take me home tonight

1 // post-win congratulations

Kim POV

"This is Kim reporting with MRN radio. We're here with Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 car, and winner at Pocono Raceway. Ryan, how does it feel getting your first win of the season?"

"Wow, yeah, it feels amazing. Ya know we've had a tough year and we almost won quite a few races, but we kept falling short. So actually winning one is kind of surreal right now and I'm just happy to be locked into the playoffs. Couldn't have done it without the hard work of my team!"

"You definitely earned this much-needed win. Thanks for talking with us, Ryan!"

"Anytime, Kim."

***

Even though I finished up the last of my post-race interviews about half an hour ago, I have to stay after and debrief with my colleagues about the day.

I luckily weaseled my way into victory lane about a lap before it was clear Ryan would win, which was great on my part, because had I not done that, I wouldn't have gotten the first big interview with the winner following the initial NBC one. So that made the debrief run smoothly for me at least.

Suck it, coworkers!

It was fitting I got it, though, considering I'm his damn co-host on GCOE, but you'd be surprised to know how that doesn't mean shit on pit-road, especially when there's always a sea of hungry reporters around.

After the relatively quick debriefing session I make  my way back to the MRN bus to get rid of my gear and change. I spot Ryan's motorhome on the way there and make a mental note to check and see if he's still around when I'm done.

He'll surely be at the track all night doing press, so he should still be there. I just want to congratulate him in person as a friend and not as a reporter, as this win is incredibly fucking important to him.

For the past few weeks he had been coming into MRN studios so dejected, having been so damn close to winning just about every weekend. I saw how he'd hide his disappointment every time they'd discuss the previous race and how'd he'd brush aside all of his top 10 and top 5 finishes because they "weren't wins."

I really started to feel for him—because I mean, who wouldn't? His frustration was so damn palpable. Even my colleagues in broadcasting were frustrated for him, as he's been the driver most due for a win for quite some time. I'm just happy he finally got it done.

The relief he must feel. Good on him and his team.

I walk onto the bus and go straight into the closet, rummaging around for my bag of post-reporting clothes.

I don't have much to choose from, so I just settle on a pair of light wash high-waisted denim jeans—as per usual—and a threadbare, pastel peach-colored t-shirt.

My headset naturally messed up my hair, so I just pull it into a high pony, deciding that I don't really care what it looks like at this point.

Last call for the bus is in 45 minutes, so I still have time to see if Ryan's around. I should probably text first on the off-chance he has his phone on him.

Kim: Hey winner winner chicken dinner!! Are you back on your bus?

Ryan: Yes ma'ammmmm!!! Stop by