Page 54 of Racing for Redemption
His gaze slides to me, challenging.What's the matter with him?
The questions begin, a rapid-fire assault. I field them with practiced ease, my responses crisp and professional. But as the minutes tick by, a shift occurs. The atmosphere grows charged, tense. They start their attack.
A reporter turns to me. “Ms. Colton, how do you respond to concerns that Colton Racing lacks the resources to compete at the highest level?”
Before I can answer, Dominic interjects. “I think we all know Colton Racing is… How shall I put this… Punching above their weight class.”
I try to keep my eye from twitching and force a smile. “Colton Racing has a long history of innovation and success. We may not have the biggest budget, but we have heart, determination, and a talented team.”
Dominic scoffs. “Heart doesn’t win races, Ms. Colton. Neither does nepotism.”
The room goes silent.
My cheeks burn, but I keep my voice level. “I earned my position through hard work and experience, Mr. Harrington. Just as I’m sure you earned yours.”
He narrows his gaze. Everyone knows he didn’t attain that position through traditional methods. He was sleeping with the owner’s daughter, eventually marrying her and inheriting the team.
The battle lines are drawn.
As the questions continue, Dominic takes every opportunity to undermine me, his comments growing increasingly pointed. I parry each thrust, but inside, my anger simmers.
I will not let him see me falter. I will not give him the satisfaction.Hell no.
The press conference drags on, each question feeling like a minefield. I scan the room, taking in the other Team Principals. To my left sits Marco Baretta from Baretta Racing, his eyes bright with enthusiasm.
“We’re aiming for consistent top 10 finishes this season,” Marco announces, his Italian accent thick with excitement. “Our new aerodynamics package shows promise, and both drivers are hungry for success. Felix Becker is particularly excited about this season as well! He's on his last year of contract, so we're looking into renewing with him.”
I nod, appreciating his respectful tone. No jabs, no backhanded compliments. Just pure, unbridled ambition.
To my far left side, Victor Bronte from Klip Motorsports, and Yuki Tanaka from Velocity Racing, exchange glances. Their teams, like mine, struggle at the latter half of the grid. If anything, this season, they are the ones we should consistently beat on track.
Victor leans forward. “Klip is focusing on incremental improvements. We may not be fighting for podiums yet, but we’re committed to moving forward.”
Yuki nods in agreement. “Velocity shares a similar philosophy. Our goal is steady progress, building a foundation for future success. We know we’re still not where we want to be, but the way is up.”
A sense of kinship surfaces. We’re all fighting an uphill battle, yet, there’s no animosity, no attempts to tear each other down.
A sharp voice cuts through my thoughts. “While the…lesserteams focus on participation trophies, Vortex Racing has our sights set on championship glory. Again.”
Dominic’s words drip with condescension. I bite the inside of my cheek, tasting iron.Stay calm, Violet. Don’t let him bait you.
But as the questions continue, I can’t shake the feeling that this is more than mocking. Dominic’s attacks feel personal, calculated to rattle me.
Why? What’s his endgame?
I straighten my shoulders, meeting his gaze with steely determination. Whatever game he’s playing, I refuse to be a pawn.
Dominic leans back, a smug smile playing at his lips. “Vortex Racing isn’t just a team—we’re a dynasty. Three consecutive Constructors’ Championships, and our star, James Farrant, gunning for his fourth World Title.” He pauses, savoring the attention. “We’ve secured groundbreaking sponsorships that will further improve our state of the art tech. The competition?” He chuckles. “They’re racing for second place… or last.”
Damn, this man really loves his own voice.I grit my teeth. The arrogance radiating off him is suffocating.
A reporter turns to me. “Violet, your thoughts on Colton Racing’s prospects this season?”
I force a smile, willing my voice to remain steady. “We’re focused on consistent growth. Our new car shows promise in simulations, and we’re excited about the potential.”
“Any specifics on the improvements?” presses another journalist.
I shake my head. “We prefer to let our performance on track do the talking. But I can say we’ve made significant strides in aerodynamics, and power unit efficiency.”
