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Haisley
Thursday
“Come on, we’re going to be late,” Elle yells from the bottom of the stairs.
“I’m coming,” I reply as I finish grabbing my bag. I’d spent eight hours in the simulation computer yesterday attempting to figure out the specifics that I wanted for the car. Saint and I made a few changes to tire pressures and setup on the car, but I’m still not confident this morning.
Elle is waiting by the front door as I descend the stairs. I’m dressed in a sweatshirt and yoga pants. I must change into my fire suit when we get to the track. “You alright?” she asks, and I nod.
“Just a little nervous, that’s all.”
“This is what you’ve been training for, Haisley. This is what you’ve worked for your entire life. It’s normal to be nervous,” she consoles as she pulls me in for a hug.
“Are you two ready?” Grams’ voice breaks the hug as she hobbles into the living room. We turn to look at her.
“I think so,” I say as I move to give her a hug.
“You’ll do fine, Haisley. I know it in my heart,” she states as I break the hug.
“Still nervous, that’s all, Grams,” I confess back.
“Of course, you are, but you are a Meyers woman, and we are strong and determined. You have the talent, baby girl. Go show them that.”
“Exactly!” Elle adds as we all laugh.
“Alright, let’s get this show on the road,” I respond as Elle opens the front door. We wave goodbye to Grams and walk to the car. Elle gets into the driver’s side, and I plop into the passenger’s side. “You know you don’t have to come with me. I know you have other clients and stuff to do.”
“I do, and I can do it at the track. I’m your manager, Haisley. I’m by your side through this whole journey, got it?”
I smile and nod. “Got it.”
The ride to the track was short. One of the benefits of living close to it. I’ve raced many times at Charlotte for various races in midgets, ARCA, and late models, but this will be the first time I’m racing an INDY setup. Despite the hours spent in the sim, I’m still nervous.
Elle flashes our credentials, and we are directed down the tunnel to the track. She parks where the staff indicated for her to do so, and I step out of the car. Nerves are replaced with a sense of thrill. I take a moment to look around at the track. This is the first step in a new challenge.
I’m brought back to reality as I hear Hunter’s voice calling to us. “Elle, Haisley, over here.”
I throw a quick look at Elle before we walk towards the crew and Hunter. “Good morning, Mr. Wadsworth,” I greet as we approach.
“Hunter. Please just call me Hunter. Mr. Wadsworth makes me feel like an old, white-haired man.”
I chuckle. “Very well, Hunter.”
“So, how are you feeling? Excited?” he questions as we walk towards the team and the car. I see Saint and Neil talking by the car.
“Yes. Extremely excited to get into the car and give it a go on the track. Saint and I worked for hours yesterday trying to dial in the adjustments. I’m hoping they transfer to the car,” I reply as I hear Bud gruff behind me. The guy is a real asshole, but I have hope that I can win him over with my abilities.
Saint approaches with Mac and Neil. “Car’s ready. Let’s get you changed and into it. Mac has your helmet ready at the car, and Neil made the final adjustments this morning.”
“Great, show me where I can change, and let’s get the show on the road.” I nervously run my hands over my pants and grip my bag a little tighter.
“Right this way,” Saint comments, motioning to the transport truck behind us. We separate from the crew. “There’s a small bathroom at the back of the trailer for you to change. This is a smaller truck than what we will use for the season. The hauler is bigger and will house all our gear, yours included, extra tools, parts, food, and a coordination area for Bud and me.” He points to the bathroom. “There you go. Change;we’ll be waiting for you.”
I take a deep breath and force a smile. “Can’t wait.”
Saint offers a smile back. “Neither can I. I hope we dialed in the car for you.”
I nod and watch as he heads back to the car before I jump into the room to change. All I really do is take off my sweatshirt and pants and pull on my fire suit. I usually wear bicycle shorts and a tank under it during race season as it can get really hot in these things.
