Page 11 of Full Throttle 2

“Not to sound arrogant, but there is only one of me. My life was a made for a TV movie, and this organization decided to use it for their benefit.

“Like many of you, I grew up in the world of racing. However, unlike most of you, I was mentored by some legends of the sport through my father, the great Cyrus James. A man most of you may not have heard of. He worked with legends like Willy Ribbs, Bill Lester, and even Jimmy Johnson, to name a few. They were all friends of his. If you haven’t heard of my father...I would encourage you to Google him.”

Colby cracked a small smile as her mind went back in time, watching herself as a little girl in a dirty T-shirt, some Chucks,and a pair of worn jeans. Her mother would have much rather she’d taken up dance or music. But, against her wishes, Colby preferred hanging out with her dad and brother at the garage. There was joy and peace there, unlike what she was feeling today.Thatbrought her back to the present and the point of her story. “I think racing in my family is hereditary. I was eager to learn and paid attention to everything. Both what was said andunsaid.

“That passion was instilled in me as a child and carries me through to today. Circling back to my earlier point, you willneedto find inspiration from wherever you can to deal with all theisms.”

“Isms?” someone asked.

“Yes.Sexism, racism, misogyny, and if you’re a woman of color, let’s throw in misogynoir for kicks and giggles.”

Colby’s presentation was turning into a real conversation. Another woman in the audience raised her hand. “So, you’re saying having that joy as a child and pulling from that is what has kept you going?”

Colby took a moment before answering thoughtfully. “Partly. It helps, but without question the memory of Rodney “The Magician” James is what truly fuels me. For those who don’t know, he should have made history as one of the best drivers this circuit has ever seen. He was without a doubt the best I’ve ever known past or present. He was also my brother.”

The room was full of head nods and sympathetic glances.

Absentmindedly, Colby twisted a small gold band around her pinky finger before turning her determined gaze back to her rapt audience. “Remember when I said that my life is like a made-for-tv movie? Well, Rodney is part of that story. In some ways, I suppose, he was my ticket into this elusive club, and it came at a very high price—his life. He died doing what he loved. Driving for NASCAR. I carry him with me every time I line up.”

“You were robbed of the win at Charlotte.”

“It’s only been a month, and I’m still recovering from that one. Nevertheless, Ilovethis sport. I’m passionate about it and there is nothing else in the world I’d rather do, but I also want to finish the job my brother gave his life to. So, when I say, there is only one Colby James, just know, it doesn’t come from a place of arrogance, but from an incredible sacrifice.”

The room fell silent. Most everyone knew the tragic story of Rodney James. “He is the reason I get up every morning and ignore the death threats, the bullying, and the bullshit.”

Colby allowed time for her words to sink in before speaking again. “It is my greatest hope that your story will be different from mine, and that my experience will make it easier for you to drive up to that starting line and one day stand at the top of the podium. Maybe even challenge me for a win.”

A NASCAR handler walked up to Colby. His body was stiff, and his face was tight as he spoke out over the microphone. “This will conclude our workshop for today.”

Colby was taken aback by his sudden appearance. However, his expression said it all. He was clearly not happy that Colby was a little too honest, which was most likely the reason he ended the presentation early.

Inwardly, she shrugged. Colby was fine with ending early because she was drained. Too bad she wasn’t quite finished for the day.

Colby pasted on a smile and graciously spoke to everyone who came up to her after the session for an autograph or a word. They had paid a pretty penny to hear her speak, and it was the least she could do.

As the room started to thin out, a couple of women were still seated in the back. Something about their glances at one another stood out.

They were having a conversation, but Colby was too far away to make out what was being said. She tried to focus on the women talking to her, but the smirks on those other women’s faces were unsettling.

I’m being ridiculous. Why would they be smirking about me? They could be talking about anything.

“Ms. James, can you sign my magazine?” Colby tore her eyes away from them and returned her full attention to the person standing before her.

At the back of the room, one of the nameless women whispered to the other, “Did you get that?”

The other one nodded. “Yep. Every word. It’s going to make a great headline for ourexposé. ‘Colby James: Surviving NASCAR, Their Racism, and the Ugliness of Their Fandom.’”

Chapter Six

Lila caught the tail end of Colby’s presentation. The new ambassadorship was another thing that had been thrust upon her and one more task Lila knew Colby felt obligated to take. Lila didn’t understand how she managed so many things and still prepared for her races.

Watching intently, Lila stood with folded arms as her shoulder rested against the conference room doorway. Her eyes narrowed as she zeroed in on Colby’s face.

She was stressed.

Most people wouldn’t be able to tell, but Lila could. Even though they were cousins, they were more like sisters.

Not only could she see the telltale signs of strain, but Lila had also never heard Colby speak so candidly to people outside their small circle of friends. She wondered if Colby was running out of fucks to give. The sooner, the better. For the most part, her cousin toed the company line and pushed for change when she saw an opportunity, all while trying to prove herself to men who didn’t think she belonged in the sport. Colby would always say, “They don’t have to like me, but as long as I win, they have to respect me.”

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