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The team is doing last minute checks and preparations while we wait for the opening ceremonies. I lean against the middle of the car, the tallest section, as I take in the scene around me. Drivers have their families around. Sponsors are in and out of the cars, looking at each one with a sense of awe. It makes me want to tell them, “Yes, we drive these at over two hundred miles per hour.”
I offer Elle a smile as we all gather for the national anthem. The pit crew are standing next to me on my left. Bud and Ell to my right. After the national anthem, I start to get into the car. I put my gloves on, and as I’m settling, I feel my helmet nudge my shoulder.
I turn to take it and see Saint holding it out to me. “Just like the simulator, okay? I have the specs where you need them. I’ll be on the pit box. Listen to Eric for spotting, okay?”
I nod. “Yes, got it.” I fasten my helmet, and we connect the com wire, the drink straw, and I run through my own pre-race checks. I feel the steering wheel, running my fingers over the buttons and mentally listing them off to myself. It was a ritual. I did it every time I raced, without fail. I flash Saint and the crew a thumbs up as I glance to the pit box. Bud is up there, his headset on his head.
“Com check,” I hear his voice through my helmet. I hit the button on the wheel for the radio.
“Loud and clear in the car,” I reply. Eric and the rest of the crew each acknowledge the com check, and I take a deep breath waiting for the command.
“We’re starting fifteenth,” I hear Bud relay. “If you’d have opened her up more during qualifying, we’d be higher.”
“I did what I needed to. Don’t worry, Bud, I’ll place in the top ten, mark my word.”
“Whatever you say, hot shot.” Well, at least it wasn’t that derogatory, like he’d been prior.
“Just watch and see. Keep me safe up there, Eric,” I check with my spotter.
“Roger that, Haisley. Let’s go kick some ass.”
I chuckle and push my radio button again. “Roger that.”
