World Grand Prix Championship 18 [RP/results]

[Sorlovia]

Volkov Racing HQ
Pre-season

The eighteenth season of the World Gran Prix Championships provided an interesting challenge. It would be the first time that Volkov Motors had hosted a racing team at an international level. The Sorlovian Gran Prix was minor leagues compared to this. Everyone in the racing industry knew the World Gran Prix Championships and every racing team aspired to one day being able to manage a team at WGPC level. Volkov Racing now found itself in that much lauded position.

“This is going to be an interesting experience for us all.”

Sergei Kletska, the man tasked with taking the reins of Volkov Racing, sat at the head of the board table with his fingers entwined in front of him. The driver sign ups had begun so competition would soon heat up. His team could not afford to be left out in the cold when it came to signing racers to fill their spots for the season. After all, they were a rookie team and this season could either make or break their reputation for years to come.

To: Reiyomi Enata
From: Volkov Racing

Greetings,

On behalf of Volkov Racing I would like to thank you for getting touch with us. We here at Volkov so greatly admire your initiative and ambition. Both are highly desirable qualities in a racer. In light of this we would like to cordially invite you to take part in a test circuit at our training facility on the rural outskirts of Nemenyets.

If you are interested in attending we would like to offer free accommodation and transport to help you in your preparations for the upcoming season.

Thank you for considering Volkov Racing!

Kind regards
Sergei Kletska
Volkov Racing

He then quickly flicked off another email;

To: Ryker Lane
From: Volkov Racing

Greetings,

No doubt you are excited about the upcoming season. I would like to invite you to take part in a test circuit at our testing facility on the rural outskirts of Nemenyets. If you are interested we would like to provide you with transport and accommodation.

If I may be frank, we have heard of your family’s reputation and your own growing presence in the WGPC. As such you are of great interest to us as an emerging team.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,
Sergei Kletska
Volkov Racing

Sergei looked up at the faces gathered around the table. They were all bright-eyed and fresh-faced. Some would have perhaps considered that a sign of his team’s rookie status. But he liked to see it as untapped potential. Volkov Racing was a new entrant and as such they hadn’t yet experience the full rigours of a WGPC Season. But they would soon learn and adapt to keep up with the more seasoned teams. Besides, it was still early in the pre-season sign up phase. There was plenty of time.

Negotiations were already underway with Gregori Krupin. But he was keen to get the contract nailed down before one of the other teams poached him. Gregori had established a name for himself in the past two WGPC Seasons and as such he would be of interest to other teams. The young Sorlovian had become a household name in Sorlovian and as such would make the perfect headman for Volkov Racing.

Then there was the matter of finalizing the Volkov colour scheme and arranging the sponsorship deals. Volkov Motors would be a natural major sponsor. After all they were the ones feilding the team. He was quite partial to the colours, blue, red and gold. Or perhaps some combination of them.

There was much to be done.

[Mattijana]

It was back.

After a WGP2 series, a WGP3 series, several other WGP3 series... the big one was about to get underway again. Back too were MRT, including their ever-present team principal Johan Struna and his deputy Maria Jamasova.
This year's season planning would take on another element too. As well as the usual business of the car and driver line-up, there was a new engine supplier to get to grips with and the new rules on tyres meant that Petrovi would not be the usual supplier for the Mattijanan outfit. As a result, there were a lot of decisions for the reconvened brains committee to make without a great deal of time to make them.
At least with tyres, they could wait a little while and still get their first choice. The highly competitive and often chaotic nature of the driver market meant that they would have to act quickly to secure their chosen steeds. MRT had done just that and signed Jasmin Kranjska.
The 25 year-old Mattijanan had been around the WGPC for a couple of years now and had earnt her chance at an established front-of-grid team. In-truth, simply persevering with the horribly slow SinVal car warranted a go at the sharp end of the grid, but Johan couldn't offer a slot to everyone and Jasmina had managed to drag the car onto the podium on two separate occasions and thrashed her less experienced teammate Dahlia Dahl in the teammate battle. She would be the first Mattijanan to drive for MRT since Alex Dimitrianov in WGPC14 and was undoubtedly a very promising talent.
The identity of the other driver was still a mystery and would largely depend on the other teams on the grid. Their two drivers from last year, Sigur Bjarnason and Gregori Krupin, both had new teams from their nation on the grid and would likely sign for them. Ryker Lane and Terho Talvela, both recent world champions, would probably stick to their home teams too. Jess Franssen looked like she was taking at least a year off from the sport. iBen Toralmintii would be a tough signing and was getting old anyway. Alex Dimitrianov's bridges with the team had been well and truly burnt. Of the sport's established frontrunners, that left only Jean Mercer-Daly.
The Esmerelian didn't have a home team to sign for, but had finished a solid 5th in last year's championship despite the horrific injuries suffered in the season finale of WGPC16. With his comeback season behind him and a solid knowledge of the WGPC's inner-workings, he would be an excellent signing. Johan might even go as far as to say it would be a 'coup'.

The team's bigwigs had marked him out as their top target. There was a fairly hefty chance he would want to go back and sign for Nexus Racing of course, but for now he was a free agent and officially in the same boat as everyone else who hadn't been snapped up in the very early stages.

To: Jean Mercer-Daly
From: Maria Jamasova
Subject: No. 1 Driver's Spot at MRT

Dear Mr. Mercer-Daly,

Following your strong performances in recent series of the WGPC, we at MRT would like to offer you a role as number one driver for the coming season, the 18th edition of the multiverse's premier racing series. The team has been consistently impressed with your performances in the sport, at times against the odds, and has decided you would be an excellent fit for our title ambitions this season.
More details of your contract are enclosed. We look forward to hearing from you.

