Exhaust fumes drift on
the still air and the scent of gasoline
and burning rubber fuels his adrenaline.
It’s been a long time
since he last experienced this pre-race
thrill but he’s confident his nerves
will calm as soon as his gloved hands
grip the steering wheel and the lights
flash from red to green.
That was how it used to
be, but he's piled on the years and
the pounds since his last race. Reaction
speeds and hairlines deteriorate with
time. He will be starting from the back
of the grid, so at least he’s not likely
to get shunted from behind by one of the
new breed of impatient, impetuous
drivers.
***
