I'd agreed to help Condon Duck who was racing our new engine for the first time at the Dog Brothers Racetrack. We'd had trials that went well but we wanted to check it out under the pressure of a real race.
Condon has always been our best driver but he can't avail himself of pedal power. Lots of the other racers now have adapted our Jackster to give themself an extra edge. They would still use petrol as well, but they'd get that pedal power boost.
Condon's latest model uses an assist of air power, provided by Bees. Unfortunately, the Bees aren't comfortable being in such close proximity to the petrol motor. It made them angry.
I waited at the pit stop as Condon hared around the track, making very good time. Suddenly he lost a bit of speed and his driving became erratic. He was able to pull in and stop his car and we pulled open the front bonnet. The Bees came flowing out, at least all the ones that weren't bumping around hitting their heads on the side of the engine compartment.
"What's that matter boys?" I asked, "Is it the petrol?"
"No, Boss," said the head Bee. "It's the buzzing of the other cars on top of our natural desire to win. It's making us mad. And when we get mad we overheat."
"Come on, guys," Said Condon. "You provide the air power and I'll win the race."
"I think it's the petrol," I told the head Bee.
"It isn't the petrol." said the head Bee, "My bees are obsessed with winning."
"Tell them them to relax," said Condon, "I'll win the race. They just have to provide the air power."
"OK, boss," said the head Bee and he herded his bees back into the car.
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