Story Summary
During the opening race, Howard finds himself punted off the track and into the bushes by his rival Jack. While in the bushes he found a hurt baby skunk that he rescued. Howard named him Trouble. Much to the delight of his best friend, and awesome mechanic, Anita, they adopted Trouble who lived up to his name traveling to races.

Late one afternoon, Jack snuck into Howard and Anita’s trailer where he found Trouble. The chase was on, and Jack scared Trouble out of the trailer. When Howard and Anita returned, they couldn’t find Trouble anywhere and thought they’d lost him. However, Trouble didn’t know he was lost. He found a cozy cockpit and thinking he was in Howard’s race car he curled up for a snooze. The next day as the cars rolled out to the track, Trouble was surprised. He was not in Howard’s car. He was in Jack’s. The action on track during the race trigger a series of events that create a big climactic finish where Trouble gets even with Jack and celebrates with Howard and Anita in victory circle.

The story is based on the real-life of former driver and mechanic Howard Millican and his wife, Anita. Anita became the first women licensed as an IndyCar mechanic in 1980. She was also the first woman to go over the pit wall at IndyCar races during pit stops as a pit crew member.

The book encourages STEM careers. It also suggests how to handle bullies and ways to display good sportsmanship. In addition, it inspires compassion towards animals. A portion of the proceeds will go towards animal rescue operations.

Written by Lee Anne Patterson, the book is for children Grades 1 and up. Each page carries the colorful illustration by Roger Warrick.

Created by racers, about racers, for those who love racing!

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