Chapter 7: Saturday Qualifying
Saturday morning arrived with a sharp bite of cold air, the sun just barely breaking through the clouds as Alex and his parents drove toward the outdoor karting facility in Eefde. This time, it wasn't just about watching or practicing. Today marked his first real qualifying session—one that counted for the race tomorrow, which would be his first opportunity to earn points in the series.
Victor was already at the paddock when they arrived, clipboard in hand and a faint grin tucked behind his usually calm expression. "You ready?" he asked as Alex hopped out of the car.
Alex nodded, but his hands trembled slightly as he zipped up his suit. "Nervous is good," Victor said. "Means your brain is awake."
The paddock buzzed with activity: engines roaring to life, mechanics adjusting tire pressures, parents trying to stay calm while their kids fidgeted with helmets and gloves. Alex's kart stood in place, clean and polished—number 11 shining under the morning light.
Victor crouched beside him as they checked the kart one last time. "We've worked on your braking lines. Trust yourself today. But more importantly—be smart. It's not about attacking every corner like your life depends on it. It's about setting a clean, fast lap. One that puts you at the front tomorrow."
Alex nodded again, this time slower. He wasn't just memorizing Victor's words—he was feeling them sink in.
As Alex stepped out of the car, he heard a familiar voice call out.
"Took you long enough!"
Leo was already there, bouncing on his heels near the paddock with his dad.
"You really think I was going to miss your first real qualifying?"
Alex smiled. "Didn't know you were coming."
"It's the weekend. I begged Dad to bring me."
Willem laughed. "Good to see you, Leo. Thanks for coming."
Leo pointed to a spot by the fence. "I've got the best view. I'm not missing a second."
Drivers gathered for the briefing. Today was qualifying only. There would be two groups of six drivers. Each would get a warm-up lap, a flying lap, and a cooldown. The times would determine the grid for tomorrow's race, one of several in the qualifying series for the regional event.
Alex studied the others. Some looked confident, some jittery. One boy smirked and said, "You the new one?"
Alex simply said, "Yeah."
"You'll be in the back."
Victor stepped in before Alex could reply. "We'll see."
The warm-up lap was clean. Alex took the corners cautiously, checking grip, feeling the tires warm beneath him. The kart rattled slightly under braking, but he adjusted.
Then came the flying lap.
As soon as he crossed the line, everything else disappeared.
First corner—he braked just a fraction later than he had in training. The rear of the kart twitched, but he controlled it. Next chicane—he flowed through with balance, letting the kart roll over the inside curb just enough. Hairpin—tight, patient throttle, no sliding.
His mind wasn't blank. It was focused, alive with instinct.
He remembered the training footage Victor had shown him. Visualized the smoother lines, lighter throttle. He spoke softly to himself in rhythm:
Open turn three a little wider this time.
Brake a touch earlier into five—get a better exit.
He felt the lap—not just drove it.
When the cooldown lap began, he realized he had barely breathed.
Back in the paddock, he climbed out, heart pounding.
Victor walked up slowly. "How was it?"
Alex shrugged. "Felt good."
A race official posted the times five minutes later.
Qualifying Results – Top 3:
Alex Vermeer — 47.8 seconds (Pole Position)
Jesse — 48.2 seconds
Lars Meijer — 48.6 seconds
Jesse stared at the sheet, blinking. "What the…"
"Seriously?" Lars muttered. "Where did that come from?"
Victor stood quietly behind them, arms folded, watching.
Willem and Miriam both looked stunned, then proud. Miriam gave Alex a hug before he could resist. "You really did it."
Leo jumped up and ran over, wide-eyed. "Fastest? Bro, you're a machine!"
Alex just sat beside his kart, helmet on his knees, letting the feeling settle.
He had qualified first, putting him in pole position for tomorrow's race.
Tomorrow, he'd fight for his first official win.
But today, he'd proven he belonged.