A Story by Speed: The Ballad of a Young Driver. Chapter 18: How's My Driving?

[NotThePrez]

Out of interest (and extreme boredom), I've decided to start up my own story. I'm not exactly an ace at this, so and comments and Positive criticism would be helpful.

Chapter 1: An Introduction​

Announcer: "Well folks, we are on the final lap of this years' Grand Prix of Endurance in Le Mans, France. It looks like the Audi's have this one... WAIT, WAIT A MINUTE! Coming through the Porsche curves is the #2 Peugeot, driven by none other than Greg Johnson!"

"The American is the youngest driver to win the American Le Mans Series Championship at just 19 years of age! He's stormed past the first two Audi's, but Tom Kristensen isn't giving in! Coming through to the finish line, they're neck and neck, and the winner will be..."

BLEEP! BLEEP! BLEEP! BLEEP!

"HUH! What the heck?!"

Automated Voice: "Wake up, lazy-butt!"

"Oh, you've gotta be kidding me."

Hello. As you may of already figured out, I'm Johnson, Greg Johnson. I'm 18 years old, and there's two things I really like: Cars, and learning about World War 2. Doesn't make much sense, but oh well. I have been racing since I got my Operator's License, and have been enjoying it ever since. Legal racing, that is.

This is my place. I live in a suburb about 50 minutes away from New York City. (BTW, avoid The Bronx AT ALL COSTS, or else you'll wake up with your leg hurting like crazy and your watch will be gone).

"Gahh, hagarh."

And that's the sound of me waking up at 9:00 AM. As I lift myself up out of bed, I hear the sound of crying. What could it be, an intruder? Something stolen?

TV: "Pablo, ¿cómo podría, después de todo lo que hemos pasado!"

Nope, it's my mom and sister going through the usual morning ritual of watching Early-morning Spanish soap-operas. I look on the wall and stare at an ancient M18 recoilless rifle.

"So tempting...Must...not...destroy television...or living room..."

It's honestly the most annoying thing on our TV. Anyway, where was I? My grandfather was a WWII veteran, and when he passed my father looked after some of the weapons he brought home, most of which were extermly dangerous, so it only made sense that as a young I child I would play with them when nobody was looking.

At around 11:00 AM, after eating breakfast, the soaps were finally over.

"(Sniff) So sad..."

"Yeah, something's sad, alright..."

This is my sister, Sam.

"Maybe you should watch with us sometime."

"I'd honestly rather have Soulja Boy pulling clothespins from my ears while singing 'Swag On.'"

I'm usually a nice guy, but will tell it like it is. Right at that moment, I heard someone banging on our door, like as if they were being chased by our neighbors' Pit Bull.

"PJ, what's the matter man?"

"Dude, don't you know what time it is?!"

"Dang, I totally forgot! Bye guys! Me and PJ are going down to the track!"

"Hey man, wait for me!"

End of Chapter 1.

 

[Rykon Zero]

MUAHAHA! LOOK AT WHAT I'VE SPAWNED! AHAHAHA!

In seriousness, excellent writing. This should be interesting. I'll keep tabs on this.

 

[Daniel]

MUAHAHA! LOOK AT WHAT I'VE SPAWNED! AHAHAHA!

In seriousness, excellent writing. This should be interesting. I'll keep tabs on this.

I've been thinking about reviving my story looong before you did
jk
_____________________

Haha, Mexican Soaps, what will they think of next? British Anime?

Good Start Gregg

. Will be reading this 👍

 

[SVX]

Nice work.

Just a heads up, you've said that you are 18 twice.

 

[DK]

It's a decent start, you've introduced some characters and some interesting character traits.

 

[NotThePrez]

Thanks for the comments! Like I said, I'm not an ace at this, so decent is better than poor. I might have another chapter up later today.

 

[X-DEVIL7675]

Your story is very good so far.
I´m looking forward to see more.

 

[NotThePrez]

Sorry for the delay.

Chapter 2: Details, My Man. Details.​

(Over Radio)
"Hey PJ, since we're running late, where do you want to go? Mountains, or Freeway?"

"Mountains, duh."

We're off to The Deep Forest Motorpark for the usual weekend trackday. It's one of the few tracks that we can go fast and no one makes any complaints. Well, that is except for the environmentalists, since it's a track in the middle of a forest.