Maria Jamasova,
Deputy team principal, MRT.

Maria rubbed her hands and pressed send. Outside, the springtime sunshine poked through a gap in the clouds over the Kopylov circuit. The magnificent circuit wouldn't be featuring on the WGPC calendar this year thanks to the appearance of a new track near Ljubala in the East of the country, but it was still a beautiful sight and one the latest MRT car had been getting to grips with over the last few weeks.
The chicane that had been added halfway down the pit straight to create an additional overtaking opportunity had largely been straight-lined in practice to test out the new piece of kit in the back of the car. It was no secret that the MRT's engine had been the weakest part of the car for well...pretty much ever and something had to change if they were to be successful this year. A new partnership with Burges-based manufacturer Nordija would hopefully be a boost. The company could offer greater resources, better technology and top-class staff. The problem was that they had never built a WGPC-spec engine before.
So far there had been a few reliability gremlins, but when everything aligned and the throttle properly hooked up to the power-unit, it looked quick. The kilometre-long pit straight at the Kopylov would be a solid test of that too. There was a long way to go and a lot of improvements to make, but things were going in the right direction.

---

Alex Dimitrianov was sitting in his log cabin.
The 33 year-old had used his prize money from a third-placed finish in last year's drivers standings to good effect. The plush, but impersonal townhouse in Petrovijanka had been sold to some inner-city professional or other and the WGPC driver had moved back to his home region of Danskia.

Sure, it was chillier, but he had a larger yet cosier house, was nearer to his family and felt closer to the roots that had got him to the WGPC and his four race wins within it. Ice-rallying during the winter was a younger man's game, but it was great fun and Alex had dabbled in a few grass - or rather permafrost - roots events during the off-season to keep his mind busy and his body strong.

The snow was thawing now though, and that meant only one thing to Alex now. It meant the WGPC was coming.

For the first time since his days in the domestic scene, Alex felt confident of securing a drive. Third place on top of his veteran status meant he was sure to pick up offers, but the team he had driven with last year, Badai Angin, were keen to retain him and that was good enough for him.

Of course Alex still had the hunger to win, more than ever now in the autumn of his career, but success to him started with being settled. The move back to his home province was a start. Signing a contract extension with Badai Angin was another. The car had suited him, he had built a great relationship with the team and if the team could build on the machine he had last season, it would be one capable of a title challenge.

A pile of bags sat expectantly in the corner of his living room. Tomorrow he would fly out to Filindostan to begin simulator and in-situ testing with the new car and he was ready to get to work again after the long off-season. For now though, the fireplace crackled, the stars twinkled through the window and the pine trees swayed - and that felt like a last night at home Alex could savour.

[Xanneria]

Location - Chepelle Motorspeedway - Chepelle, Suderland, Xanneria


L to R: Johnny Simmons (Red Tie), Alex Jacobi, and Greg Burns in the broadcast booth

AJ: Hello everyone I'm Alex Jacobi, we are here live at the Chepelle Motorspeedway and in a mere 7 days we'll have one of the greatest sporting traditions in Xanneria right right here, in the nations breadbasket, Chepelle. But first we must get the final three drivers qualified for the field of 33. 12 drivers will go for the final 3 spots. We have some heavy hitters still not qualified and with me on my right your left is Xanneria's Racing Uncle, Johnny Simmons and Johnny you had to fight the same uphill battle many of these drivers did too, especially the famous 1995 race.

JS: I knew you were gonna bring that up! Alex you wily stooge! But yes, a lot of these driver, have never felt a pressure like this. This race is one of the most unique and well known oval races in Esportiva, but we are now seeing unprecedented growth as drivers from as far as the Rushmori country of Southwest Eastnorth and even a team co-owned by some Northwest Kalactin investors.

AJ: ALso with us is the runner up in 1990 and 1992's pole sitter, Greg Burns, Greg, what are you thought on whose tough to beat in the last gasp qualifying session.

GB: I think Alex Gregoire, the Starcomer whose going out first should hold off the other 11, he's got the timing just didn't get a chance out there in either of the two sessions due to somne mechanical issues and a crash in session 2.

AJ: and as we say that Gregoire is out! He is driving a Knox powered Dixon sponsored by Albatross, of course Albatross has been a local sponsor of this race for years and lately has been sponsoring the XCAR Championship car of his owner Helmut Garner

a lil bit later....

AJ: And Gregoire clocks in with a four lap average of 222.337 that will put him 30th for now, BUT if he had put that lap in on day one he would have made it at the 12th spot.

GB: Yeah thats only a 2 mile per hour difference from pole sitter Jackey Blake...

a lil bit later....

AJ: And now here is Dr Bob Reynolds, a Local dentist, this will be his fifth attempt and he has yet to qualify for the 500, he's driving the Aquaglug Toothpaste Dixon, powered by one of those NMC Flat 6s

JS: yeah and he's usually the slowest car here.....

After the qualifying run....

AJ: And thats a lap of 209.188, Slowest car here by a significant stretch, he's unlikely to get in again this year.

JS: Yeah if Dr. Reynolds has a prayer of getting in he needs that rain out west to get here fast!

GB: There's already Hobie Bart and Gary Hickinbottom queued up for their laps.


(Photo credit to Mark Windecker)

After the next car goes out....

