Disclamer: I am aware of the fact there might be a lot of NASCAR fans here too and while I am a fan as well, I am not a professional and I know there might be some inaccuracies, therefore this story meant to be a fictionalized depiction of a race which supposed to achieve a „Days of Thunder" like atmosphere rather than describe the event as accurate as possible what some of readers could find boring. Then again I want to warn other NASCAR fans of this fact anyway.
Thank you for your understanding.
Michigan 400 race
CUP Series
Saturday July 6th 2021
"O'er the land of the free…. and the home….. of the.. brave….!"
This is it, by that moment the entire Michigan International Speedway went entirely silent when Sam pulled one of the most beautifully sung national anthems in the history of NASCAR since 2011. Luna's voice is awesome and sharp but this… this sounded like Lady Liberty herself stood down from her pedestal, only to come here to Michigan and give all of the racing enthusiasts and patriots the spark of her great motherly love.
Wish you were here Luna, you would love it. - Lincoln whispered silently while thinking about his hospitalized sister. That day he hoped her beloved voice would reach her and bring her full rock power self back to everybody again.
The audience remained silent, same as all 42 crews in the pit lane. Only Bobbie Fletcher and Kurt Logann looked at each other exchanging the final regards before the start of their battle for first place.
Good luck. Give me all you got rookie - the queen of speed only looked at the young competitor with an edgy smirk painted on her face.
Right back at ya - Kurt replied with the same look, like a kind of a telepathy worked between the rival drivers.
The majestic exchange of energy was constantly observed by invited to the garage Lana. Even though she was the biggest fan of Bobbie Fletcher, that day she felt the storm coming to the league. The tension, emotions, the rivalry between two drivers was something almost magical, something Lana was almost able to grasp. The way Bobbie and Kurt looked at each other turned them into warriors of their own goals in a young girl's eyes, they were not enemies to each other, they felt the same respect, the same passion and chased the same goal.
After that all drivers head forward to their machines.
You know what Linc, I have a feelin' this race will be something big.
I believe so. Perhaps today someone will receive a big fanclub, if he doesn't have one already. - The boy pointed at the crowd where it was easy to spot a blond haired girl waiting to pull up a big banner only when the race starts.
No bro...please don't tell me… - Lana didn't have a chance to finish her sentence since suddenly the silence was broken when Sam announced the thing everybody always waits for when the national anthem is over, every time, every race since the 50's. This one announcement always means one thing, the beginning of a great crusade towards victory.
Sam only took a huge dose of air into her lungs and with all the power given by her voice shouted.
Gentlemen! Start Your Engines!
The speedway exploded with the sound of 42 V8 engines followed by the simultaneous burst of enthusiasm at the stands, like a thousand thunders suddenly struck the same spot.
Oooh that gives me goosebumps - said Leni with slightly trembling from the emotions voice.
That's NASCAR for ya - replied Lana who was trying to spot again the person her brother pointed to moments ago. When she finally did, she saw Lola waving a huge banner with "I love you Logann" text painted into a big heart in Nick Motorsport team colors.
Oh God...please, Linc don't tell me…
Yeah, she does have a crush on him. - those were the words of the biggest fear of the siblings. They knew what happened last time when all of the girls went bonkers on the same man, but Lola… both Lana and Lincoln knew how can she behave when she has a puppy eyes on someone and they didn't want her to ruin the relations between Leni and Kurt, especially when they had a chance to see how happy the second oldest sister is by his side. It was positive Leni was feeling safe and happy by his side and that there are chances for this relationship to grow into something way bigger. The worst thing that could happen was for Lola to interfere and ruin it. It could break Leni again and pull a big "Back to the Future" thing out of her trauma.
I'm gonna have a serious talk with her when the race is over - said Lana.
I can help you with that - her brother replied - but now let's try to enjoy what we came here for.
Yeah, you're right. Thanks bro.
The cars started to perform their formation lap waiting for the moment when the lights of the pace car are about to disappear once it drives down the pit lane and the green flag signals the 200 lap battle around the speedway.
Up at the media lodge the sportscasters introduced the final briefing once the cars were still on their formation run.
Good afternoon everybody! It's a beautiful Saturday and Michigan 400 is about to start. I'm Jimmy Sanders and this is Mark T. James. It's 80,6 degrees Fahrenheit today and 42 drivers are about to battle their way into the next round of the CUP series season, leading to the Homestead Miami where we shall see who qualifies to the All Star special series happening at the newly built Northeast 500 super speedway in New York.
That's right Jim, and we have quite an awesome set of warriors today.
