Racing to Impress (Madison Beer/You)

For Max

Brands Hatch GP - Race 3

It was the final race of the season. An unfortunate Race 1 for Whiteside, the championship leader, meant he DNF'd.

Luckily in Race 2 I scored Maximum points.

However all this meant we were level on points entering Race 3. It was an 11 Lap Sprint to the Championship.

1 extra point could and will decide this whole season.

I slid my gloves on and closed the visor so I wasn't disturbed as I watched the team push the car on its dollies out of the garage and onto pitlane. The wheel guns whirred as the team removed the old, degraded slicks and bolted on a new fresh set of slicks. A loud hiss escaped from the jacking port when the tab was pulled and the car was dropped from the air jacks.

Madison stood next to me at the back of the garage. Before I could move she turned me around and kissed the front of my helmet, calmly rubbing my arm in the process as she pushed my visor up slightly.

The nerves were getting to me and I was sure she could tell.

"Whatever happens, happens. But just know I want you back in one piece." She said softly, her pupils dilated as she peered into my helmet.

I could tell what she said came from the heart and I don't blame her for trying to talk some sense into me.

She knew how much I wanted this championship and the risks I'd take for it. However with her and my family trackside I repeatedly told myself to not take unnecessary risks.

The thought of Max popped into my mind. I'd never told anyone but I devoted this season to him. Being a similar age to him and knowing he lost his life doing what he loved was heartbreaking so if I could win this championship for him, I'd take the opportunity in a heartbeat. And that's what I was going to do.

I soon got the signal from Matt and headed to jump in the car. Being strapped in and sent on the lap to the grid.

My mum and sister lingered about the car, Jess was shooting videos for my social media and my mum stood shoulder to shoulder with Madison. The grid was bustling with team personnel and cameramen all around.

Matt was stood fanning me with the door as even though the engine was only on for the grid lap, the cockpit got hot quickly.

It wasn't long till the grid was cleared and we began the formation lap. Half of the track was covered by trees so I focussed on generating heat into my tyres like we'd planned in the debrief.

"So, into P1. Like we discussed your main competitor is starting P4. Push all your nerves to the side and focus on Apex's and Exits. Those between you will hinder his progress so just take that time to build the gap."

"That's easier said than done" I chuckled to Matt as I came to a stop in my grid spot.

"Well you've got all our support...for your information 3 yet to grid"

"2 yet to grid"

"1 yet to grid....and grid set"

"Lights about to commence, Let's do this"

Out of the rear mirror I saw the green flag blowing in the wind as the Marshall waved it, signifying we were all in position.

I turned my focus to the gantry as the dreaded lights began to count up.

I raised the revs and held them before the red lights disappeared.

I got a good launch and had the inside line into Paddock hill bend. Luckily it seemed like I was the only one to get a good launch as I was alone on the front row whilst fights ensued in my mirrors.