World Grand Prix Championship Season 16: RP Thread

[WGPC]

Friday Practice
Yarkovo International Circuit

Drivers had ninety minutes to record up to thirty laps of the track (including in and out laps to and from the pits). Only each driver's fastest time is shown in the table below.
Conditions: DRY

Pos # Driver			Team		Fastest Lap	Behind Leader
 1  2 Jean Mercer-Daly         	0:01:15.856	0:00:00.000 [Lap Record]
 2 22 Kyoko Fujisaki           	0:01:15.860	0:00:00.004
 3 56 Terho Talvela            	0:01:15.918	0:00:00.062
 4 50 Jang Xiaopeng            	0:01:15.945	0:00:00.090
 5 27 Gregori Krupun           	0:01:15.949	0:00:00.093
 6 16 Alexander Lund           	0:01:15.953	0:00:00.097
 7 52 Sayono Souzare           	0:01:15.958	0:00:00.102
 8  7 Ethan Ellis              	0:01:15.983	0:00:00.127
 9 25 Jessica Franssen         	0:01:15.985	0:00:00.129
10 47 Erica Okumura            	0:01:15.998	0:00:00.142
11 77 Juracai Klianiota        	0:01:16.005	0:00:00.149
12 14 Sigur Bjarnason          	0:01:16.024	0:00:00.168
13  1 Ryker Lane               	0:01:16.032	0:00:00.176
14  5 Juliano Lemos            	0:01:16.086	0:00:00.230
15 55 Asao Nadakei             	0:01:16.107	0:00:00.251
16 42 Alex Dimitrianov         	0:01:16.190	0:00:00.334
17 20 Mick Schramm             	0:01:16.289	0:00:00.433
18 71 Rustom Ibuna             	0:01:16.361	0:00:00.505

Deadline for Eastfield Lodge to start arranging their team is 11pm UTC on Wednesday evening.
Deadline for Zukovina to show interest in taking part as a possible backup or thirteenth team is 11pm UTC on Wednesday evening.
Driver offers will be made from WGPC Motorworks team on Wednesday evening.
A decision will be made regarding a possible thirteenth team by Thursday evening.
Practice and Qualifying for the first race of the season in Hodori will be scorinated on Friday after 9pm UTC.
Sunday's race will be scorinated on Sunday after 8pm UTC

[Esmerel]

Nexus Racing HQ, The Nexus Wardship
Tuesday, 2018/06/02

"Hmm... I'd definitely think the deal could work, and that it would be pretty beneficial to all involved. However, Talia hasn't yet told me if she could get through to Brutus, so maybe not at this instant..."

However, at that instant Talia connected to the video screen from her quarters at the HQ. "Hello, everyone, my name is Talia Thornton, agent of Jean Mercer-Daly. I heard you would be having an important meeting on the whole topic of tyres. Sorry I couldn't get into the meeting sooner. Minor technical difficulties."

"It's fine, Talia. Now, here's the key thing: do you have a contact with Brutus yet?"

"Hm. As a matter of fact, I do. I'm taking with their chief engineer as we speak. They're just waiting right now, though. Do you want me to patch them into the call?"

"If you please," affirmed Jean.

"Hang on a second, there we go..." The video recording split into a third POV, with a happy-looking man on the other side- Jacob Meyers, chief engineer of Brutus Tyres.

"Hello, everyone! It appears I'm in some sort of... video meeting?"

"Jacob, these people are all part of a racing team: Nexus Racing, of the Nexus Wardship of the Former Citizens of the Nimbus System."

"The Wardship? Well, darn! I believe I've been there once or twice! Heck of a place. Gave me some ideas for a few... prototype tyre components. But that's not important. What am I here to help you with?"

"Well, Jacob, Nexus Racing has incredibly advanced technology, but that's not enough to stop the tyres they produce from performing poorly. So they could use some help."

"SOME help? My, it seems they could use more than that! I do believe that Brutus would be happy to work with you, given my superiors give it the green light, of course. Give me the details."

"Well, that's nice. The idea is that your resources and expertise in the field of making tyres combined with the Imagitechnological capabilities of the Wardship could produce tyres that work in almost any situation and don't go terribly wrong."

"I see. Well then, I do believe it's a deal. Almost. I do have to take it to the CEO and everything, but beyond that we're good! Oh, but producing a new tyre does take a bit of time... Just a bit."

"How long, precisely?"

"Maybe 2 days to finish design, another day to build the base prototype, a fourth to redesign and finalize and two more before they're mass produced."

"Well, that should be somewhat okay. The second test day in Savojarna is this weekend, and the first actual race the weekend after. We should at least have working tyres by Hodori."

"Sounds alright to me, everyone! Brutus is good to go! Almost... Technically not- oh, forget it, I'm just going to go and discuss it with the boss right now."

Jacob left the call at that moment. The room seemed once again open for any debate that was wished for.

oh and um if you didn't notice the date this happened before the Savojarna test

[Aji No Moto]

OOC: The events in this RP occurred before the preseason testing at Savojarna.

Rudolf anxiously waited for a while after Tsutomu gave him an ultimatum to find a second driver for the KISMO team. He had already followed up with Ethanian Ethan Ellis with regards to the available seat, but he was not receiving any messages or notifications from him. He started dialling the number of his son, Rusty, to find recommendations for the remaining seat at the team, when he finally received the notification he was looking for.

It was the response from Ethan.

...
Ethan Ellis wishes to sign for Kissan Motorsport for the 16th World Grand Prix Championship season.

He was overjoyed by the message, as his job security would be back to normal. He just forgot one thing. He did not put the line down when he dialled his son. He heard the words, "Hello, pa!", and when Rudolf went back to his senses, he remembered he was trying to call Rusty.

(conversation withheld - to be posted on Filindostan's RP)

---

KISMO Headquarters
Serizawa, Aji No Moto

Two and a half days before the pre-season testing at Savojarna. The team already knew Ethan accepting KISMO's offer, they were ready to set up the car characteristics to fit those of Ethan's liking. All the parts have already shipped to Savojarna in Rushmore where the second test will be held. Tsutomu called Rudolf when the latter arrived at the office.

"Hey Dolf, my tactic is effectivity! Hahaha!" Laughing as if nothing happened at their previous meeting. "I know we got driver for the test no matter what, so I already deploy the team and the parts to Savojarna, with second driver or not."

"You gave me a fucking scare then. Did you know I was already ready to offer seats to other drivers? Well okay, we got our target. Now what do you want to do? You want him to go here to Serizawa or straight to Savojarna?"

"It depends on you to decide that. I'd suggest he go straight to there and we'll meet up with him there. Then we all go back together to Serizawa for the launch at the Joshuyo Square."

"Okay, if you wanted. But then, why Joshuyo Square? Can we just do the launch at here at our home circuit?"

"My father and brothers wanted to have the KISMO name known in Aji No Moto. You know we decide to increase our involving in Ajian sports, so we need to increase name recognition a little bit more."

"Okay, if you wanted to. I'll send him an email, and already a ticket from Ethane to Savojarna."

TO: Ethan Ellis
FROM: <Rudolf IBUNA> rudolf.ibuna-at-kismo-dot-anm
CC: <SUGIYAMA Tsutomu>sugiyama.tsutomu-at-kismo-dot-anm
ATT: Ticket_booking_for_3_ETN-SVJ.pdf

---

Hi Mr. Ellis,

I am Rudolf Ibuna, Head of Operations and Team Principal at Kissan Motorsport. I sent you this electronic mail to confirm that you have been confirmed as our number one driver for KISMO for the upcoming WGPC season. However, due to time constraints, our CEO would like you to go straight to Savojarna, where we have already prepared accommodation near the track and we will meet you there. Attached are the tickets where you and two of your chosen companions will go to Savojarna at our expense. Don't worry, those tickets are already paid.

As I have communicated to you in my previous email, you will be provided with the following concessions:

1) A race engineer of your choice;

2) A personal sponsorship you can bring to the team. We have still available sponsorship spots on our livery and we plan to reveal the final livery once we go back to Aji No Moto with you and our second driver Kyoko Fujisaki present. We will send you a separate communication on our current planned livery and you may decide where you prefer to place the sponsor.

