My Escape

Chapter 6: Chili Bowl Nationals

Monday, January 10, 2022 – Tulsa Expo Center

Chase takes a deep breath as they walk through the gates together, looking over with a smile in watching her look around in total awe at everything.

"Have you ever been to the Chili Bowl before?" He questions, to which she shakes her head no. He could easily understand that, knowing traveling wasn't as easy for everyone as he seemed to make it.

"I make it to the Atlanta Cup races each year, and a couple late model shows at Cordele, but nothing else," Danielle answers, to which Chase nods his head accepting. He could see that by her quietness, and also knowing she was probably busy with work.

"Well, enjoy it and embrace it because there's nothing like it. I got roped into coming by some friends, and it's truly addicting." She chuckles a little as they make their way past the many haulers that lined the aisle ways. She knew she wouldn't be straying too far from home base as she'd most certainly get lost.

"You didn't have to brin-"

"I know, but I wanted to." He then stops, taking the time to turn to face her with their eyes locking together. "I know what it feels like to go through something similar, couldn't imagine to be right in your shoes. There are so many thoughts that rile through your mind with everything going on. Being able to have an escape, some time to not worry or think about it at all, can be relaxing and give you encouragement that it will be okay. That's what California did for me with Kyle and Brad. That's what I want to see Tulsa do for you."

"I appreciate it, honestly. You've done way too much. I don't know how I am going to pay you-"

"Don't even worry about that. just promise me that you're focusing on yourself, finding ways to move forward, and doing what you need for you." She nods her head, accepting, but knew that she'd find some way to return the favor down the road.

They finally continue the walk, reaching their destination with the Kyle Larson Racing hauler. Chase played the perfect gentleman, introducing her to each of the crew members he'd gotten to know, as well as Kyle's wife Kaitlyn. They could both hear the thoughts of them being together as a couple, but Chase kept assuring everyone that they were there as friends – nothing more.

"I hope I didn't make a mess for you," she comments as he emerges from the hauler, changed into his firesuit from the night.

"I can handle it – I'm used to it," he assures her, before walking over to the midget, ready to climb in for hot laps.

The beginning practice session went solidly for Chase – as he tried to remember the words of advice from both Brad Sweet and Kyle Larson, finding some decent speed along the way.

It seemed things were continuing to go Chase's way, though, as he drew first heat which would take place right after hot laps. In his mind, repetition was the name of the game as he normally found a rhythm when it came to asphalt events, and that translated to success. Perhaps the same would happen here.

It certainly did, with jaws dropping around the arena in watching him hook the bottom lane through the eight laps, minding the gap ahead of Mitchell Moles, not giving him a lane to make a run underneath. His approach worked perfectly, as he scored his first career Midget checkered flag.

"Heck yes!" Brad Sweet yells as he runs over, reaching down inside the car to give him a pat on the shoulders afterwards, even beating Kyle and the guys over there. "That's what I am talking about!"

"Way to go!" Kyle adds, giving him a high-five as pride surrounded the team following the run. "That was awesome! How does it feel to be a Chili Bowl winner?"