Chapter 31

Chapter Thirty-One

T his was the most important race of Colby’s career. Maybe the most important one of her life. She’d won a premier league race, but this was her shot for a slot in the top-four playoff.

Colby was not just fighting for a spot in the Cup Series Championship in an increasingly hostile racing environment but her very own survival in the sport. Her mind was clear about what she needed to accomplish and how to get it done.

It wasn’t her aim to make history. Colby’s goal was to win. She would let others prognosticate about what it all meant for women in racing or if she would make history by becoming the first woman to qualify for the NASCAR Championship.

Her mask was firmly in place. This is where she would let the world know that Colby James isn’t just good...she is legendary .

Colby could hear the roar of fans in the stands from inside the garage.

The excitement was building.

As Colby walked toward her car, she was surprisingly calm. That wasn’t the case for other teams. As she’d walked past their garages earlier, she could overhear heated conversations.

She wouldn’t pretend that there wasn’t a piece of her that didn’t feel Liam’s absence. While she knew he wasn’t coming, Colby still hoped that he would magically appear.

Shake that shit off and get focused.

It took all her energy to bat down that emptiness. Liam’s presence might be missing, but all the other regular faces of Lockwood were fully present and locked-in.

Nobody was smiling as they stood around Colby’s rebuilt car. Not because they were scared or nervous but because everyone knew what time it was. They had a job to do, and their let’s-take-care-of-business looks on their faces—even Abby.

This time, Team Lockwood was more than ready.

Head held high and back ramrod straight, Colby walked over to them.

“Listen up.” Cyrus’s booming voice projected calm and confidence. “Today is the day that we’ve all been waiting for. None of the previous wins and losses matter. Nothing matters but right here and right now. Each one of you has a job to do. Abby is replacing Chris today since his ankle is not where it needs to be...but you’re more than ready for this. It’s game time.”

Abby smiled. It was her debut race for Lockwood Racing. She was nervous but confident.

“We’ve chosen you, all of you,” Cyrus said, “not because you’re good...but because you’re legendary. We know it, and now it’s time to show the world.”

Head nods went around their small group.

Everyone understood the assignment and went to get into their positions. However, before Colby could get into her car, Cyrus touched her elbow. He knew she was going through an emotional time and wanted to check once more that she was ready.

Colby held his penetrating gaze. It was as if her father was looking deep into her soul. “Are you sure you’re ready?”

Her expression radiated a strong sense of purpose as she returned his gaze with a steely one of her own. “I’m always ready.” Colby had prepared too long and hard for this moment. Too much had been sacrificed for her to be here, so she wouldn’t leave room for anything else.

She was more than ready.

Cyrus could see the competitor in her eyes. Colby was fired up. He smiled at her, cupping her shoulder. “You’ve got this.”

Gonzo handed Colby her headgear. His focused gaze reflected that same determination and said more than words could.

She pulled on her helmet before sliding into the window of her car. There was nothing like sitting in the driver’s side right before a race. She felt a flutter in her stomach, and Colby smiled. Colby knew they would come. Her butterflies had returned. Not from nerves but joy and excitement.

Colby turned on the ignition. The rumble of her engine and its vibration made her feel powerful. Colby smiled for the first time over the past week.

Gonzo held his balled-up fist out to her. “You know what to do. Rev that engine...”

Colby proceeded to do exactly that, then bumped his fist with hers. “Drop that pedal.”

Ben’s voice came loud and clear through her headset. “Let’s go get this win.”

Colby’s wheels screeched as she exited the garage to take her place on the Atlanta Motor Speedway.

The green flag waved, and the cars roared to life. Colby gained ground quickly from the back—another bogus penalty after her last race—to the front of the pack, showcasing her extraordinary skills.

Team IHG tried to pull the same stunts in the early part of the race, but Abby and several other teams blocked them. Abby’s defensive driving was on point.

Colby was impressed that Brian’s political skills in the world of racing were starting to pay dividends big time.

However, after lap 180, Team IHG caused a multi-car pileup, bringing out the yellow flag and giving a blow to Team Lockwood as Jordan was out. Tensions were high among the teams that wanted a clean race and those that were trying to stop Colby by any means necessary. Everyone wanted to win, but most weren’t with the bullshit.

After the restart, it quickly became a two-person race between Colby and Watson. Her instincts were right on the money when she told her team to focus on him and his Steward-Haas Racing team.

Coming out of inside curve number three, Colby was in the lead. However, not for long. She exchanged the top spot several times with Watson.

Tensions were building as Lockwood and Steward-Haas pit strategies were tested.