I have already communicated to you the financial aspects of the contract. Should you have concerns, we can discuss them when we arrive at Savojarna shortly before the preseason test.

In behalf of KISMO and Mr. Sugiyama, we are glad to have you on board. Welcome to KISMO.

Best Regards,
Dolf

RUDOLF IBUNA
Head of Operations
Kissan Motorsport
Serizawa Racing Circuit, Aji No Moto
Email: rudolf.ibuna@kismo.anm

KISMO Confidential

As Rudolf sent the message, another set of topics were brought up by Tsutomu.

"Hey Dolf. About our tyre situation. I decide to not change them for the season and have trust to those engineers. I have talked sternly like what I done to you to improve their performance. For Teruko suggesting, talk to our partners at Gambal or whatever to see if they can take on that tyre for WGP2."

"Sure boss. What else?"

"New helmets for your son and Kyoko arrive this morning. Kyoko forgot to bring hers to Savojarna. Can you take it to Savojarna and give it to them?"

"I'll have Masato do that for us."

"Whatever you choice."

"Sure thing. Let's get the ball rollin', shall we?"

"Prepare the things we go to Savojarna."

[Vangaziland]

Trackside Trials

There were indeed cameras following Jessica Franssen, Gregori Krupin and the VMR crew. Subscribers of the VMR Press Pass needed content. There was plenty of WGPC footage on cable and national broadcasts, even for this practice session (cable). But there was always more. This was only the second time Jessica Franssen was behind the wheel since WGPC 14. In her latest interview, Jess spoke on putting the past behind her.

"That was so long ago, things have really changed", she said. "We'll be seeing a lot more parity this season, I think. The cars are all much more reliable. That really stood in a few teams' ways. This year, I think more teams will find their cars up to par."

A reporter also mentioned a possibly increased field size.

"I'd be glad with that", Jess said. "It could make things tougher. It'd make things that slight bit tougher to tally one of those last few scoring ranks. It'd create drama. Drama is good, right?" Jess laughed. "I'm in this for the entertainment factor too. We have to keep the fans excited. A 13th team could do that. There's already a buzz on the grid."

"I heard rumors, that late last season there was talk about a possible driver's union. If there was such a union and you were a part, where would you stand on the 13th team... From a union perspective", said the reporter.

"I'd push for the league to add the 13th team. It's 2 more driver spots. I'm sure the union would be for those 2 jobs. At least, that's the sort of union I'd campaign for."

Jess was caught speaking in front of a handful of cameras by top WGPC officials. Jess watched a member of the staff stroll past, watching like a hawkeyed eagle. Those cameras weren't all about Jessica though. It made her temporarily feel like a diva, which seemed to happen from time to time. Besides, the Vannish motorsport's audience was also diversifying in taste.

Other camera crews were set up at various media points where they could shoot the best footage without getting in the teams' way. Vannish fans were interested in several teams and drivers this year. Also on VMR was Gregori Krupin.

He was first up, with Jess hitting the track a few laps later. The team watched as Krupin followed his lines. Everything was looking good. "Good job, good job, good job", said Vanessa Hattieson over the team's intercom. She was over the team engineer's shoulders. They were watching several laptops with readout data.

Gregori would be able to refine the gear ratios and downforce of his car. He ended the session with what would become the 5th fastest time. The team would be most pleased with this data. Their cars had two top 5 finishes and a top 10, with Jessica putting up the 9th fastest time.

The cameras were waiting when she arrived back in the lane, car rolling to a stop with the engine whirring and purring. The pit crew lifted the restraints and helped her out after backing her car into the paddock. She climbed up and gathered her balance as she stood. There was a moment of anticipation as the camera filmed her taking off her helmet, adjusting her hair and preparing to speak. Hans, a short crewman in glasses, took her helmet and scurried away.

It seemed like she would say something serious, but instead she responded with,

"Did you hear the new M.C. Ristoff track? It bumps." Ristoff was the 100m sprint gold medalist at Olympiad XII. He's also a short track speed skater.

The journalist was slightly surprised but went with it. This coverage was extra footage and basically two steps above a blog post. "Do you listen to him in the Dragon?"

"I wish", Jess said. "Team chat is pretty entertaining though, as I'm sure TeamChat subscribers know." For a small fee, one could purchase access to the team's scanners through an internet fee. It didn't include the engineer's radio, which came through on a different frequency (but could be heard through a second set of speakers in the car." Other teams would be able to listen to TeamChat if deseperate, but team radios weren't exactly locked out with military encryption. It wouldn't be surprising if some teams did. But observation should be able to tell teams whatever info they wanted to know about how a car was running. Team radios could also usually be intercepted, if one cared so much.

The new VM-222 'Dragon' chassis was still being broken in. It really only had test data from a handful of places including Imperial Proving Grounds and the pre-season's two tests. This would be an interesting season for VMR.

But Vannish fans had another option to follow an Imperial in the WGPC. Jang Xiaopeng found a seat after VMR tried to downplay his contract. The Omni car was looking like the perfect fit for him. He's had arguably the best pre-season, finishing 2nd and 4th.

Cameras from Vangaziland's independant sports networks would also be following Omni. One team was in Savojarna for this sesssion. They set an interview for an evening news story planning to update Vangazi on Jang and his new team.

"The Omni car is a dream to drive", he said. "I'm happy to be here. This should be a great season."

The reporter asked Jang if, "prior rivalries with Jenna Vandersen were a reason for you driving internationally."

Jang immediately shut that story down with a simple, "No. It was more about the offer." In truth, he didn't want to add to the true story that Jenna used to bully him. That wouldn't bode well for the rebellious, cool guy image he was building. Few things would be more emasculating than having a Baroness refer to you as 'her little brother'.

Sometimes in the pits, Jang would glance over his shoulder. He would stare at the VMR pits and look for her outline. There were rumors Jenna V. was coming in as some sort of manager, shadowing the team and learning more about the motorsport's industry. She totally freaked him out. She once walked up behind him and flipped him in the ear while he was eating. He spilled ketchup on his team polo shirt, which would never be the same.

Jang would show them both. It looked like a simple set of decent practice runs, but it was actually Jang fine tuning the settings on the Omni car. He had just the right downforce setup for both tracks. Compared to his WGP2 car, he enjoyed the extra power. He could really get this car to pull through turns. There was less fighting with the wheel compared to an already responsive car.

He was having fun pushing through each apex. Much like the VMR car, the Omni car also has a high pitched siren of an exhaust note. At one point, Jess found herself behind Jang. The two cars came out of the corner, both roaring to life from the whine of the downshift now to intervals of yells and popping gear changes. The red, white and yellow streak kept away from the new Vannish machine, which looked much more unconventional.

Of course Vannish fans didn't solely follow these two teams. Some drivers were stars in their own right. Other teams were charismatic enough to win over the Vannish audience. This could mean big money, as Vangazi were willing to order WGPC merchandise right from the teams.

There would always be MRT fans in Vangaziland. Many would root for Sigur Bjarnason, one with whom Vangaziland's population could relate to. A great deal of Vangaziland's population was Scandinavian or mixed. The land's sizable Black (and other non-Scandinavian) population would also be just as likely to see Sigur as a brother and root for him. Support for MRT would be based on Franssen's WGPC 14 season where she saw success. Many Vangazi followed MRT for WGPC 15 and saw fit to continue supporting them.

Of course, there were also fair weather fans who wore Nexus hats and talked about Imagi-power and such. These fans were often jokingly shunned by their counterparts as bandwagoneers. It was usually in good spirits.

KISMO also seemed like an interesting team. There was something exotic about the red and gray cars. Kyoko Fujisaki had a really nice pre-season, finishing 5th and 2nd.

At one point, cameras were set up to capture footage of spectators entering and leaving the bleachers. One excited Vannish fan shared his excitement and asked his version of a pertinent question.

"Where's Fast Cocoabo? Fast Cocoabo, man... Where is he? Bring 'em back!" The dazed and confused tourist stumbled off, leaving the impact of his query to settle.