AJ: And now Hobie Bart has qualified 32nd, with a speed of 215.073. Bart as we stated earlier is a pilot for an airline charter that charters for the Southwest Eastnorth Oil Industry.

Later.....

AJ: And Gary Hickinbottom is in turn 4 on his third lap and he gets a lil tweitchy and BAM! Gary Hickinbottom is in the wall! This is big! the Dirt car star has wrecked!

GB: is it raining?

JS: Yeah I think it is Greg!

LATER....

AJ: and it's official! There's no more drivers able to go out and the rain has won, Gregoire, Bart and you hear it right, Dr Bob Reynolds have qualified!

During the Race....

AJ: AND THERE'S AN ACCIDENT ON PIT LANE! It appears thats thr 40 of Dr Bob Reynolds, the 39 year old dentist and he's parked up on our reace leaders car!

JS: Oh no, he just accidently ran over the race leader! 20 laps in under yellow for debris and have our big wreck of the day!

After Commecrcial break

AJ: And there's a fight! Reynolds has just had a haymaker from the driver he wrecked with the car #12 of Mateo Robert

Location - The Dairylands Motorspeedway - South St Geoffreystown, Agnew, Xanneria

TO BE CONTINUED

[Cocoabo Forest]

"Fast Cocoabo" is a veteran of the WGP2 circuit having now competed in all three seasons of its existence. Cocoabo #23 was the Runner-Up during the inaugural season of WGP2 competition and is still searching for that elusive championship performance that would prove they are ready to advance to the World Grand Prix Championship level. While Cocoabo #23 was outperformed by their less experienced teammate during the pre-season testing, it has been all business for the Cocoabo since arriving in Nekoni with the #23 posting the 6th best time in practice and 8th fastest time in the Qualification session.

After being agonizingly defeated at the Inaugural Cocoabo Preservation Grand Prix by Vannish Motors Racing driver Jang Xiopeng, Cocoabo #23 returned a stronger, smarter, faster Cocoabo. Many blamed Fast Cocoabo's defeat on home turf during WGP2 Season 1 to poor pit strategy and not on driving talent. Still, on track, the Cocoabo showed improvements across the board. From the moment the lights went out on the grid, Cocoabo #23 was on a rail never to be challenged. The Orange an Blue Tropicorp machine led the field from start the finish taking the checkers nearly a minute ahead of the nearest competitor to become the first Cocoabo to win an officially sanctioned multiversal event within the Cocoabo Forest.

Cocoabo #23 brings full funding from a variety of sponsors including The Cocoabo Enrichment & Enhancement Consortium including the Cocoabo Park Resort, Tropicorp Natural Services and major donors of the Cocoabo Preservation Society in their search for a full time World Grand Prix driver seat. While Fast Cocoabo's ability to 'hop' in an existing teams WGPC ride for a quick test session are limited due to the minor engineering modifications required to fit a given automobile to be piloted by a Cocoabo, the Cocoabo Park Resort will be hosting a 3 day motorsports event where prosepctive Teams and Free Agent drivers alike can come together to find a fitting partnership for the upcoming World Grand Prix season.

The Cocoabo Exposition & World Grand Prix Trials

Track Location: Cocoabo Park, Cocoabo Forest, Atlantian Oceania
WGP2 Lap Record: 1:52.216 (Fast Cocoabo, WGP2 S1)
Track Lap Length: 6.63km
Precipitation Chance: 18%

Event Details:

The Cocoabo Exposition will take place on the first day of the three day event. Representatives from all World Grand Prix Championship teams still searching for a driver are invited to bring up to 5 representatives from their organization for an all-expenses paid 3-Day, 4 Night stay at the Cocoabo Park Resort.

During the Cocoabo Exposition, the driving talents of Cocoabo #23 will be on display with a special event showcasing Fast Cocoabo's skills both on their own and driving amongst other up-and coming Cocoabo speedsters. There will also be meet and great events where team representatives can learn about the Cocoabo Enrichment and Enhancement Project, meet the Cocoabo and their financiers as well as spend reserved time exploring the Park.

Day 2 will see the arrival of Free Agent drivers from around the multiverse looking to highlight their skills and talents to the teams and sponsors on hand looking to make a deal. Depending on the number of participants, drivers will be split into groups of no larger than 10 on track at a time using WGPC-14 era Vilita & Turori Motorsports World Grand Prix open wheel chassis with a modern Tropicorp Engineering Power Train. The culmination of Day 2 will be a Time Trial session where the Top 10 Free Agent Drivers plus two Cocoabo Drivers will advance to the Grand Finale of the Cocoabo Expo, a 23 lap sprint race on the third and final day of competition.

Interested Drivers and Teams should confirm their participation in the Cocoabo Expo & WGPC Trials via either official press release or by directly contacting Vilita and Turori Motorsports who will be handling the seat fitting arrangement.


Overview:

The Cocoabo Park Circuit is cut out of the Cocoabo Forest just a few kilometers from Cocoabo Park. Shuttles will run regularly taking fans and guests from the Park to the race track. The Cocoabo Park Circuit was originally designed for the Cocoabo Enrichment and Enhancement Project (CEEP) where Cocoabo are trained under the leadership of Tropicorp Scientists and the Cocoabo Preservation Society.

When the course is not in use by the CEEP or hosting an international race weekend it is occasionally used as part of an extended driving tour of the Cocoabo Park. Freelance Cocoabo can often be seen grazing the hilltops on the Eastern side of the course between turns 1-3 and along the river delta under turns 5 and 6.

