so much in a panic. Is he going to be OK? Michael assures him I will likely make a most remarkable recovery in a short time. For now I needed a little time to relax and come to grips with what just happened and then would be back among the living soon enough.
Steve looks down at my face and starts laughing out. He is pointing to the expression on my face and then states loudly that I really was going to be ok. "I have seen this look on his face before. See how his eyes moving around like that. And the lanky smile he has. A while back when he crashed riding his bike, I thought he just about killed himself, but just bounced off the ground a few times.
Good thing he has a really hard head. He seemed to be out of it for a few seconds, but having some stupid ridiculous dream of him racing. He told me later about it all. It was one for the books for sure. I bet this one is going to be even better. Or so far out it would maybe even make sense this time. Cant wait to hear what was going on in his head when he wakes up.
Steve mentioned that Davids and the other kids equipment didnt suffer any real damage. They tangled up together and came to a complete stop, after rolling down off edge of track. I guess Terry was the reaction to their action, without anything working to slow that kart down.
Speaking of karts, Mr Cates interrupted Steves observations and asked to come help him retrieve the carnage. Mr Cates is telling Steve that he hoped everything is going to be alright. He feels really bad about being responsible for everything since offering me the ride in his kart.
Steve stared up at him with his head slightly cocked and eyes focused. Mr Cates, you dont have any reason to blame yourself. That kid they disqualified earlier tonight is the only person at fault here. Well maybe his dad too. I think they both deserve an ass woopin! Oh, I apologize sir, that just slipped out. There is something wrong with that family. Mr Cates still told Steve he thought that he might have been pushing me to get on the track tonight. Maybe that I wasnt ready.
Steve then made real clear that was not the issue at all. He new me well enough and could definitely say without a doubt, let Mr Cates know that was not the situation. If you knew Terry at all, you would not even think that, sir. He is more than ready to start racing. If it was anybody else, they would have jumped at the chance you offered him. It is just the way he does things.
Terry does not like taking advantage of other peoples generosity. He would prefer to do everything himself before accepting help from someone. If you didnt offer him this ride tonight, we would be headed back and him already working out how and what materials were available to build a kart. Then show up in a few weeks with something totally untested and not necessarily safe to drive. It may or may not complete a lap. But eventually he would get it right.
You have actually saved him from himself. I am sure he is going to be fine. I know that look on his face right now. Even tho he is out of it for the moment. Before when that blood was all over his face, I was sort of freaking out. I didnt know if or how bad he was hurt. I could only assume the worse. I know when he comes around, will be the one freaking out about all the damage to your kart. I will bet next weeks allowance that is the first thing he asks about. Sorry I know betting is wrong, but just saying.
Mr Cates and Steve carry the kart back to the pits. Wow, this thing is a total loss. The left side front axle is torn completely off. I wonder where it went? Two of the other wheels are not even sitting flat on the ground. Man what a twisted mess. Mr Cates goes on about how many new drivers started out their first time on this kart.
He had begun building these karts about two years ago. This is one of the very first models after the jig was finalized. Steve saw a small tear from Mr Cates right eye as he was talking. Oh well, I have a new style chassis on the drawing board right now. Guess it is time to make some headway with it.
What will you do with this chassis now Steve asked? Well son, you can see there is not one piece salvageable. Probably not even worth loading up. Are you being serious?, Steve questioned. Mr Cates responded, Yes, I am. Sometimes you just gotta accept your losses and move on. This is not worth fixing at all. There is not one thing straight. I dont see a reason even to salvage any of the parts either. There isnt anything left that is usable.
Steve was quiet and bit his lip for a moment. Mr Cates, If you are totally serious, could I ask of you a really big favor? Would you sell me whats left of the kart? Son, have you not been listening to me ranting on over the last ten minutes? There is really nothing useful at all. If you seriously want it, you can have it. I couldnt sell this to anyone regardless for what reason. I dont see why you would waste any time trying to make something of it.
Mr Cates, I know we have just met tonight, and dont know me or Terry at all, but you have no idea how much this means. This isnt for me. Its for him. If Terry knew I let this slip away, if you were really serious, I wouldnt hear the end of it from him.
You may not think its worth fixing. I understand that. But Terry sees things like this and somehow manages to turn a pile of twisted rubble into anything but that. He isnt always successful, but the journey of seeing the transformation is nothing short of amazing.
Well boy, I do know Terrys dad. Actually for some time now. I know his grandfather extremely well. We both worked at Temco after the war for several years. Way before I worked for Bell Helicopter. He is a good man. If Terry is anything like his grandfather, I do know where you are coming from. Some people are natural at improvising things. With a little mechanical aptitude, and basic skills, some kids your age can do amazing things.
I have a lot of years studying engineering. Not so much with natural talent, but can turn a blueprint into reality. But I have to draw it out first, and crunch all the numbers before I would actually start building something. I have seen other people able just to picture it in their heads and proceed from there with a finished product. They are only limited by their imagination. But for most people like this tho is really limiting.
If you really feel you boys can make something of this twisted up mess, I wont put the brakes on your journey. Here let me throw in some parts to help out. Here is an extra seat. Its been repaired a few times, but is really solid. It is just a backup in case of a night like this. Well not this bad, but you get the idea. The one on this kart is really not much more than splinters now. Dont see much use in trying to fix it at all.
A couple spare wheels, spindle and some tie rod ends. Here take these old Texcon tires. There is still a little life left in them. These are just used parts that were changed out with now ones. I keep them only for backup spares. I really dont see you getting this kart back together, so not too concerned about these old used parts ever getting put to use. But maybe time spent will be a good learning experience for the both of you.
How about helping me load up my twin on the trailer and I guess it time to head back home tonight. Glad to here Terry is coming around and is going to be fine. I will give his dad a call in a few days to see how things are going. Take care and it was really nice to meet the both of you. Steve shakes Mr Cates hand and really thanks him for everything. The old Studebaker station wagon fires up and is headed out of the pits and then down the road toward Ft Worth.