[Former Citizens of the Nimbus System]

Nexus Racing HQ, Crossbay Circuit, Nimbus Bay the Nexus Wardship of Former Citizens of the Nimbus System
6th of February

“Ahhhhhhh…”

Celia has a finger raised. She lowers it, tailing off after the Esmerelian’s departure from the video call. “I was going to say that don’t quite share Jacob’s optimism - regarding the proposed timings, that is; I do think that Brutus and In Motion can work together.” She huffs slightly. “Let me explain. I have no doubt that Brutus approach tyre construction in a different way than we do and they will be familiar with techniques and methods that we are not. Integrating those with Imagination forging will, I also have no doubt, produce better tyres, but it will also require experimentation, which in turn will require constant access to both Brutus’ facilities and our own Imagikinetic convertors.”

“And you can’t be sending tyres back and forth between the First City and Brutus’ factory,” Gertrude concludes.

“Exactly. We could relocate our equipment fairly easily, true, but we also need it in the First City for our other customers.”

“You’ll use P.O.F. Imagikinetic convertors, yes?”

“We do.”

“Then we’ll pay for some.” Gertrude makes a mental note. “We might not be tied to the military any more but we still have government funding and probably a bigger budget than any other team on the grid.”

“They cost millions of coins each!”

“And I’ll have to clear it with Timothy, yes, but he’ll allow it, given that you’re going to solve the single greatest problem that my car has. Think of it as an investment; we need better tyres, you’re going to provide them and we’re going to help you do it.”

“Then we’ll treat it as one!” Celia declares hotly. “So long as Grace agrees with me, we’ll give Nexus Racing a share in the company in exchange! That is fair!”

“Grace?”

Celia’s expression moves through shock before settling on awkwardness. “In Motion’s co-owner and, ah, my wife.” She presses her index fingers together.

Vertilan’s eyes widen, a grin breaking out on his face. “Grace Speck became your wife? I believed that I recognised -”

“It doesn’t matter!” Celia’s eyes screw up and her hands go to her head. She takes a deep breath. “It doesn’t matter. I’ll go to consult her now.” She opens her eyes to look at Gertrude again. “I will contact you and Brutus once I have information.”

Celia’s video feed shuts off. Petra speaks up. “Yeah, I have to think about all of this too. I’ll get back to ‘ya.”

After she has also left, Gertrude narrows her eyes at Vertilan. “Was that really necessary?”

He chuckles. “Sorry, sorry. It was not professional, I know. They were some of my first students; it was very clear that they both hated each other. The, ah, turn of events is merely humorous.”

Gertrude shakes her head in disbelief. First Builders, this man… “I cannot believe you. Just - just go. I’ll call you later.”

11th of February

Thwack!

It barely parried that one; Ryker’s disk is nonetheless exposed. Strike.

Deflected just enough - spin!

Lift disk; chase with the baton.

Not getting away that easily! Arc disk, strike baton!

Up.

Thwack!

“Okay, okay!” Ryker laughs, the blue glow of his Imagination sparring equipment fading as he relinquishes his telekinetic control and lets it drop to the ground with a clatter. “You win this one.” He puts a hand on his hip. “You know, it’s a good thing that you’re running the team and not me - you’re clearly the one with the strategy out of the two of us. The way you manoeuvred me in those last few seconds…”

“Don’t do yourself down.” Timothy’s smile is fatherly. “You aren’t a strategist, certainly, but you are a tactician, Ryker. Your ability to adapt to and attack any individual situation is exceptional. You have won three of our matches today, after all.”

“Oh?” Lane raises his eyebrows. “Says the man who won the other six.”

“It is as you said. You may be a good tactician; I am the strategist.”

Ryker laughs again, before stopping with a half-accusatory, pointing finger. “Hey, I can still do long-term!”

You could deliver ‘1:16s’ lap after lap, I have no doubt, whereas most of your competitors could not repeat their best laps more than three or four times in a race situation. With the field so close, you could have won that race, Ryker.

“I’m reliable! Remember what Martin said after testing yesterday?”

“I wasn’t there.”

“No, of course you weren’t. Damnation.”

[Kita-Hinode]

Misei City, Esportiva's Hinodejin Gateway
Grand Hotel Inagusame Misei

The two brothers watched as Moe Himura practiced against a dummy.

*SLAM!*

Or rather, how she ravaged an innocent, defenceless piece of wood and stuffing. It was hard to read her out, she had started to come off as deranged, her ire never really calming down in any case. She never really attacked her helpers, mind, but that was probably what made anyone around her scared. Ryu, being Ryu, would range from zoning out to read his favourite mangas to serve as the middle ground between the cold, enraged Himura and the scared yet sneaky Ryo. Funnily enough, he had been growing up his courage and, apparently, he was the only one really exempt from any signs of anger Himura might've had.

Ryo, usually the one with all the ideas, had been avoiding any sort of talk with his client as he knew odds were that he'd probably end up in the bad end of a beating if he even so far peeped any of his usual suggestions. But then they got an offer. A legit offer for the second seat of a team.

Ryo and Ryu looked at each other. Ryu sighed.

"Miss Himura... Arada Motorsport wants you to be their second driver-"

The dummy flew past Ryu, but even more alarmingly, narrowly avoiding Ryo's head. She had delivered a strong punch to the midsection of the dummy, opening it up as it hit the wall behind them. "I'll wait for that Bitten Heroes test. If nothing comes out of it... I'm in."

She scanned the room, picking up another dummy, placing it in the middle of the room and restarting her practice session.

[West-East Timor]

Yarkovo International Circuit, Savorjana

Mick was in the garage before the test, talking to Max.

"So... what am I supposed to do today?"

"Drive."

"Really?"

"Yup."

"Eh, I can't do that, that's not what I prepared for."

"Well, seriously, you can do however you want. You can try to get some good lap times, or not, that's up to you. Obviously, data is usefull. The tyres have been causing no troubles so far, we'd still like to know some more things about them though. There also have been some problems with the front wing the last test, so we'd like to collect some data about aerodynamics too."

"Aerodynamics..." Mick remembered again that Marek was the one in his crew mainly responsible for aerodynamic parts. Obviously, his crew was still kinda specialized. And also obviously, Mick still heavily distrusted Marek...

Mick's thoughts were interrupted when he saw someone walking into the garage. It was Andy Kashnan! Mick's manager has had some illness he never wanted to tell what exactly it is, and therefore couldn't appear to the last test, or generally nothing at all in the past few months.

"Andy! What are you doing here."

"Mick! I'm back, obviously."

"I see. How are you?"

"I feel mainly fine again."

That's good. So you can manage me again?"

"I would assume so, yeah."

"Also good... I guess. Still don't wanna tell me what's the exact reason you never showed up the last I don't know how many months?"

"Okay. I have to drive anyway I think."

"You're right there. The test is just about to officially start. The car is ready. Hope you are too."

"Have I ever not been ready?"

"Possibly."

Mick put on his helmet and got into the car. He'd be driving this car now for the third time. Maybe the fourth, if the prototype he tested during the last season counts. He drove out of the pits and onto the track.

---

After the test

"How the hell am I so slow?!"

"You're less than a second slower than Mercer-Daly on P1..."

"But I'm still 17th. Fucking seventeenth! Second to last!"

"In the last interview I've seen of you, you yourself said the tests don't really matter."

"Well, yeah, I did. Let's hope I was right and I'll do better in an actual race... It can't be the car since Jang is doing really well..."

"I doubt it's you though. You just had some bad luck in these two tests."

"If you say so... I hope you're right..."

[Former Citizens of the Nimbus System]

Nexus Racing HQ, Crossbay Circuit, Nimbus Bay the Nexus Wardship of Former Citizens of the Nimbus System
12th of February

Ryker Lane stirs, slowly. He feels cold.

Probably, he mentally comments, because the duvet isn’t here.

He turns his head to the side to play witness to a shock of oh-so-familiar black hair. Also the duvet. But, most importantly, the hair - and, of course, the person to whom it is attached. The courageous, determined, bright-burning person…

He reaches out to stroke it. The person - the woman - turns. She smiles.

Imagination, that smile…

“Morning, Ryker,” Maria says. “You’re up early.”

“I could say the same,” the Nimban answers with a smile of his own. “How are you feeling?”

“Happy.” She reaches out to take him into a tight embrace.

