“Like a dream come true.” She knew her words sounded childish, heard the wobble in her own voice, knew she was still crying but she didn’t give a shit. “My dad brought me here when I was a kid, and from that moment on I wanted to be right here. I think I broke his heart when I wanted to drive on asphalt instead of dirt.” Hana laughed with Mack. “I wanted this so much. And I lost sight of that for a while but my dad never did. He never gave up on me. And my sister and my daughter. My daughter, Shaw, my biggest win. I cannot thank Janet Joyner Racing enough for this opportunity. And the crew.” Mack gestured at the chaos around her. “These people behind me stayed up all night to rebuild the car. They’re the real stars here. I’m so grateful. It’s all so overwhelming.”
Hana smiled patiently, letting Mack cry and gush without making her feel silly or rushed. “It’s a big moment, not only for you but in the history of this race. You’re only the tenth woman to ever make it into The Greatest Spectacle in Racing. What do you want to say to all the girls and women watching right now?”
Mack took a deep breath, wanting to not just say the right thing, but the truest thing. “We deserve to be here. Whether we call ourselves she or he or they. Anyone who loves this sport and is willing to do the work. Anyone willing to work as a team. If you’re used to driving on dirt, or you have a kid, or even if you lost sight of your dreams for a bit. The Indy 500 is about faith and hard work. Do the work, pray for luck, and don’t ever, ever give up hope.”
Hana’s eyes were suspiciously shiny. “One more question, Mack. You were on the bubble but you had a spot in the race. Why did yougo back out, and why did you use the priority lane? Why take the risk and give up your qualifying time?”
Mack looked around. She saw her daughter, happy and right beside her. Her father, alive and always, always there for her. Her sister, standing next to her after so many years apart. Even Billie, who maybe was the fresh air their family needed. Janet and the crew, who’d brought her into a tight-knit system and made room for her. And Leo, a friend right when she needed one the most, someone who let her be her best and worst self and still saw value in her. The fans, the track staff, the other drivers who treated her like any other rookie. Somewhere, perhaps in an afterlife, her mom was watching and proud. She didn’t need to be a martyr. She simply needed to be herself, and allow other people the same grace.
She couldn’t sum all that up for Hana so she simply said, “I wanted to live big.”
From:[email protected]
Subject:Mack & Shaw Williams—new communication plan [May 20, 4:22 a.m.]
Mr. Caruthers,
In regard to your email dated May 16 concerning custody for the minor child, Shaw Westly Williams, all future communication should be sent through me. I represent Ms. Williams, and we reserve the right to bring additional counsel on board. Pursuant to Indiana Rule of Professional Conduct 4.2, do not contact Ms. Williams directly regarding custody, child support, or visitation for the minor child, Shaw Williams.
The attached Petition for Custody was filed today in Gibson County Juvenile Court, pursuant to UCCJA, Indiana Code §31-21-2-8. Additionally, a Petition for Child Support has been filed, including a request for support dating back to the birth of the minor child. A copy of both petitions is attached for convenience, with proper legal service to follow.
We are vehemently opposed to jurisdictional filings outside the United States and will object with the full force of the UCCJA and international law.
Laurie Williams
Partner, Stoeppel Evans PLLC
From:[email protected]
Subject:RE: Mack & Shaw Williams—new communication plan [May 20, 2:16 p.m.]
Ms. Williams,
We have received your Petition for Custody, despite the cruel timing of filing in the middle of Mr. Caruthers’s race season. Mr. Caruthers is not seeking permanent custody of the minor child, but adamantly reserves his right to visit his daughter whenever he chooses, without the constriction of a schedule due to his unusual job. Additionally, he denies all financial culpability for the child. Counter petitions are attached, with service to follow.
Cordially,
Airek Dystsel
Partner, Skloot & Watt
From:[email protected]
Subject:RE: RE: Mack & Shaw Williams—new communication plan [May 20, 3:11 p.m.]
We look forward to seeing you in court.
LW