As you can see, my weapon of choice is a Honda NSX-R. No I'm not some rich wannabe playboy coming out of Fast & Furious. I actually won the car from someone with that kind of mentality. In fact, I remember it like it was yesterday...

NSX driver: "Looks like I've got...Wait, what the heck?"

"I've got you now, boy!"

NSX Driver: "How did he?...Wait, No NO!"

"Yes!"
"NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!"

(chuckle)

"What's so funny?"

"Oh, nothing"

So, with new wheels, suspension, and paint this is what it looks like now.

Then, we have PJ.

"God, that's bumpy."

PJ (aka Phillip Jones) was born in a town in Belgium called Brussel Sprouts, and...

It's Just BRUSSELS, not Brussel Sprouts, you imbecile! I don't want the audience to come to my country asking for directions to 'Brussel Sprouts!'

Alright, alright! Anyway, coming from Brussels he spent much of his time out in the snow and soon became a very skilled rally driver. Basically, imagine him as something like Richard Hammond, only taller.

He hopes to someday bring Mitsubishi back into the WRC. His original goal was Toyota, but he kind of gave up hope when they started building the Prius.

Being said that he's a good rally driver, it also means that he's not very strong with Grip racing.

"That's a bit better...WOAH!"

"And that was very graceful..."

"Hey, cool it! I don't want to have to explain to the police how you decided to pull a move from Vanishing Point that went horribly wrong."

"Two things: 1) I can drive better, and 2) I don't have a habit of running into a line of bulldozers and bursting into flames."

As you can see, he also has a bit of an ego. Eventually, we arrive at the track and sign up with the race marshall.

"Names and cars please."

"Greg Johnson, Honda NSX-R."

"Phillip Jones, Mitsubishi Evo 6 T.M.E."

"Greg Johnson? Any relation to David Johnson?"

"No, though I've heard of him. Seems to be a bit of a legend."

"Yeah. Anyway, You'll be in Heat 10, and Jones will be in Heat 13."

After registration, we park our cars in the pits and wait.

"Hey Greg, you know how you gave the Civic to Sam?"

"Yeah."

"How's her training going?"

"Ummm..."

"Sam, Slow down!"

"I said, SLOW DOWN!!"
"Woohoo! This is fun, Greg!"

"Why are we in reverse?!"

"Yeah, J-Turn!"
"Woah, watch out!"

"Go, go go!"
"STOP!!!!"

"Better than the first day."

"Heh, heh. Is that right?"

"Heat 10 now starting. Will the drivers in Heat 10 proceed to the start line."

"That's my cue. Wish me luck!"

End of Chapter 2.

Spoiler

I'd just like to point out that David Johnson is the main charecter in another Race Report written by StigNumbers. This was not my original plan, as I didn't really pay much notice to the charecter's names and noticed it just now.

 

[SVX]

Nice chapter. Keep it up!

 

[Rykon Zero]

What a foreign stone pile! Did you seriously manage to accidentally create a character with the same name as mine?

Anyway, the great writing is still here, the development is pretty awesome. Good work!

 

[DK]

I'm liking the story, the characters are interesting...and Sam seems to be as brainless as a Hannah Montana fan. Still, I kinda don't like the use of the word "heck". I'm not a big fan of euphemisms.

 

[GT-R]

So far so good. Keep the chapters coming. 👍

 

[NotThePrez]

Thanks for the comments! The next chapter won't be up until Wednesday at the latest.

I'm liking the story, the characters are interesting...and Sam seems to be as brainless as a Hannah Montana fan. Still, I kinda don't like the use of the word "heck". I'm not a big fan of euphemisms.

I have literally no idea what that means, but I'm guessing putting one word in place of something like a swear word. I'll keep that in mind.

As for Sam, she's supposed to be more "hyper" than brainless.

 

[DK]

I have literally no idea what that means, but I'm guessing putting one word in place of something like a swear word.

Yeah, that sounds like the definition of "euphemism" alright.

 

[NotThePrez]

Chapter 3: Show me what you got!​

"Alright, ladies and gentlement! Heat 10 is starting right now..."

"In..."

"As before, the winner after 1 lap will get a prize of $5000!"

"Out..."

