Chapter 12 - Rematch Part 2
3…2…1….GOOOOOOO!
Nakazato and Takeshi power out at full throttle, as burning rubber fills the atmosphere. Normally, Nakazato's approach is always with a strategy, but this time it's personal. Nakazato R32 takes the lead, creating a gap between both cars. Takeshi understands that the R32 system, as the additional grip from the ATTESA system makes it a strong contender, but it can be to his advantage", as he thinks to himself.
Takeshi maintains a close distance from Nakazato; sitting in the R32s slipstream. Both cars enter the first turn at a blistering speed. Takeshi's 350Z starts to lose distance mid turn as he backs off to maintain the rear's grip. As he notices the difference between his car and Nakazato's R32, his joy overwhelms him - the new parts makes the Z come alive under him. As both drivers make their way to the hairpins, Takeshi makes his move to take the outside line. Nakazato sees glimpses of his lost to the panda AE86 - grinds his teeth and says, "Oh no you don't!!" ,angrily. Takeshi gets on the brakes as he responds to Nakazato's denial. Keeping his cool, in that brief moment, he realizes the R32s uneasiness. Almost as if the back of it was pushing out a bit before it took the inside. This creates a theory, if he's able to make the R32 slip more; the tires will be losing more grip and then the attack. Takeshi accelerates faster, closing the gap, but falsely attacking the inside line of each corner.
Nakazato denies Takeshi in each attempt; taking the bait. Nakazato thinks to himself - "I'll beat this punk once and put him in his place. My tires feel good and that rookie move of taking the inside line! Laughable!" . As both cars approach the mid speed S-bend that lines up to a sweeping hairpin - Nakazato speeds up to increase the gap. Takeshi adds pressure, but as he trails behind the R32 on the inside. Nakazato brakes, but the grip loss causes his car to slide. Takeshi in that moment turns left to initiate a drift, passing Nakazato on the outside. "What the HELL!" - Nakazato panics as he can not block the Z from passing.
Takeshi takes the win, defeating Nakazato.