It isn’t warm. The feeling that has been at the back of his mind all of this time, the feeling that something is profoundly wrong here, comes surging to the front. “This…”

“Shhh. Don’t go. You’re happy here. I’m happy here. That’s all that matters.”

Ryker stares into the void of her eyes. “No. No, this is wrong, this isn’t real.”

“It's not going to work! Stop trying to make it work!”

He shakes his head. “No. I’m sorry.”

The look that he is given stays with him as he wakes in reality, whereupon he discovers that the duvet is lying on the floor beside his bed. Evidently, he threw it away by accident.

---

The Bullhorn ---------------------------------------------------------------- Sport News

BRUTUS-IN MOTION PARTNERSHIP TO SUPPLY NEXUS RACING TYRES
World Grand Prix Correspondent Sol Yanforl

It has been announced that Nexus Racing have contracted both major Esmerelian tyre manufacturer Brutus Tyres and Nimban start-up In Motion to provide tyres for their WGPC entry this season.

Sources within Nexus Racing have told The Bullhorn that the partnership of the two companies was orchestrated by the project’s Head Designer, Gertrude Thompson, in an attempt to ally the traditional expertise of the Esmerelian outfit to the Nimban outfit’s Imagination convertor-based tyre manufacturing techniques.

Brutus’ contracting may, in part, be a result of the influence of Jean Mercer-Daly, the Esmerelian driver who recently joined Nexus Racing. Jacob Meyers, the corporation’s Chief Engineer, said in an interview today that, “The team at Brutus are very pleased to be working with Nexus,” and, of In Motion, commented that, “Our experience combined with their technology should provide tyres that can go fast and last too. It's definitely an exciting premise.”

In Motion’s co-founder and co-owner, Celia Speck, in a statement published at a similar time, said that ‘In Motion’s opportunity to work with a market-leader in the global tyre manufacturing industry in Brutus Tyres and simultaneously supply the leading light of Nimban motorsport in Nexus Racing is an astounding one and one that we will seize with determination and focus’.

This is not the first time that Nexus Racing has secured a tyre provision contract at short notice before the start of the season; their first partnership, with Tigar Tyres, the Serbian company which had supplied them over the course of WGPC 15, only began days previous to the opening race at Mount Salt Raceway in Eastfield Lodge. Tigar was initially believed to be supplying Nexus Racing for the current season; this suspicion was disconfirmed at the first test in Taeshan, where the team ran tyres whose origin remains unknown.

[Eastfield Lodge]

MSA-SinVal Headquarters

"So, let's catch up on where everyone's at. Have we finally finished developing the car?"

Tadeo Durand looked around the meeting room, visibly frustrated at how long things had taken. At least the board had finally listened at the start of the season following the WGP2 championship, and had signed Cesaro Whittaker for the season, keeping his number 31 after a decent top 10 finish in the feeder series. Dalia Dahl clearly hadn't made the cut, only scoring 4 points that season after winning the second race in Audioslavia. As ever, development of the car had been going so much slower than usual, especially with the development of the new safety system following the life-threatening crash of Jack Kelly - the Imagination system that was developed by the Nexus team wasn't compatible at all with either the WGP2 car or this new WGPC car.

"Well, it's taken it's time, but we've finally perfected it. The power drains we were getting have been ironed out, more or less, and Cesaro's been a real help in ironing out the problems," replied the chief engineer, Giorgio Bayliss. "The engine's working fine, but we don't know where it stands in regards to our competitors."

"So, what about our search for the second driver?"

"Um, we haven't started. We weren't even sure whether we could get the car ready in time for the season, so we, er, didn't want to commit a driver this early in the process," replied the rather sheepish looking Liliana Sadri, in charge of driver recruitment.

"Well, do you have any ideas?"

"There are a few recognisable names that are yet to sign a team, but all the big fish have been taken out of the pond. It's just a few mid-table racers and fresh-faced prospects."

"Well, any suggestions?"

"Jasmin Kranjska is someone I've been keeping a eye on in particular, but somehow RL Cruisin is also available. A couple of others include Moe Himura and Jannik Markner."

"Well, send testing invites to all of them. We need a reply soon, we've already missed the first pre-season test because of these delays!"

---

Dalia Dahl was hanging around the MSA testing circuit, rather annoyed at how things had turned out. As far as she knew, the team didn't want her on board this season, so she would have to go and look elsewhere. But having to wait this long to make sure that MSA didn't want her meant that there weren't many spots left. Looking at the list, there was the second driver spot as Lisander's Bitten Heroes, Hodori's Arada Motorsports and then the WGPC works teams. But she didn't have much a choice, so she chose to apply to both Arada and Bitten Heroes.

[West-East Timor]

Weshaka, West-East Timor

Jannik was sitting at home, watching a summary of the second pre-season test. He came to the conclusion that there was nothing to conclude from the tests, except that he'd like to be there, in a car, logically.

Just when the summary ended, Jannik's phone rang. It was Mika.

"What do you want?"

"I have good news."

"Good news? How good?"

"Moderately good. You have received an invitation to a testing session by MSA-SinVal."

"Oh. Well, that's good news indeed. When is it scheluded?"

"They haven't stated that yet. You should just reply though I'd say."

"Alright, I'll do that then."

Jannik ended the call, and immediately wrote an e-mail to MSA-SinVal.

To: MSA-SinVal
From: jannikmarkner@WETmail.wet

Dear MSA-SinVal team,

I would like to inform you that I accept your testing invitation.

Yours sincerely,
Jannik Markner

[Mattijana]

Jasmina was understandably gutted.

A year on from being snubbed for a seat, she had been denied by TRÆ, the offer from Arada had fallen through at the hands of Sayano Souzare and even her best chance of a drive at MRT had vanished after the team opted for a highly technical lineup. For a driver so determined to make this her year, the nightmare scenario seemed to be repeating itself.

Juracai Klianota was a curious choice for TRÆ. He had come second behind Kranjska at the Abovian test, but had little presence internationally and had looked relatively ordinary compared to other members of the grid. Still, the home edge and almost certainly superior Vilitan sponsorship had obviously proven too attractive to the big cheeses at the team. Jasmina felt angry with TRÆ and she felt half-cheated by MRT. However, she also felt like those feelings were just distractions from the disappointment of her own failure to convince someone she was good enough. It had been a lonely couple of days.

But now she had a lifeline.

A message from MSA Sinval had popped up on her laptop. After a double check to make sure it was genuine, she tapped out a reply. With Mattijana already a huge force in the sport, a works team offer was unlikely and so this would most likely be her last chance at getting herself a seat. She was naturally wary of the team's lack of participation thus far, but desperate times call for not-so desperate thoughts to be cast aside.

Show time.

Jasmin Kranjska accepts the offer from MSA Sinval for a test.

[Aboveland]

Terho giggled with delight around Yarkovo International Circuit, his euphoric chuckles transmitted through the TRÆ paddock. The track suited the car perfectly, the long straights and high speed corners bringing all 10 cylinders to a roar and slamming the car against the pavement. The glossy navy blue machine was one of a kind on the grid: sensibly liveried, orange rims contrasting against the deep blue of the moncoque, with a wheelbase spanning two continents and a devilish, ear piercing howl, swooping and lunging around the circuit with butter cutting ease. When compared to the otherworldly marvel of the Chase Cutter or the strikingly angular VMR weapon, Chassis XX and its brother machine XY looked relatively tame, blending in to the rest of its conservative rivals. However, the comparison made by the Nimban megaminds at Nexus Racing between their WGP2 machine and that of Novkiov Racing applied even now: while its rivals seeked to innovate beyond what was considered possible to construct the car of tomorrow, TRÆ and Tropicorp designed their season 16 contender with the goal of absolutely perfecting the machine of today.

It was on his eleventh lap, after weaving past the electric vibes of the Chase Cutters and the garish, familiar cars of the MRT drivers that he set his fastest time, clocking him in at third fastest, enough to put a grin on his face. Sure, Jean Mercer-Daly had set the fastest lap, and the lap record, and KISMO were looking especially strong on the Savojarnan tarmac, but his emotional high had proved effective. Sadly, his teammate had only managed to crack 11th place, albeit just ahead of TRÆ's second option, Sigur Bjarnason.

