Chapter 37

Chapter Thirty-Seven

C olby couldn’t believe it. She was about to line up for the Championship at the Phoenix Raceway. She had worked her ass off to get here. It was an accomplishment, but the job wasn’t done.

She couldn’t have scripted a better day. The sun was high, and the weather was perfect. She cupped her hand over her eyes as she glanced up toward the bluest sky and did a slow 360 to soak it all in. The roar of the fans, the smell of octane, engines revving up, every seat filled, the stadium at capacity—there truly was an indescribable energy permeating through the arena.

Her twelve-year-old self wanted to do backflips and cartwheels to celebrate a dream come true. However, her twenty-eight-year-old self understood now was not the time. It wasn’t enough to make it to the big dance, it was time to take care of business.

She heard her name being spoken by an announcer on the monitors. “Colby James, the first African American woman to ever compete at this level, is being joined by Abby Reiser, an up-and-coming driver who seemed to come out of nowhere. The NASCAR Cup Series Championship will be her second race as part of Team Lockwood.”

Colby couldn’t wait until she was known as just NASCAR Champion, Colby James, but until then, she was locked-in to represent and do her part.

Speaking of Abby, she walked up to stand next to Colby. She blew out a big breath. “Never thought I’d live long enough to see this day.”

“Yeah? Well, here we are. We’re living the dream, but it’s only half fulfilled. We’ve got work to do. How are you feeling?”

“Nervous but excited. I wish I could bottle this feeling.”

“I know. Me too.”

“But I hear ya. We didn’t come here to revel in just making it. We came to win. And, like you, I’m ready to put these boys on notice. We’re here. We’re locked and loaded, and we’re a force to be reckoned with.”

Colby laughed. “In short, you’re ready to kick ass?”

Abby laughed. “Hell, yeah.”

“Good.” Colby folded her arms across her chest as she looked out over the track. “It’s not going to be easy. Breaking barriers never is, and they are going to throw everything they’ve got at us. Be prepared for any and everything.”

Abby nodded.

“Ben and my father have the best damn eyes in the business. Trust them. They see it before it happens. Not sure how, but they can.”

“I peeped that in our last race.”

Gonzo clapped his hands together as he yelled out over to them from inside the garage. “It’s time.”

Abby and Jordan, followed by Colby, put on their headgear and got into their cars.

Gonzo cupped his hand around his mouth and yelled out to Colby as he and their pit crew started making their way over toward pit lane. “Rev that engine!”

Colby revved her engine. “Drop that pedal!” She screamed so loud that she knew with certainty Rodney and her mom in the heavens above could hear her.

Colby hadn’t lied. It had been a battle royale, but they were more than ready. They were locked in a fierce fight for the title. Colby’s grip tightened on the steering wheel as she navigated the famous turns, her eyes focused, adrenaline pumping. Lap after lap, she felt the heat of the cars behind her—hungry, aggressive, trying to chase her down.

But she wasn’t alone. Her team was running interference, creating a protective wall around her, ensuring she stayed in the lead. The radio crackled in her ear. Cyrus’s voice was steady but urgent.

“Focus on your line. Jordan and Abby have got you.”

Ahead of her, the checkered flag seemed impossibly far, and behind her, the snarling engines of rivals loomed, itching for the title. On her tail was Jake Sorenson, the reigning champion, his car practically glued to her bumper, waiting for the slightest mistake.

But Colby was unshakable.

Jordan was running right beside Sorenson, his car nudging Sorenson’s just enough to disrupt his rhythm. Behind them, the rest of Colby’s crew were fending off other challengers. Every car was jockeying for position, but her team was a wall of steel holding the line. They weren’t just racing for the Championship—they were racing for history.

Coming out of turn three, Sorenson made his move, drafting behind her, slingshotting to the outside. Colby’s heart skipped a beat as she felt his presence edging closer. But before he could pull ahead, Abby swung wide, cutting off his advance. Sorenson had no choice but to slam on the brakes, the tires screeching in protest.

“Hold steady!” Cyrus shouted in her ear. “They’re gonna try again.”

Colby’s eyes darted to the rearview mirror, catching a glimpse of the chaos behind her. The pack was tightening, and her team was working overtime to keep the challengers at bay. It wasn’t just Sorenson anymore—two more cars from rival teams were closing in, pushing their way toward her, desperate for an opening.

In the final stretch of the race, with only three laps to go, the tension hit its peak. The gap between Colby and everyone else had all but disappeared. She could feel the pressure, the weight of history bearing down on her shoulders. Her heart pounded in her chest, but her hands remained steady, eyes laser-focused on the finish line that was fast approaching.

Out of nowhere, Sorenson made another aggressive move. He dove low, trying to squeeze between Colby and the apron of the track. For a moment, it seemed like he might break through. But then, like clockwork, Abby dove down to block, her car sliding in front of Sorenson’s with inches to spare. Sorenson swerved violently, narrowly avoiding the wall.

“That’s it! Stay on it, Colby!” Ben’s voice rang in her ears, but her focus was already set. She was approaching the final lap.

The crowd was on their feet, the noise deafening, as the racers shot into turn four. Colby could feel the pressure mounting behind her, the pack surging like a wave. But her team was a fortress, deflecting every attack, every desperate move from the challengers.

As she crossed into the final straightaway, the track opened up in front of her, the checkered flag in clear view. Her pulse quickened, but she didn’t dare let up. The cars behind her were clawing for every inch, but it was too late. The closest driver to her was Abby, and she was doing a helluva job blocking. They couldn’t catch her now.

With a final burst of speed, Colby’s car crossed the finish line, the checkered flag waving above her. The crowd erupted, the sound nearly drowning out the pounding in her chest.

She had done it. Colby James had just won the NASCAR Cup Series Championship.

Her team’s voices flooded the radio, shouts of joy and disbelief filling her ears. “You did it! You did it!”

Colby slowed down, pulling the car into victory lane as the weight of what she had just accomplished settled in. Tears filled her eyes, but she smiled through them, lifting her helmet and letting the roar of the crowd wash over her.

She climbed out of the car, raising her arms to the sky, the weight of history heavy on her shoulders but her heart soaring.

Brian, Lila, Gonzo, and the rest of her crew surrounded Colby, hugging her and shouting her name. Liam swept her off her feet and swung her around in celebration.

Sprays of cold champagne rained down on them as he kissed her hard. For just a moment, nothing existed except the two of them. Her win was made all the sweeter by having Liam at her side.

He held her tight. “Baby, you did it.”

“I couldn’t have done it without you and Brian.”

“Yeah, you could have. Destiny was calling your name. Now, take your moment in the sun.”

Slowly, Colby’s body slid down his as he placed her back onto the ground.

She looked into the stands, at the sea of faces cheering for her, and felt the enormity of the moment. She wasn’t just a champion. She was a trailblazer.

As the cameras flashed and the crowd roared, Colby James, with the best team in the world, stood tall—victorious, resilient, and unforgettable.