Christian's POV.
I am engrossed in these documents for a couple of hours before I realize how stiff I have become sitting in one position. I stand and stretch before buzzing Andrea for a cup of coffee which appears a few moments later.
"Andrea, do you follow NASCAR racing?" she looks taken aback for a moment, it's not the sort of question I normally put to her and I am equally surprised to have asked her the question.
"Err well a little I suppose" she says looking flustered "My boyfriend follows it more closely than I do but I do enjoy watching it from time to time"
"What do you think of it?" I ask, my brain to mouth filter has obviously taken an hour off.
"It looks demanding on the teams, drivers have to be very fit to cope with the length of races, dehydration and the concentration they must have is amazing. The pit crews and mechanics keep everything running smoothly but I am sure it takes a lot of investment to keep a team a float" she draws breath "some of the drivers are pretty hot too" she gasps. Her brain to mouth filter has taken a holiday too.
I stifle a snigger "Thank you for that insight Andrea" She blushes bright red and leaves my office much quicker than when she came in.
I finish reading the rest of the material and it's proving to be very thought provoking documents but I decide to do some of my own research as well.
NASCAR was formed in 1947/48 by Bill France Sr and they sanction approximately 1500 races in 39 US states and Canada. Exhibition races have been held in Japan, Australia and Mexico so some excellent exposure opportunities there. The 2014 season boasts at least 18 teams and most have more than one car and driver.
When I come to review the running costs again I obviously skirted over that part the first time because the estimated cost of running a NASCAR team is at least $20 Million per year with approximately $20,000 spent on tires per race! What the fuck! That's extortionate, I dread to think what a new engine would cost but I now realize why Ray Steele needs sponsorship, it's only large corporate companies or extremely rich individuals could afford any part in this sport. The potential winnings between the drivers are staggering at approximately $4 million per race; I would assume most of the prize money would come from television rights. Wow, just wow, who knew it could be so lucrative.
I lean back in my chair, my finger tapping the arm rhythmically and I am deep in thought. I grab the telephone receiver
"Hello Christian" Elliot answers.
"Elliot, I have reviewed the paperwork…"
"Are you going to invest? Please say you are" Elliot interrupts.
"Let me finish!" I snap
"Sorry, carry on" he quietens.
"Do not read anything into this but I want to go and have a look at the team on the next race day, see how they operate, how they perform as a team. Can you arrange that with Mr Steele? And yes Elliot you can come" I say hearing the stifled excitement on the other end of the phone.
"Of course I can arrange that, how many security staff will be accompanying you?" he sounds totally beside himself and is just about keeping control of his enthusiasm.
"Two and Elliot make it for as soon as possible as my schedule is filling up over the next few weeks, ok?"
"Sure thing bro, will come back to you ASAP, bye" the phone cuts off.
I smile, I have not seen Elliot so enthusiastic about anything since opening his own business a couple of years ago. He and the business have gone from strength to strength mainly due to his sheer determination and good business sense.
I had hardly settled into the next batch of files when Andrea buzzes through with Elliot on the phone.
"That was speedy Elliot, even for you" I laugh.
"Well I have to strike while the iron is hot, I don't want you forgetting about this after all" he laughs back.
"Ok, tell me" I say.
"He can't reasonably facilitate us on race day; it's too busy and somewhat dangerous but suggested coming to a practice session which happens to be tomorrow at Greenway Speedway track at noon. Please say you can do it Christian, please" He is practically begging me.
"Let me check my schedule" I say, Elliot is ready to combust on the end of the phone. I click to check the following day's diary. One appointment at 10am and that shouldn't take too long and a four o'clock which I will get Andrea to move "Yes that's fine"
"Oh Yesssssssssss, oh yessssss" He screeches down the phone, I move the receiver away from my ear.
"I take it you are happy about that Elliot?"
"Oh yes, fan bloody tastic!, I will swing around at 11.30am"
"Ok Elliot, see you tomorrow" oh boy, a phone call with an excited Elliot is one thing but spending a few hours with him like that is going to be exhausting. If nothing else it gives us a little insight into the workings of a NASCAR team and I actually feel a little motivated my-self.
"Andrea, will you please move my 4 o'clock tomorrow to another day as I will be out of the office from 11.30am"
"Yes Mr Grey"
The rest of the day and evening pass uneventfully. I am alone at home, no sub to keep me company for an hour or two so I eat, shower and retire to bed watching NASCAR again.
My cell rings, I sleepily answer it without checking caller display
"Are you up Christian?" Elliot asks
"Whaddyouwantlelliot?" I mumble.
"Oh you are still in bed, sorry, I thought you would be up as it is 9am"
I sit up with a start "It's 9am?" I ask him
"Yes bro it is"
"FUCK, I'm going to be late" I curse "Was there something you want Elliot?"
