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Chasing Checkers
The finish line was just the beginning…
…and he had no idea what was coming.
Was Teddy ready for the truth?
Teddy was a typical 16-year-old from Toronto, except for one thing. He adored Go-Kart driving. When he got into the Rock Point Racing Academy, it was the best thing he could imagine and the first step in chasing his dream.
Was there more to life than cars, speed, and checkered flags?
Teddy was about to find out.
Alexandre had a perfect racing pedigree. Maybe that’s why he’s so cocky. His father was a legend on the pro circuit, and he’s determined to live up to Dad’s standards. It won’t be easy, and he’s not going to let some nobody like Teddy stand in his way.
The Firebrand National Shootout waits.
Who will prove their mettle?
Will a secret from Teddy’s past derail his dream?
You’ll love this in this YA motorsports story, because life on the track is only half as scary as growing up. With the help of his brother, James Hinchcliffe, legendary IndyCar driver, Christopher Hinchcliffe has created an endearing series you’ll love.
Get it now.
…and he had no idea what was coming.
Was Teddy ready for the truth?
Teddy was a typical 16-year-old from Toronto, except for one thing. He adored Go-Kart driving. When he got into the Rock Point Racing Academy, it was the best thing he could imagine and the first step in chasing his dream.
Was there more to life than cars, speed, and checkered flags?
Teddy was about to find out.
Alexandre had a perfect racing pedigree. Maybe that’s why he’s so cocky. His father was a legend on the pro circuit, and he’s determined to live up to Dad’s standards. It won’t be easy, and he’s not going to let some nobody like Teddy stand in his way.
The Firebrand National Shootout waits.
Who will prove their mettle?
Will a secret from Teddy’s past derail his dream?
You’ll love this in this YA motorsports story, because life on the track is only half as scary as growing up. With the help of his brother, James Hinchcliffe, legendary IndyCar driver, Christopher Hinchcliffe has created an endearing series you’ll love.
Get it now.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2017
10 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 5, 2017
I loved it!
It is an easy and enjoyable read that feels targeted to a Young Adult audience, which I think is completely appropriate for relating to the main character. The last flashback in the Chex epilogue was a perfect ending to tie the whole story together. Teddy's story line seems to be wrapped up cleanly with the end of one major chapter of his life, but could easily be continued as he grows up if there was ever a sequel, not to mention the confused teenage love interests that could be unraveled (or tangled) further at the same time.
My favourite parts were the racing scenes, especially the last one. I could clearly imagine the emotions Teddy was feeling, and could honestly picture someone like James Hinchcliffe telling the story in attention-grabbing detail for each corner and each passing maneuver. I think this will be a big hit for the race fans that like to immerse themselves in a believable story to which they can relate, and for anyone curious about a racecar driver's perspective (even if you're not into watching it at all). It would make a great audio-book too!
It is an easy and enjoyable read that feels targeted to a Young Adult audience, which I think is completely appropriate for relating to the main character. The last flashback in the Chex epilogue was a perfect ending to tie the whole story together. Teddy's story line seems to be wrapped up cleanly with the end of one major chapter of his life, but could easily be continued as he grows up if there was ever a sequel, not to mention the confused teenage love interests that could be unraveled (or tangled) further at the same time.
My favourite parts were the racing scenes, especially the last one. I could clearly imagine the emotions Teddy was feeling, and could honestly picture someone like James Hinchcliffe telling the story in attention-grabbing detail for each corner and each passing maneuver. I think this will be a big hit for the race fans that like to immerse themselves in a believable story to which they can relate, and for anyone curious about a racecar driver's perspective (even if you're not into watching it at all). It would make a great audio-book too!
August 3, 2017
I follow racer Pippa Mann on Instagram (and twitter) because I love her positivity in her posts. She posted a photo several months ago of a book called “Chasing Checkers” that she was reading poolside and I admit that I was curious about the novel especially when the last name of the author caught my eye so I decided to look it up on Amazon. After reading the synopsis I one-clicked it immediately however I didn’t get to read it until last week. I figured at the least it would provide good fodder for the Reading List. But I am pleased to say that I am excited to bring you the review of this book.
Chasing Checkers by Christopher Hinchcliffe is a young adult novel that tells us the story of Teddy “Chex” Clark- a teen who has been racing since he was 7 years old. Teddy has always dreamed of being a racer. The book details young Teddy’s racing career in GoKarts, through a racing school series, to what will be the biggest race of his career. A race that brings with it the opportunity of a seat in the series the next year and purse money that would make paying for races much easier for Teddy and his family. However just like real life, it’s not all about racing. Teddy is faced having to deal with life beyond racing while staying focused on the task at hand. Teddy learns to deal not just with issues that race up in the cockpit but out of the cockpit as he balances expectations, family drama, and friends (old and new) along with his chosen passion of racing. All while learning the ins and outs of new car and a more competitive series than he’s ever been in before.
