Chapter 2: Getting Familiar
It was a sunny Sunday morning in Helsinki, Finland. Kai followed his dad, Mikael Jensen, out to the garage, his eyes fixed on the old kart. His dad began to explain the different parts of the kart, pointing out the engine, brakes, and steering wheel.
"Remember, Kai, safety first," his dad said, his voice firm but serious. "Always wear your helmet, and make sure your harness is secure."
Kai nodded, taking mental notes. His dad lifted him up so he could sit in the driver's seat. Kai grasped the steering wheel, feeling a sense of pride and responsibility.
As they worked, Kai's dad mentioned that he could only help him on weekdays, due to his mechanic job. Kai understood, knowing his dad worked hard to provide for their family.
Just then, Kai's mom, Elina Jensen, walked into the garage. "Hey, what's going on here?" she asked, smiling.
"We're getting Kai familiar with the kart," his dad replied. "Why don't you come with us to the local track? We can check it out and see if it's a good place for Kai to start practicing."
Kai's mom agreed, and they made plans to head to the Kymi Ring, a popular racing circuit about an hour's drive from Helsinki.
As they drove to the track, the weather remained fine, with a gentle breeze and plenty of sunshine. When they arrived, Kai's dad parked the car, and they all got out, stretching their legs.
Kai looked around, taking in the sights and sounds of the racing circuit. The smell of fuel and rubber filled the air, and the sound of revving engines echoed through the grounds.
Kai's dad began to unload the kart from the trailer, while Kai watched intently. His dad carefully placed the kart on the ground, checking everything accurately:
"Okay, son, let's go through the checklist. Brake pads, check. Tire pressure, check. Chain tension, check. Oil level, check. Throttle and brake cables, check."
With the kart set up, Kai's dad said, "Alright, son, let's take a walk around the track. I want you to get a feel for the layout and remember the turns." Kai nodded, already having memorized the track's layout from watching videos and studying maps.
As they walked, Kai's dad pointed out key features, explaining how to approach each turn and how to use the brakes. Kai listened carefully, feeling an intuitive sense of how the track's grip would respond to his driving.
After their walk, Elina called out, "Okay, guys! Lunch is ready!" They gathered around the picnic table, and Elina handed out sandwiches and fruit.
Kai ate quickly, eager to get back to the kart. "Dad, can you help me start the engine?" he asked.
Mikael nodded, "First, make sure the parking brake is engaged. Then, turn the ignition switch to the 'on' position, but don't start the engine yet. Check the surroundings to make sure it's clear, then press the start button."
Kai nodded, following his dad's instructions. The engine roared to life, and Mikael helped him adjust his helmet and get settled into the driver's seat.
As they prepared to head out onto the track, a boy around Kai's age, with messy brown hair and a big smile, walked up to them. "Hi! I'm Max. My dad and I are here for the practice session."
Mikael smiled, "Hi Max! I'm Mikael Jensen, and this is my son Kai. We're just getting started with karting."
Max's dad, Mark, walked up to join them. "Hi Mikael! I'm Mark. We've been coming to this track for a few months now. It's a great place to learn."
Kai smiled, feeling a bit shy but excited to meet new people. "Hi!" he said, waving at Max.
Max grinned back, "Hey! Want to go out on the track together?"
Mikael nodded. "That sounds like a great idea, son. Let's get out there and have some fun!"
Kai put on his helmet and climbed into the kart. He was only 3 years old, but he was eager to get familiar with riding a kart. Mikael gave him a thumbs-up and a reassuring smile.
As Kai drove around the track, he started to get more comfortable with the kart's handling. He practiced turning, braking, and accelerating, getting a feel for how the kart responded.
After several laps, Kai pulled back into the pits, his face flushed with excitement. He drove until the gas ran out, then coasted back to the garage tent.
"Dad, my kart is not fast," Kai said, looking up at Mikael with a determined expression.
Mikael smiled, "Well, son, we can upgrade the kart, but you need to earn it. For now, let's focus on training and getting you more comfortable with the kart."
Mikael checked the kart, refueled it, and made some adjustments. "Alright, son, let's get back out there and do some more laps. I want you to practice your turning and braking."
Kai nodded, eager to get back on the track. He drove lap after lap, honing his skills and getting more confident with each passing minute.
As the day drew to a close, Mikael called out, "Alright, Kai, time to wrap up! You've done a great job today."
Kai pulled back into the pits, grinning from ear to ear. "Thanks, Dad! That was so much fun!"