Oh yeah. Everyone cheers for the legendary Bobbie Fletcher who intends to protect her champion title.
That's right Mark but for sure one man is beginning to steal her spotlight.
And you're right, Kurt Logann everyone, a sensation of this year's season. A rookie who bursted into the CUP series with quite a style. As a reminder for those who still ask the famous meme-like question "Who the hell is Kurt Logann" we are repeating the short bio.
Kurt William Logann, born in SweetWater Tennessee is a son of the former NASCAR legend Jeremy Logann, who on the other hand is son of Hudson "Charger" Logann, a well known driver from the year of 1959 to 1982. Jeremy was racing in the years 1998 to 2018. The youngest driver of the family graduated from the National College of Motorsport in Phoenix at the age of 25 and was racing in the ARCA Menards series and earned 28 victories in Xfinity minor league a couple of years before he entered the MONSTER ENERGY CUP Series.
Wasn't he just celebrating 29th birthday recently?
1st of July to be exact.
That's one huge pile of pressure for such a young driver there Jim.
The guy feels passionate in what he does and he proved a lot not only in the Xfinity series what he is capable of.
Ooh yeah Jim. Once he signed the contract with Nick Motorsport he began pushing himself to the limits while remaining a great skill and caution on the track. He isn't being called Kurt "Snake" Logann for nothing. The way he slips between other cars on the track makes the definition of "Rubbing is Racing" to fade away.
No wonder Mark, with such father and grandpa he sure learned how to use the slipstream properly.
What was that thing he said at Charlotte last time Jim?
Do you mean the "Everyone on track has their families. I don't wanna make any of them overlook their beloved at the hospital"?
Oh yes, that still gives me chills but also makes me think it's a bit naive, don't you think?
You might be right, however he is able to push into the front spots in the grid and he gained some friends already, take Danny Hamlin for a change, he was at Logann's birthday at the ranch and had a lot of fun as he says on his instagram, Bobbie Fletcher seems to respect him a lot too.
And speaking about Bobbie Fletcher, do you think Kurt will be able to take her down Jim?
I can only guess Mark but I'm sure he will give her a serious run for her money. One moment…
Green Green Green! The pace car pulled down to the pit lane and the green flag is waving. The Michigan 400 race is officially on!
The solid double lane formation of the grid suddenly broke and everyone started to fight for their positions.
Rubbing bumpers, heading head to head, pushing forward. The fight is on and everyone is giving their best and putting the pedal to the metal.
Ok Kurt! Nice and easy, fight yourself a spot near Fletcher and then push! - Nick Motorsport crew chief instructed the young driver who replied with a confident "Thanks Steve, pushing forward!"
One and a half hours passed and the race was counted in not hundreds but double number laps now . Just like always, Kurt tried to use the slipstream of rival cars to push his way up the grid, jumping from one place to another. He qualified 14th due to the wet conditions on the track during the qualification session and he always admitted he doesn't handle sudden weather shifts too well but this time the track was dry and sunny. Since the green flag went down he was able to push into the front 5 having Danny Hamlin, Jimmy Johnson, Mathew Fox and leading Bobbie Fletcher in front of him. He was keeping the high gear up but was still waiting for the proper moment when he could drop the hammer.
Pit window is open now Kurt - crew chief announced the opening of a 10 minute long pit window when during that time all drivers need to perform an obligatory pit-stop.
How much fuel do I have Steve? - the driver asked to ensure the data he sees on his computer matches with the crew monitor.
About 10 laps, better to change the tires too kiddo.
How many laps to go?
30
Ok, there is no choice then. Pitting down. - the driver announced while pulling his car down to the inside line. Surprisingly the Camaro number 88 started to pull down as well.
You gotta be kiddin' me. - Kurt gasped. Was it his chance to fight Bobbie Fletcher head to head after leaving the pitlane? Even though he had to count on his team speed, hoping the rival won't exit the lane sooner.
Yellow flag! Caution Kurt! Pace is on the track - Steve informed the driver about an accident between Toyota number 76 and Mustang 06 on turn 3. That meant the cars which won't enter the pitlane are required to slow down and roll behind the pace car. That also meant trouble. If the peloton manages to do a full lap and cross the exit of the pit lane before the cars inside leaves, that can cause a situation when drivers need to overcompensate for the full lap before the race is over or else they get disqualified.
Dammit! There goes one lap down! Mike you need to speed up with guys and let me out ASAP, what's the situation in Nick's team? - Bobbie asked her cre chief nervously.
The good news is Loggan pits for tire change and fue.
And the bad news?
