Life's a drag - Chapter 5 (Patreon)

Although Sarah had no plans to race the weekend after her accident, the girls, with Jenny, Erica and Crystal’s help, had at least managed to get her car in good running order.  Isabella had generously let the girls use part of her garage to move the ‘Team Angel’ project as well, though Sarah had no plans to work on it again until that afternoon, after the track races.

In addition to official street races, South Haven had a large paved oval track.  It was nothing special, but made for great races for the rest of the month when the town wasn’t being shut down for the big marathon street races, and as usual, both the parking lot and stadium had quite a few attendees.  Every weekend was like a big car show with both drivers, and collectors, showing up to show off their car bling.  Even a few low riders from out of town had come today.  

Sarah waved at a few familiar faces as she drove her pink Mustang into the parking lot.  She couldn’t help noticing a large crowd gathered around the Martin’s Garage banner where Isabella’s Silverado sat, with a car trailer on the back, and something under a heavy tarp.  

“Wow this is a lot of people...” Erica sighed nervously, but Sarah glanced over at her, giving her a reassuring smile.  “Just remember, you’re with friends just like at school.  Let’s go see what isa’s up to over there?”

“Sure,” Erica giggled a little.  “Thanks for bringing me by the way.”

As the pair came closer to investigate, Morgan raced up behind Sarah, giving her a hug.  “There you are!” she giggled, passing Sarah and Erica each a pink slushy drink of some kind.  “Bubblegum slushies: first round’s on me,” she said cheerfully, clearly already riding a sugar rush herself.

“What’s going on?” Sarah laughed.  “What’s with all the pink?” she asked.  Morgan giggled as she grabbed Sarah’s hand, gently pulling her over to where Isabella was waiting by the truck.  

“There you are,” Isabella said as she turned around.  “Now, girls!” she called.  Julie, Jenny and Crystal all pulled on ropes, ripping off the tarp from the trailer to reveal a newly painted bright pink hardtop Mustang featuring white Angel wing decals and Sarah’s custom mod ‘wings’ spoiler in white as well.

The car was built for racing, with brand new alloy wheels, a reinforced back windscreen, and even roll cages.  Sarah squealed as she sprinted up the loading ramp on the back of the trailer and pulled the driver’s side door open, jumping in.

“It’s perfect!” she said excitedly as she ran her hands over the wheel slowly.  Her jaw literally fell open when she saw her old, lucky purple dice sitting in the floorboard on the passenger side.  There was a note attached.  ‘They got a little cinged, but they survived the crash too.’ - but no one signed it

“Bring her on back!  We’ve got you down for a time trial in ten if you’re up for it,” Isabella called.

“Oh hell yeah.” Sarah  called and fired the car up, driving it off the back of the trailer.  When she stopped again she placed the fuzzy dice back on the rearview where they belonged.

“The Angel is back.” she said as she revved the engine.  It was only now that she noticed her friends were all sporting matching pink tee shirts that read ‘Team Angel’, with little angel wings around the word ‘Team’ and a halo above.  Even Erica had worn one under a second tee shirt so Sarah wouldn’t see it until now.

“Your dad actually contacted me about having my garage be part of your sponsorship.  Seems that Muscle is going to feature my shop as well, and on top of it, they donated a bunch of money,” Isabella laughed.

“He said he was going to talk to some big wigs about getting a big endorsement deal for the track, too,” Sarah said as she got out to hug Isabella.  

“There were some people out yesterday.” George spoke, “Checking out the empty land around the racetrack.”  He nodded as he came up to the car.  “You sure you’re ready?” he asked.

“As ready as I’ll ever be.” Sarah answered.  “You have to race like this will be your last race every time anyway.” 

“Then you’re going to need this,” Morgan said as she brought a brand new racing helmet from behind her back.  It was as pink as their tee shirts, and sporting the same wings and halo motif.  Before she let Sarah take it, she kissed her lips.  “Don’t wreck this one,” she teased.  Sarah laughed as she got into the car and put the helmet on.  Immediately she heard Crystal’s voice inside a headset built in.

