Short Track Lovin' ✅

Chapter 57: One Happy Driver

Friday, August 11

Chase climbs from the car in the garage, looking over at Alan with a smile as Alan nods his head in agreement. If things went as good as they felt this first practice for the rest of the weekend, it was going to be an amazing time.

"A happy driver is something that I have no problem with," Alan comments as he walks over.

"It felt really good that run – even better than the first run," Chase replies as Alan looks on surprised. Was this really happening? How did they get so lucky this weekend? "Like, I could run the top no problem, and then slip down to the bottom and just keep same pace. It's everything I could ask for." Alan crosses his arms, as he glances over their notes. There was only one concern left for the crew chief, and he felt it was important.

"I just don't about qualifying...." Chase leans back against the car as he thinks it over. If he had a car that was as strong as the one that he had right now, he wasn't about to allow Alan to worry too much.

"We're not right there with immediate speed that Martin and Kyle have. I don't think we have pole quality right there. But, I think we'll qualify in the top-10 without a doubt, maybe top-five if I push it a bit more." Alan nods his head, accepting.

"Just don't cross the edge of no return." Chase nods his head in agreement.

*********************

Chase walks into the motorcoach, smile on his face, as Sarina follows in behind him. She sits down on the couch as he slips the firesuit off. It was certainly a better experience than he thought it'd be.

"You said that you'd probably end up in the top-five but not quick enough for pole," she comments as he nods his head. "Fifth isn't too shabby at all."

"I'm not complaining," he replies as he walks back to the bedsroom. He then slips off the firesuit, grabbing a pair of shorts and t-shirt before returning. Pleased with his performance, he was ready to be comfy and relax in knowing the vibes were good heading into Sunday. "I told Alan that's where we'd end up, and I'm happy. As long as the car feels that good on Sunday, I'll be fine."

"Are you trying to say that you're ready to call your shot?" Chase laughs as he plops down on the couch beside her. He caught the reference, knowing Denny had done it a week before and seemed like a hero. Though having come close before and not won, he wasn't about to walk into a situation he couldn't get out of.

"I'm not that brave, to be honest. I mean, I know how quick Kyle and Martin are, and I know it's going to take perfection on Sunday. I know the car is good, but maybe not perfect yet. So I'm just confident in a really good day, being in contention probably, but I won't pull the Hamlin in calling my shot and look like an ass." She then laughs as she leans against him, already having the response in mind because he left only one thing to say.

"You could never look like an ass. Even if you did, you'd be cute doing it." Chase then looks down at her, surprised by the angle she took having expected something else.

"Ms. Ott, are you trying to flirt with me for any particular reason?" She laughs and shakes her head. "I don't know if I believe that...."

"Maybe I have a motive..." Chase then laughs, already prepared for what was to come.

"I knew it! So what is it?" She then sits up and glances towards the kitchen. She knew some warning was better than none at all for him.

"Dinner is my favourite tonight...and I don't know if you're up for that." Chase thinks it over. He had to admit the first time she made it, it wasn't too bad. Perhaps he could suffer through it out of love.