Race Day at Bathurst 500
On the day of the race, Liam stands in the pits with the Honda Canada Racing team and Logan. The team meticulously checks over Liam's car—a stunning NSX GT3—ensuring everything is in perfect condition. As they work, Logan pulls Liam aside.
Logan: Alright, this is the Bathurst 500. There are no rookies in this race except for you. I know you've got what it takes, but expect a challenge. After this race, you'll be heading to Sebring, but for now, focus only on what's ahead—this race, this moment.
The team finishes their inspection and steps aside as a team member approaches Liam and Logan.
Team Member: You're good to go, Allard. Oil's good, gas is good, and everything else checks out. Good luck out there. Come back to us in one piece, will ya?
The team member rushes off as Liam starts to feel a twinge of nervousness. He's never raced a supercar before, and the thought of handling the new speeds unsettles him.
Liam: Logan, I'm kinda nervous about this race.
Logan: Why? The speed? Don't worry—it won't feel too crazy inside the NSX, but from the outside, it'll look insane. Just take precautions around every turn. Bathurst is a narrow circuit, so don't expect much room unless you're alone. Now that you're in the big leagues, expect more aggression. These guys hate getting shown up by a rookie—especially a 17-year-old. You got this. Now, get ready for your practice lap.
Logan steps away, chatting with a team member in the distance. Liam looks down at his racing gloves and helmet, thinking deeply about his dream with his grandfather. A confident smile spreads across his face as he puts on his gear and climbs into his car—the #64 NSX GT3. As he settles in, the announcer's voice booms over the loudspeakers.
Announcer: G'day, ladies and gents! Get ready for some blasting good times here at Mount Panorama. Practice laps start in 12 minutes, so hold onto your hats. The staff here at Bathurst Circuit on this beaut of a day in the land Down Under are thrilled to host the 79th Bathurst 500 supercar race!
Logan walks up to Liam's window.
Logan: Alright, we're sixth in the practice laps out of the 11 racers here. Not the best starting position, but not the worst either. Since another race just wrapped up, the track is already rubbered in. Your tires will stick a bit more, but braking into turns will be trickier. Those turns are gonna be a nightmare today. I want you to take them smoothly, not aggressively. Go with the turn, not against it. Got it?
Liam: Understood. I'll be ready.
Logan: Great! Alright, you're up! Go! Go! Go!
*****
Practice Lap
Announcer: Looks like the racers are heading out for their practice laps! I dunno about you lot, but I'm keen to see what this rookie's got in store for us. If you don't know who I'm talking about, first off—you must live under a rock. And second, I'm talking about the mighty Liam Allard in that beauty of a machine—the #64 NSX GT3! He made waves back in—what was it? Barseelona? Barcelona? Whatever! He clinched first place in the annual Catalunya exhibition round. Now, let's see if he can bring that same magic here against seasoned racers who oughta have more experience than him!
Liam takes the track, smoothly navigating the terrain. His car glides through the bends with an elegance akin to a dance—a rhythm he's known since he first started racing. By the time he finishes his practice lap and returns to the pits, the Honda Canada Racing team immediately sets to work checking the car. Logan steps forward.
Logan: So? How was it? You get a good feel for the car?
Liam: It was good. The lap wasn't perfect, but I know what to fix for the real deal. The car feels nice—smooth, snappy—but it understeers a little in some of the turns. Nothing I can't handle.
Logan: Alright, then I'll mark us as ready. The real race starts in 30 minutes. Stay safe out there, alright?
Liam: You got it, Logan.
Logan nods and rushes off to confirm the team's readiness.
Announcer: Alright, everyone! The race kicks off in just 30 minutes. Soon, these machines will be pouring their hearts and souls onto this legendary track. Will smarts outmatch brawn? Or will Goliath crush David? We'll find out soon! Let the Bathurst 500 be an ode to everything great about our beautiful country of Australia!
*****
Race Start
Thirty minutes later, all the cars line up at the start line, eagerly waiting to be unleashed. The sun glares down on the track, highlighting its history—marked by layers of skid marks from past battles. Inside the NSX GT3, Liam stretches his hands, his grip tightening on the wheel as beads of sweat roll down his face. The countdown begins.
PA: 5...4...3...
Liam whispers to himself.
Liam: Pour grand-père. (For Grandpa.)
PA: 2...1... BEEP!
YOU ARE READING
Start Small, End Big.
AdventureLiam 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...