“Testing, one two three.  Leia, use the force,” she teased.

“May the force be with us.” Sarah giggled as she revved the car again and drove it to the starting line for the next race.

“Okay, this is going to be a two lap run,” Crystal said.  “First lap is going to be your baseline.  Second lap, you’re go for nox boost.”

“Got it.” Sarah spoke back, “I see the Nox dial.”  She reached out the window and gave a thumbs up.  She didn’t notice the helicopter flying overhead, as she gripped the steering wheel, watching the light.  She was entering that zen place she always went just before the start of every race.

“And!” Crystal spoke into the headset, “GO!” the light changed.  Sarah stomped the gas almost perfectly.  It wasn’t her best start, but considering she had just walked away from a major accident one week ago, it could have been a lot worse.  She barreled down the track and into the first turn, taking it tight.  She wasn’t used to the handling on the new racing setup so she eased off the gas and then slammed it down again to power out of the curve.

“Doing good so far,” Crystal said.  “You’re a little tight on the turn.  Another six inches and you’d be picking daisies,” she teased.  By now the helicopter had landed, but Sarah still wasn’t even aware of it.  She was laser focused on turn two.  

The track was set up like a standard NASCAR run - with markings for quarter mile drag, half mile runs, and full laps like her current time trial.  She powered through the second turn, drifting a little this time and letting her speed drop before slamming on the gas again to speed out and into the straightaway.  The crowd on that side of the track cheered her on as she shot past and into turn 3.

“You’re almost home for lap one,” Morgan said excitedly.  Sarah tried to remain focused as she sped around the final curve.  She put her hand on the nitric oxide dial as she passed the finish line, but she hesitated.  Images of the crash flashed through her mind as she entered the first turn, and she jerked her hand off the dial, grabbing the wheel.  She made it through the turn fine, but without the nitro boost.

“Sorry,” she said over the radio.  “I wasn’t feeling it.  I’ve never raced with Nox before and took the turn too hard.”

“Come on, Sarah you can do this,” Jenny spoke up.

“You’re like the most fearless girl I’ve ever seen,” Erica added.  “I mean you’re not afraid of anyone.  You inspire me to be a better girl, Sarah.  I know you can do this.”

Sarah cracked a smile as she slammed on the gas near the end of the straightaway.  She let off and drifted through the second turn, and then grabbed the dial, cranking up the turbo as she came out of the turn, shooting past the bleachers in the straightaway.  She eased it back for the third and fourth turns, and then gave a tearful “Thanks girls,” as she opened it up for the final stretch, shaving a good 25 seconds off her first run.  As she pulled off into the pit she stuck her hand out the window giving a thumbs up high overhead, and removing her helmet with the other hand.

Her new pit crew came running to greet her as she opened the door, hugging Morgan, and then Erica and Crystal, Jenny, and even Julie.

“I have to admit,” Julie said, “That was um... really cool the way you turned those corners without hitting a wall or anything.”

“Doing 180 plus,” a woman’s voice that Sarah recognized from somewhere said, but she couldn’t quite place it.  That was until she saw the face on at least half of her posters approaching her right there in the pit.  Danica grinned.

“Oh my God.  You’re Danica Patrick,” she squealed.

Danica laughed softly.  “Last time I checked, anyway,” she teased Sarah, giving the excited, adrenaline and sugar-fueled racer a hug.  “Those were some pretty good moves out there, for someone who’s supposed to be resting,” she teased.

“Well, I can’t let a small accident like that stop me from my passions, I asked myself.. What would Danica do..” Sarah giggled. “And I came up with the answer, she’d get back into her car and race.  I wasn’t planning to come back this soon, but the girls really rallied, and we got my new car up to speed.”

Danica laughed.  “Darn straight.  When I heard what happened, and that you were already building a new car, I said to myself, ‘This is a girl that’s got it figured out’.  It’s not about being a racing girl.  It’s about being a racer, who just happens to be a girl.”