"Ready, set, GO!"
The race starts, and I immediatly set my sights on the DB7.

On the uphill straight, I'm able to pass.
DB7 driver: "Bollocks! I knew I should've gotten the Vanquish!"

Next up was the Esprit.

No problem.
Esprit driver: "Oi! This ain't Touring cars!

Then I passed the Mustang.
Mustang driver: "Oh boy, The Boss won't like this."

The Impreza was tough! Every time I went to pass, he blocked me.
"Hey!"
Impreza driver: "You ain't passin' me, dawg!

He was blocking so much he left himself open on the inside.
"Uh, uh! I said you ain't passin'!"
He was pushing me to the inside wall...

...but it wasn't enough!
"You were saying?"

Coming up to the last turn, all that was left was the Boxster.
Boxster driver: "You think you can win? Show me what you got!"

So, I did.
"Wah-hey!"

"Smooth moves, kid."

"Ladies and gentlemen, the NSX takes the win!"

"Good showing, Greg!"

"Oh yeah! $5000 in the bag!"

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please. The drivers in Heats 11 and 12 are not ready, I repeat, not ready to start. Due to this, will the drivers in Heat 13 please commence to the start line?"

"That's your call. Good luck, PJ!"

"If you can take those guys, this'll be no problem."

Later on as the drivers were organizing...

"Hey, Greg?"

"Yeah?"

"Problem."

End of Chapter 3.

 

[DK]

Another great chapter. The race seemed a bit too easy though. That Aston Martin driver really is British, seeing as he uses the word "bollocks".

 

[NotThePrez]

The race seemed a bit too easy though.

I know.

 

[NotThePrez]

Sorry, double post for new chapter.

Chapter 4: The Specialist​

"Hey Greg..."

"Yeah?"

"Problem. Check out the grid."

I could see why he was worried...

"Well, it looks like a case of the odd one out here folks! We have a Mitsubish Evolution running against 5 supercars! Has he got what it takes? I'm kinda thinking not..."

"Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence..."

"To make things interesting...and give the Evo a chance...this'll be a two lap race. Lets GO!"

"Don't worry PJ! These guys may have more power, but you've got more traction."
===================
He was right, all I had to do was use every last bit of it.

Although, I was surprised how fast I was able to catch the Viper.
Viper driver: "Try and keep up, little man."

I knew I couldn't get by if I just straight up raced, so I decide to use a little ingenuity.
"Hey!"

Thankfully, I was able to get by without losing my bumper.
"Damn! The Boss'll have my head for this!"

And just as fast, I passed the Zonda!
Zonda driver: "No! Come ha fatto a prendermi così in fretta?!" (No! How did he catch me so fast?!)

With a 500HP V10, the M5 was putting up a fight!
M5 driver: "Was ist dieses Stück Müll?" (What is this peice of garbage?)

"Geh weg!" (Get away!)
Pretty soon, I was in the groove. If I could time this Mercedes perfectly...

Made it!
Mercedes & M5 driver:"Nein! Nein! Nein! Nein!..."
"Oh yes, yes, yes, yes!"

Coming to the last lap, there was just one guy left...

...and he was in a Nissan GTR!
GTR driver: "The Evo's caught up already?"

I had to step it up now, which meant breaking out the battle tapes.
"Sport suspension: on. Gearbox into Race mode... What's that terrible sound?"

This guy was Damn fast! I was trying so hard to catch up that I almost Understeered into the wall!

I eventually got close to him!

"Woah, he's right on my tail!"
"That Evo is tailgating the GTR like Monday morning traffic, folks!"

"He's understeering wide! The Evo's making his move..."

"...And he's got it!"

"Ladies and Gentlemen, the Evo has just passed the GTR!!!!"

I got past the GTR, but he wasn't giving up yet.
"If I can just get a little closer..."

"Ah, it's no use. Thank you for the battle, friend!"

"The Evo takes the win!!!!!!"
"VICTORYYYYY!!!!!!"
================
"That's right! That's my boy! Pay up, Pay up, Pay up!!"

"I think that's a win...what's with the cash?"

"Nuthin..."

"You put down a bet that I would lose?!"

"No...I put down a bet that you would win!"

"Wow, thanks for the support, no really...what the hell?"