After the test, Terho rolled XX into the paddock, letting the V10 die down suddenly with a stall, and headed straight for the showers. Fresh once again, as he reviewed his telemetry data and kept an ear out for the whirrs of drills and nut guns around the garage, Edvin approached him with a cautious look on his face and a curved index finger to tap him on the shoulder.

"Hm?" Terho asked, turning around and headbanging, to drizzle Edvin a little.

Wiping the droplets from his eyelashes, Edvin began: "I'll send you the details later, but I've just been informed about a little detail regarding the Chase Cutters. They have this really cool thing where any contact with another car produces a flash of blue light which, in some demonic way, generates an impenetrable force field around their cars.

Terho stroked his chin with his hand, perching his elbow on his now crossed left arm. He opened his mouth halfway, releasing air but not words, and struggling to find a sense to the news he'd received. Finally, he'd clicked: "Are you saying this in case of...?"

"Yeah. Basically, try to stay away from contact with Mercer-Daly again. If he dares lunge at you with his shitty shield we'll have to cook something up to shut them down."

"Easy there."

"Sorry."

Edvin headed for his travel bag to pack everything up for the return trip. Terho turned back around towards the monitor and continued surveying his test results, discreetly cracking his knuckles. He was unfazed.

[WGPC]

WGPC Motorworks: Eelandii have offered four-race contracts to the following drivers.

10 - Jennifer Johnson (TKI)
36 - Reva Izalio (KRD)

If you accept, please say as much in this thread. If no answer is given in this thread by Friday evening, contracts may be offered to other drivers.

Assuming WGPC Eelandii are satisfied with a driver's performance over the four races, an extention may be offered. There is also the possibility that the driver will be let go after those four races and a new driver will be sought.

WGPC Motorworks: Eelandii assumes that the Hindodejin driver Moe Himura would rather sign for one of the teams that have sought his services, and so has opted for it's second and third choices instead.

A decision will be made regarding the usefulness of a possible thirteenth team on the grid at roughly the same time tomorrow.

[Esmerel]

The Lapiz Point Post

Wednesday, 14 February 2018 ///// City Final ///// 1 NationStates Dollar

THE WGPC'S SIXTEENTH SEASON ALMOST UNDERWAY

This weekend. the island nation of Hodori will host this season's opener of the World Grand Prix Championships at the Dashoze Circuit. The 61 lap IYAZOI Grand Prix of Hodori will be the first WGPC sanctioned race since the 22nd of October last year.

Before the season properly gets underway, let's take a closer look at the details of this year's racing and how they compare to last year.

#1- An expanded calendar

Within last year's fifteenth season was 12 races of great action, packed along with 2 pre-season tests and a mid-season one, with one race cancelled and the second mid-season test filling in. Before the start of the sixteenth season WGPC officials confirmed a calendar of fourteen races and four total test days, which already has excited many a sports fan. Fun fact: if one driver were to win all fourteen of those races (an astronomically ridiculous event) they would score a whopping 350 points in a single season.

#2- New and familiar faces

The previous season saw 11 different constructor teams and 2 WGPC works teams participate, with eight of the teams veterans with at least a season under their belt in some way, shape or form. This season sees many of WGPC15's constructors not participating, and instead brings in many new teams, including Tropicorp Racing Aelund, Kissan Motorsport, Omni Racing and VMR. Only time will tell how well they do.

#3- An essential mix of good action has already been seen

The previous season saw some of if not the best action and racing in the history of the WGPC. This year it just seems to most that the action is picking up right where it left off. There have only been 2 test sessions and yet there has already been a competitive feeling in the air.

Already, it seems to most that this season will be another classic.

[Former Citizens of the Nimbus System]

Nexus Racing HQ, Crossbay Circuit, Nimbus Bay, the Nexus Wardship of Former Citizens of the Nimbus System
14th of February

To: nrhp@nexusracingwgpc.nim
From: culture.minister@gov.nim

Dear Ms Light,

In anticipation for the inaugural WGPC Nimban Grand Prix this year at Crossbay Circuit, the responsibility of organising the pre-event concert has fallen to the Ministerial Office for Culture. It has been decided that we will establish two traditions in the line-up for this second of the two concerts: firstly, the national anthem will be performed by the Nimban Philharmonic Orchestra and, secondly, a cover/reinstrumentation of Fleetwood Mac’s ‘The Chain’, being the WGPC’s unofficial theme, will be performed by what will become the headline act as a celebration of Nimban diversity.

It is for the latter that I contact you. While we do have an act planned, we wondered whether it might be possible to augment it in some way to be particularly impressive. One of my colleagues suggested the incorporation of Imagination convertor technology into the performance. You and your team are certainly some of the and possibly the best Imagination convertor coders in the world and, as such, it seems natural that we ask - or, if you will, challenge - you to prepare it. Should you believe this to be impossible then, being non-experts, we will accept your judgement, but, if you are of the opinion that it is possible, please send us a response in the affirmative so that we can expect your participation.

Kind regards,

Eva Archer, Nimban Minister for Culture

Victoria Light looks over her screen, idly reaching up with her mouse hand and waving to the other two. “Hey, guys… Come and take a look at this.”

Tiffany and Alex, curious expressions on their faces, move to stand behind her chair, peering over their leader’s head to examine the message. Eyebrows are raised on one side; furrowed on the other.

Alex crosses his arms. “She wants us to make music. Music.” He shakes his head, turning towards the back wall of the room before a concerned Tiffany places her hand on his arm. He turns to face his teammates again. “It’s just - music! She wants us to use our advanced Imagination convertors, engineered for racing, as musical instruments!”

“I don’t know…” Victoria’s voice is contemplative. “I can think of at least one way to use an Imagikinetic convertor as an instrument.”

“Think of it as - as a showcase for our skills, Alex,” Tiffany adds. “Imagine how many people we could inspire!”

“They’re already inspired by the Chase Cutter, I’m sure,” Alex grumbles. “Still, if you both think it’s a good idea… I trust you. It’ll certainly be a challenge - outside our comfort zone - but it most likely won’t be a timesink either.”

“And, honestly,” Victoria admits, “it isn’t as if we’re fighting on the walls at the moment.” She looks up at the two of them. “If we’re in agreement, then?”

Both nod; she begins to type.

To: culture.minister@gov.nim
From: nrhp@nexusracingwgpc.nim

Give us a fortnight.

---

Ryker wanders into the canteen, his mind overcast.

Imagination, I really am still not over her, he admits to himself as he picks up a slice of honey-glazed cultured pork with a pair of tongs and places it inside a crusty roll. Not just that - it’s unfair to be thinking of Maria like that, too. She’s got a son to raise half a world away; if she knew that I… He considers for a moment as he manoeuvres some waldorf salad onto his plate. Well, actually, I’m not so sure that she would be upset. Even then, though, it’s unfair to myself, too. I’ve got a title to defend and a team to support; I don’t need a distraction like this weighing my mind down.

Setting the croissant down on his tray, alongside some water, he picks up the vessel for his assembled lunch and scans the room for a table at which to sit. Immediately his eyes come to rest on Timothy Guard and his feet move automatically. Then he winces. Imagination, I rely on him for advice a lot. Tim’s wise, sure, and dependable, but I really ought to widen the number of people who I’m looking to for that.

As such, Ryker stops himself, then looks around again. Hmm… There’s Jean. He might have some experience with this. Wouldn’t hurt to ask, right?

After hesitating for a moment, he nods before walking over to the table at which his teammate sits and sets himself down on the seat across from him. “Hey, Jean… Could I ask you something? It's kind of personal but, well, I think it could help me.” He takes his sandwich in one hand. “Have you ever dealt with a romantic break-up, or something like that?”

[Krainin]

Team Jennifer HQ

Jennifer pulls up to the building and parks in her space outside. She gets out of her car, which is a light blue, four-door sedan. She grabs a couple of bags and closes the door. Jennifer lets our a sigh as she walks towards the building. She enters and sees her teammate in the Krainin F1, Amanda Francis, sitting on a bench across the room reading a magazine.