During events Shuttles run every 5-30 minutes from the central Cocoabo Park Resort to various locations around the Cocoabo Park Circuit for guests to seamlessly transfer between the Park and the Race Track for the full event weekend.

Access to grandstand seating requires event specific ticketing available at both the Resort Ticket Center and the main track entrance at the Cocoabo Park Circuit. Any guests of the Cocoabo Park Resort will also have full unrestricted access to all fan areas of the Cocoabo Circuit throughout the Exposition and Grand Prix Trials.

:: Cocoabo Park ::

As the host of the Cocoabo Preservation Grand Prix and the events major sponsor, Cocoabo Park is the publicly accessible portion of the Cocoabo Forest, itself a joint venture between the Cocoabo Preservation Society, Tropicorp and the Island Emirate of Turori to Preserve, Study, Highlight and in some cases improve the existence and appreciation of Turori's Native Cocoabo.

While the Cocoabo Forest itself is a vast land where Cocoabo flocks are allowed to roam free, at Cocoabo Park visitors from around the multiverse are treated to intimate tours, close encounters and educational experiences all with the Cocoabo at the center. With limited on site lodging and a fully equipped village at the entrance area to the Park, visitors could spend days at Cocoabo Park without even venturing on one of the Park's tours into its different Cocoabo training enclosures or even further into the Cocoabo Forest.

In addition to the commercially driven aspect of the Park, and as a critical part of the relationship with the Cocoabo Preservation Society, the Park also serves as a hub for the team of Scientists and Researchers from both the Cocoabo Preservation Society and Tropicorp many of whom reside full time at the park. While the Cocoabo Preservation Society led efforts are more focused on passive studying and preservation, the Tropicorp team lead the CEEP - the Cocoabo Enrichment & Enhancement Project out of the Park. Beyond just researching and understanding the Cocoabo Genome, the CEEP team are tasked with focused training and enrichment activities to hyper-focus Cocoabo to hone their talents and skills and bring them to the forefront. One of the most popular enclosures on a tour of Cocoabo Park is the CEEP's sporting enclosure where Cocoabo can be found participating in activities such as Footsport and even on a lucky day, Motorsport.

Admission to the central areas of Cocoabo Park inclusion all Educational Exhibits are included for all competitors participating in the Cocoabo Exposition & World Grand Prix Trials. Guided Tours, Dedicated Educational Sessions and special events will be available throughout the expo weekend up until one hour prior to the start of the sprint race. Fans and Competitors can pick up a special edition "Cocoabo Passport" book with the Expo logo where they can collect stamps for attending various sessions, exhibits and tours throughout the Park. Completed Passports can be redeemed for 50% off admission for up to four guests on a return visit to Cocoabo Park.

Racing Line Tips for Drivers:

Drivers will hug the line along the tributary between the hills around turns 1, 2 and 3; speeding out of turn 3 toward the over taking zones at turn 4, 5 and 6. Crossing the river they will bend around to set themselves up for the long, slow turn 8 - another prime opportunity for overtaking. Getting through the 'Esses' will be critical to set up back across the river for the 90 degree turn 12. Sweeping through 13 to set up for the Hairpin Turn 14 and then accelerate back across the line to complete a lap. While the turns are varied a moderately skilled driver will be able to handle them. The biggest challenge for drivers will be maintaining focus as a lack of any truly 'straight' sections means that the driver will always be on the wheel, setting up for the optimum line in every section of the track.

---

[Liventia]

OOC host notes: The OP has been updated with confirmed signings and tyre choices. Please let me know if I've missed any.

The WGPC Motorworks team does not RP. Please save your IC communication with this team. Run by the WGPC, it will offer its seats to two talented drivers with potential (i.e. high RP) that have not yet been signed by the end of the driver signing period.

The WGPC Motorworks team will choose as tyre supplier whichever tyre supplier has the fewest teams signed up to use its tyres, or if there is more than one such supplier, the one among them with the most neutral R/T ratings.

[Auruna]

Novinaya-Lirei Zuroloyov Circuit
Novinaya, Auruna

Lukas Ziuvin, a young talent in Aurun motorsport, he's the only Aurun driver besides rally drivers who have raced outside of Auruna. With an impressive career, he decided to take part in the upcoming WGPC 18 for Auruna.

"Ah, it's time."

His week is busy, it will become busier as the season is closing in. Lots of emails and messages but which to notice. Then something caught his eye. His agent already notified him of it but it never properly got to him until now.

"What is this- oh. I'll give it a shot then."

Lukas, hoping to get a seat in one of the teams, takes every chances he can get.

To: Marty Lewis
From: Lukas Ziuvin
Subject: Open Tryouts

---

Greetings. My name is Lukas Ziuvin from Auruna, I am hoping to get a seat in the WGPC 18. I have years of experience in motorsport and have won the Aurun Endurance Championship's drivers' titles four times with the VSK Endurance Team. I have proven myself there and wish to go further with the WGPC.

I'm looking forward to participating in your team's open tryout in hopes to earn a seat this season. I can bring in a few sponsors to help your team this season if I were to be chosen for the seat.

Sincerely,
Lukas Ziuvin

"There, time to do the others."

With not much time left, Lukas hastily composes an email to the other constructors.