Your fuel is low too and tires are obligatory so you both are in the same mud.
So this will be a time battle. Make sure you let me out before Logann. - The crew chief could sense the gravity in Bobbie's voice. It wasn't the voice of a person who felt safe, she knew Logann was serious about winning the race and she could feel his presence every time he was moving closer in the peloton...and now they were entering the pit lane together.
I admire you kid but it's not gonna happen - Bobbie said to herself. She wasn't planning on giving up her title easily.
The cars pulled down to the pit lane where they had to slow down to 35 miles per hour because of the speed limit. By that time the peloton led by the pace car passed by and made an entire lap meantime.
Meantime the situation in the audience spot in the pit lane was getting tense, especially when now the result of the race was depending on time and which driver will be released first.
Leni looked concerned and a bit worried since she didn't know much about all those racing rules, only recalling what Lana was always saying while watching her idol.
Why are they pulling over? Did something happen? - she asked.
They need to pit for tire change since they have been running on the same set since the race started, and their fuel is probably low too. - the little sister explained.
But shouldn't they take a full tank at the very beginning? When we go for a drive we never go half empty.
Yeah but the racing rules are different from normal driving. The cars need to take as little fuel to not make them too heavy and it depends on the driver's style how much fuel will they burn out and the tire change is a must have, just like a obligatory break at work but here if you don't take that break, there will be consequences - Lana tried to be as specific as possible. Even though the ditzy Leni days are far behind her, she doesn't need to understand the professional terms and rules of the race track. Even Lincoln and Sam who joined them after her performance seemed to feel like they learned a new thing. Lana decided to continue.
The problem is that an accident happened at the track by the same moment when Bobbie and Kurt pulled down, once the yellow flag is up, if they won't exit the pits by the end of next lap, they are done for and changing all four tires takes time.
How much time do they have? - Lincoln asked
They have about 45 seconds.
Won't they be able to change tires at that time? - Sam joined the conversation.
It's not Formula One. Only two crew members have to change tires on both sides while being assisted with another two who hold fresh tires, the thing is they have to unloose and screw back five bolts per wheel. F1 cars have only one central bolt per wheel which makes things faster. Refueling also takes time.
I hope Kurt won't get disqualified, this race is very important to him - Leni looked with a concerned sight at both cars making their way to the pits. While seeing his older sister in this state, Lincoln decided to ask her the thing which was in his mind since Luna told him about the encounter.
Are you a couple Leni? Is this official? I know you guys are close and you always look so happy when he's around.
The girl's face instantly covered with blush once she stared at her brother and family, then realized she hadn't told her folks the full picture yet and perhaps this was the good moment.
Yeah...I wanted to tell you all the details but so many things happened recently and I totes forgot but yes...we are a couple. We started meeting after the rehab centre encounter but I wasn't sure about his feelings until our last meeting but I am now.
Is he really such a nice guy or what they say on TV is just to feed the fanbase? - Sam asked.
He is, I wasn't sure as well if he was just trying to hit on me and play nice but once I spent some more time with him and I saw how he is towards his sister and family and then how he is behaving towards me, I could feel the same cozy and warm emotion I felt at our family home back in the old days. It feels so great being with him, seeing how he's smiling, the way he speaks or how he even treats staff at the restaurant. Cheering on him as he pursuits his goal gives me a kind of a satisfaction which makes me do it every moment I can.
I feel... - Leni took a short moment. - I feel so safe when I'm around him.
It was certain, the chemistry sure was there between them. Everyone was able to sense the sinserity in what the girl was saying, it was in her eyes and her voice. That also made Lincoln and Lana extra worried because of Lola's case but they didn't want to make Leni feel uncomfortable, hoping she wouldn't notice her younger sister almost waving that enormous banner of hers. The only thing they could do for Leni was to make sure the young model's crush on Kurt will be just a short episode and she won't try to get between lovers.
Lincoln only smiled and cheered for his sister saying calmly
I am happy for you Leni, we are all, and we hope the thing between you and Kurt will grow into something awesome.
Agreed - Sam nods. - There's nothing more beautiful than a sparkling love between people, not a crush, not short romance, but a true connection which can last forever.
Aaww…! Thank you everyone, that's totes sweet of you. I can't wait for us to spend some quality time with you guys - Leni felt a dose of relief and joy that her family was able to accept her choice of heart especially because she knows they were still worried about the times when she was still traveling in her memories into the old days with Chaz.
I'm sorry to break the moment dudes but they're here - said Lana pointing her finger to the pit lane.
