“I’m tight in all this traffic, making it harder to pass,” I say,hoping to get adjustments as well. I come down pit road and receive my service along with everyone else. I’m able to gain a few spots, and Regan keeps her spot at the front of the field. Hicks somehow is able to gain some spots, as well, but he’s still behind me for now.
As much as I’m looking to win this race for myself, I want to keep myself between Regan and Ian. I know that if he gets too close, he’s going to do something drastic, and I’m not willing to risk that. Even if it costs me everything.
The restart goes smoothly, and the race seems to fall into a nice rhythm. I’m able to slowly start working my way through the field, and I finally crack the top ten. Regan is third, and holding tight to that position. Hicks is hot on our heels in fifteenth, and is working his way up.
I’m still holding my position when the radio comes to life again. “Hicks is three spots behind you,” Steve says. “Keep your wits about you.”
Shit. I was hoping he’d stall out and not be able to reach me.
“Got it. He won’t get by me easily.” I’ll fight like hell to keep him away from Regan. He can wreck me, but if he touches her…I don’t even want to think about it.
It’s about time for another round of pit stops under the green flag. I’m just waiting for my cue from Steve to come down pit road. When Taylor takes to the pits from the lead, that’s when Regan, Ian, and I do the same, along with a good portion of the field to be sure that we all stick with the leader as much as possible to not get left behind.
After a full cycle of green flag pit stops and all the lead cars have been through, Regan is now leading, Ian is second, Taylor is third, and I’m back in fourth. We didn’t have the best stop, but there is still time in this race.
We are halfway through this race and there has only been one caution so far. Which can either lead to mostly green flag conditions, making it harder to pass, or a bunch ofcautions are about to begin, and I hope that I’m not one of them.
I spoke too soon. It’s like saying the word ‘quiet’ when you’re a first responder. The yellow lights come on around the track and the field slows behind the pace care for the second time today. Someone blew a tire in the middle of the pack causing The Big One to take out a good portion of the field. My spotter tells me that Chase and Leslie were involved. Seems like their day has ended early.
The laps are winding down, and this could be the last pit stop of the race, unless more cautions occur, which they usually do. Another round of pit stops, and Regan and Ian are able to maintain their positions, with Regan in the lead and Ian in tenth. I have a slower stop, an issue with a lug nut on a tire that sends me back to eighth.
The race restarts again, and already Ian is hot on my tail. I watch as he passes Greyson behind me, so now he is coming directly for me. As long as I can keep him here and away from Regan, that’s all that matters.
I’m closing in on Taylor in second, and Ian is still trailing behind me. I pass by Taylor fairly easily while it takes Ian an extra few laps to do the same. That has given me the chance to catch up to Regan. Now, to pass her, and that Cup spot is mine.
“Alright, you’ve caught her. Now, let’s get to work to pass her,” Steve says through the radio.
“I’m on it.”
“Go where you can to get clean air and hope there is enough time for you to make your move. Fifteen laps to go.”
“Where’s Hicks?”
“Two spots behind you now. But don’t count him out. He’s putting up some fast lap times right now.”
“Roger that. Let’s win this thing.”
Since the start of this race, I actually believe that I can win this. With everything that’s happened this season, it has ledme here. Not only to this chance at a championship and fulfilling my dreams to race in the Cup Series, but it’s also brought me to Regan, and that is something I will forever be grateful for. Even if we wasted two years hating each other, I don’t regret the path it took us to get here.
Ten laps to go…six…five…four…
Then I’m right next to her, fighting for the lead.
Three…two…
Last lap.
Last lap with this team with Sampson Racing closing its doors.
Last lap to prove that I have what it takes to make it into the Cup Series.
Last lap to make Daniel proud.
We speed down the backstretch side by side, coming to the checkered flag. I get a run and I’m able to inch forward enough to get the nose of my car to cross the finish line ahead of hers.
I’ve done it.
I won.
