Nascar Haiku Poem

14 Days of a Haiku representing 14 laps of a rookie driver’s first NASCAR race. Lap 1 Green Flag - (4/16/25) @ 2:23pm Engines roar to life, Rookies grip is tight with nerves First lap, heart on fire. Lap 2 – (4/17/25) @ 8:39pm Race line forms too quick, Rookie swerves, nearly spins out “Keep it steady, kid!” Lap 3 – (4/18/25) @ 1:02pm Missed the pit entry, Backed it up, crew shook their heads Snagged a Gatorade. Lap 4 – (4/19/25) @ 1:20pm Tires grip just right, He slides through two slower cars “Okay… I like this!” Lap 5 - (4/20/25) @ 8:13pm Smoke curls through turn two, Rookie flinches… heart in throat Wreck, but not his own. Lap 6 – (4/21/25) @ 2:19pm Spotter yells, “Inside!” Rookie dives and makes it work Yes, his first clean pass! Lap 7 – (4/22/25) @ 8:21am Mirror fills with metal. Old vet bumps him, just a nudge. “Welcome to the show.” Lap 8 – (4/23/25) @ 4:47pm Drives in way too deep, Slamming doors with the old vet “Not yet wild rookie!” Lap 9 – (4/24/25) @ 12:04pm Pit crew yells “just relax!”, New tires, fuel, and a smirk “You’re still in this, kid.” Lap 10 – (4/25/25) @ 7:17pm Up to P5 now, Drafting close with the lead pack “Why not me today?” Lap 11 – (4/26/25) @ 11:26pm Fuel light blinking red, Crew says “Pit!” but he stays out “One more lap, I’m good!” Lap 12 – (4/27/25) @ 11:18am Coasting through turn four, Engine coughs but holds the line P3… just barely. Lap 13 – (4/28/25) @ 2:23pm Fresh tires behind, A dive-bomb to steal his spot Rookie slams the door. Lap 14 Checkered Dreams – (4/29/25) @ 11:59pm White flag, final lap! He shoots the gap, side by side Third place… but a grin.