To: WGPC 18 Constructors
From: Lukas Ziuvin
Subject: Driver Seat Opening

---

Greetings. My name is Lukas Ziuvin, racing driver from Auruna and I'm hoping to earn a seat this season. I'm a capable and reliable driver with skills proven on track in the AEC where I won the drivers' championship four times. I am suited so a slightly unstable car that I can push hard everywhere. Back home, I am known for my overtaking skill even against faster competition, I take my chances anywhere be it at the straights or the corners. I wish to prove to you why I'm worthy of a seat in your team.

If necessary, I can bring in a few sponsors to help your team go through the season. Hoping to put that money to good use in your team. In any case, I'm alright with the role of second driver as long as it helps with the team's championship results.

Sincerely,
Lukas Ziuvin

---

Viska Factory
Sterlennau, Auruna

Late in the night, not usual for Jöna but this time it's necessary as he needs work to be done before the season officially starts. Artur and a few others are currently helping him with various tasks and Artur has been given the role of team adviser. The night is cold, very cold but everyone in the factory are comfortably working to get things done.

"Jöna, tyres."

"Oh right, damn. I keep forgetting, let's go with the guys who supplied us in WGP2."

"In Motion?"

"Yep, continuing our partnership with the Nimbans."

"That's a great choice, their tyres suited our car very well."

"Yeah, that's why we're choosing In Motion as our tyre supplier this season."

"Heh, looks like you don't need me."

"Nah, you still make the strategy calls."

"Anyway, considering anyone for our second seat?"

"Not yet, there's a lot to choose from and all are great talent but we need someone who can maximise our car's performance and can is good with a role of equal-status driver."

"You're right. Also, considering any sponsors?"

"Unlike in WGP2, we need more sponsors here. Okay maybe just one or two and we're good."

"Alright."


[OOC: Kinu Luminna RP next post, probably tonight or tomorrow, I don't have much time... or rather brain power for a longer post. I need to take a break for now.]

[Sorlovia]

Gregori’s Coastal Cabin
Grey Coast, Sevayev Oblast, Sorlovia

So it was that time of year again. A new WGPC season was slowly gearing up and the drivers would soon be competing for places on the teams. It was, admittedly, his favourite time of year. There was an almost addictive rush to that initial start up to a WGPC season. Would you get a place on one of the teams? Would you be ready for the first race? It was all part of the experience. Something he’d felt two times before and something that he still enjoyed.

Gregori was quietly confident. He had proven himself in WGPC16 and WGPC17. There was no reason to let the nerves creep up on him. He’d been in contact with Volkov Racing, the first native Sorlovian team to ever enter the WGPC, and their offer of a test circuit had transitioned to a contract offer. He couldn’t help but be drawn to the appeal of racing for a Sorlovian team. It felt right in a way. Bu who would be his teammate?

From: Gregori Krupin (gkrupin@expressmail.com)
To: Sergei Kletska (skletska@volkovracing.com)

Hi Sergei,

In response to our recent correspondence I have decided to take you up on your offer of a contract with Volkov Racing for WGPC18. Although I will still travel to Nemenyets to take part in a test circuit as I believe that protocol must be followed. I look forward to proving myself to your team.

In regards to the salary package you have offered. It is most generous and I gratefully accept. I’ve been advised by my support crew that it is a comparable salary with other racers of my level but you have been generous in your offer as well.

I look forward to seeing you in Nemenyets.

Sincerely,
Gregori Krupin

Of course, there was the possibility that Volkov Racing would choose to go with another race. Their offer of a contract had been conditional and his offering to take part in a test circuit would show that he wasn’t coasting on his reputation. The contract wasn’t formally a contract as of yet. It was more of a verbal agreement. A promising racer could very well steal his place out from under him if he wasn’t careful. Many racers had made that same mistake in the past and he didn’t intend to become one of them.

His wife Elena, as always, was his most vocal and passionate supporter. She had become a fan of the sport in WGPC17 and had committed to joining him for the season. They would travel together and she would watch from a VIP Box. It was the custom for the wives or husbands of other races to have such treatment when they accompanied their other halves on the seasons. Elena had only just fallen pregnant with their first child so she was still able to travel. He would enjoy her company but wasn’t about to put her or the baby in any risk. The doctors had ensured them that it would be safe to travel this early in the pregnancy.

The thought of a career change had flicked through his mind several times. But no matter how many times it crept into his mind he still came back to the same conclusion. He was a racer. There wasn’t a second option for him. His sports drink brand was doing well and his sports bar was making a reliable revenue stream. He was a racer. Not a businessman. If he stepped off the racing scene there would be a gigantic gap in his life that no other career would quite fulfil. Even his father, an old fashioned man would didn’t quite understand the sport, saw his passion for Gran Prix and the enjoyment that it brought him.

--

Volkov Racing HQ
Pre-season

Sergei leaned back in his leather desk chair and quietly flicked off another email. It might be early in the driver sign ups but he saw no point in needlessly delaying. If he wasn’t careful and took too long he might well find his team without a second driver. Without any drivers if Gregori was poached by another team.

Gregori had once been an ambitious rookie. There would be something rather fitting about signing a rookie to his team. But it would be a matter of who responded first and who did the best on the test circuit. Securing a spot on a team always created cutthroat competition among the racers.

To: Benjamin Talison
From: Volkov Racing

Greetings,

On behalf of Volkov Racing I would like to formally invite you to take part in a test circuit at our test facility on the rural outskirts of Nemenyets. If you are interested in attending I will arrange transport and accommodation for you.

I have heard that you are new to the WGPC. Here at Volkov Racing we like to invest in the futures of promising new racers and I believe you would be a good fit for us.