Readers don’t need to have motorsports knowledge to enjoy this book. It’s definitely an easy read for an adult and would likely be appropriate for children ready to jump from beginning chapter books to regular chapter books. The language is pretty easy and would probably work for newish chapter book readers. As an adult I enjoyed this novel and hope that we will hear more about Teddy. I recommend this book for young and old race fans who want a good novel about a young driver working his way through the motorsports world.
(A version of this review appears on my blog BadGroove.com)
Chasing Checkers by Christopher Hinchcliffe is a young adult novel that tells us the story of Teddy “Chex” Clark- a teen who has been racing since he was 7 years old. Teddy has always dreamed of being a racer. The book details young Teddy’s racing career in GoKarts, through a racing school series, to what will be the biggest race of his career. A race that brings with it the opportunity of a seat in the series the next year and purse money that would make paying for races much easier for Teddy and his family. However just like real life, it’s not all about racing. Teddy is faced having to deal with life beyond racing while staying focused on the task at hand. Teddy learns to deal not just with issues that race up in the cockpit but out of the cockpit as he balances expectations, family drama, and friends (old and new) along with his chosen passion of racing. All while learning the ins and outs of new car and a more competitive series than he’s ever been in before.
Readers don’t need to have motorsports knowledge to enjoy this book. It’s definitely an easy read for an adult and would likely be appropriate for children ready to jump from beginning chapter books to regular chapter books. The language is pretty easy and would probably work for newish chapter book readers. As an adult I enjoyed this novel and hope that we will hear more about Teddy. I recommend this book for young and old race fans who want a good novel about a young driver working his way through the motorsports world.
(A version of this review appears on my blog BadGroove.com)
March 21, 2018
Seriously. Wow.
Despite my barely knowing what a car is, this novel sucked me in and held me tight for the riveting action scenes, made me fret over Teddy's mental well-being, had me laughing along with his best friends, and swept me away in a roar of excitement evey time he crossed the finish line.
Teddy, a sixteen-going-on-seventeen Canadian racer, is offered the chance of a lifetime; a race that could guarantee a proffessional standing, a car, a sponsor - the whole shtick. But before the green flag drops, Teddy learns the truth about his birth parents; a truth that shakes him to the core.
Throughout the event, he continues to struggle with himself. Questions and doubts do their best to drag him away from the victory he craves most. In the end, his friends and family cheer him through a conclusion you didn't quite see coming, /and/ makes you want to see more.
In short, I would recomend this novel to anyone who likes books. A perfect read for young teens/older kiddos, race fans, or even adults who want an uplifting read about willpower, friendship, and following your passions to the ends of the earth. Can't wait for the sequel!
Despite my barely knowing what a car is, this novel sucked me in and held me tight for the riveting action scenes, made me fret over Teddy's mental well-being, had me laughing along with his best friends, and swept me away in a roar of excitement evey time he crossed the finish line.
Teddy, a sixteen-going-on-seventeen Canadian racer, is offered the chance of a lifetime; a race that could guarantee a proffessional standing, a car, a sponsor - the whole shtick. But before the green flag drops, Teddy learns the truth about his birth parents; a truth that shakes him to the core.
Throughout the event, he continues to struggle with himself. Questions and doubts do their best to drag him away from the victory he craves most. In the end, his friends and family cheer him through a conclusion you didn't quite see coming, /and/ makes you want to see more.
In short, I would recomend this novel to anyone who likes books. A perfect read for young teens/older kiddos, race fans, or even adults who want an uplifting read about willpower, friendship, and following your passions to the ends of the earth. Can't wait for the sequel!
June 27, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. It's well paced, with a creative plot, compelling character, and great writing. He brings you into a unique world, with lots of intriguing details. But while great inside information shapes the story, the author then takes off on his own, creating a truly satisfying story. You don't have to be a racing fan to enjoy this -- but you may well be by the time you finish, because it's a fascinating introduction to a new world, and a terrific read on its own.
June 29, 2017
For anyone who is a Hinch fan, Chasing Checkers gives us a glimpse of how he got to where he is today (well, apart from the dancing, of course). It's fast-paced, and keeps you reading. I couldn't put it down - literally read it in one evening. As someone new to this whole racing thing, I was happy to be able to follow the action and learn a bit more about racing. Well done, Chris - and write faster!!