"Well, I needed a little extra cash for the Civic's gearbox, and..."

"Not you, that!"

Spectator: "Oh, now you guys have done it!"

End of chapter 4.

Spoiler

The music is one of the songs from the musical game DJ Hero. Just as a disclamer, I have the game and like most of the music.

 

[DK]

Nice chapter, at least I learned some German from it!

EDIT: I should point out that you spelt "Nein" wrong.

 

[GT-R]

Nice chapter. 👍

 

[NotThePrez]

Chapter 5: Challenger​

At the end of the pit lane, a man with dark leather jacket, pants, even shoes and huge facial hair steps out of the Chevelle. He immediatly goes over to PJ and grabs his collar.

"Who the hell do you think you are, boy! Comin' up in here and beating my guys! You looking for trouble?!"

"Hey, back off! Who are you?"

"You don't know who I am?! I'm The Boss boy, The Boss!"

"Boss? Well, Boss, first, why don't you put him down and talk to me about your guy losing to a rice-box!"

"Rice-box?!"

Did I mention that in certain situations I have the uncanny ability to say the wrong thing and not think about it?

"Look at you tough guy! You think you're good enough for The Boss, well here!"

He shoves a slip of paper into my chest.

"Put that in your GPS and meet me there in an hour."

The Chevelle then storms off in a giant cloud of tire smoke.

"What the hell was that?"

"I wish I knew."

"But seriously, rice-box?! My car may be many things, but it certainly isn't a rice-box! It's named after one of the greatest rally drivers in history!"

"Well, it was all in the spur of the moment, and it all happened so fast..."

Eventually, we stopped arguing and put the coordinates into the GPS. When we reached our destination, we got quite a surprise.

"Wow! Look at this place."

What we arrived at was an old, abandoned race track that looked like it hadn't been used in at least 30 years.

"This place is old, man."

"Thanks Capitan Obvious."

Just as he said that, we got another surprise in the shape of a light blue bulb.

"Greg, look over there."

"Do you think it's..."

"Only one way to find out."

Once we got a little closer, our thoughts were confirmed, as it was the one and only Shawn Tanaka.

"Hey Shawn! What are you doing here?"

"Hey Greg, hey PJ. Just a little afternoon fishing."

Shawn was basically the most well known guy we knew. His parents are buissiness people who have a pretty good position with GTG (Gran Turismo Group). So needless to say, his parents were loaded! He keeps all the tabs on the local racing scene. He's also a guy of absolute class.

"How's the Merc?"

Of course, a classy man needs a classy car. In this case it's a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing.

"It's ok. The diff died on me so a had to order another one from Mercedes."

"Dude, we keep on telling you, sell the thing! Make a million bucks."

"And have it locked up in some warehouse? No way, a car like that is something that has to be enjoyed."

"If you say so. I'm guessing though that you're not just here for the grouper."

"You guessed right. Word on the street is that you and The Boss are having a little showdown."

"Yeah. Speaking of which, what can you tell me about this 'Boss' charecter?"

"The Boss is fairly new to the scene, but he's one of the most feared guys racing. He's the leader of a local Muscle Car Club. There are two things that make up his driving style: Power and Aggression."

"What do you mean by that?"

"His car's engine is tuned to the max, and beyond. He has everything! Nitrous, exhaust, supercharger, ECU. Altogether it's rumored he's spent more than $100,000 on an engine that puts out 740HP and close to 800 ft/lbs of tourqe, and that the Chevelle is capable of 210 MPH"

"I...I'm sorry, I want to make sure I heard you right. 740 HORSEPOWER???!!!"

"...and 800 ft/lbs of tourqe."

"Holy crap! How does he control that?!"

"Aha! That's The Boss' weakness! You see, because his tuned his car for full-on power, he never upgraded the suspension or took off any weight. That means he has a hard time getting off the line and oversteers like crazy through corners. That's where you should have him."

"Ok, that doesn't sound too bad."

"But then there's the second bit: Aggression. If he can't win with speed, The Boss WILL use force. He's taken out more guys than Tiger Woods has women."

"Hey!"
"Get out of the way, then!"

"It doesn't matter if you're in a European hypercar or a riced-out Dodge Neon..."

"...He's slack and dangerous, so be careful."