Sincerely,
Sergei Kletska
Volkov Racing

But at least there had been progress on the Volkov Racing cars for the season. The colour scheme had been finalized, they would use a WGPC spec engine and they would use Tropicorp Racing Supply tyres. There were still so many things to organize but at least the actual cars were almost completely finalized ahead of the first race. In the meantime the invited racers would use the first candidate car in their test circuits.

Volkov MK I WGPC18 car chassis

The lead up to a WGPC season was just as challenging for the race teams as it was for the racers themselves. First you had to finalize the chassis design, then you had to finalize the engine and tyres, then you had to actually sign drivers to race those cars and then you had to deal with any number of issues arising from any of those.

Sergei liked the Mark I Volkov model and he hoped the potential drivers would too. But was there room for another sponsor? Had he ordered the right engine choice? Fortunately for him the team of engineers in the workshops were handling all that and he trusted in their expertise. There was still time to update the colour scheme and sponsor placement on the car if need be.

[Hapilopper]

Hapilopper City Grand Prix Circuit, Hapilopper City
A few days before the Preston Autos pre-season tryout
A handful of Preston Autos mechanics were wheeling out three Preston PGP-01 chassis out of haulers. The cars were equipped with Preston’s stock block V6 engine, and interestingly, Tropicorp tires. Rudy Edwards, standing off to the side while talking to a couple of strategists, looked at the tires and nodded approvingly. Rudy had all but been approved to drive for Preston for the upcoming World Grand Prix season, but needed to take his first shakedown runs of the season in the car.

Marty Lewis walked over and inspected the cars with a rather serious look on his face. Gone was the days of the Marty Lewis that would wake up the next morning strapped to the roof of a delivery van after a tequila bender the night before, or the Marty Lewis that got disgustingly drunk and demolished a hotel room in the Appalachian Nation. Having gotten a change in assignment, Marty had also been told to clean up his act, or risk losing his job and blowing up Preston’s reputation across the multiverse.

Rudy spotted his boss (he hoped) and flagged him down. “We’re running Tropicorps this season?”

“Sure are,” Marty said. “Got the deal done a few days ago, and got some tires sent in last night. I’m excited, that’s about the best tire anywhere. We run these in NSSCRA and we haven’t had one problem with them.”

“Cool,” Rudy said.

It would be Rudy’s first time driving the new Preston chassis. A handful of test drivers, including Team Blue’s inspirational leader, Drake Stevenson, had completed some shakedown runs at tracks across Hapilopper City. And now, Rudy was about to turn his first laps in the car. If the laps went well, Preston Racing would finalize their deal with their hopeful new driver for the coming season. If not, well, he’d have to try his hand at the upcoming pre-season tryout that a good number of drivers were already signed up for.

So, no pressure, right?

Rudy climbed into the car and the V6 came to life. So did the onboard computers. On the steering wheel was a little screen that popped up with a happy light and a message: “Good morning, Rudy. Let’s go fast.”

Whatever feelings of uncertainty and dread in Rudy’s mind went away at that moment. He nodded his head, smiled, and gave his crew a big thumbs up. It was time to roll out and turn his first laps in this new car that he hoped he’d be able to run all season.

As he rolled around the Hapilopper City Grand Prix Circuit for a slow first lap, he started fiddling with some of the many, many buttons on the steering wheel. He figured he’d have to get used to these buttons one way or another. On the bottom right, there was a dial for engine modes.

Mode 1 was “Safety Car”, which made the engine run full lean as it saved fuel. Mode 2 was “Installation Lap”, which was a lower-power mode for running the first laps around a circuit. Mode 3 was “Practice Pace”, which was slightly-reduced power for practice sessions. Mode 4 was “Race Pace,” which was normal power output for race settings. Mode 5, “Go Gear,” was a little richer, and a little more power. Mode 6, “Beer Run”, was the engine mode for qualifying hotlaps, or in the Hapiloppian vernacular, “beer runs.”

And then there was Mode 7. “Machismo.” This was full rich. Full power. Firewall the throttles and go holy shit to the wall, you’re gonna pass some folks. Rudy fiddled with the dial, and when he stumbled upon Mode 7, he could feel the power just increase exponentially. He looked down at the screen on his steering wheel, which carried a warning note that read “DO NOT STAY ON MODE 7 FOR LONGER THAN ONE LAP AT A TIME.”

Maybe this should be the beer run engine mode then, Rudy thought.

He turned down to Mode 2, and started diddling with some of the other switches and buttons. There was a drink button. A radio button. A manual clutch button. A green button for a launch control system to start the race. Brake balance knobs. Anti-roll bar knobs. Weight jacker knobs. A button for a drag reduction system, which flattened out the rear wing on the car. Differential adjustment buttons. A knob for engine brake maps. A “pit in” button. A pit road speed limiter. By the time he quit fiddling with the buttons, dials and knobs, he was arriving to the Triple Diamond Chicane. Time to get going.

Rudy turned to Mode 6 and could feel the immense power of the Preston V6 increase like mad. He smiled as he hit the final straight before the pit straight. He would be flat out from the end of the Triple Diamond Chicane all the way to the Downhill Pass. Later on, Rudy was told he hit a trap speed of 218 MPH just before braking for the Downhill Pass. Then it was a short straight onto the uphill McLaughlin’s complex, and then towards Slidey Right.