Sarah nodded, “It’s never been about being a girl for me.  It’s about my passion for speed. My friends have no idea how hard it was to keep myself at 40-50 mph the last week..” she giggled.  “But you couldn’t have come all this way just to see me?”

“Actually I did, and I came for an interview with Muscle as well.” Danica laughed.

“I might have shown her Katherine’s article on your accident,” Chris spoke up now as he approached.  “She said she had never been to South Haven, so I invited her out, all expenses paid.”

“I’m also here scouting talent for my sponsors.” Danica laughed. “But that’s a hush hush thing.” she winked at Sarah.  “Legal street racing is still kind of taboo, but we’d like to change that.  We want it to be more than just NASCAR and indy racers.”

A woman with a nice video setup approached Sarah’s car.  “Got some amazing footage!  Hey Angel, we’re going to be shooting a ford commercial in your town, and wanted to know if you wanted to do it?”

“Sure!  Oh, but I’ll have to ask my dad first,” she said, turning to Chris.  “Can I?”

“Why not?  It seems your car of choice is Ford anyway.” Chris answered.

“It’s for our new line of Stock cars.” The woman said. “Oh and I hope you don’t mind, but Ford got a whiff of your race, and now It seems I’ll be recording all your races.” she laughed. “Name’s Jessica.”

“Oh, sweet,” Sarah giggled.  “Like my Dad said, I only race Ford.  I mean don’t get me wrong, the Viper and Camaro - especially the late 90s ‘maros are amazing cars, but the steering and seat just doesn’t feel like ‘home’ to me like when I get behind the wheel of a good Mustang.”

Danica laughed, “Everyone has their own car.  That’s why racers pick one and stick with it their entire career.”

“I’ve had guys try to convince me I’d get a better start off the line in a Chevy,” Sarah giggled.  “And then I beat them off the line by a second or two  Then they beat me to the finish because I was running a stock car against their mods.”

“It’s because you know your car.” Danica nodded. “That’s the thing I was just saying, once you have a feel for a brand.  It’s like a fish out of water when you try to drive something else.”

“So you really think legal street racing could become a thing?” Sarah asked.  “I mean it’s already kind of a thing here in South Haven, but to have it fully recognized like NASCAR with standard rules for what mods you can use would be weird for some people.”

Danica nodded.  “No different from the rules your club already uses, from what your dad’s told me.  I think given the alternative it could really catch on, especially once sponsorship deals get out.  But I’d hate to see a big GoDaddy logo slapped across your angel wings.  Those are too cute.”

“As long as I don’t have to pose in nothing but high heels and a GoDaddy sign,” Sarah teased, causing Danica to laugh out loud.

~oOo~

Even though it wasn’t the big street race - as those only took place once a month, Sarah did enter the Nox marathon race:  50 laps, 8 racers from every age group all vying for the victory lap.  Since this was a Nitric oxide allowed race, Morgan held her breath practically every time Sarah entered a turn.

Two of the racers had blow outs mid-race, and one car stalled on the 37th lap resulting in ‘minor speed bumps’ as Sarah put it, but she put in to pit for new tires when she needed.  To her surprise, the extra girls Crystal had recruited from shop class were really quick on the draw, especially April.  April stood at just over 5’ tall, 90 lbs soaking wet, but the girl could change a tire faster than anyone Sarah had ever seen.

“49 laps down, it all comes down to this!” the announcer said as Sarah crossed the line just behind Marcus, a veteran street racer who Sarah knew had won his share of illegal races in his day.  If she could pull out a win over him, then she would have to do it fairly.  

Marcus was a good guy, but he wasn’t one for pity wins normally. And he sure didn’t mind fighting off women for the finish, it wasn’t that he had anything against women winning, but he figured if they were going to win, they’d have to fight for it like everyone else.

