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A day at the race track.

My boys race go-karts. My boys are 13 and 10. We've been into racing for the past three years. When the issue of racing go-karts (offically called "karting") was introduced to me I had no clue what it was all about. I didn't understand the excitement my husband and boys had in their voices when they were telling me about it. My best friends son had just started racing and they went with him to the track one day to see what it was all about and give it a try. In my mind I was picturing the go-karts at amusement parks, fun but not overly exciting. You know, the ones that you floor and you still go slow. Well, if you aren't familiar with them, these are NOT those type of karts. On average, at our local track, they go on the straight-away about 50-55 miles per hour. Last year they did a charity 24 hour race at a track where they were going 83 miles per hour. My little boys! It's been fun but it's challenging. I've learned a lot about myself during these past few years of racing. I've learned a lot how I don't want to be. I don't get into controlling parenting. I don't get into cutting edge competetive sports - at these ages. Unfortunately not everyone has these same thoughts. This weekend the boys and their karts ran the fastest times they have before. Unfortunately they weren't top in their class but I can say proudly that they have the best sportsmanship I have seen. I'm so proud of them. It's sad when we see other kids that haven't raced as well as they had hoped come off sad and disappointed but it's very upsetting to see the kids that come off mad and angry at everyone. Not shaking hands with the winner or offering up congratulations. It makes me wonder what type of conversations their families have. No matter it makes me even more proud of my kids. Racing has taught them a lot and they are getting to do something most people will never experience. This weekend was filled with challenges for our family but it was filled with good times as well. Between races we get to sit and talk with our friends, enjoy the weather - when it's not too hot or too cold. We get to sit with not only our kids but all the other kids that hang out at our PIT with us. Parents migrate over and we all just hang out. That is so cool! We get to cheer each other on and the boys (of all ages) talk strategies. It's a big deal. The karts aren't that impressive to the untrained eye but once you get into it and begin understanding what they are all about you quickly realize there is much more to this sport. Afterall, some national races are shown on ESPN. It's so cool to see our friends on ESPN. We are not sure how much longer we will be doing this. I believe the boys are slowly starting to grow away from the sport, although they haven't officially come out and said it yet. I'm growing away from it. It's a big time commitment and to move to the next level (which many of our competitors have done) it takes a lot more money. Karting is not an inexpensive sport. I'm not ready to go down that path. But no matter what happens we will always have these memories and some good friends (old and new) as a result of this sport. Plus it's awfully cool to say we've done that!

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A day at the race track.

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