This was his first K1 Speed experience. We probably did not notice that the recent growth spurt had made him eligible for this sport. Standing tall at almost 52 inches (48 inches is the minimum height required to race), it was one of the most awaited life moments.

We have seen him drive those imaginary cars since birth. Vehicles have amused him more than anything else. Playing those car and bike games is the most preferred source of entertainment after outdoor games. Hence, K1 Speeding was the next natural progression. I am sure a lot of parents copy me on this. 

I must admit that sitting in the audience and seeing the cars race and bang and twist and turn was not a very pleasant experience for me. But, I could see that “finally, I get to do it” , “finally, I get to lay my hands on the steering” , “finally, i get to put my legs on the pedals and accelerate” and “finally, I am tall enough” look in those spectacled eyes.

It was a weekend and hence a long wait to get a turn. “Finally”, when I saw him sit in that mini racing car (Car Number 45) and showing a ‘thumbs-up’ to tell us he was all set, my heart melted.

“Vroooooom” the race began. Some of the kids did not move their foot off the accelerator. They were zooming past the spectators and the other racers.  Some of them, were first timers and they were still getting a hang of how much to accelerate, how much to turn and how much to let go. Then I spot that car number 45. It was going fast, I must say. It was also breaking at the turns and the driver was looking both ways before making a turn. When there was a car too close, this car either tried to maintain the distance or let the other car pass.

Car Number 45 got  bumped and turned and twisted. In spite of all that, it kept going and finished the 16 laps on the track.

The fact that the driver cared to take his foot off the pedal during turnings, when there was another car too close and whenever he thought it was necessary, did not work in the racer’s favor. He could not finish the race as fast as he would have liked to. But, that defensive driving skill, shown on a race track, made my day, I must admit.

It is all about knowing when to use those brakes, isn’t it!

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