Tuning the Axles

My die-cast racer took a beating bouncing down those concrete steps last night, so I decided to get it in top fighting shape. I hopped up onto the weathered wooden bench by the hall entrance, took my car out, and flipped it upside down on the timber. The front left wheel had a piece of dry grit jammed tight in the rim. I didn't mess around—I grabbed a stiff pine needle, dug into the axle groove, and wedged the gravel loose with a sharp snap. I gave the wheel a furious flick with my thumb. It spun smooth and silent for ten whole seconds. Now this machine is primed for another showdown.