Start Small, End Big.

A Good First Race

Liam parks his car back at the pit station, where Logan rushes out and gives him a big hug. Liam is taken by surprise.

Logan: Jesus! That was god-tier racing, Liam! I didn't think you were that good!

Liam smiles at Logan's remark, feeling proud of his win.

Liam: I mean, I want to be here, so I'll do whatever I can to stay.

Logan: Well, you've done more than enough. Let's get you up on that podium—quickly!

Liam: Podium?

Logan grabs Liam's arm and leads him toward a big stage near the entrance of the Circuit de Catalunya. A crowd has gathered, cheering for Liam as he walks up the path toward the podium. An associate helps him onto the highest point of the stage. The two racers who placed second and third take their respective positions below Liam, applauding him as a medal is awarded to each of them. Liam is also given a bottle of champagne to pop. He struggles with it for a moment before finally popping it open, spraying champagne into the air. Hope rushes up to him and throws her arms around him before kissing him passionately.

Hope: Oh my god, Liam! You did it! I can't believe it!

William and Ava also make their way up to the podium. William playfully takes the champagne bottle from Liam and jokes.

William: No alcohol for you, young man. Hehe. But... if it were any other day... ah, go ahead. Take a sip—you deserve it. I'm proud of you. I really am.

Liam smiles at his father before taking a small sip of the champagne, causing the crowd to cheer even louder. The announcer steps up and shakes Liam's hand.

Announcer: What an amazing race, mi amigo (my friend)—amazing indeed! We here at Circuit de Catalunya are honored to present you with the exhibition round trophy for the first place of the 2023-2024 season.

A small trophy, featuring a model of the Circuit de Catalunya, is handed to Liam. He gasps as he holds it, hardly believing he's standing there, holding a trophy as a pro racer. A reporter steps up with a microphone.

Reporter: Mr. Allard, how do you feel about securing your first official win in your professional racing career at such a young age—especially considering how the sport initially resisted you joining?

Liam: I'm feeling absolutely... um, fulfilled, if you could say that. I'm so thankful that Honda Canada took me in, even with how young I am. It's crazy to think I'm living my dream at such an early age.

Reporter: One last question—what would you say to other aspiring racers who may already be idolizing you?

Liam: Honestly, I'd say the biggest obstacle in your life is yourself. Nothing is stopping you from achieving your dreams except you. Keep going and never give up, because the results you're working for will eventually come. My grandpa always used to say that to me. He was the one who really pushed me to chase this dream, and I probably wouldn't be standing here on this podium if it weren't for him. Bless his soul.

Reporter: Incredible words from such an inspiring young racer. Thank you.

The reporter steps back, and Logan motions for Liam to follow him to the track garage. As Liam leaves the stage, reporters and paparazzi continue snapping pictures of him as he hops into a golf cart and heads to the garage.

*****

Back at the Garage

Once Logan and Liam arrive at the garage where Liam's Civic Type R is parked, Logan turns to him.

Logan: Look, Liam, I brought you here to tell you something important. Don't let the fame get to you while you're here. I saw how happy you were up there, but you need to understand that fame comes with consequences. Having an ego is the worst thing a racer can have. It's what caused me to crash.

Logan's expression hardens as he continues.

Logan: Listen—you're incredibly skilled, but don't let those skills define you. Take every race as if it's your last. You did great today, but don't ever think you're better than anyone. That's how you lose respect... and possibly your life.

Liam nods but can't help feeling the excitement still buzzing inside him.

Liam: I'll try not to, but... it was really amazing out there. Honestly, I kind of want to go back in front of the cameras.

Logan: No. Don't. That's exactly what they want you to do. Understand?

Liam: I mean, sure... but why do you care so much? You're just my handler-slash-trainer. Why are you so eager to personally lecture me?

Logan: First off, as your handler, it's technically my job to care for you in any way I can. If I lose you, I lose my job too. But more than that—I don't want you to end up like me. I see great things for you, but you won't get them if you start expecting them. I'm just looking out for you, okay?

Liam takes a moment to process Logan's words before nodding.

Liam: Okay, I get it. And don't mistake my questioning for anger—I'm still new to this, and I'm not trying to make any enemies.

Logan: It's okay. I was just like you during my time as a racer.

Liam smirks.

Liam: You definitely seem like you were—especially during lessons, hehe.

Logan: What? Am I annoying? I try not to be.

Liam: Hehe, no, I wouldn't say annoying... but maybe a little loco (crazy).

Logan: I am not! And good job on picking up the Spanish—it's useful when you travel.

Liam: Um... Me gusta estar familiarizado? (I like to be acquainted?)

Logan: Huh, not too bad. But anyway, let's head back to the hotel, grab our stuff, and get ready to head back to Canada.

Liam: Okay.

Logan pauses for a moment before turning back to Liam.

Logan: And, uh... good race.

He walks out of the garage, leaving Liam alone with his Civic Type R. Liam looks at the car and smiles, running a hand over the hood. This was just the beginning.