Chasing Checkers: Acceleration

by Christopher Hinchcliffe

High speed racing meets high school drama - what could go wrong? Two months ago, Teddy Clark’s life changed forever. Now, he has one chance to prove that he’s got what it takes to race cars at the highest level. But first, he must survive his greatest challenge the off-season. Torn between worlds, Teddy struggles to balance the demands of racing with his responsibilities to his family, friends, and girlfriend. And with the end of high school in sight, he feels the pressure mounting. So when someone threatens to reveal a truth about his past that he’s desperate to keep hidden, Teddy realizes something has to give. With his future on the line, Teddy knows every decision matters. This is where the rubber meets the road. At the same time, he can’t help but wonder if he’s even the one in control. Funny, gripping, and inspired by the life of IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe, Acceleration offers an inside look at one man’s battle to the top of the world’s fastest sport.

384 pages, Paperback

Published July 10, 2018

Reviews

[Nancy Wormington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Already loved the 1st book - I think this one was even better. Chris understands teenagers, and racing (in spite of his claims to the contrary). For anyone who's a Hinch fan, the little nods to his brother are a treat (Spencer Davis Group, for example) but the book is fun for anyone to read. I can hardly wait for the next installment!

[AmyKatherine1974 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Checkers: Acceleration follows Teddy through the dreaded offseason and into the new racing series in what he is sure will be his make it or season. He is hoping that he will make it up to the next level by the end of the season. But life starts to get in the way before the season even starts. He's given a specific training regiment to follow, plus he has his group of friends (many of whom are now in a band together), and of course his studies. This is what I love about this book (as well as the first Chasing Checkers book). It's Teddy's very real struggles to balance everything in his life. How more realistic can it get? Hell, some days I still have trouble balancing everything in my life, and I have had far more practice at it then Teddy. The book is not without the exciting racing action as well which adds to the story. I don't want to give away too much of the story, but anyone who loved the first Chasing Checkers book will most definitely love Chasing Checkers: Acceleration. Racing fans and non-racing fans will enjoy this young adult novel and should consider giving it a read.

[Alicia Prevost · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. I really do.

I may be biased because its written by one of my fave race car driver's brother's, and I actually know Hinch so probably even more biased but...well...still...

I love it. I don't read much young adult, or well any, but I really enjoy these books. They're quick and fast reads for me, but not in a bad way, in a fun way. And the racing details in this book are just to die for. Honestly, it's nice to see a racing book actually write racing entirely right and still have a good plot outside of racing.

Love all the characters, love the complex relationships, that actually feel real, which I find rare in anything young adult. Really love watching how Teddy is growing...even if he's still an idiot teen at times. I care just as much as where his personal life is going as his racing life.

Also mad props to Chris for having two girls battling it out on track and being a threat every race!! LOVE that more than words can say, especially love it for young girls reading.

[Suzanne Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started reading Chasing Checkers: Acceleration, I didn’t want to put it down! The continuing story of Teddy, an up and coming race car driver is very well written. It deals not only with the struggle of becoming a professional race car driver, but it touches on young love, contemplating the future and a closely held secret. Reading Chasing Checkers: Acceleration has me anxiously awaiting the next book. Talk about a cliff hanger!

[Rebecca (Bex the Bibliophile) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this book, it was a lovely mix between teen and motorsport which flowed between school and race track. Would love there to be a third book to allow even greater development of Teddy and his racing career.

[Karen Moench · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the series did not disappoint. Enjoyed the characters development; it reminded me of some life lessons one learns as a teenager.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the second installment of this series! Very easy to read, and a great story for race fans of all ages!