As he rolled out of Slidey Right, Rudy could feel a rhythm coming on. He hauled towards Flat Left and Flat Right, a couple of downhill corners, on the way to Oh Crap There’s A Wall, and he felt like he could do anything in this corner. It was on the way to Chicken Bone Alley and the Triple Diamond Complex, before the final straight and the end of the lap. The lap felt good, too. So good, in fact, that Rudy asked the team to stay out.

“Hell yeah,” said race strategist Alex Parkes. “Stay out as long as you want.”

Rudy ran about 15 fast and consistent laps. By the time he was done, Marty was waiting for him, with a huge smile on his face.

“Kid, you got the seat,” Marty said. “You’ll be driving for us.”

[Diarcesia]

Sara Luna almost won it all in the WGP2 Season III. It was not bad, given that she had some ups and downs throughout the the different races. She might have gotten the trophy, had she finished in Pryfurium. She didn't expect to go that far when she made the fateful decision to take a leap of faith and go up one tier in professional racing. She was 37 years old, widowed, with two children, and in a financial crunch.

And she received a message from Abdoulaye Goita not long after the conclusion of the season: "See you at the WGPC!"

In her mind, with no pun intended, things are going so fast these days. She doubted first, then deliberated, then finally made her decision. She can imagine Goita giving her a wink as that message was sent: a friendly challenge.

She had limited time spent with Goita during the season, but she had nothing but respect for his abilities. The last race in Crossbay only enhanced it as the championship went down the line.

Her train of thought was interrupted when her boyfriend Tom Bennett called out to her.

"We got someone at the door! Some media person."

"I'll be right over," Sara responded.

Sara was still getting used to all the public attention she received. She felt she was not really good at it. In the past, all she did was plan the event ahead, finish respectably, and get her pay. It was arduous and grinding, but it brings food for the table, especially after the death of her husband.

"Oh, hi Sara. Good morning. I am Corrina Amigdal from Arcesius Teleorasi. Once again, congratulations on your success in the WGP2. Do you have a moment to answer a few questions?"

Good thing Sara already washed and got dressed at this time for the day.

"Sure, I'll show you to the couch."

Corrina proceeded without ado after they got themselves settled.

"How are you feeling now after the season? Has your newfound... reputation been kind to you?"

Sara nodded as she listened and took a few moments to deliberate her answer. "It was such a great experience. I am eternally grateful for Adelphia, my lead driver, Carmi, my sponsors, and my fellow Diarcesians for helping me reach this point. And I admit my new status required me to make some adjustments to my routine. And given that we're out of any seasons, I spend more time with the kids." What she didn't mention was her relief that she's hadn't been this financially secure in a long time.

"I see. You created a marvelous spectacle for Diarcesia and have helped put the monarchy in the international motorsports scene. In the meantime, we haven't heard from you since your announcement of joining the WGPC. What's the latest? The scramble of the free agents has begun."

"I- uhh- I haven't really fancied a team yet that I'm committed to join, since Adelphia is not there," Sara said slowly, as if unsure of what to say next. "But I heard invitations are out for the Cocoabo Expo & WGPC Trials. I will join there and let's see what happens next!"

"Sounds good! Thanks for your time, Sara, and I hope you find your team soon!"

[Aboveland]

Lintulahti International Circuit
Lintulahti, Aboveland

Subdued and low-key, just as he liked it; similar enough to last year that, just minutes before the event, Edvin stands calmly backstage, drumming his hands against his thighs, and everyone knows exactly what to do. He ponders, for a moment, how fascinatingly different tempers both he and Terho have as he looks across the stage, draped cars in the middle, at the Abovian. He's dressed in the season 18 overalls, which are basically the same as last year's--as everything else was, too--save for a few splashes of colored lines on the cuffs. He's also gone for a tighter fitting suit this year, too, perhaps to match Janne Laukkanen's youthful look as he stands beside him.

Janne himself, well, he's rather excited. It's a coup, of sorts, though maybe not really at all, against Nexus Racing's investment in him. It did pain him, or at least brought him into a terrible internal conflict, to decide to take up the test driver role at TRÆ. For someone who takes pride in his loyalty, honesty and dedication--his memory still lounging rabidly in his dreams--such a decision felt wrong to him, at least for a moment. Admittedly, however, he wouldn't necessarily be leaving Nexus for good; and yeah, the Nimbans had given him his big break, but he was plainly unable to live up to expectations. From their side, there hadn't been a single hint of remorse or regret over their bet in his talent, and if anyone was to feel guilty, it would be himself.

However, the test driver proposition was very much enticing. Close to home (despite the fact there was really nobody to look forward to seeing at home), a somewhat familiar environment but, crucially, an almost promised, or guaranteed, route to the WGPC. Edvin and Terho had both been very tight-lipped about the future, as near as it may be, so he really wasn't on to whatever his future career entailed, but he'd been given a few hints regarding what would be in store. The only thing the two had actually explicitly mentioned was the chance--this time, genuinely the assurance--that he'd get a shot at a practice session, at least, during the year. As he starts to crack his knuckles, pressing down each finger with the thumb of the same hand, one by one, first the right, then the left, he looks over to Terho.

Terho smiles, extending his arm for a shy pat on the back. He is over ten years older than the Kylmajärvan, though just barely taller, and only notably larger in the size of his frame. Not that a pat on the back from Terho would kill anyone, but it proved enough apparently to startle Janne's sense of balance.

