Clark and Todd step off the plane when they arrive at the airport in Miami. The warm air hits them as soon as they leave the air-conditioned plane.
"Welcome to the land of palm trees and sunshine." Todd says, looking around.
"Yeah, were definitely not in Kansas anymore." Clark comments.
A woman dressed like a flight attendant walks up to them. "If you will come with me, please… We have another plane coming in."
"Sure." Clark agrees and they follow her.
-
Todd pulls the truck towing the car in to the front gates of the track.
Just ahead is the track with its 10-story high grandstands. The sound of the cars can be heard roaring around the track- the Saturday Busch series race is going on. Just to the left of the grandstands is the even higher, at least 15-story racetrack hotel.
They stop at a lift-gate and a man walks up to the window. "Do you have tickets?"
"Yeah. Clark, the tickets?" Todd asks.
"Here they are." Clark hands them to Todd, who hands them over.
The guard/track worker takes the tickets and looks at them. "These are weekend tickets. You can access the grandstands for the rest of the weekend. If anyone asks, just show them your ticket stubs." He tells them and rips off the stubs.
"Alright, thank you." Todd thanks him and pulls through the gate. He stops in front of the hotel.
"I'll check in to the hotel and meet you at the track." Clark tells him and opens the door.
"Ok, I'll get everything ready." Todd says and drives off.
-
Clark checks in to the hotel and meets with Todd. Qualifying doesn't start until an hour and a half before tonight's race, so Clark goes to watch the end of the Busch race.
He climbs up the steps to the middle of the stands to find an empty seat. It's high enough where Clark can see most of the track. Just parts of turn two and the backstretch aren't completely visible.
Clark picks out his favorite driver's car and watches him race around the track. The orange and yellow 21 car of Kevin Harnik is a little ways back in 5th place. There is only around 50 laps left and he's catching the leaders. Soon, he passes the 5 car for the lead. The checkered flag comes out and Kevin Harnik wins the race. After a long, smoky burnout down the front stretch, he pulls the car in to victory lane. Clark can't see quite that far, so he looks to the giant screen in the infield. The screen is there for people that can't see the whole track.
Clark watches as Kevin Harnik climbs out of the car and gives a cheer to the crowd. He gives a high-five to his crew and is immediately interviewed by a reporter. The place Clark dreams he will be someday.
If only I could get there. Just give me one chance, and I'll show the world what I'm made of.
His daydreams are interrupted by something in the crowd down near victory lane. The one thing that could turn his attention away from racing. She's about 5'7 and has blonde hair just past her shoulders, and doesn't look any older than eighteen. There's about a million attractive girls walking around, but this one's beauty catches his attention.
What am I doing? Lana just left and I'm already looking at another girl. A girl is the last thing I need right now.
-
Clark walks in to the pits of 'Little Miami' Speedway to get ready to qualify the car. Todd tells him a few words of encouragement as he straps on his helmet and climbs in to the car. Clark flips up the toggle switch on the dashboard and the car rumbles to life.
The track is shaped a lot like the track in Grandeville, except the asphalt is different, maybe a little newer. The car grips more in the corners, which means more speed down the straightaway. Clark qualifies a 16.45-second lap, 6th fastest.
Clark pulls the car in to the pits and stops in front of the truck and trailer. Todd is there to congratulate him on his good qualifying run.
"6th fastest, that's pretty good. Considering that there are drivers from all over the country racing tonight." Todd tells him.
"Thanks. Drivers from all over, Nascar's biggest stars watching, yeah this will be fun." Clark says sarcastically.
"Don't get too down on yourself, now. I know a good racecar driver when I see one, and I had good reason to put you in my car." Todd encourages him.
"Don't worry, it's not over until I cross the black and white." Clark smiles.
The pressure is no longer off. Now, it will continue to build until the checkered flag flies.
-
A/N: I made up the 'Little Miami' Speedway. I have no idea if Homestead-Miami speedway has a shorter track outside, it just fit the story. Sorry for the short chapters, I just haven't had as much time lately.
And to one of your questions, I have no idea when I'll finish the story or how many chapters are left. It's far from over. You haven't seen the last of Lana, either.