"Hey Amanda," says Jennifer as she writes on a notepad on a desk.

"Oh. Hey Jennifer." Amanda gets up. "Your running a bit later than normal. Is something going on?"

Jennifer takes a deep breath. "Nothing I really want to talk about here."

"Ok, I understand." Jennifer starts to walk to the main office and Amanda follows her.

"Is there any information concerning Bitten Heros?"

"Uhh, no. But Josh does have some news for you."

"Alright." The two girls enter the office. Jennifer puts her bags down and Amanda walks into the other room. Jennifer here an exchange on the other side and Josh walks in.

"Hey, Jennifer. There you are!" Josh says as he walks over to hug her. They break the hug.

"Hey. You wanted to see me?"

"Yes, I do. I'm pretty sure Amanda told you about Bitten Heros. They've been strangely quiet. To be honest, because they weren't answering, I thought you weren't going to be participating in the WGPC. That was until WGPC Motorworks: Eelandii contacted us. They stated that they wanted to sign us and Reva Izalio from Karditan for a four race contract. If we preform well enough, they may extend the contract. What do you say about this?"

"Hmm," Jennifer says as she's makes some coffee. "That sounds good. Because Bitten Heros hasn't answered, I'm going to sign with WGPC Motorworks: Eelandii. Can you send an official notice to them."

"Will do."

To: WGPC Motorworks: Eelandii
From: teamjennifer@islesmail.tki

Greetings,

Jennifer Johnson accepts invitation to join the team. She's happy that someone picked her to race this year.

Sincerely,

Josh Rackford

[Karditan]

Some time ago, on a park bench under a moonlit Nekoni sky...

"...so, you want to talk about it?"

Reva sighed, not taking her eyes off a particularly bright star. "If you must."

"Now sure," Dimitri chuckled, "by the raw statistics, it wasn't a great day..."

"Good to know you still know just how to cheer me up."

"Hear me out. This was your first real race. Drivers from all over the world, all with something to prove, all with far more experience in these cars than you. And you didn't come in last! In all sincerity, that is an impressive feat." He lifted her hand and clasped it between his own. "I am proud of you."

She finally brought her gaze down, the corners of her eyes wet. "I... you know that means a lot to me, but it's just not enough. Teams don't want an mildly overachieving amateur."

"You are not an amateur! You are a professional to the letter, far more than any of the KRL's hacks. Hell, in your position your mother would have put herself into the wall to save time, but you fought through, caught up, and passed that Filindostani at the very last moment! That is not something a phony racer could do."

"...yeah, sure, I guess." She turned her gaze back skywards.

A silence overtook them for a few minutes, before Dimitri raised a withered finger upwards. "You see that bright one?"

Reva nodded; it'd been the one she'd been staring at.

"And this one over here, just a little less bright?"

"...yeah, I think so."

"You can draw two curved lines on their left."

"Okay...?"

"It's the crescent moon."

"Something doesn't seem right about making a moon out of stars."

"That's Luna's own constellation, which carries her blessing. The Duchess smiles on you tonight."

She slowly turned back towards Dimitri, her face completely deadpan. Until she doubled over laughing.

"Wait, what is so funny?"

"I always forget," she choked out, "that you're the superstitious sort of old coot."

"Superstitious? I watched Luna cast a spell on the entire country myself!"

"Oh, that was exactly the sort of laugh I needed tonight."

---

Fast forward to current times...

Halfway slid off the bed in her posh San Deneighgo apartment, Reva noticed a new e-mail alert on her phone. Weird, I didn't think I had any bills due now. She flicked the taskbar down and quickly scanned it, already starting to swipe it off.

Before she could finish swiping, she'd fallen all the way off.

---

Dimitri shivered and huddled deeper into his jacket. Why did they not call this race off? Another batch of obnoxiously painted muscle cars thundered past the pedestrian bridge stuffed with spectators. One had a wheel completely come off, subsequently careening right into a concrete support beam. Why did I come out for it? A welcome distraction came as his chest pocket began buzzing.

"Reva! What is up?"

"I got an offer!!!"

He just managed to keep himself from dropping his phone. "Really?! Strange after how quiet things have been. Who is it?"

"Eelandii. It's just for four races, but, well, that's four more than I was expecting!"

"Ah, yes, that is not surprising. I am sure you will give them plenty of reason to extend that! Assuming you take it, that is."

"What, are you crazy? Of course I'm going to accept! I'm not in any position to barter here."

"Just pulling your leg. I--" He was cut off as another round of cars blasted past.

"Wait, are you at the Bashtun race right now? What are you doing, it's freezing out there!"

"You cannot keep an old man from the road."

"Yes I can, because I need you to not have hypothermia when we fly to out to Turori! Go home and warm up!"

Dimitri let out a hearty chuckle to that, to the annoyance of those tightly packed around him. "Fair enough. Have you told your parents yet?"

"FUCK no." And the line went dead.

[Vangaziland]

Jessica had a few days before the practice session in Hodori. She had to fly home to Vangaziland for two days to handle some business, then she'd fly out to Hodori to join the team. She had paperwork to sign on a new house in Central Vangaziland, outside of Auster. She also had to meet with sponsors from a sports drink called REDUP.

The sun was already setting on this short spring day, but the sunrises were finally returning after a chilly fall and winter. The sun hung in the sky like a golden ball, turning the sky rich hues of orange and blue. A car travelled down a wide highway. Eight lanes were separated by a fenced off barrier. Concrete walls, made to help block road noise from the communities which sat a few miles or less from the side of the thoroughfare.

The car was in the far left lane, colored a bright purple with a red stripe which made its way from the rear fender, across the rear and over to the next rear fender. It was a 2 door coupe, sitting low to supercar proportions. Markings badged it a Vannish Motors Ghost VE edition. This was the limited edition model of Vangaziland's most well-known sports car.

It was cruising at 120 mph. This was a section of the highway designated as a high-speed route. Such routes were usually located outside of city limits, especially on the highways heading west from the coast. This particular car was headed from Auster towards the western tundra. Jessica Franssen and her boyfriend, point guard Hectare Yulssen were in the car. Jess was driving of course, something which Hec always found exciting.

He's seen Jessica make ridiculous maneuvers behind the wheel, including a few frightening last second lane exits. But if there was one thing any boyfriend of Jessica's had to know, it was to trust her driving lines.

Hectare also learned not to criticize. For the love of all that is holy, do not criticize any Franssen while they are driving. Hectare learned that at the family reunion. The current drive had been eventless. They had an mp3 track on from a Vannish rap group. The deep thump of the bass, the rich pitch of the higher notes and treble's whistles blended well with the engine noise.

Jess was taking it easy, having a mostly open road in front of her. She picked things up to 129 mph when she saw another car coming up behind her. She didn't want to go too slow for the fat lane. The highway was mostly straight with only a few wide, slightly banking turns on this stretch. There would be parts when signs would gradually slow the speed until reaching an upcoming turn's manageable speed. Jess particularly avoided those areas for this drive, wanting to take her rare car out on some straights. It had been a long winter and Vannish weather was finally nice enough for a cruise.

125 mph was also a nice, relaxing pace for the open wheeler. Not too slow. Not too pushy of a speed. Just that steady drone. That slight push with just the right atmosphere.

Yulssen was just glad to be spending more time with Jessica again. For a moment he thought he lost her. He didn't know what that was about, although the WGP2 season seemed to take a lot out of her. The two started dating 'way back when' towards the end of WGPC 14.

The truth was that Jessica tried to call Jenna Vandersen first, but she was too busy.

This other car was gaining more and more speed. It switched to the third lane and rushed past. Jess thought about keeping up with him and pushing it. It was a slower car, though still a sporty machine.

Jessica's Ghost VE had the massive 8.3L v8 making 720hp. The Vannish Motors Hammerhead attempting to pass was the TE6 trim level. It's 5.8L v.8 puts out 420hp. Of course, the price difference between the two vehicles is titanic. One could get a TE6 for under 40K.

"You gunna let him pass?" Hectare asked curiously as he looked over his shoulder.

Jessica punched the gas. *Braaaap*, responded the engine. The Ghost awoke with a deep rumble, punching up the speed as Jessica's nimble foot punched the gas pedal just right.

