She

Expectations

- I am lead to believe that she can do wonders. - Scotty answered.

- That wasn't the question. Do you think she can win?

- I do. Also, I don't think she can win, I know she can. It's been half a year and she's driving second. Xander has been driving for as long as Carla had been.

- You bring up a good point. I'm just scared she's gonna break. She's gonna run out of fuel or blow her tires or drive too aggressively.

- Howard, you're asking me, but do YOU think she can win?

- The question is can she win in one piece?

- Has she crashed yet? No, she hasn't and she's in second, so let's finish this game and get back to the pits.

- If you say so. - Howard trapped Scotty's king piece.

- Bastard.

There was an hour left and Xander and Lucy kept using each other's slipstreams to take over one another. That blasted both of them into the lead, leaving any other driver far behind them. The crew knew Lucy had a chance to get first if she tried a bit harder. She pitted when Xander was pitting too.

- We got news Xander is really tired, but he's saying he's gonna take an easy win. - Marshall told her before she drove off.

- What did you tell her?  - Connor asked.

- A little lie for motivation. 

Right as both racers turned into the final stretch Xander was in front and Lucy pushed Nelly as hard as she could. Xander saw her get closer, so he started pushing his car too - and that's where he went wrong. The Ford GT started smoking and Lucy sliced through the finish line. While some were wondering what happened to Xander, most people were cheering for Lucy.

- I did it! I DID IT! - Lucy jumped out of her car in the pits.

Everyone came in for a big hug. Even Marshall took Lucy into his embrace.

- That was good, kid. - Marshall chuckled.

Xander called over Lucy and put his hand out for a handshake. The moment Lucy shook his hand, he pulled her close so he could whisper in her ear:

- You got Lucky. You won just because I made a mistake. You won because there was a technical mistake. You only won because I broke down.

- Well then I guess don't break down next time. I'm sorry you feel threatened by me.

Xander let go of her hand and went back to his crew, while Lucy went back to hers. 

Lucy felt powerful and cheerful after her first win. They went to get some drinks and talk about future plans.

- First victory. You're on the track to become an American champion, but you need to keep up that winning streak. - Marshall sipped his drink.

- Not necessarily, even with a couple of races lacking behind she could technically still win overall. - Howard reminded.

- So, five more races and we're in the lead. Looking good. - Connor chuckled.

After more chat and discussion the big race season started. In between the big races Lucy was bringing her reputation up by winning smaller races. Neither Christian, Elliot, or Xander was present in the smaller races. 

A month later everyone met in Virginia for the second race. Lucy was confident and was planning to win once again. Xander's team had fixed their car and were ready to go race again. After the qualification race, Lucy got placed first and went back to rest before the big race. 

- Here's the thing, nobody expected you to win. If you win again tomorrow, you're gonna be a sensation, the world's gonna hear. - Connor was talking outside with Lucy.

- Why though? Is it because of my gender? If so, why?

- Sure, that might be a part of it. Also, everyone knows we have a history of having an extremely strong woman driving for us, so some people assume you have to be just as good.

- I don't know if I can be good as Carla.

- To be completely honest, it's going to be a huge challenge, but you can do it if you put your mind to it.

The morning after the conversation Lucy felt a certain pressure to perform well. Seeing banners and people cheering for her made that pressure go away. She was now excited to go out and drive. 

The Virginia race wasn't long, but the other racers were keeping Lucy on edge for the whole time. Christin and Elliot were so close together, they left no gap for Lucy to get in front, so she finished third.

- At least I beat Xander. - Lucy let out a tiny smile.

- No worries, you still have this overall. - Howard helped her out of the car.

- The sixth race you should do the best. - Marshall joined the conversation.

- Why?