“Okay Sarah, you can do this,” she said to herself.  “One turn at a time.  I’ve got a quarter of a can of Nox left, and an Angel in my corner.”  She drifted wide on the first turn and gunned it coming out.  It wasn’t enough to pass Marcus by any means.  She was just closing the gap.  She knew his style.  He liked to take the inside for the extra tenths of a second.  If she could catch him on the outside she could overtake him.

“It’s neck and neck folks, #15 Sarah Angel and #6 Marcus Lorenzo,  Who will win this one!?” the announcer called out.

Sarah stayed on Marcus’ bumper through the second and third turns.  She knew if she was going to make her move it had to be at the last minute.  She had no idea how much nitro he had left, but she felt certain he was saving some for last.  After all, that’s exactly what she had done.  As they hit the final turn she took her chance.  Rather than drifting around she slammed on the gas and opened up the dial all the way.

“Oh my God, folks this is a precedent for this track, we have a photo finish!“ The announcer spoke, “Give us a second here while we figure out which car crossed the line first.”

While the announcer and fans were going crazy, Sarah and Marcus pulled into their respective pit areas.  Marcus got out of his car as Sarah climbed out of hers, removing her helmet and grabbing the bright pink sports bottle of water, downing about half of it then and there.

“Good Race kid.” Marcus said as he approached Sarah’s car. “I haven't had so much fun in a long time, no matter who wins this one.” he winked.

Sarah laughed as she high-fived him.  Everyone - pit crews from all the racers, and a few racers themselves, exhaled a sigh of relief at her reaction.  “Just between us, I don’t even care who wins.  That was freaking fun.”

“This is it folks, I’m proud to announce that today’s winner is our very own teen sensation,  Sarah Angel!” The announcer announced over the speakers. “By a half of bumper, but her car did finish first.”

Morgan and the others began screaming and cheering, bouncing as they rallied around Sarah to hug her.

Marcus grinned.  “Congrats on the win. And I want you to know I didn’t pull any punches.” he winked.

“Oh, I know,” Sarah laughed.  “I’m glad.  I didn’t deserve the ‘win’ last week, and I gave back my half of the prize money since Devin wouldn’t take it for his hospital bills.”

“That was sweet of you kid.”  Marcus smiled and turned to talk with his pit crew.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” the announcer spoke up again, “I’m proud to announce, I’ve just been informed... I can hardly believe this,” he said, “Miss Danica Patrick is on hand today to personally hand out today’s marathon run prizes.”

“Sweet!” Morgan giggled, “That’s twice in one day you get to meet your hero.” 

Sarah giggled too.  “Wow.  I didn’t think she stuck around.  God this is amazing.”

Marcus turned around, “She’s a real down to earth girl.”

“So like I’m curious,” Sarah giggled.  “You’ve been around both scenes awhile.  Do you think if we go all sponsorships like NASCAR we’ll have to wear pads and crap too?”

Marcus laughed.  “If you asked me that last week, I would’ve said hell no.  After your and Dev’s wreck though, first real bad accident I’ve seen on the legal racing scene, I’m coming around to the idea.  As long as it doesn’t get in the way.”

Sarah wondered about that last part, if he meant physically, or metaphorically, but she didn’t have time to contemplate it, as she found herself surrounded by supporters and fans, and even a handful of photographers.

“Jeez,” Sarah laughed.  “Guys, it’s not like I won the Daytona 500.”  She grinned.  “Just kidding.  Thanks everyone.  Your support means sooo much to me.”

“Sarah,” one reporter asked, “What was it like getting back into a race so soon after your accident?”

“My time trial spooked me.  I’m not going to lie,” she said.  “It was accidental use of Nox that caused Devin’s and my wreck, so driving a car with Nox for the time trial shook me up a little bit, but with the encouragement of my team, I managed to swallow my pride and face my fear just in time for the big race.  So, I guess I’d have to say it felt great.”

Another reported spoke up, “Can you tell us why you choose Ford for your car?”