A couple of seconds earlier the battle between Kurt Logann and Bobbie Fletcher rose up to the next level. The first car in the pit lane was Camaro number 42 while number 88 was just behind it. He did it, Kurt was able to enter the pits first but that meant almost nothing. He didn't know how much fuel remained in Bobbie's tank thus she could leave the lane any moment now.
Ok that doesn't matter. Hurry guys! The pace car's coming! We need to dash! - Kurt called the team while Jackman lifted the car to let the other crew members change the tires.
You're good kid! You have a big chance of winning this event! - Steve tried to calm down the driver who was starting to get more nervous once he saw through the mirror that Fletcher's crew was handling the pitstop a bit faster than his own guys.
No wonder, they are PROs and more experienced, we're way too young team - Kurt thought. He could feel the cold sweat coming down his back. Those seconds or even the micro seconds were too crucial and no one could afford any mistake. The slowly appearing in the mirror pace car followed by the sound of the peloton ready to speed up again didn't make any better. He felt nervous...very nervous. Unfortunately in such moments when people are in a hurry, a mistake always likes to pop up.
Shit! The jack's blocked! - the jackman suddenly shouted
What?! Get him the hell out of here - Kurt was listening to the crew chief trying to find a way to release the car.
The tank was already full and all tires were changed but the problem was that the car itself was still sitting on the hydraulic jack which made it impossible to move. Even worse, Bobbie's team already released her car and she was making her way into the exit. The fact that she already passed Kurt's car and the team struggling to release the blocked jack only made Kurt angry.
WATCH THE PACE CAR! GET ME IN FRONT OF THAT PACE CAR OR THE RACE IS OVER FOR US! - he shouted
Get me a hammer! - The jackman called for help.
Go! Go! Go! - the driver was watching Fletcher's car slowly pulling and counting seconds before the pace car crossed the start/finish line.
Go down dammit! - The jackman used all of his strength and smashed the lever with a hammer. It immediately jumped off and all four wheels hit the asphalt.
It's now or never kid! Go! Go! Go! - The crew chief shouted when the car drove off the pit lane in a cloud of burned wheel spin rubber.
4...3...2...1...He made it! He was able to jump off from the speed limit in front of the pace car before it crossed the line.
I will be having nightmares on those lights - Kurt told his crew about the bickering orange signal lights on the roof of the pace car which was getting smaller in the mirror every second since both drivers left the pit lane.
This is it kid! Once you and Fletcher cut through the peloton, it will be do or die! - The crew chief informed Kurt.
The yellow flag is down and the racing resumes - the sportscasters announced once all drivers continued their fight.
It took 20 laps of the remaining 30 for Kurt and Bobbie to clear through the peloton since they had to chaice it through the entire track again to finally jump off to the leading spots. It was the time…
I'm dropping the hammer! - Kurt said to his crew chief.
Go ahead kid! Take her down!
The car roared once Kurt dropped the pedal to the metal, pushing his V8 to the limits. So did Bobbie Fletcher.
Nothing else matters for both drivers now and they have totally stopped paying attention to the fact they have left the entire peloton far behind them, like speedway was just for only two of them. The number of remaining laps went really low and the drivers entered into the time when everything could happen.
They are going head to head! Non Kurt Logann or Bobbie Fletcher aren't trying to overtake each other since they have no cars assisting them. They are counting only on the mistakes they can make right now. This is the final battle Mark!
Yes Jim, this is very intense and for those who don't know what we mean by telling about assisting cars, allow us to explain. All cars are moving at such high velocity that they need to fight the opposing forces like the air resistance and wind. While the competitors are driving close, they can assist each other using the opponent's slipstream or the aero dynamic tunnel like the professionals call it, but can also push each other using the combined speed and mentioned before slipstream. If the leading cars get too far, they can't rely on anybody and it's way more difficult to overtake.
And that's doctor Mark for you today people!
The race was at its final laps and all the attention was focused on two leading drivers. Everybody wanted to know who would be the winner, the rookie or the current champion. Nobody from the Loud gang had a clue that the race was carefully observed by a woman of a dark skin tone wearing a blue suit. There she was, the famous headhunter Janette Wilder was at the Michigan Speedway but what was her goal? She was already known for introducing a lot of superstars but who was she looking here for? Kurt, Bobbie? Or perhaps she had someone else in mind. She was only sitting there and watching, sitting calmly like she had seen everything in her life making the race not amusing at all.
The action pulls back to the track again, there is only one lap left and the white flag is up. Both drivers are heading head to head only moving away for a couple of inches only to level themself again at the same point. The drivers are giving everything they got.