July 1, 2017
As a race fan, I couldn't wait to read Chasing Checkers. After reading the book, I realize that you don't necessarily need to be a race fan to enjoy it. The main character, Teddy, is an aspiring race car driver, but there is more to him than that. The revelation by Allison, another driver, caught me totally by surprise, which is hard to do. Congratulations to Christopher Hinchcliffe for a job well done. I would like to see this become a series.
June 24, 2018
Strong disclaimer: I’m a huge IndyCar fan, and also love the entire Hinchcliffe family.
This book was good! It was a quick read, talked knowledgeably about racing, and had some good twists that kept it exciting. I liked that the ending wasn’t perfectly wrapped in a nice package - it left it open to another book and made it more realistic.
Looking forward to the next installment!
This book was good! It was a quick read, talked knowledgeably about racing, and had some good twists that kept it exciting. I liked that the ending wasn’t perfectly wrapped in a nice package - it left it open to another book and made it more realistic.
Looking forward to the next installment!
October 7, 2019
Lacks a certain finesse and je-ne-sais-quoi. Painfully bland at times. Never finished reading the draft or the published version.
April 16, 2020
A good read with great descriptions of the races. More suited to youth audience (which I didn't realise when I started the book).
December 9, 2022
I loved the book!! I wasn’t really sure about it until I got to chapter 4 and then I couldn’t stop reading it once I started chapter 4.
April 12, 2022
Chasing who?
In the beginning the reading did not hold my attention. I think it had to do with one chapter you were reading about Teddy's training/ early racing days and the next one you are reading about him being picked for the shootout. It felt a little disruptive in the reading. Once Teddy was at the shootout and the author focused on the experience, I couldn't put the e-reader down.
Overall, a good read.
In the beginning the reading did not hold my attention. I think it had to do with one chapter you were reading about Teddy's training/ early racing days and the next one you are reading about him being picked for the shootout. It felt a little disruptive in the reading. Once Teddy was at the shootout and the author focused on the experience, I couldn't put the e-reader down.
Overall, a good read.
April 9, 2017
Good introduction to racing.
Good easy read. Author does have a inside line on racing and the mentality of a driver, without firsthand experience.
Has openings for continuation in multiple directions.
Good book.
Good easy read. Author does have a inside line on racing and the mentality of a driver, without firsthand experience.
Has openings for continuation in multiple directions.
Good book.
April 18, 2017
I finished this a while ago but took a bit to post a review... mainly because Christopher Hinchcliffe's brother is one of my fave drivers, and I know him so...really wanted time to sit with it for a bit.
I really really loved it.
My biggest issue with the vast majority of racing fiction is that it's entirely inaccurate, so it was really nice to read a racing book that I know got it all right and used the right terminology and explained things in ways that made sense. That was just...refreshing. Even the race car drivers struck me as real, actual race car drivers (instead of the "dare devil, death wish" types that usually pop up in fiction).
I loved Teddy and found myself cheering for him almost straight from the beginning. He was just very real and fun to read about. I loved how he kept focused and kept going even when things got complicated and messy. I loved his group of friends and how supportive they were and his family was great. I definitely loved his developing relationship with Allison.
And the racing action was just awesome.
Also it was brilliantly Canadian with Timmy's and iced caps and Blue Jays and I LOVED that. More Canadian books need Timmy's!
Can't wait to read more of Teddy's story.
Everyone should definitely check this out, especially if you're a racing fan. Even if you don't know who Hinch is (even though if you don't, what have you been doing with your life?)
I really really loved it.
My biggest issue with the vast majority of racing fiction is that it's entirely inaccurate, so it was really nice to read a racing book that I know got it all right and used the right terminology and explained things in ways that made sense. That was just...refreshing. Even the race car drivers struck me as real, actual race car drivers (instead of the "dare devil, death wish" types that usually pop up in fiction).
I loved Teddy and found myself cheering for him almost straight from the beginning. He was just very real and fun to read about. I loved how he kept focused and kept going even when things got complicated and messy. I loved his group of friends and how supportive they were and his family was great. I definitely loved his developing relationship with Allison.
And the racing action was just awesome.
Also it was brilliantly Canadian with Timmy's and iced caps and Blue Jays and I LOVED that. More Canadian books need Timmy's!
Can't wait to read more of Teddy's story.
Everyone should definitely check this out, especially if you're a racing fan. Even if you don't know who Hinch is (even though if you don't, what have you been doing with your life?)
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews