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Foreign and welcome to Sleep Tight. Stories, Shoutouts and birthday messages are such a special part of our show. They're our way of celebrating the families who make bedtime extra magical, whether by supporting the show or or simply by being part of our listening community. Hello and thank you to Claire Knox in Heartbesport, South Africa for sending in lots of great story ideas. Happy belated birthday to rain who turned 9 on May 10th from Mom, Zeke, Brooklyn and Harper. Happy 7th birthday to Margaret on May 20th. We love you so much. Love Mom, Dad, Evelyn and Sprocket. Happy birthday to our incredible Oscar William from Haley, Idaho. We love you so so so much. Love mom, dad and Rooney. Happy seventh birthday to Evelyn on May 19th. You shine with love and light. Here's to another year of dancing and singing with you. Love Mom, Dad, Hannah, Connor and the Puppies ender in Scottsdale, Arizona is turning 8 on May 19th. Mom, dad and Sev love you endlessly. You really are the best guy. Happy 10th birthday Jacob. We're sure double digits will hold many amazing things for you. You're such a special kid. Lots of love dad, Mom, Sean and Tilly. Happy Birthday Abors on May 22nd. Dad and Teddy love you. You're a great big bro and son. Happy 10th birthday to Trinidad Pisano from San Jose, California from Mom, I love you so much. And happy Birthday to Bella from Bangkok who turned eight. Love mom, dad and your brother Barley. Happy Birthday to you all and thank you for supporting the show. If you'd like to support our podcast and enjoy ad free episodes, unlock bonus stories and so much more, you can join SLEEPT Premium. Subscribe in just two taps via the link in the show Notes. Now onto our story. Tina is a tortoise who loves race cars. Her dream is to join a Formula One racing team and today is the day the Woodland Grand Prix Junior Racing Series comes to town. Tina is up early and on her way to the track to see if today will be her lucky day. Team Tortoise Part 1 Tina Tortoise's alarm clock rang an hour before sunrise. Many of her friends might grumble and hit snooze, but Tina's eyes popped open instantly. Today was the day and she was super excited. The Woodland Grand Prix Junior Racing Series was coming to town and she'd been counting down for months. Tina slipped out of bed already wearing her homemade racing crew outfit, complete with patches she'd sewn on herself. She wore them to bed the night before to save time in the morning and because she loved them so much. The sun was just peeking up across the sky enough to allow her to see her favorite racing posters and the shelves lined with with model cars she'd built. Oh, and a desk covered in technical drawings of wings, suspensions and engine components. While other young animals dreamed of becoming firefighters, astronauts or scientists, Tina had just one dream. Being part of a Formula One racing team, she could identify any race car by the sound of its engine alone. She knew every champion from the past 20 years, every track record, and exactly why the new front wing designs were revolutionary. Her alarm tone was even the sound of a race car gunning its engines. Tina, you're up early, her mother called softly from the hallway. It's registration day, mom, tina replied, carefully organizing her notebook filled with racing notes and diagrams. The teams will be picking their members today. I've got to be ready. I've made your favorite breakfast, she said with a warm smile. You'll need your energy today. Thanks, mom, but I am in a kind of rush. Can't I eat later? Tina said as she rushed in her own way. Tina, you know how important breakfast is. Make the time, please, her mom replied. Whenever she used her first name, Tina knew she meant business. Arriving in the kitchen, she started her breakfast of waffles with strawberries and blueberries arranged in a checkerboard pattern just like a racing flag. Her father was already at the table, sipping coffee and reading the morning paper. Tina always thought newspapers were too slow. She liked things fast, but her dad liked to take his time, turning each page with a smile. Big day today, Tina, her father said, folding the paper to reveal the sports section with a headline about the Woodland Grand Prix. I hear Zach Hare's team is the favorite to win this year. They've got the fastest car, that's for sure, tina said between bites. But their suspension setup is all wrong for the Woodland track. There's that bumpy section near the old oak tree that could really slow them down. She pulled out one of her notebooks and flipped to a detailed diagram. See, dad, if they adjusted their ride height here and modified the damper settings. Her father chuckled. You know more about these cars than the engineers who build them. I just pay attention, Tina said with a shrug, but her eyes sparkled with pride. Well, I don't know. You seem pretty darn smart to me. I think I should have you listen to my car, he said, smiling. It's making a funny noise and I am just not good at mechanical things. That knocking. Oh, that's the timing belt tensioner pulley. It's loose. Nothing serious, but you should get it checked. Her father laughed. So what's your plan for today? Her mother asked, joining them at the table. Tina took a deep breath. I'm going to show them my designs and explain how I could help their team. I've researched every single team that's competing. Her parents exchanged a quick glance. Tina pretended not to notice. Maybe I could be a driver, she added, her voice slightly less confident. Another glance between her parents. What? Tina asked. Her father placed a gentle hand on Tina's shell. You know we believe in you, but racing teams usually want, well, fast animals, tina finished, her shoulders slumping slightly. I know. But there's more to racing than just speed. The crew is just as important as the driver. You're absolutely right, her mother said quickly. And any team would be lucky to have someone with your knowledge. Tina nodded and finished her breakfast. She knew her parents were trying to be supportive, but also realistic. Tortoises weren't exactly known for their speed, but that wouldn't stop her from trying to. She had to try. Otherwise, how would she ever know? As her mom always said, you miss 100% of the shots you don't take. After breakfast, Tina gathered her notebooks, her toolbox, which was actually her father's old fishing tackle box, repurposed for holding wrenches and screwdrivers, and her prized possession, a stopwatch her grandfather had given her. I'm off, she called to her parents. Good luck, honey, her mother called. We believe in you. As Tina made her slow but determined way down the path toward the racing grounds, she practiced her introduction in her head. Hi, I'm Tina Tortoise, and I know exactly how to make your car the fastest on the track. It sounded confident and professional. Surely they'd see past her shell to the racing genius within. The distant sound of revving engines made her heart beat faster. She could distinguish the rumble of the larger V8 engines from the higher pitched whine of the smaller, more nimble cars. The air carried the smells of rubber, fuel and excitement exactly what Tina imagined real Formula One races smelled like. By the time she reached the track, teams were already gathering. The registration tent was buzzing with activity, and Tina couldn't help but feel a little bit nervous. But she took a deep breath, straightened her homemade crew chief cap, and headed toward the commotion with determination in every slow step. The Woodland Grand Prix Junior Racing Series was even more impressive up close. The track wound through the meadow and forest with tight corners, a tricky chicane near the pond, and a long straight past the old oak tree. Cars of all shapes and sizes zoomed around during practice runs, their engines roaring like hungry predators, different teams had set up their pit areas along the main straight. Tina could see it all. Mechanics adjusting wing angles with precision tools, drivers in their racing suits discussing strategy, and crew chiefs monitoring laptops that displayed all sorts of data. It was even better than she had imagined. Tina approached the registration table where a busy looking squirrel was checking in participants. Hello, Tina said, standing as tall as her tortoise frame would allow. I'd like to join a team, please. The squirrel looked up and then had to look down to see Tina. He blinked a few times. Um, are you sure you're in the right place? This is the Junior Racing Series. Yes, I know, tina replied confidently. I'm here to join as an engineer or mechanic. I have extensive knowledge of race car aerodynamics and I don't think you understand, The Squirrel interrupted. Teams usually choose their own crew members. You should talk directly to them. He gestured vaguely toward the busy pit lane. Oh, okay. Thank you, Tina said, trying not to let her disappointment show. She walked slowly along the row of team areas, watching as they prepared their cars. Most teams barely noticed her. She was just a small tortoise, after all. A few gave her polite nods but quickly returned to their work. Finally, she spotted Zach Hare's team, the favorites to win the championship. Their car was sleek and low to the ground, painted bright blue with lightning bolts along the sides. Zach himself was sitting in the driver's seat while his crew made final adjustments. Tina took a deep breath and approached a fox wearing a team manager badge. Excuse me? She said. The fox looked around, then down. Yes, My name is Tina Tortoise, and I know exactly how to make your car the fastest on the track. The fox's eyebrows shot up and he exchanged amused glances with a nearby crew member. Is that so? Yes, Tina continued, pulling out her notebook. I've been studying Formula One racing for years and I've noticed that your suspension setup isn't optimized for the bumpy section near the old oak. If you adjust the ride height and modify the damper settings. Whoa, slow down there, the Fox said, chuckling. Aren't you a little small for this? And slow, added a weasel from the crew, not unkindly. No offense, but we need quick responses in the pit. I may be slow on my feet, tina admitted, but I'm quick with calculations and problem solving. Look at these designs I've drawn. I'm sorry, kid, the fox interrupted. Our team is already full. Maybe try the rookie teams. They might need some help. Tina's heart sank, but she nodded politely and moved on. She tried team after team, but most just smiled politely and turned her away. One or two even laughed a little when they thought she couldn't hear. By midday, she had approached nearly every team at the track. Her feet were tired and her spirits were low. She sat down on a small rock near the edge of the track, watching the cars zoom by during practice. So much for you miss 100% of the shots you don't take, she mumbled to herself. Just then, there was a loud screech of tires, followed by a bang. Tina looked up to see a small red car spinning to a stop, smoke coming from its engine. The driver, a young rabbit, slammed his paws against someone steering wheel in frustration. Several crew members rushed to push the car back to their pit area, which was right across from where Tina was sitting. She watched as they popped open the hood and scratched their heads in confusion. I don't understand, one of them said. It was running fine yesterday. Well, it's not running fine now, said the rabbit driver as he climbed out of the car. And qualifying is in two hours. If we don't fix it, we're out of the race before it even begins. Tina looked at the team's setup. It was much smaller than the others, just a few tools laid out on a tarp, and only three crew members plus the driver. They didn't even have a proper tent like the bigger teams. Despite her earlier disappointments, Tina felt excited again. She recognized the sound the car had made just before it broke down. It was the same subtle knocking her father's car had made, but much more serious. Before she could second guess herself, Tina picked up her toolbox and made her way over to the struggling team. Excuse me, she said, approaching the group. I think I might know what's wrong with your car. The young rabbit driver turned, his ears twitching in irritation. Look, kid, we're kind of in the middle of a crisis here. Unless you're a certified mechanic. Jack, be nice, interrupted an older rabbit, who appeared to be the team manager. Maybe she's here to help. He looked down at Tina with tired eyes. I'm sorry, little one, but we need to focus right now. I'm not here for autographs, tina insisted, standing her ground. The sound your engine made before it stalled. That's a timing belt issue. Probably slipped off the tensioner pulley. She pointed to her own shell. I know I'm just a tortoise, but I've studied racing mechanics for years. The team members exchanged skeptical glances. How would you know that? Asked a squirrel who was elbow deep in the engine compartment. My dad's car made a similar sound, tina explained. But yours sounds much worse. If you don't fix it, you'll damage the valves or even the pistons. The Squirrel narrowed his eyes, then shrugged. Well, Miles, we've got nothing to lose at this point. Our regular mechanic called in sick and I'm just the backup. The team manager, Miles Rabbit, sighed and nodded. All right. What do you suggest, Tina? Tina Tortoise. She stepped forward, setting her toolbox down. May I? Miles gestured towards the engine. Have at it. Tina had to stand on her tiptoes to see properly into the engine compartment. Sure enough, the timing belt had slipped, just as she'd suspected. I was right. Your timing belt has slipped. The tensioner is loose, and I think one of the pulleys might be worn out. Can you fix it? Jack asked, his impatient tone now tinged with a hint of hope. I think so, tina said. But I'll need the right tools. She looked at their meager collection spread out on the tarp. Do you have a torque wrench and a belt tension gauge? The Squirrel mechanic, who introduced himself as Chip, shook his head. We're kind of operating on a budget here. That's okay, said Tina, opening her own toolkit. I brought mine, my grandfather's, actually, but he lets me use them. She pulled out a small but professional looking torque wrench. For the next hour, Tina worked carefully on the engine. It turned out being small was a big help. Tina could reach into spaces the others couldn't. With her tools and quiet focus, she felt like a real part of the team. She identified not just the timing belt issue, but also spotted a coolant leak that would have caused problems later. Hand me that 10 millimeter socket, please, she asked, her voice muffled from inside the engine compartment. Chip passed it to her, watching with growing respect as she deftly tightened a bolt to precisely the right tension. Where did you learn all this? He asked. Books, videos, and practice, tina replied. My dad lets me maintain our lawnmower engine, and I built all those car models in my room. Not just the outside parts, but the engines too. By the time she finished, sweat was beading on her forehead, but there was a satisfied smile on her face. That should do it. The timing belt is properly tensioned now, and I fixed that coolant leak, too. Miles looked at his watch. Qualifying starts in 20 minutes. We need to test it now. Jack climbed back into the driver's seat and turned the key. The engine sputtered for a moment, then roared to life, running smoother than it had all day. It works Jack exclaimed, revving the engine experimentally. It sounds even better than before. The small team gathered around Tina, their faces showing a mixture of relief and amazement. I don't know how to thank you, miles said. You saved our qualifying round. Well, tina said, straightening her cap, I was wondering if maybe you might need an engineer on your team. I know I'm slow, but. Slow? Chip interrupted. You just fixed in an hour what would have taken me all day if I had figured it out at all. Miles and Jack exchanged glances. We don't have fancy stuff, miles admitted, but we've got heart. I don't care about fancy tools, tina said quickly. I just want to be part of a racing team. Jack hopped out of the car and walked over to Tina. You know, they call us Team Hopeless because we never finish better than last place. Are you sure you want to join us? Tina looked at the small, scrappy team and their simple red car. It wasn't the flashiest, and it didn't have the biggest tent or the best tools, but they had something better. They had heart. I'd be honoured to join, she said with a grin. And just like that, Tina Tortoise became the newest and smallest member of Team Jack Flash. She didn't know it yet, but tomorrow would bring the biggest race of the season and the biggest challenge of her life. And that is the end of this part. Good night. Sleep tight. It.