The Hammerhead fell behind soon after it caught up, though it was trying hard to keep up. 0-60 times are one thing, but high level acceleration has a huge difference when it comes to a vehicle like the Ghost vs. a Hammerhead. Forget HP for a second, the level of sophistication between the gear ratios and other factors also play a difference.

The Hammerhead is Vangaziland's muscle car. In it was some young hotshot and his girlfriend sitting inside of this particular speeding model. Jessica saw them when they were closer. The Ghost picked up enough speed quickly to negate the head start.

Then the gears shifted with a loud pop. The engines hit a bevy of revs, releasing the exhaust's anxious chorus of high-pitched voices.

The muscle car smartly styled in Vannish Motors new 2018 paint, Glacial Essence, was left behind.

The Hammerhead didn't have enough gears to play with the literal signature series of Vannish Motors. This limited edition Ghost was of a set of 25. Jessica Franssen and one of the team's GT2 drivers signed a plaque on the vehicle, after her rally series. She's expected to be lifetime VMR, though there is always the chance she can return to MRT someday. Even back then, Jess was on a conditional contract to sign for VMR's first WGPC car. Only now had the time finally arrived.

She had committed to the acceleration in her head to head with the Hammerhead. With so much space, she signaled and merged in front of the muscle car. It changed lanes and kept speeding along the far left. Jessica took things back down to 125. Inside she and Hectare shared a laugh. He reached over to rub her shoulders.

They watched the other car catch up and speed past.

"Some people drive too fast", Jessica said, slightly tounge in cheek.

"I mean, he is really pushing it. He's cruising."

"There are cops around here", Yulssen said laughing. The car soon faded out of view. "I bet he's from out of town." A lot of cars pass through Central Vangaziland every day, not to mention the trucks and buses which ran on the slower right 2 lanes.

The two were on the lookout for a place to eat, so they got excited when they saw a sign for a steakhouse chain, Haas'. It was a family owned chain which always sourced local markets for the freshest cuts of meat. Steak was a big part of Vannish cuisine, being showcased during two seperate Alpen View brew Festivals.

"I'm paying this time", Hectare said stubbornly. Jessica always tried to pay and forced her way into doing so. The servers usually took Jessica's side too, for some reason, letting her pay. Yulssen had a higher paying pro contract, but Jessica inherited her late father's fortunes. The two had similar sponsorship deals. It was the principle of it that two constantly fought over.

Jess was only joking though, while Hec took it seriously. It was all a big laugh for Jessica.

A few miles down the road, they saw the Glacier colored Hammerhead once again. It was pulled over on the right shoulder. Behind it was a motorcycle cop. It wouldn't be too bad of a fee most likely. It'd be expensive, but these were high speed roads. So being caught going 135 or so in a 125 wouldn't be so bad.

"I wish we could talk the cop out of that ticket", Jess said. "We got the Hammerhead all riled up."

"You did force him to pass."

"I slowed down so he could get over. Nobody said he had to keep rushing."

"I though you said you felt bad for him." The Royals' PG laughed to himself.

"Well yeah... But it's not my fault", she said.

The car sped down the road, sun now setting. The Ghost's headlights flipped on, a bright xenon which lit the road in front of her. In the far right lane, a large dual trailer truck carrying gravel out west chugged along. To the left of the opposite side of the highway, a high speed rail train bringing people from way out in South Stead was headed to the lage Auster metropolitan area.

[Vilita and Turori]

WGPC16 Sponsorship Opportunities & Suppliers

:: Driver Services & Team Sponsorship Interest ::

:: Vilaye Energy Drink

Vilaye Energy Drink, supposedly made from natural extracts and minimal artificial processing - but always reluctant to reveal the true ingredients - has long been a supporter of Vilitan sporting ventures. Vilaye stepped up their involvement in Vilitan sport after the restart of the Vilitan league by taking a place as sponsors of the seasonal Tropical Trophy matchup as well as kit sponsorships. Vilaye funded much of the development work for the stand up of the Vilita & Turori Motorsports team prior to WGPC 11 and has been a personal services sponsor for Vilitan driver R.L. Cruisin throughout his racing career. Any team which signs R.L. Cruisin as their driver for the WGPC 16 campaign would likely see significant financial investment from Vilaye Energy Drink in an effort to ensure that Vilaye's #1 Driver, R.L. Cruisin, ends up in victory lane at some point during the season.. R.L. Cruisin is currently planning to attend a test at MSA-SinVal and may also be open to driving for other teams on the WGPC Grid for its 16th Campaign.

:: Coco-mart

Coco-mart is a Turorian affiliated big box store primarily found in South Covello. Stood up after the fall of the reign of Lord Gregory, Turorian company CoCoCo established a footprint inside South Covello and established itself as a primary supplier of core goods and services. Coco-marts were stood up throughout South Covello to serve as an interface between CocCoCo and the public offering excess goods to the citizens of South Covello and somewhat reasonable prices compared with what it would have taken for a citizen to acquire similar goods during the reign of Lord Gregory.

:: Tiones Lumber

Yeaddin, Vilita based Tiones Lumber corporation branches prides itself in 'renewable lumber operations' - with 100% of its product coming from purpose-operated 'Lumber Farms' ensuring minimal impact on the local habitat. Tiones Lumber had some rough years during the initial standup of Tropicorp due to the influx of Lumber from clearing efforts in Tropicoast. However the Long-time sponsors of the Vilitan Stellar Division's Yeaddin Owls AFC survived the rough patch and have rebounded to once again be the leading Lumber provider in the region.

:: Turoki Island Tourism Board

The Turoki Island Tourism Board, through their "Visit TI" campaign, is always looking for new and exciting ways to reach across the multiverse and pull new tourists into Turoki City and to experience the grandier of Turoki Island itself. From the well preserved Northern Forests and the native villages of Riailia to the Southern Shores and the always-hopping Island Capital of Turoki City, Turoki Island would seemingly 'sell itself'. But with the ongoing development throughout the Vilitan Cove region and new tourist destinations such as Cocoabo Park cropping up, the Turoki Island Tourism board occasionally decide they need to get their name back out in the forefront of the minds of would be toursists before they start planning their next week-long getaway.

:: Cocoa-Bo Eatery

Cocoa-bo, an establishment taking its name directly from the beloved national animal of Turori, started as a small dessert shop in Kionao. However, it was only after they added chocolate topped drinks to their menu that their popularity started to soar. As more and more patrons scooped up their chocolate flavored pick-me-ups, demand for the Cocoa-bo product skyrocketed and soon new franchised locations were popping up all throughout Turori. Shifting to more of a social 'hang-out' then just a casual place to drop in, get a dessert, and leave, the new locations started adding small foods such as Bagels for the morning, Soups and Sandwiches for Lunch or Dinner and Salads for the entire day. Cocoa-bo has expanded outside of Vilita & Turori. Their first regional location was opened in Andossa Se Mitrin Vega and the company continues to further increase its image by partnering with Motorsport teams and expanding the company footprint across Atlantian Oceania and beyond.

:: Tropicorp Racing Supply

Tropicorp is a quasi-governmental corporation created to conduct Research, Development and Production activities primarily on behalf of the Tropics of Vilita. One of the byproducts of Tropicorps development in a remote location on the Calanian mainland has been the removal of native and wild tree species to make way for development space. Tropicorp engineers discovered a dense grove of Calanian rubber trees.

Tropicorp Engineering developed the special Calanian rubber to create high performance racing tyres for testing purposes. After the tests proved successful, It wasn't long before the tooling was done and Racing Tyres were popping out on an hourly basis from the workshop and Tropicorp Racing Supply was born. Everything on Tropicorp Racing Supply's standard product line from Crew Uniforms to Composite-Material suspension parts will be on offer. - even the potential for advanced product opportunities through Tropicorp Engineering to include Chassis and Hybrid Power systems. Additionally, any team with an official supplier arrangement with Tropicorp Racing Supply will receive discounted Tropicorp Sifaka tyres for use in private testing or events.

