A Chance Worth Taking

Stanford University offers eighteen year old science genius Michael McIntyre a full scholarship to the euphoria of his single mom Tess. However NASCAR racing team owner Sam Kinkaid thinks the teen has the talent to be a superstar and offers him a position as a driver. Over his mom's objections, Michael chooses driving the oval instead of going to college. Mother and son travel to Charlotte where he begins his NASCAR career with incredible success. Tess, who planned to loathe Sam, finds him caring and concerned about his new employee. As she falls in love with her son's employer; he reciprocates. However, both have other concerns that place their growing relationship on suspension as Michael proves immature allowing fame to go to his head. This terrific family drama combines a coming of age subplot with a romance between two middle aged protagonists. Michael is terrific as he discovers women and alcohol, but not tolerance and control until he almost throws it all away. Tess and Sam put their love on hold because they fear for Michael as his choices have been abominable. NASCAR takes a back seat to the lead trio. Harriet Klausner