“Oh, sure.  I was just talking to Ms. Patrick about that one this morning,” she laughed excitedly.  “I’ve sat behind the wheel of other muscle cars, even tried to drive them, but there are little things that just feel off for me.  No matter what year it was made, I’m just a Mustang girl at heart, and I can jump off the line faster in them than in anything else.  Although,” she paused to add with a giggle, “If anyone wants to loan me their FIAT or Viper I’d love to give them a shot too.”

“Angel.” Katherine called out, “Tell us abit about your new car please?  Muscle wants to know abit about it.”

“Well it started out life as a 1986 Mustang my girlfriend Morgan dug out of a junk yard.  The body looked like it was sitting in the ocean for a few years,” she laughed.  “But the guts were salvageable, so we pulled together and replaced what needed to be replaced.  Then we upgraded the engine with a turbocharger and Nox injector, tightened the suspension, and Isabella from Martin’s Garage designed the custom spoiler for me.  Both it and the hood are carbon fiber.”

Isabella spoke up, “It took a lot of grinding as well, to get the rust off of it, to make it sparkle like it does now too.”

“The only race specific parts are the turbo and the tires and the roll cage for safety obviously,” Sarah added.  “We really wanted to keep to the spirit of muscle cars so we didn’t do anything too crazy like putting in a V12 engine or cop tires.”

“Just for the record,” Sarah added, “Cop tires are against club rules, too.  We can use race-style stock tires, but everything has to be vetted before and after every race for fairness.  That was just an off-the-cuff example because I’m still surfing a major adrenaline rush.  We replaced the overheads to get more combustion, but the engine’s vintage.  Any girl - or guy,” she giggled, “Could make the same mods in their garage easy.”

“Will today's, first through 3rd place winners please report to the staging area.” The announcer called out.

“That’s my cue,” Sarah giggled as she waved to the crowd, and followed Marcus and the other driver, Lisa.  Once they were out of earshot of the circus, Sarah laughed.  “I can’t help noticing that no one else has ever been ambushed like that.  I’m surprised CNN wasn’t there,” she joked.

“Actually the first reporter you talked to was CNN Sports.” Marcus laughed.

“Oh great,” Sarah groaned.  “So I guess my chances of a normal return to school next week are pretty much shot huh?” she teased.

“Nobody said being famous was easy.” Marcus laughed.

“Or infamous,” Lisa added jokingly.  “Most girls your age don’t even have a license yet, and you just beat out a street vet and a cop.”  She winked.

“I got a provisional; I’m completely legit except after 9 unless it’s a school function, and I’m legal to have up to one passenger.” Sarah laughed. “Because of some crazy bylaw about racers being able to get special licenses at my age.” she said as they all entered the staging area.  They usually did a fourth place as well but this was one of the smaller races so there wasn’t a fourth place marker.

As they entered the staging area, Sarah let out a massive belch that she had been holding in since the start of the race.  April, the short, small framed girl with the fastest impact wrench in the west, cheered.  “Burp like a girl!”

“Sorry...” Sarah said sheepishly.

Someone else laughed, “Girls burp and some of them can put men to shame.” 

“I had a really big carbonated slushie before the race,” Sarah giggled.  “Been holding that in for the last hour.”

“Nothing to be ashamed of.” Marcus laughed as Danica approached..

“Congratulations,” she said as she handed Lisa and Marcus an envelope each, and then approached Sarah.  “I really, really wish I had some kind of trophy or something to give you,” she said as she gave Sarah a hug, and then gave her the envelope containing her prize check.

Sarah giggled.  “Oh, believe me I don’t need a trophy to remember today.  Just getting to meet you is more than enough.  Just ask my pit crew.  I have a dozen posters of you in my room.”

Morgan giggled, “I had never seen her room before last week, but I can attest that she is like your biggest fan.”

“Awww,” Danica laughed.  “Well I need to stop by your Dad’s to finalize some things for the interview this afternoon, since Muscle doesn’t have a corporate office here - yet.  I’ll be glad to sign some if you want.”

Sarah’s breath caught in her throat for a moment, but she nodded.  “Thank you so much.”