Colby could see that he was headed for the pit. She spoke into her headset. “My tires on the right feel shaky. Coming in.”

Steward-Haas opted to change all four tires, while Lockwood went for the two-tire strategy, aiming to get her out faster. The decision set the stage for the drama to come.

Watson tried to outsmart her with a risky move, attempting to draft off Colby’s rear bumper. The crowd was on the edge of their seats as they saw the two drivers inches apart.

Suddenly, a tire blew out on another car, causing a second caution. Coming out of the caution, Watson’s crew realized they had miscalculated fuel. They had to make another pit, risking losing their shot at victory.

Cyrus spoke into Colby’s headset. “Bring her in for the other tires.”

“Nuh-uh. They can make it.” Colby stayed out, gaining valuable track position.

With only ten laps to go, Watson was now in fifth place after his pit stop, while Colby was leading. The announcers speculated whether he could catch up, given his skills and the speed of his car. The crowd erupted as Watson pushed hard, slicing through the field.

As they entered the final laps, Watson was in third and gaining, but Colby still leading. The pressure mounted with every turn. Watson attempted to work with another driver, hoping to use the draft to propel himself forward. Again, they were thwarted by the extraordinary talents of Abby.

On the last lap, Watson managed to break free and catch up to Colby.

The two were side by side, battling for the lead. The atmosphere was electric, and the fans were screaming. Colby still had a few tricks in her bag. She expertly blocked Watson’s attempt to pass, but he was relentless.

As they approached the final turn, Watson pulled a daring move, bumping Colby just enough to send her slightly off the line. He dove in low, inching ahead.

Not today. Colby quickly recovered, countering with a calculated turn that allowed her to pull up right alongside him and accelerate.

They crossed the finish line nearly neck-and-neck.

It was a photo finish. There was a mere fraction of a second between them, but this time there was no doubt. As the officials conferred, there was a quiet in the stadium as if everyone were holding their breaths.

“It’s official,” the announcer said over the loudspeaker, “history has been made! Colby James is going to the NASCAR Cup Series Championship!” The crowd went wild as the announcer continued to scream into the microphone. “Colby James is your winner of today’s Quaker State 400!”

Colby had done it. She was going to the Cup Series Championship. She glanced around to see everyone celebrating. Her smile was so big she thought her face might break.

Colby gripped the steering wheel before getting out of her car to join her team. There was a small ache in her chest that was spreading. There was no doubt she was happy about this win, but it felt...a little hollow.

She wouldn’t pretend like she didn’t know why. Instead, for the good of the team, she would bury those emotions and get ready for the biggest test of her life.

Brian opened the door to the VIP suite. The one right next to his and walked inside. The room was quiet and empty except for one lone man who stood staring out of the floor-to-ceiling windows.

“She took the flag.”

“I saw.” Liam wasn’t surprised. “I knew she would. She’s a competitor and wasn’t going to take their bullshit lying down.” Liam brought his drink up to his lips and took a sip.

Brian gave a slight grin, affirming the point. “You should go down and congratulate her.”

Liam wanted to do more than that. He missed Colby like crazy. “She doesn’t need me for that.” He glanced at his watch. “Anyway, I have a flight in a few hours.”

Brian couldn’t believe it. “You brought your ass all the way here from Singapore to support Colby, and you won’t even let her know you were here?”

“It’s her moment.” He was genuinely excited and proud. “She’s going to the Championship. I’m not going to ruin it with my presence.”

“Colby hasn’t smiled all week. She misses you.”

“She said that?”

“No, but I know her well enough to know that. And you miss her too.”

“And then what? We still have the same problems. This is her life.”

“Yet, you’re still here. Only you’re pining and worrying over her.”

Brian was right but Liam had boxed himself into a corner. He didn’t have anyone to blame but himself. “I got to go. Otherwise, I’ll miss my flight.”

Liam placed his whiskey down and started to walk out the door. However, he stopped and placed a hand on Brian’s shoulder. “Congratulations. You did good. Abby’s a great addition. Not that you need it, but if I were you, I’d replace Chris with Abby permanently.”

Brian’s chest swelled. Getting kudos from Liam meant a lot. “That’s my plan.”

“Good luck at the Championship.”

“We’ve got a week to prepare. It’s going to be helter-skelter, but we’ll be ready.”

“I have no doubt.” Liam asked one final question before he walked out of the door, “Does the team know about your most recent business move?”

“Not yet, but they will soon.”

“Let me know how it goes.” And with those words, Liam exited the building.