Light turns green, engage first gear and apply throttle to complete the right turn.

Scope out the traffic. Two lumbering trucks trying to make their way onto 271S in the left lane and I’m in the right lane also wishing to get on 271S.

Gently and slowly squeeze the throttle and evaluate the situation: Fall in line behind the trucks or zip in front of them?

The engine whine reminds me we’re still in first gear. 5000 rpms. Shift to second.

All clear?

Yup. As the Beastie Boys once said, “Kick it!”

The wind and road noise gets drowned out in no time as the engine revs increase.

The engine pitch changes as the intake opens wider to gulp more air. Left lane change now in progress.

Lane change complete. A quick look back and the trucks barely fill the rear window. The car is still pulling and the engine pitch is reaching its peak. 7500 rpms and climbing. Time to shift! Shift to third.

Evaluate the situation: Time to merge onto 271S. The right lane becomes an exit only lane. Target lane is the middle lane.

Right lane clear?

Negative. Early ’90’s vintage rusted out mini van approaching for intercept.

Engine whine status implies plenty of third gear left and there’s plenty of empty pavement ahead. Complete the lane change.

Just like the trucks, the mini van no longer dominates the rear window view. Shift to fourth.

Middle lane clear. Complete lane change and shift to fifth.

Time to relax and reminisce about the sight, sounds, and g-forces of another fun close encounter with the 8000 rpm red line. This is therapy.