What a persistent kid! I just can't believe it. He's totally different than last time at Charlotte - Bobbie thought with amusement. She was counting on Kurt to pull up a fight but not at this level, every time she glanced for a moment she saw eyes full of fire, just like her when she entered the sport. That made her realize he might really be a big deal but still there was one lap to go and she would rather crash than give her title away.
In the outside line Kurt was full of fury but not a destructive and aggressive kind. It was a kind of emotion which empowered his strong will like nitrous oxide. What motivated him? It was his passion but not only. Yes...his feelings towards Leni worked as extra fuel. He was thinking like giving all the best he could here was the same he wanted to give to her.
Only a couple of inches! - he prayed for only this small difference in their placement which could be taken at the photo finish as his victory.
"The drivers are passing turn number 4 and are on the final straight to the finish line. The referee sets up the checkered flag and waits for them to pass through" - the same announcement appeared everywhere for the racing fans. TV, Radio, live streams. Only a couple of seconds remained until the end and there was still no winner known.
Come on! Come on! - Kurt pants exhausted
Go! - Bobbie does the same.
The checkered flag waves once both cars pass the line.
It's over! Oh my god Jim, can you believe that?! A tie! A freaking tie?! Nothing similar has happened in the CUP series since the duel between Brad Keselowski and Daniel Suarez 3 years ago.
This was a very exciting race, Mark. This means both drivers will start from the leading spots during the next race which will determine who is the best but right now the drivers will be judged by their driving technique and points received during the race thus the tie can still result in announcing the winner of this event.
Lana couldn't keep her emotions cool anymore. What just happened was beyond her imagination. Her idol, the great Bobbie Fletcher in a tie with a rookie.
WHAT...A...RACE! - she jumped enthusiastically and couldn't wait until she sees her idol when everything's over.
Both cars pulled down at the victory lane while the judges overlooked the recordings and counted the points.
When both drivers made their way out of the cars, they got surrounded by their crews and reporters. All of them were waiting for the official announcement. Both Bobbie and Kurt were looking like they just came back from the war. The hair was disarranged, they were sweaty and looked like they had no sleep for weeks. They were only looking at each other trying to take a breath but everyone around them could see in their eyes, what they were thinking right now. They felt a huge respect towards each other and if they were only given a chance to jump into their cars only to repeat this battle, they would do it without any second thoughts.
A couple of moments later the announcement was made and the winner of the race was Bobbie Fletcher.
The photo finish results proved her car's bumber crossing the finish line only 2 inches ahead of Kurt's Camaro 42.
This is it. The battle for Kurt Logann was over however he didn't feel depressed, he felt fulfilled and motivated and was hoping he will receive a second chance to reach for the Champion title. Also it was a very nice and heart warming suprise when Lana who wanted to congratulate her idol on the first place, decided to approach the rookie and give him her regards.
- That was an awesome job. It was looking like you and Bobbie were related. - Said the girl.
The driver straightened his thoughts and was finally able to calm down after the race.
- Thank you. I tried my best and I will try even more.
- I sure hope so because the crowd loves you - Sam pats Kurt on his shoulder and made him look at the audience. People were wawing flags, T-shirts and banners painted in Nick Motorsport's colors with number 42. The man never paid attention to it before but now he was able to see it that he has a fanbase and after this event... after this event, that fanbase began to grow even bigger.
In meantime Bobbie Fletcher was received an avalanche of congratulations and questions asked by the reporters but she didn't want to answer to any of them and only approached her opponent.
The woman smiled at the rookie and pulled her hand towards him.
- Did you know you received the Audience Award and enough points to qualify for the "Big Apple" pre race at Homestead Miami?
- Hehe I did? Guess I still can be a pain on your bumper - he laughed.
- I defended my title many times but you kiddo...you are something else. You really gave me a run for my money and believe me when I say it, keep up the awesome work because You opened my eyes and I really need to look at my mirror more often from now on. You are a big deal.
Hearing this made Kurt forget he didn't win the race since he was happy he could pull off a fight against such a great driver like Bobbie and...he knew it wasn't the end. He replied with a handshake and said:
Thanks for the great race. I will stay on your bumper until I win.
I am counting on it, Kurt Logann.
That day Kurt earned not being called a rookie anymore. He became another CUP series warriors eager to take down the champion.
Way up at the stands, Jannete Wilder only left her seat and made a call while leaving the arena. She was calm but confident and what she was about to say to her business partner will shake the NASCAR world in next years.
Dave? It's me. The race is over and I have seen enough. No, no storm is coming to us. The entire Hurricane is about to strike.
The End.