Chapter 52
Chapter 52:
This race had six team members per side. Each one ran a full lap. The fastest team overall would win.
Back then, Phillip’s team had always relied on Rylie to make up for Stacey’s slow time. Now, with worse weather and a tougher course, Rylie glanced at Stacey and said, “Phillip’s team probably has her running the final lap. I flew in by helicopter, and the top of the mountain’s already raining. The roads are slick and freezing, and it’s only going to get worse as we go p>
Britton nodded. “So, you’re taking the last lap p>
Rylie gave a firm nod. “I am. I’ll show Phillip exactly what happens when he puts the wrong person at the finish p>
Britton grinned. “If you’re driving the last leg, we’re not losing p>
The starting horn blared. Lights flashed across the track, and excitement rippled through the crowd.
Jake Hardy, the first racer from Phillip’s team, approached Rylie and spoke in a low voice. “We always saw you as family. What you did tonight really stung. Your brother’s hurt. So are we p>
Rylie didn’t flinch. “You say I was family, but I’ve never been allowed on the podium. Not once p>
Jake looked away. “I thought you weren’t the type to care about that kind of recognition p>
Rylie let out a laugh and flipped him off. “Recognition? Then why are you even racing for first? Just for fun? And if you’re so above all of that, why didn’t any of you give me your spot on that podium p>
A hard glare settled over Jake’s features as he retorted, “Rylie, you’re acting completely recklessly. Victory isn’t yours to take, and don’t come begging your brother for mercy when it all falls apart.” With those words, he pivoted and strode off.
Stationed at the helm of the command post, Rylie readied herself for the crucial final lap. She slid on her headset and spoke with authority. “Team, I’m shifting our tactics for this race. Let’s pull together and give it our all p>
Soon, in a blaze of red and green, the signal lights flickered. Instantly, twenty cars thundered down the rain-soaked track, engines howling in perfect harmony. Sheets of rain poured from above, and every spin of the tires sent geysers of water shooting skyward.
New chapters now on.cøm
Using every ounce of muscle from his modified engine, Jake lunged into the race, carving out the coveted inside lane. Like a predator unleashed, his car screamed down the straightaway, edging out a clear advantage with half a car’s length to spare.
Meanwhile, Britton’s lead driver bore down, jaw clenched, fingers dancing across the wheel as he dialed in settings for maximum traction in the downpour.
“Turn three’s a trap!” Rylie called out through the headset. “There’s deep water ahead. Keep it steady and don’t force your way through p>
Without hesitation, her teammate responded and quickly adjusted his driving, “Roger that p>
Rylie had barely finished the warning when disaster struck. Jake’s car lost its grip entering turn three, spinning helplessly across the slick surface and smashing into the guardrail in a shower of sparks.
All around the circuit, the commentator’s excited voice reverberated from the hologram displays: “A shocking turn of events! Phillip’s top driver has crashed in the opening lap p>