I look over at my NSX with a giant lump in my throat.

"So, let me get this straight. Greg has to beat a car with 400 more horsepower than his being driven by a guy that makes Larry the Cable Guy look like Megan Fox?"

"That's one way of putting it, yeah."

"I think you may be giving him a little to much credit there PJ. For one, he's probably a better actor."

We all start laughing at this time, but it was soon drowned out by the unmistakeable sound of an over-powered V8.

"Well, you decided to show up! Ready to lose?"

I look over at the NSX, and I have an instant idea.

"Hey, since you have way more power than you can probably handle, I don't want you to spin-out and wreck my car, why don't we run like this: time attack, one lap, fastest time wins, unless you think you can't handle it."

"Oh, you want to do it like this, than let's do it right! Whoever wins gets the losers pinkslip!"

But before this statement can register in my brain, it's too late.

"Deal!"

"Greg, are you mad!"

"I probably am."

"It's to late now. Boss, get you car lined up and we'll start."

That ride is comin' home with me!
3...2...1...GO!

End of Chapter 5. Will Greg be able to beat The Boss, or has he accepted a challenge in which he's severly outclassed? Stay tuned!

 

[DK]

I loved the simile. "He's taken out more guys than Tiger Woods has women."

 

[GT-R]

Interesting chapter. Let's see this unfold...

 

[NotThePrez]

Chapter 5: The Run​

"...And he's off, really off!"

"In a giant plume of smoke with too much power."

"Woah, he's oversteering already!"
"He's still got good speed, though."

"He's gone off! That should slow him down."
"Not by much."
"You're being really positive today, Shawn."
"If only you guys knew..."

"How does this guy keep control?"
"You'd be surprised. Hey, where's Greg?"

I was sitting in my NSX, freaking out about what I got myself into.

"What have I gotten myself into? I just bet my NSX against a mad powerhouse."

"He can go faster, he's got more tourqe, and all I've got is this little NSX which, while fast, is nowhere near as fast as that monster. I'm totally outclassed."

"This is it. It's over."

"1'50.55 @ 165 MPH!"
"Greg, you're up!"
"All mine."

"No! Pull yourself together man! I can't lose this. I WON'T lose this"

"I...WILL...NOT...LOSE!"
"GO!!"

"Woah, look at him go!"
"I've never seen him drive like that before!"

"Speedtrap caught him through that corner at over 100 MPH!!"

"He's not just fast, he's pushing it!"

"Where did all this come from?!"

"DON'T LET UP!!!"

"As quoted from Radio LeMans, that's Jerry Bruckheimer fast!"

"He's already beaten The Boss' split time!"
"WHAT?!!"

"Here he comes!"

"...And Across the line!"

"So? How'd he do?"

"You won't belive this..."

"Hey guys! How'd I..."

"Grrreeee......"

"Oh God, what happened..."

"Hey, he's talking!"

"PJ..."

"Hold on, let me try something..."

BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!!!!!

"AHHHHHH!!!!!!!"

"Ok, he's awake."

"Duh! What the hell, man?"

"You won!"

"I what now?"

"You got The Boss' car!"

"What was my time?"

"1'50.45, just 1 tenth of a second!"

"Really?! Hey, where's Shawn?"

"He called up his crew and they took our cars to his shop. This guy's gonna give us a ride home."

"Oh, ok."

As I got in the car, I felt an extreme pain in my head.

"Damn. What happened to me?"

"When you got out of your car, you passed out. There was no warning, either! You were just 'Hey guys,' THUD! I thought it was kinda funny."

"Gee, thanks..."

"Hey, you called my car a rice-box..."

"Would you stop with that, please?"

Later in the day...

Driver: "Here you are, Greg. You should have your cars back by tommorrow"

"Ok, thanks."

"There you are! You've been gone all day!"

"Not now, Sam. What I need now is a bowl of Lucky Charms and a good night's sleep. I'll explain everything tommorow."

"What is it with you and Lucky Charms?"

"In the words of some famous rapper: 'It's dat good stuff."

=================

"I'm telling you, Tony, he's got what it takes!"

"Oh really? And what makes you say that?"

"He beat The Boss today in a time attack by 1 tenth of a second!"

"That's it? That's not much, since the NSX corners better than those old muscle cars."

