Short Track Lovin' ✅

Chapter 39: Daytona Qualifying

July 2017

The final round seemed like it took forever, watching each car make two laps around the 2.5-mile oval, laying down the best lap they could. Perhaps it was the anticipation that made it seem longer. Though as the checkered flag waved, there were no sad faces to be seen. Chase hadn't gotten the pole, but he was set to start second in the race tomorrow night.

"Oops, I think I went a tick slower than I should have," Chase commented as he walked up to Dale afterwards. "I just wanted to make sure you got a pole. You need to come run the Clash next year."

Dale then chuckles, remembering the comment he made about a possible comeback for the non-points show if he got a pole. There was no way to gauge speed and make sure he was slower than Dale to give him a pole, but it was worth a fun little kickback considering the chaos started yesterday.

"So you let me have that one?" Dale questions as Chase shrugs his shoulders. "I thought you said you wouldn't be the guy to let anyone win."

"That remains true for tomorrow night," Chase retorts with a smirk. "Nice job, by the way."

"Thank you." Chase then heads down pit road, meeting up with Sarina as he gives her a quick kiss before they head out.

"Hopefully the rain stays away and we can enjoy our date night together." She smiles as she cuddles up close to him through their walk, both smiling. It seemed every thought from earlier in the morning had escaped them in the simple bliss of spending time together.

The pair went back to the motorcoach, grabbing a bite to each together, before making their way out once again. They crossed the track, climbing up to their seats in the grandstands, set for a fun race that evening.

"I don't get why you come up here to watch one of these races when you could be anywhere you want," she comments as she looks over at him. She wanted to take in the action, but at the same time, she could get lost in him right there before her enjoying everything in his own way.

"It just brings me back to where I started," Chase replies as he looks over at her. "It reminds me of my beginnings, why I got into this to begin with, and how fun it is. Besides, there's no bad seat at Daytona to watch a race from." She couldn't help but agree with that statement, having tried a couple different spots during February Speedweeks. It seemed with each conversation, they were meant to be.

"Well, you can always count on me to join you as you always pick good spots to sit." He smiles as he wraps an arm around the back of her. It was actually nice to have some company for a change.

"I'm a trained professional, that's why." She then simply smiles as he snags a quick kiss as the cars head off pit road.

The pair got to enjoy the first 32 laps of the event from their seats, taking in the thrills with some cheers and some frustrated sighs. Chase found himself cheering for William Byron, impressed with how the young man had began to move forward after starting at the back. He also focused on the other JR Motorsports cars, seeing the same powerfulness in Elliott Sadler as always, placing bets that he'd probably win later on.

"Nah, it's going to be Willy B!" Sarina had declared instead, causing a smile to form on Chase's face. He couldn't deny the youngster was talented.

Unfortunately, the pair did not get to watch the entire race as the skies opened, soaking them both through before they could get to cover and postponing the rest of the race till Saturday morning.

"I'd offer you a coat or something to keep you dry, but I'm just as wet," Chase comments as they head down the steps together, both chuckling as they looked at each other.