"Just checking we are still on for today" his voice is thick with anxiety waiting for my answer.
"Yes Elliot, now let me go get ready and I will see you at 11.30am, ok?"
"See you later" and he is gone.
I hastily dress and go to shave which is when I find the power is out. Shit that's why my alarm didn't go off. I pick up the bag I packed last night with some casual clothes and shoes in for my afternoon venture and head out the door. I will have to hope GEH building has electricity so I can at least shave to be presentable to my client this morning. Damn I hate feeling unprepared and rushed, it irritates me and doesn't set me up to be in the best mood for the day.
I manage a shave and tidy before my appointment arrives and the meeting is completed relatively painlessly so I change into my black Hugo Boss chinos, white shirt although probably not the best choice of colour and my Nike trainers. The door flies open and Elliot strides in bang on time.
"You ready bro?" he rubs his hands together in anticipation
"Let's go" I say grabbing my cell from the desk.
"This is going to be great!" Elliot exclaims.
"See you tomorrow Andrea"
"Good day Mr Grey and Mr Grey" she smiles and Elliot cheerfully waves to her as the elevator doors close.
Taylor and Sawyer accompany us. Security at the stadium is fairly tight, we are issued visitors passes and directed towards a private car park on the edge of the park. We are greeted by Ray Steele as we walk toward the team area.
"Thank you for coming Mr Grey, Mr Grey" He shakes both our hands "Please come this way" he invites us to follow him.
We enter Steele racing team garage via the 'back door' and immediately in front of us is racing car. My god, Elliot is going to wet himself any moment.
"Calm down Elliot" I whisper
"But this is just so awesome Christian, I can feel the pressure, the excitement of race day, the sweat of hard work, it's amazing"
"It's a pretty amazing car but chill Elliot, there is lot's to see and consider here"
We are briefly introduced to some of the mechanics and pit crew who are working on the car in preparation for practice.
"I am sorry we couldn't accommodate you on a race day but it is just so noisy, dusty and my time is short so I felt a practice day would enable you to see much more" Ray comments.
"I understand Mr Steele; we wouldn't want to be a hindrance to the team on an important race day" I reply.
"Let me show you around" Ray guides us toward the pit wall. There is another team practicing and their car starts up in the garage next door. I wasn't expecting it to sound so loud but oh boy when they rev that engine I can feel my heart beating in my chest. Ray hands us some headphones that we can still hear him talking to us but it blocks out most of the engine revs.
"This is the circuit and the entrance to the pit lane is here" he explains "The crew stay behind the wall until the car is here" he points to an area they are expected to stop in and then tires are change, fuel delivered or repairs done at that spot.
"Morning Ray" a voice comes from behind.
"Hi Dale, are you ready for a first run?" Ray asks.
"Absolutely" Dale says as he puts his helmet on, in a moment the roar of the engine signals us to move out of the way. He charges out of the garage and onto the track.
"How long has Dale been working for you?" I ask.
"A couple of years now, he's young, talented but a little hot headed at times, we are working on that though" Ray says with a smile.
Elliot is totally in awe of this guy driving around in the car; speechless is the word that springs to mind, he has not said a word.
"Would you like to take a ride in our demo car Mr Grey" Ray is looking at Elliot.
He nods his head and his face looks like he has just won the lottery.
"It's not an actual race car as they only have one seat to allow room for the roll cage and equipment but if you are happy for Dale to drive you around you will get a feel for the circuit and speed"
"How about you Mr Grey? Would you like to try?" Ray looks directly at me.
"No thank you, I am fine just being a spectator" I reply.
Ray signals to one of the mechanics who disappears for a while but returns driving another car. Dale slides into the pit and exits through the window once the secure netting has been opened.
"Who's brave enough to come for a test drive with me then?" Dale looks at us.
"Me!" Elliot exclaims, I swear he leapt off the ground.
"Helmet please" Dale calls for a spare helmet for Elliot which he promptly puts on and climbs in the passenger side where a mechanic puts the safety straps on Elliot and away he goes.
Three laps later and they pull into the pits, the mechanic helps Elliot with his straps again, and he bounces out of the car, absolutely exhilarated by the experience.
"That was fricking AWESOME bro"
"Glad you enjoyed it" I am pleased to see him so happy.
"Mr Grey, is there any other information I can give you or anything else you would like to see?" Ray asks.
"I think I have everything I need thank you Mr Steele, you will have my decision on Monday morning" I can't keep the man waiting any longer than that but gives me the weekend to decide and with no doubt I will have Elliot on my back as well.
"Thank you for coming Mr Grey" Ray offers his hand again.
"Thank you for accommodating us Mr Steele" I shake his hand "Until Monday then"