"He also beat Jacky's record."

"Really? What was his time?"

"1'50.45"

"The Boss was only 1 tenth behind? So why should I take him instead?"

"1) He'll give fewer headaches, and 2) he's got potential!"

"Not the first time I've heard that..."

"His driving is still extremely rough, and he needs to learn new skills. Give him your exam!"

"You seem to be very confident in him. Ok, Let's see what he's got."

"Thanks!"

"Well, old friend, looks like we've got another one..."

End of Chapter 6

 

[SVX]

Looking good! Keep it up!

 

[DK]

I'm looking forward to finding out the identity of that Ford. I guess this chapter really does prove that there IS replacement for displacement.

 

[NotThePrez]

Warning, long chapter.

Chapter 7: Aftermath​

(# radio)

#-"...Same as I eva been, when I hear my favorite song..."

"Weird, I don't feel the same..."

#-"Supabeat 205.6, brining you hip/hop, rock, country, disco, dubstep, you name it, we got it! That was Talib Kweli with 'My favorite Song' right there! Lets bring it over to Shelly with the news."

#News-'In Japan, the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force has it's hands full as reports of mass destruction in the cities of Tokyo, Tsukuba, and Suzuka have been coming through. No word on the official cause of this, although there are some witnesses that report a Light Blue Honda Step Van leaving the scene in all three accidents."

#-"In Sports, The Ferrari Scuderia F1 Team is getting some unwanted media attention after this week's German Grand Prix at Hockenheimring. We don't have too many details on either story but once we find out more there will be an update."

#-'Thanks Shelly. Speaking of racing, the word on the street is that local racer Greg Johnson legally beat a strong driver known only as 'The Boss' last weekend..."

"Oh God, shut up! I'm tired of hearing that..."

To say that the last couple of days have been "interesting" would be a massive understatement. You're probably wondering what's happened with my new ride.

"Woah! Come on!"

"No! Don't hit the wall!!"

"Phew! That would be spin-out #3,761."

It's an absolute beast that does not listen to reason. Shawn's crew took off weight, put in new suspension, new gearbox, rollcage, they even took out the Supercharger and Nitrous! That hasn't helped one bit. It's still got more than twice the power of my NSX and almost twice the weight! To master this car, I'll have to spend more time than I can getting the hang of it.

With that said, you can also sense the worldwide appeal of the American Muscle Car because of all the power.

Anyway, after the track session I came back home and got in the NSX. I had to go pick up PJ and bring him down to the track because Shawn still had his Evo.

#-'This is Supabeat, bringing you everything! Now, were gonna mix it up with 'Do The Bus Stop' by The Fastback Band."

#-(70's disco) "Bus Stop! Do the Bus Stop! Are you ready...To do the Bus Stop?"

"I don't think I'll ever understand how this music became so popular. It's terrible!"

"Says the guy that plays video game music while he's racing."

"Touché."

Eventually we arrive at Deep Forest. We go through the usual procedure, get in, sign up, this time for Heat 4. Since PJ didn't have his Evo, he wasn't racing today.

Heat 4 starts and the drivers line up. This is when things started getting weird...

"Oh, a TVR! Hopefully it doesn't burst into flames..."

By the first corner, I pass the TVR and the Callaway...

And the Aston...

And the RUF...

And finally the Z06.

"That was...easy."
#-"It doesn't even look like they're trying to catch you."

By the end of the second lap, I took the win with the Corvette trailing by 20 seconds.

"That was strange."

Coming into the pits, everyone there immediatly starts booing at us. At this point, I had enough.

"Alright, what the hell is going on?"

Racer-"We don't like show-off punks."

"What? What are you talking about?"

"You two vatos beat the Boss and his two fastest guys, then you show up here like it's nothing? You and Waffle boy here must have some nerve..."

"Waffle boy?! Why don't you say that to my face!"

"Not now PJ, lets get out of here."

"Waffle boy! Unbeliveable."

For those who don't get it, PJ is from Belgium, and he's more patriotic to his country than the U.S.A., so he doesn't like it when someone says something about it in a negative way, in this case "Belgian Waffle."

Once I take him by my place, we get a bit of a surprise as we pulled in.

"Hey, that's Shawn's car."

