Page 99 of Revved up & Ready

Today’s the last race of the season. I won yesterday’s, Ludlow placed second, and Hart placed third. Her results in the second half of the season have been more impressive than the first, so she’s looking at finishing between fifth and sixth overall.

The championship is between Ludlow and me.After yesterday, I’m down by five points. So, in order to win the championship, I need to win today’s race, and Ludlow can’t finish second. If he does, we’ll be tied for points, and the championship goes to the racer with the most wins for the season—Ludlow.

“At least the weather won’t be an issue,” Ludlow jokes, lifting a hand to the sky, which is currently dumping rain.

“Good thing we got that one practice day in a couple months ago,” I laugh. “I’m sure it’s all we needed to preparefor this.” Being from southern California, we’re not nearly as experienced with this weather as most of our competitors.

“Oh, yeah. We’ll crush it out there,” Hart laughs, standing up again. “See you kids on the track.”

Ludlow and I sit in silence, watching the rain. It’s an interesting thing, being up against a friend. I’ll be thrilled for him if he takes it, and I know he’d feel the same for me. But more than that, we’re both obsessed with speed and winning—for ourselves.

He stands up from the bench and extends a hand to me. “Kick some ass today, dickhead.”

“Give ‘em hell, asshole,” I say, shaking his hand.

After I decided not to finish the race in Austin, where I was on fire,Incite Energyrescinded their offer. I knew it was a possible outcome, and I don’t regret my choice for a second. I’ll choose Sadie over anything, anytime.

I funded this season myself, so they didn’t have a leg to stand on anyway. It was a tough way to learn about them, but I wouldn’t want to be on a team that doesn’t trust their racers to make decisions about their own safety.

“There you are,” Sadie says, walking down the concrete corridor where I’m sitting. She’s wearing black shorts and one of my yellow207t-shirts. I’ll never get tired of seeing her in my race gear.

She was here for yesterday’s race too—evidently without any issue.

“Here I am,” I say, standing up to greet her.

“I’ve been thinking,” she says, grabbing my hands.

“Oh yeah?” I ask.

She nods. “About race advice. I know the ones you’ve told me—rubber side down, stay on the bike, head down, butt up. But I don’t like any of that for today.”

“What are you thinking, love?” I ask, surprised by her words.

“I just want you to win today. So, no advice.” She shakes her head. “I just want you to go out there and take what’s yours. What do you think? Will that work?”

“Take what’s mine?” I curve a hand around her back and pull her to me. “I like it.”

She lifts onto her toes, and her mouth meets mine in a powerful kiss.

Holding her hand, I lead her toward my pit. “You know I’m yours, right?” I ask.

“I do know that,” she says, leaning into my shoulder. “And you know I’m yours?”

“I do,” I say, kissing the top of her head as we round the corner toward the pits.

Along with my usual crew—Luke, Allie, and Bea—are all here for today’s race. Although, I suspect Bea is here more to support Sadie than me. When we get back to the pit, Allie rushes us with big hugs.

“You ready to win this race, Hacker?” she asks.

“You know it,” I say, pulling my shoulders back and letting my mind shift into racing mode.I am one lucky motherfucker. I get to do this today. This race is mine. This season is mine, and my girl just told me to go out and take it.

The pre-race prep and interviews feel like they take forever, but before I know it, I’m sitting on the bike—tire warmers on—and Sadie comes out to meet me holding a yellowRace Nakedumbrella.

“I know you were on this whole rebrand thing,” she says, kissing my cheek. “But I likeRace Naked. It’s how I found you. I think if you can, you should keep it. I like you wild.”

It feels incredible to hear her talk about next season without fear. I told her aboutIncite Energyrescinding theiroffer, so she knows I’ll need to fund next season myself again.Race Nakedworked for me for years, and the last viral video I was a part of—Naked Guy Quits USMoto Race to Make Out With His Girlfriend—makes me feel like I can keep it while also being a good man for her.

“If you like it, I’ll keep it.”

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