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“Yes, I adjusted the seat so that they are comfortable.”
“Good. Now, the feel of the steering wheel? Is it a decent space from your chest? The INDY car setup is tighter than in a stock car and midgets,” I explain.
“It’s definitely tighter fit, but I feel as if I am okay with where that is,” she replies.
“Okay, so now let’s look at the specs in the program. Which circuit were you doing?” I pull up the tracks on the computer.
“St. Pete’s.”
I look at her for a moment. “Jumping right in, huh?”
She shrugs her shoulders. “Isn’t that the first race?”
“It is, but you’re testing at Charlotte in two days. I figured you’d start with something easy. Let’s try that before we attempt to do a road course simulation,” I respond, switching the track to Charlotte. “This is an oval but should give you a good feel as to the corners and setup. I put the pre-populated specs in to start with.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means that this is the basic setup for this track and this style of car. Drivers make changes based on their feelings, specifications, and experience. Since this is your first year in an INDY setup, it’s a good place to begin,” I reply to her as she grips the steering wheel.
“Why does everyone keep reminding me of this being my first time in an INDY car?” she mumbles under her breath.
“Because it is. I’m not reminding you of anything you don’t know. I’m trying to help you to help me. I can’t make your car comfortable for you unless you know what isn’t comfortable. The setup you are putting in for a road course is going to be different than an oval. But you need to figure out what you like with a basic course.” I run my hand through my hair. “Haisley, there are going to be people that aren’t going to believe in your ability to race at this level; I know you know that. So, please just work with me step by step at this time, so you can prove them wrong.”
Haisley’s head turns toward me. “Do you believe in me?”
The question surprises me, and I’m not sure how to answer it. “I believe in your determination from what I know about you, from what I’ve read about your other accomplishments. All I’m asking for is honesty. I need to be able to build you a car that you won’t get killed in. So, all bravado to the side, we need to start at the basics and work our way up to the specifics, if that makes sense.”
Haisley nods. “Okay, I’m going to trust you, Saint. Even if you thought I was a tire chaser the first time I met you.” There was a hint of laughter in the tone.
“Hey, I apologized for that already,” I protest. “Okay, let’s get back to the simulation, this way I can tweak the car for the test drive on Thursday.”
“Back to work. Got it,” she replies as I shake my head. This is going to be fun. I’m just not sure for who.
***
Thursday came quick, and the guys and I were loading the car into the transport truck to head to Charlotte, which was only a fifteen-minute trip from the shop. Haisley and I spent over three hours in the simulation room on Tuesday, and she was in there most of yesterday. I haven’t seen her yet this morning.
Mac approaches. “Boss, you good?”
I nod. “Yes. Is the crew ready? So, we have all the coms ready to go?”
“Yes. And I have the tools set up as well. Neil is already at the track prepping for our arrival. I know Chad Adams is testing today as well,” he remarks.
“Great. His crew chief is an asshole. Are they testing at same time or after us?” I ask.
“I believe after us. Hunter booked the track for Haisley specifically,” Mac states. He might be the fuel guy on the crew, but he is my right hand. He helps keep the pit crew on task and focused. He also acts as a liaison for Neil and me as well.
“That’s good. I’d rather her try the track with no distractions. It’s bad enough Bud is her crew chief…” I let the thought trail off. Mac knows how much I dislike Bud, and we all know his thoughts on female drivers. I attempted to make Hunter see this, but he assured me that Bud would be professional enough. I’m not sold on that idea yet.
“Did you hear that Zander Donovan is going to be at the 500?” Mac asks, and I nod.
“I did hear that. I’m sure he is running in a few of the races this year,” I reply.
“Yeah, but there’s supposed to be a huge promotional thing for CD Enterprises. Big to do,” Mac informs me.
“Well, he’s a big name in the INDY world, as is Colton. Hopefully, there will be some promotional opportunities. I thought I saw something on Haisley’s schedule for the year,” I respond as I finish packing my bag.
“You have access to her schedule?” Mac asks, and I nod again.
“I do. I shouldn’t, but as the car chief, I need to know where she is just in case we need her for something.”
“Yeah, sure. Are you sure it doesn’t have to do with anything else?” Mac questions.
I don’t give him a response. Honestly, I saw the schedule on Bud’s desk and took a copy for myself. I don’t trust him as far as I can throw him, and that isn’t far. After spending time with her in the simulation the other day, part of me wants to protect her and help her succeed. There’s a determination inside her, and she keeps it close to herself, but I saw glimpses of it the other day.
“Let’s go. We’ll be late otherwise,” I order as I grab my bag.
Mac salutes me. “Yes, sir.”
I roll my eyes and head to the transport truck. Hopefully, this test goes well.
