Herbie Fully Loaded

Chapter 8: the desert race

The announcer yells the names of my opponents and finally me last, the crowd erupts excitedly at my name. I guess I'm well known now? The flag girl raises the flag high and everyone revs their engines loudly, I am ready.

We take off quickly with thick dirt trailing behind us furiously, we are all neck and neck for the start but I edge infront of the others and eventually cross the line first, I haven't felt this alive since my street racing back in high school! I sit in my car in shock as the others drive past me slowly in defeat. I can tell Herbie loves the publicity, we are a well oiled team.

The next couple of races are like the first with many fast and advanced cars and I rise slowly in the ranks as I continue racing and I get even more popular, I even am on the news!

The sun falls slowly and I just finished my last race for the night and I'm racing against Trip tomorrow! I can't wait to show that idiot some real racing! I stop at the back of the whole racing set up and see Kevin waiting patiently, I jump out of the car and flip my helmet visor up, "I've signed so many autographs my hand is numb" I say excitedly and Kevin laughs as we find a porta potty to change in.

Herbie POV:
It has been a long day of racing and I am exhausted, me and Maggie working together brings me back to my first racing days, all the way back in the 60s! I then spot the most beautiful thing in the world.

There is a gorgeous yellow 2002 Volkswagen Beetle not too far away from me and I am weirdly energised. I start to fog up and my windows are all steamy, I then start to drive over to her. I park right in front of her, I have dated many cars but she is the most beautiful by far!

Kevin POV:
I am so nervous I have been mustering up the courage to give Maggie a present while she was getting changed, she is the most amazing girl I have ever met! I walk over the Herbie to put the race suit in but Herbie has been moved, panic courses through my veins at the thought of someone highjacking the winning car.

My brows furrow in confusion, we have the keys so how did the car move? As if on cue Maggie walks over, "everything alright?" She senses my confusion and anxiousness and flashes a look of understanding Herbie's way.

"She's too young for you" she whispers to Herbie, now I am even more confused! But Maggie is drop dead gorgeous in her denim skirt and blue shirt, heels make her look so elegant!

"I have to say...winning looks great on you" I compliment shyly and she giggles and moves closer in response. Our eyes lock and I can feel the electricity in the air. "I got you something" I pull the necklace out of my pockets that has the number 53 on it. "It's stupid...." Before I can take it back she grabs it and put's it on her neck.

We are closing in on each, our bodies almost fully touching each other until a bright light blinds us, "good evening!" A familiar voice booms from behind Maggie.

"Trip! I barely recognise you without your camera crew" Maggie says with fake happiness which makes me love her that much more.

Maggie POV:

"I decided to give them the day off" he responds with and walks over to Kevin and I and I see out of the corner Kevin buffing up in a protective manner. "Can we talk?" Trip asks suddenly which I simply nod to, what does this idiot have to say?

"Alone" he emphasises while looking at Kevin frustratedly, he looks at me for confirmation which I nod once again to. Kevin trails off slowly and I sigh in Trip's face. I raise my eyebrows as if curing him to talk he takes the hint with a smirk on his face.

"You driver did pretty well for an amateur" he half compliments, I smirk smally as he starts circling Herbie with a determined face to which I grow curious. "He's got some serious flaws though...take his car for instance" he better tread lightly here I mean I already beat him with this car, what more does he want?

"The chassis's too high and the aerodynamics are all off" he says critically, at least he isn't being an asshole about it for once. "Thanks for the tip, I'll pass it onto Maxx" I cover up quickly, he gives me a knowing look which makes me slightly nervous.

"You know what I can't figure out?" He questions me to which I shrug not giving him more energy than needed. "Why you aren't behind the wheel" he finishes to which my mouth opens slightly, surely he doesn't know right?

"I hear you were a heck of a street racer back in the day" he pushes further.
"Ancient history" I spit back at him lazily, what does he want with me? "I doubt it, it's in your blood" he reveals, so he did his research.

"Your grandfather was the reason I got into racing and I gotta believe it's hardwired into your DNA" he states as if it's known knowledge, it is true though my grandfather was a racing legend and one of my biggest inspirations.

"Your dad ought to get Ray out of the car and put you behind the wheel" he says evilly as if trying to get me to spill my secret. "How many women drivers have won a NASCAR championship?" I reason with him, as much as I love racing for women it's not really an option. He walks closer to me so we are an arms length apart and I stand my ground.

"It only takes one to place a trail" he smirks at me, I grow silent "ever think you might be the next great Peyton?" He pushes further, this guy just doesn't know when to stop!

"Thanks for the props but I gotta go" I say cutting off the conversation and taking a few steps back, away from the intense eye contact full of anger. "Wanna know how it feels to drive a real car?" He shouts as I start to walk away, I turn to see him pointing to his brand new stock car, it's glorious!

"Are you serious?" I question anxiously to which he chuckles in response, "I doubt your old man will make the same offer" he pushes further and I walk up to the perfectly polished machine behind Trip.

"It will be our little secret" he says as he hands me a pitch black helmet I nod and jump into the car instantly, "try to keep it under 100" he says cockily and I kick the car over.

That drive was one of the most exhilarating in my entire life!

————

I pull up to where the car was once parked and I jump out beaming at Trip who I notice is covered in oil to which I don't question.

"That was unbelievable! I've never driven something like that in my life!" I praise the car as I walk over to Trip confidently, he smirks triumphantly.

"That is what a real car can do" he brushes off and his mood changes from the previously excited one to a more determined one. "I have a proposition, who don't we raise the stakes"

I raise my eyebrow in anticipation, "let's make tomorrow's race for pinks, huh?" He questions to which I instantly shut down. "Come on! No one's gonna take you seriously in that thing!" He says pointing to where Herbie is parked and I feel a slither of defeat and guilt run through me.

I have already beaten him once right? I nod to which we shake hands excitedly and Trip starts to walk away, "better hope Maxx his on the top of his game tomorrow" he calls back to which my face falls in understanding,
What if u lose?
———

Sorry about not updating but hopefully this is a good chapter, do you guys want longer chapters to keep them the same?

- Author