Because the story focuses on a race it is told in chro order identify the central conflict in the story and where it is resolved is the conflict internal or external

I think there is largely an internal conflict that is solved. Through Raymond, Hazel's difficult and somewhat lonely struggle to define herself suddenly widens to include a connection that empowers them both. The realization of Raymond's potential, something that has always been there, enriches Hazel's sense of her own possibilities. What Raymond has taught her is marked by her new response to Gretchen: "And I look over at Gretchen.... And I smile. Cause she's good, no doubt about it. Maybe she'd like to help me coach Raymond."