The Racing Blood

The Old K.J.

     "Coming around for the last lap, now!" yelled the announcer. K.J. stood up on the box, screaming as loud as he could. The number five Farmers Insurance Chevy raced at the front of the pack, fighting against Jimmie Johnson and Brad Keselowski. Amira stood beside her son as Kenny Francis watched his car driving towards the checkered flag.

     K.J. and Amira listened to the headset as Kasey crossed the finish line. "WHOOOO-HOOO! Hell yeah! Great job, boys! This one is for you, K.J!" screamed Kasey into his headset. The sound was a welcome noise for the entire team, who jumped up and down in pleasure.

     The announcer screamed into the mic, "KASEY KAHNE TAKES THE WIN AT DOVER!" The sound of the crowd screaming was almost too much for K.J. who was smiling from ear to ear. He had never heard his father dedicate a win to him, although he had been told that Kase dedicated his first win after K.J. was born to him.

     Kenny smiled. "Good job, Kasey. Damn good driving, sir," he said. The crew began to walk towards Victory Lane as Kasey did his burnout on the track. K.J. looked up as his father drove the car into VL. He smiled, holding the open bottle of Coke in his hand, waiting to douse his father.

     Kasey climbed out of the car and stood on the window as fireworks exploded in the sky. K.J., Amira, and the crew showered Coke on Kasey, who turned around and threw his own Coke on them. He jumped down as Krista Voda walked over towards him. Amira smiled and put her hand on his face, kissing him softly. "Good job, Kase."

     Kasey smiled and hugged his son tight. "I told you, K.J. You always bounce back after a problem." K.J. smiled and squeezed his father tightly.

     Krista smiled. "Kasey Kahne celebrates with his wife and son today. Kasey, congratulations on this win. How special is this one, just one week after your son's accident in Rockingham?"

     Kasey smiled. "This win is different for many reasons. I'm glad my beautiful wife and son were here to experience this one. The Farmers Insurance Chevy was fast, and the boys did a great job all weekend. I want to thank Sprint, Quaker State, Great Clips, Rockwell Tools, and Sprint for all that they do for this sport. It always feels good to get it in Victory Lane."

     "Kasey Kahne is the happy winner today in Dover. Jeff?" said Krista. The cameraman signaled that they were clear, and she turned around. "Good job, Kasey." Kasey nodded. "It's great to see you here, K.J."

     K.J. smiled. "Thanks, Krista," he said. Kenny Francis jumped down and put a Farmers Racing hat on K.J.'s head, and K.J. looked at him. "Thanks, Uncle Kenny?"

     "I haven't heard you call me that since you were little, K.J.," said Kenny, smiling. "It's good to see the old K.J."