:: Charitable Organizations ::

:: Cocoabo Preservation Society

The Cocoabo Preservation Society is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to spreading awareness about Turori's native and endangered Cocoabo species, as well as collecting donations and raising funds to help protect, care for and breed Turorian Cocoabo. The Cocoabo Preservation Society has partnered with Tropicorp to develop to Cocoabo Forest just north of Turori.

The CPS does not pay to put its logo on Grand Prix vehicles. However, based on previous arrangement with Vilita & Turori Motorsports, special CPS merchandise will be made available produced and sold with a portion of the proceeds going towards Cocoabo Conservation, while the CPS offers special "Go Go Cocoabo!" donation packages as well as corporate tours of Cocoabo Park and the Preservation Society headquarters. --- Cocoabo Preservation Society Logo Neutral Color Logo Template ---

[Esmerel]

Nexus Racing HQ, The Nexus Wardship
Wednesday, 14 Feb 2018

"Huh. You know, I expected you'd come to me. At 35, I've seen things a lot of racing drivers can't say they have. What you lose in speed you get back in knowledge. But anyways, yes, I think I can help..."

Jean took a closer look at Ryker. He put two and two together and came up with the answer. "This is about Maria, isn't it?"

Jean only got silence as an answer, but he could tell Ryker meant a 'yes.'

"Well," Jean continued, "you shouldn't worry so much. I know it's hard to get over it. But sometimes you just have to move on. I was never in a romantic relationship with Maria, or anyone else for that matter, but I knew how important she was to you. She was important to me, too. We were teammates. Perhaps the only reason I'm now with you is because I was the awkward third wheel between you and Maria."

Jean sighed. "Regardless, I know what you're thinking. It's not easy. I had three retirements in a row during WGPC15. But I never gave up, and look at me now. I hold a record for most races won simultaneously-"

At that moment Jean realized he was talking to the World Champion who was still winless in a single race. "I didn't mean to say anything sensitive. Anyways, my point is that we just need to keep going. We have to pack up and go to Hodori tomorrow. So, are you with me? We can do this."

[Aboveland]

Terho sat right before the gate, his travel bag on his lap, its brand new vanilla scent wafting towards his nose. He slightly undid the zipper to peek at his pristine new racing gloves. The leather was completely smooth, unlike his older, grimier gloves, which had crinkles around the knuckles. His zen-like state had managed to carry on for the entire week, and while the nervous hole in his stomach began to percolate leading up to the first race weekend of the year, he still kept his nerves at bay.

Terho's week had been tame in terms of physical action, but his preparation was second to none. He'd studied the Hodorian track to the most minute details, allowing him to close his eyes and run through the circuit from memory, each and every gearshift audible in his head. Outside of his brain straining exercise, logic informed him that the opening track couldn't be more perfect for him. The circuit was among the most varied on the calendar, with endless straights and winding, high speed corners optimal to unleash the beast and, historically, he'd always excelled on the track, winning the GP the season before. He was brimming with confidence.

Hold on.

The beast?

Too ambiguous.

Chassis XX was in dire need of a proper name, suffering the same situation as his championship winning Chassis Y'. He needed a personal name for it, something to bond with, like Anni.

Anni's name was too tame for his liking. Sure, it was a fitting name for the quirkily colored MRT car, but it simply wouldn't cut it for the jarring V10 howl of the TRÆ machine. He needed something daring, brave, fearless, like Nanna.

Nanna.

That was nice.

Pleased, Terho shut his eyes again, repeating Nanna over and over again, imagining the raspy roar of her engine revving up with the accentuation in the name. Nanna was perfect.

The desk attendants at the gate called the business passengers to board the plane to Hodori. Terho stretched his legs one last time and paced down the jetway, running his fingers along the plastic tile walls, feeling the rhythmic tap of his fingertips against the next panel. He greeted the attendant at the entrance to the plane, sluggishly climbed up the spiral staircase, and plopped his earbuds in. He slid his duffel bag into the overhead compartment, checked to see that Edvin had sat next to him across the aisle, winked and raised a thumb at his friend, and slouched back against his seat, resting his forehead on the window. He was right about to let rip his "brain food" playlist when his finger paused right above the button.

He renamed the playlist to Nanna and dozed off with a cheeky smile on his face.

[Kita-Hinode]

WORLD GRAND PRIX CHAMPIONSHIP
Hinode's own Moe Himura signs with Arada Motorsports
MISEI CITY, MISEI - Moe Himura, the sole Hinodejin driver to ever sign up for the WGPC has finally managed to come to terms for a seat. Having been offered the second seat at Arada Motorsports, the Hinodejin driver at first waited for a test she agreed to participate on but with the delayed test slowly but surely getting too close to the first race of the season, she chose to sign up with the Hodori-based outfit.

"I'm joyful." said a pretty much emotionless Moe Himura. "I hope every single driver there is aware I'm here to destroy every single thing they established and I'll gladly do so under Arada's colours." She then had the microphone stolen from her by one of her assistants, who simply noted "U-uh... She's happy to run and that's all, folks!" and thus bolted her off the room. With this, Moe Himura agreed to be the second seat driver for Arada Motorsports.

[WGPC]

Team India Force 13 given surprise WGPC berth

The racing world was sent into a tailspin earlier today as the governing body of the world's premier motorsports competition, the World Grand Prix Committee, threw spanner into the engine just as it began to rev up.

WGPC Motorworks: Talbott, believed by many to have been earmarked long ago for selection as the surprise '13th team' of the WGPC16 season, were shunted aside in favour of a team funded by a consortium in the region of India. Team India Force 13, believed to be run either out of Azadeshia or Northwest Kalactin, were said to have jumped forward with a 'sizeable offer' on the eve of the WGPC's decision.

Insiders at the WGPC have admitted that money is the major factor in accepting 'TIF13' into the championship, and some have expressed reservations about the decision, intimating that the WGPC organization has such strong ties to Liventia (having been based there for the majority of its existence) that to risk, as one insider put it, 'royally pissing them off' could be construed as a gargantuan error.

Nevertheless, Team India Force 13's chosen drivers, Nate Jackson and Ranveer Singh, numbers 99 and 12 respectively, will take part in the upcoming Hodori Grand Prix and are slated to be taking part in at least the first seven races of the season, at which point the fledgling team's contract will be up for review.

[Northwest Kalactin]

That’s right you just heard that there’s a new team on the block and not just any team, team India Force 13
A driver from Azadeshia and a driver from Northwest Kalactin will be teaming up to impress the racing world we also got a nice new car as shown right here:

The 2 drivers hope to have a very good racing season and the team is signed to a Seven race contract while after that their contract could be extended for the rest of the season which we hope will happen although the drivers will have to preform well to do something like that, the team was decided off a survey from the WGPC council that decided to create a surprise thirteenth team the team will be bearing India’s flag during the races as they are the only drivers that originated from a Indian nation in the world championship racing series so they hope they represent India well the surprise contract was accepted by the driver Nate Jackson in a flash Nate said “I was desperate for a contract I hoped a team would come along but nobody wanted to sign me after the planned WGPC Moterworks team that I had a chance of going on was taken up by other drivers I thought I was out of hope I am very thankful that the team wanted to sign me and I hope they were happy about that decision”

[Former Citizens of the Nimbus System]

Grand Prix of Hodori
Pre-Practice

“Onto sport news and the World Grand Prix Committee have just announced the surprise entry of a thirteenth team into the WGPC 16 season! Team India Force of the eponymous nation will be participating for the first time in Hodori alongside the likes of Nexus Racing, Mattijana Racing Team and McPahan Racing…”

A hush falls over the canteen of the headquarters of Nexus Racing as everyone, sitting down to eat their various breakfasts, stares at the NBC News broadcast as it is projected onto the room’s wall.

Silence is maintained for no more than a moment as Gertrude Thompson stands. “Alright - I want eyes outside the spare garage! Anyone willing to go through the portal for the morning?”

A solitary hand shoots up.

“Great, Xander! Report to me as soon as you see any personnel arriving! Design team, when Xander tells me something’s happening, I’ll contact all of you; we’re all going to take a look at what India Force have come up with to see if there’s anything of merit in the bodywork and chassis! Be ready to respond - have your communications open!”

She sits down. After nobody else stands up, those who stopped eating resume.

The design team do so more rapidly than anyone else.