The Spanish national anthem echoes powerfully through the speakers of the Circuit de Catalunya. Liam leans against a sleek Civic Type R, proudly bearing the number 7. Nearby, Logan adjusts his headset inside the pit area, preparing to communicate with Liam. He speaks into the headset, testing the connection.
Logan: Testing, testing, 1, 2, 3. Liam, do you copy?
Liam clicks the headset's button and responds confidently.
Liam: I hear you loud and clear, Logan.
Logan: Good. This equipment can be shoddy sometimes, but it usually pulls through. Alright, here's the plan—if you can call it that. After the national anthem, practice laps will officially begin. I want you to head out after everyone else.
Liam furrows his brow, confused by Logan's instruction.
Liam: Last? But you've always said practice laps are critical. Shouldn't I go out first?
Logan chuckles, shaking his head.
Logan: Not this time. There are 13 racers today—that's more than we expected. I want you to wait so the other cars can lay some rubber down on the track for you. I've told you about track rubber, right?
Liam: Yeah, you said as more cars race, the rubber from their tires sticks to the track, improving grip in dry conditions but making it trickier in the rain.
Logan: Exactly. Do you see any clouds out there?
Liam: No. Why?
Logan: That means no rain is coming, so your tires will benefit from the extra grip. If you go out on a fresh track now, it'll feel completely different during the race. Waiting is key here. I know you're eager to get out there, but racing is as much about patience as speed.
Liam nods, taking the advice in stride.
Liam: Alright, Logan. I hear you.
Logan: Good. And remember, you're not here to win today. This is an exhibition round—think of it as a preseason game in American football.
Liam: Got it.
The national anthem concludes, and the announcer's voice booms across the speakers.
Announcer (in Spanish): Es un buen día para competir aquí en Barcelona. El Circuit de Catalunya se complace en celebrar la prueba de exhibición de primero de la temporada 2022-2023. Tenemos muchos corredores nuevos esta temporada, incluido un rey de las carreras callejeras, ¡Liam Allard! Prepárense, damas y caballeros: la carrera comienza 30 minutos después de que los corredores hagan sus vueltas de práctica. (It's a good day to compete here in Barcelona. The Circuit de Catalunya is pleased to celebrate the first exhibition test of the 2022-2023 season. We have many new racers this season, including a king of street racing, Liam Allard! Get ready, ladies and gentlemen: the race begins 30 minutes after the runners do their practice laps.)
Logan: Alright, kid. You're up in 25 minutes. Get your laps in and stay sharp.
Liam: Alright, boss. I'm ready.
Cars begin to roll out of the pit station, some staying behind with strategies similar to Logan's. Watching the competitors, Liam realizes the stakes—he's truly racing among the best now. Adjusting his suit, he prepares for his turn as cheers erupt from the stands where Hope and his parents wave enthusiastically.
*****
Twenty-five minutes later, Liam rolls onto the track for his practice laps. Logan's voice crackles through the radio.
Logan: Hey, buddy. Get used to me being in your ear 24/7. Like always, I'll point out some racers you'll want to watch. These guys have proven themselves tough. First up, number 26.
The camera pans to a BMW M8 race car with the number 26 and a German flag in the window.
Logan: That's Jakob Marnivich, Team BMW. His car's a beast. Lucky for you, he's not a dirty racer, but he's damn good. He averaged 7th place last season—not bad for a rookie. Imagine what he's bringing in his second year.
Liam: He's got a mean car, no doubt.
Logan: Next, number 12.
The camera shifts to a Ford Mustang race car with the number 12.
Logan: Team Ford. He's a sophomore in the league—two years in and averaging 6th place. Hardcore American and a fierce competitor.
Liam: A Mustang, huh?
Logan: Finally, the big dog: number 49.
The camera cuts to a Subaru WRX race car bearing the number 49.
Logan: Todiro Tamagachi, Team Subaru. He's the pro here. Three years racing, averaging 5th and 4th place. His skill in the corners is unmatched—or it was, until now.
Liam: WRXs handle corners well, thanks to their AWD.
Logan: Exactly, and Tamagachi knows how to use that to his advantage. Anyway, that's your lineup to watch for now. Race your heart out, Liam. That's all I can ask. But remember, this race isn't worth sweating over—it's all about making your mark.
Liam: Copy that, Logan.
*****
Liam completes his practice lap and returns to the pit station. A team of mechanics rushes to inspect every part of his car, checking it off as race-ready on their clipboard. Suddenly, the announcer's voice cuts through the air once more.
Announcer (in Spanish): El aire está lleno de motores rugientes y alta competencia cuando la carrera está a punto de comenzar. (The air is filled with roaring engines and high competition as the race is about to begin.)
The roar of engines fills the Circuit de Catalunya as the stage is set for an intense and thrilling race.
YOU ARE READING
Start Small, End Big.
AventuraLiam is an average car lover who could name every manufacturer without looking at their logo. Having recently gotten his driver license, he's poised in making it to the motorsports scene. His parents barely support him, but they still understand. Ho...
