Chapter 16: Preparation Weekend
Saturday, April 4th, 2009 – Morning
The sun crept slowly above the trees lining the Eefde kart circuit. Early spring light cast long shadows on the asphalt, and although no official races were planned, the paddock was already humming. Mechanics adjusted tire pressures and gear ratios, while parents gathered with coffee in hand, speaking in low voices about the upcoming regional championship.
Alex arrived with Victor in the academy van, his helmet in his lap, eyes already scanning the familiar curves of the track. He knew Eefde now—its rhythm, its bite, its comfort. But Victor had made it clear: today was not about familiarity.
"We've got three full weekends before the regional," Victor said, rolling down the door of the trailer. "We're going to use every one of them. Today is about understanding. Tire feel, throttle response, braking points. We're not just racing anymore—we're building instincts."
Alex nodded silently, pulling on his gloves.
While Victor checked over the kart, Alex's parents arrived. Willem carried a backpack, and Miriam waved with a warm smile.
"We'll stay back," she said, letting them work. "But we're watching."
Saturday, April 4th, 2009 – Midday
The first session began with Alex doing continuous five-lap runs. No lap times were shouted. No distractions. Victor stood at the edge of the pitlane, arms crossed, noting every line, every braking point.
Back in the tent, Victor reviewed tire wear and steering marks.
"Too much push in Turn 6," he said. "But your response was good. You adjusted without overdriving."
Alex wiped his forehead. "It felt like the kart wanted to slide. Like the back wasn't following."
Victor raised an eyebrow. "You're starting to feel that? Good. That's exactly what I want. But don't worry about why just yet. After the regional, we'll go deep into setup. For now, trust what you feel."
Alex nodded, quietly proud.
They adjusted the seat position slightly and dropped rear tire pressure by a fraction. Then, Victor had him do mock qualifying runs—short bursts of two timed laps after a warm-up.
Alex pushed harder each round, experimenting with entry speeds. On his final run before lunch, he clipped the inside curb at Turn 5 with perfect precision and smiled behind his visor.
Willem gave a small fist pump on the sidelines. "He's flying."
Saturday, April 4th, 2009 – Afternoon
After lunch, they moved to race scenarios.
Victor set cones to simulate other karts, guiding Alex through overtaking paths. They ran "ghost races," where Victor described opponents out loud through the radio—forcing Alex to react in real time.
"Car on your inside—defend without closing the door."
"Outside pressure—leave space, but own the exit."
By late afternoon, Alex was mentally drained. He pulled into the paddock and slumped into a chair.
Victor knelt beside him. "This is the grind, Alex. It's what separates talent from skill."
Alex nodded slowly. "Can we do more starts tomorrow?"
Victor smiled. "Absolutely."
Sunday, April 5th, 2009 – Morning
The next day brought warmer air and a gentle breeze. Alex was already suited up before most other drivers arrived. He was quiet but alert, sipping water and watching Victor prep the kart.
They started with standing starts. Ten of them. Each one reviewed. On a few, he bogged slightly. Others were nearly perfect.
Victor had him do mini-races against another academy driver, Jasper. In each five-lap battle, they began side-by-side or with Alex behind. The aim: pass without contact.
"Race smart, not just fast," Victor reminded him.
In one session, Alex tried a move around the outside of Turn 4 but lost grip.
Victor pulled him in. "That's a hero move. Save it for later. Watch how Jasper sets up Turn 3. Learn."
Next round, Alex timed it right and slipped by at Turn 6 with clean inside pressure.
"Now that," Victor said, "was textbook."
Sunday, April 5th, 2009 – Afternoon
After a break, they returned to long runs.
This time, Victor stood back. He said nothing during the runs. Just watched.
Alex ran ten laps in silence, focusing on his breathing and lines.
When he returned, sweaty and flushed, he said, "Sometimes the kart feels different, like one run it turns better, and the next it's more… stubborn."
Victor gave a slow nod. "You're starting to notice setup changes. It could be tire temperature, it could be pressure, or even your line. Don't worry—we'll get into all that after the regional."
Miriam approached with a towel and water. "You looked smooth," she said, handing it over.
Alex accepted it with a grin. "Felt smooth too."
Willem clapped his hands. "I still don't know what half of what you're doing means, but it looks fast."
Victor gathered them all near the trailer before packing up.
"Next weekend, we'll visit Apeldoorn," he said. "That's where the regional is. We'll run laps, test pace, and learn the track. Then, we'll come back here to fine-tune everything. Three more weekends. That's our window."
Alex stood with crossed arms, eyes focused. He didn't say anything.
But he was already counting down the days.