Start Small, End Big.

A New Rival

As Liam and Logan make their way out of Circuit de Catalunya, a racer steps forward and calls out to Liam.

Racer: Hey, are you Liam Allard?

Liam hesitantly responds.

Liam: Yeah, that's me.

Racer: I just wanted to say—good race. You did a really good job... even though you just got lucky.

Liam: Um, thanks? I guess. But who are you?

Racer: The name's Richard Panton. I was number 12 in the Mustang.

Liam: The one who crashed, eh?

Richard's expression darkens slightly at Liam's remark.

Richard: Yeah, that one. You only won 'cause I crashed. You're just a rookie—some wannabe street racer.

Logan steps in, trying to pull Liam away, but Liam refuses, standing his ground.

Logan: Liam, come on, ignore him. He's just a sore loser.

Richard: Yeah, run along to your little handler. The only thing you're good at—being a nerd.

Liam clenches his jaw and sizes up Richard.

Liam: Excuse me? I couldn't hear you over all the bull—

Richard: Ah, ah, ah. No cursing in front of your elders. Didn't anyone teach you manners? Plus, your elders know more than you. Show some respect.

Liam: You trying to say something? 'Cause you sure as hell don't deserve my respect.

The two stare each other down as their handlers stand by, ready to intervene. Rivalries are common in the racing world—usually just banter, but they can escalate quickly, something neither team wants.

Liam: Watch your tone, old man.

Richard smirks.

Richard: Heh, you got fire, kid, I'll give you that. It's just a shame I'm gonna have to put it out. Crush your little boy dreams. This is the real game, kid. You're not ready for it, youngin'. I'll see you at Sebring... actually, no—I won't. 'Cause you'll be stuck behind my taillights the whole race. They've got a real nice design—maybe I'll give you a good look at 'em soon. Watch yourself.

Richard gives Liam a slight shove, which instantly triggers him.

Liam: Connard! Je jure devant Dieu que je vais te faire foutre ! (A**hole! I swear to God I'll f**k you up!)

Logan quickly grabs Liam, holding him back as Richard steps away, smirking.

Richard: Touched a nerve, huh? Get used to it. Heh.

Richard climbs into the passenger seat of a Cadillac Escalade, smirking as he waves tauntingly through the window while the SUV drives off. Liam glares after him, seething.

Liam: Putain de salope ! Pour qui se prend-il, bordel ? Enfoiré! (F**ing bastard! Who the hell does he think he is? A**hole!)

Logan sighs, trying to calm Liam down.

Logan: Relax. Relax, Liam! Don't let him get in your head! Don't you see? That's exactly what he wants. Come on, let's go. We need to get to the airport. Be happy about your win, not about who you beat. Understand?

Liam clenches his fists, still fuming.

Liam: Who does he think he is? Disrespecting me like that in public. I swear, I'll knock his teeth in! I'm a racer! One of the best to ever live! I don't deserve that kind of disrespect!

Logan stops in his tracks, turning to face Liam with a serious expression.

Logan: Liam. Stop. You're letting the fame get to your head—just like I warned you. Don't. Ignore him. Treat him as a rival, not an enemy. I've learned that lesson the hard way.

Liam exhales sharply, trying to calm himself down.

Liam: Okay. Okay... I'm sorry. It's just—the one thing I hate more than anything is being disrespected when I don't deserve it. It boils my blood.

Logan nods.

Logan: I get it. I used to think the same way. But you have to get used to it, or you won't survive in this sport. Motorsports is one of the toughest—if not the toughest—sports in the world. If you let anger and ego get the best of you, you'll end up like me. With a broken leg and a shattered dream. You don't want that. You don't deserve that. You're an amazing racer, but you cannot let it get to your head.

Logan places a firm hand on Liam's shoulder.

Logan: Rivalries and bad blood are part of the game. You either adapt, or you crash and burn. You have a bright future ahead of you, but you'll only have it if you don't let money and fame blind you. Do you understand?

Liam exhales deeply, nodding.

Liam: I know... I'm sorry. I'll try not to let it get to me. I'm still new to this world, and I get heated over disrespect. But I know why I'm here, and I can't throw it all away over some petty rivalry.

Logan: Good. Now, let's go. We have to get back home and prepare for your next race. Come on.

Liam: Alright. Let's go.

Liam and Logan climb into the back of a Honda Pilot and head to their hotel. After gathering their things, they board a flight back home. As the plane soars through the sky, Liam stares out the window, lost in thought. His first real race experience—it was intense, thrilling, and already filled with drama. But despite everything, he smiles. This is his new life. And he plans to stay in it for a very long time.