Coming up to the front door, there's a peice of cloth on the doorstep. As I bend down to pick it up, our neighbours mad Pit Bull starts going crazy.

"Woah. Down, Tojo!"

Once we make our way inside, there's someone I don't recognize sitting next to my mom and sister on our couch. On the TV of course are more soap operas, and the guy looks absolutely miserable, which is understandable.

"Give me that!"

Out of nowhere, Shawn comes up and grabs the cloth from my hand.

"That little monstrosity out there chewed up my best pair of dress pants!"

"Why are you wearing dress pants when it's 95 degrees outside?"

"'Cause that's how I roll, son!"

"What? Shawn, we've been over this. You're not gangsta, stop acting like it!"

"Hey buddy, good to see you again!"

I recognize the stranger's voice. "Hey, you're the race marshall!"

"My name's Tony."

"Tony says you guys have been up to some cool stuff lately!"

"How do you know this?"

"Let me explain. Tony, as well as a race marshall, is the Race Admin for this part of America and is a member of the Gran Turismo Group."

"Ok..."

"You see, Shawn has been telling me about your recent exploits against The Boss and his guys. One in particular was your time attack match. Let me show you something..."

"Woah, that's Jacky Ickx!"

"Jacky Ickx set the lap record here during the 1969 World Sportscar Championship. Would you like to guess what it was?"

"What?"

"1'50.5 You beat Jack Ickx's record by 5 hundreths of a second. According to Shawn, you have some real talent."

"Oh come on. I just race for fun, I'm not that good."

"Hold on Greg, this isn't the first close finish you've had..."

"...Remember the guy with the Factory Five Cobra?"
"Oh yeah..."

"How about the one time you took me to the Autumn Hill track and you beat the guy in the Callaway?"
"Ok..."

"And that one girl upstate who..."

"SHHHH!!!!!! No one needs to know about the girl..."

"Sorry, I forgot."

"Anyway, Shawn wants me to give you my exam so that you can get you International Clubman license. You do know what these licenses are for, right?"

"Yeah, The Domestic Beginners license was so that I could race, and the Advanced License was so that the Insurance Company would let me race the NSX."

"Close. The Beginners license not only lets you go to the track, it also lets you enter events organized by the Gran Turismo Group for novice drivers. You've only gone to trackday races."

"Didn't know that."

"The Advanced license does two things. It makes it so that novice drivers can race more high-performance cars, and it lets you race in novice and advanced race throughout the country, instead of the tri-state area. The Intenational Clubman, or I-C License not only lets you enter even more advanced races, but it lets you compete in races in other countries."

"What's the highest I can go?"

"The highest is the Super License. With that, you can enter NASCAR, WRC, The Formula GT, V8 Supercars in Australia, basically the best races in the world. But you're not there yet."

"Yet?"

"Normally you do multiple driving tests for a license. Since I'm a Race Admin, I can set up one big test, which is what I'm going to do. If you pass, you can get a Clubman license, and then we'll move from there."

"If I decide to leave, who'll take care of Mom and Sam?"

"I can! I'm not a little baby anymore!"

"Yeah, but your driving..."

"It was only one trash can!"

"And a mailbox, and a stop sign..."

"Seriously, Greg, do you want to do this?"

"Ummm...Ok. I guess I've got nothing to lose."

"Good! Meet up where you raced The Boss. Also, don't bring your NSX. You'd probably want to show up in PJ's Evo."

"Oh, yeah. Speaking of which, it's parked in the alley out back."

"Thanks!"

==============

That was yesterday, this is today, and I have no idea what's coming up.

"Ready to go, man?"

"As I'll ever be."

End of Chapter 7

Spoiler

For the bit on the Ferrari F1 team, google search "ferrari german grand prix 2010." If you already know what it is, yes, I had to. :-)

The bit about Japan is a reference to StigNumbers story. Hopefully he won't mind.

 

[Rykon Zero]

Argh, a reference to my story, unforgivable, I'll melt your face, argh.

No problem. This is getting good, great chapter!

 

[DK]

Great chapter. 👍 I'm loving the humour. Did Jacky Ickx really drive a Ford GT40?

 

[NotThePrez]

Yes, he did. In fact, the GT40 in GT4 is the same car he used to win the 1969 24 Hours of LeMans.