Like Edvin opposite him, and in slight contrast to Janne's knuckle-cracking idle motions, he's oddly relaxed. Just a year prior, though, he realizes he felt exactly the same. The off-season for WGPC17 had gone quite smoothly; in his comments to the press (which he checked yesterday, to make sure to keep in the same mood), he'd even said AGP002 felt "almost perfect". With so little change for season 18 (especially shocking when the season 17 reveal was part of a radical change in direction for the team), there should be nothing at all to worry about. And yet, despite his tranquil state, the little anxiety bug below and behind the bone where his ribs part ways nibbles at his insides. Not rough, not much, but just enough to keep him on edge. Things had gone so ridiculously well and been so well balanced in season 17 that making any sort of significant change beyond the usual year over year improvements felt immoral. But would evolution prove enough? Would the upgrades remedy AGP 002's few faults? Would Badai Angin suddenly storm to a title and leave them in the dust?

It doesn't matter now, nor would it matter until the first race, wherever it may be. And it doesn't matter now, specifically, because the announcements begin, and he takes his first step out onto the stage, right foot first, in tandem with Janne, as the floodlights obscure his vision for a moment, his eyes burrowed in the shadows of his eyebrows.

---

TRÆ Reveals WGPC18 Challenger, AGP003

LINTULAHTI - A familiar sight for motorsport fans around the world as Tropicorp Racing Ælund has revealed their two AGP003 machines for the upcoming 2020 WGPC18 season. Following the team's steamrolling success in season 17, clinching the constructor's title by over double the points of their nearest rivals and leading Terho Talvela to a record-setting second world title, the joint Abovian/Vilita and Turorian outfit has opted for a conservative, evolutionary approach for season 18, careful not to stray too far from their proven winning formula. As expected, the team's lineup remains unchanged, with Terho Talvela and iBen Toralmintii to spearhead Tropicorp Racing Ælund's double title defense. 19-year-old Janne Laukkanen, Nexus Racing WGP2 title hopeful, joins his home team as testing and development driver, leading pundits to speculate the possibility of a full time seat, or a one-off appearance, at some point during the season.

New regulations introduced this year mean engine development is less restricted by the World Grand Prix Organization; in response, Tropicorp Engineering have presented an evolutionary design of the twin turbo V8 powering AGP002 last season. Even the sleek navy livery has by and large been retained for season 18, with the addition of a cheatline in the drivers' national colors on the airbox and the appearance of two gold stars next to the team name proving the only significant changes. Talvela, despite having won last season's championship, has opted to keep his long-standing number 56.

Official 2020 poster of Tropicorp Racing Ælund's lineup

Edvin Pekkanen returns, as well, to the role of team principal and race engineer for Talvela, while Aada Høddmakker has returned to her lead designer position as she held during development before season 17.

"It's great to be back in the WGPC circus after such a long off-season," Pekkanen reported. "The results last year spoke for themselves: we'd created a near-perfect formula to win the championship, so we figured that taking any radical design changes would simply be asking for trouble. Our success has paved the way not only for a deeper, more dynamic connection between Aboveland and Vilita and Turori, but has also given us the chance, in a more materialistic way, to grow our team. As you can see,"--he gestures with outstretched arms at the lobby-turned-conference-room where the presentation has taken place--"we've been able to develop our facilities here at home even further." With so much left unchanged, what would you consider the biggest modification for season 18? "Well, AGP002's biggest flaw was the sensibility of the computer chips driving the active aerodynamics. After some alterations to the software, a stricter design process for the hardware, and the development of a number of redundant fallback systems and manual override procedures, we're confident we've patched the biggest hole in our boat. Of course, our new wind tunnel facilities have helped us streamline AGP003's aerodynamic surfaces even further, and we've acquired valuable data for the future as well."

Talvela, donning a very similar outfit to season 17, also sounded confident regarding TRÆ's 2020 championship hopes.

"Of course I must be optimistic, otherwise I might as well not show up!" he says, lightheartedly. "Seriously though, there's certainly a bit of the pre-season fear still creeping up on all of us. When one does well, or reaches a particularly important milestone, the pressure mounts to live up to that same level achieved as the bar is raised. Luckily, to a point, we were able to focus entirely on doing small tweaks to our package to iron out the kinks that arose at various points last season, rather than having one large problem area identified where we had to pour in all our resources." Are you hoping for a repeat of last season? He chuckles. "Nothing is ever quite certain in WGPC, so I'm hesitant to even express the slightest desire or suspicion about anything. We're very confident going into the season, but we've all had it made very clear that it's absolutely no excuse to back down or relax. I've heard that Badai Angin are prepared to mount a very serious attack on the championships this year, and the presence of teams like MRT, Nexus and even Polaris, to name a few, will surely keep us on our toes. Maybe for the fans it'll be better if the championships go down to the wire." Do you want a third driver's crown? Terho ponders the question for a moment, but not for long. "I can assure you that two is good, but three would be better!"

The team waits in anticipation for the reveal of the 2020 race calendar to begin preparations for the start of the pre-season testing rounds before the competitive action of WGPC18 gets underway.

---

Iskajärvi, Aboveland
Downtown

Terho scrunches his nose, the edges of his mouth curling with disgust. He brings his fingers to his mouth, wiggles his chin, and begins pulling out some contaminant. "A hair," he says, annoyedly. Janne nods along, smiling politely. The Iskajärvi breeze is particularly brisk this afternoon, and with every chilly gust he brings his arms closer to his body and his elbows deeper into his sides. So far, neither Edvin nor Terho have caught on, though by the looks of it, they seem to be struggling as well. Struggling, specifically, not just with the cold (and Terho less so), but with the mood of the dinner break. His relationship with Terho is okay, like that of a child with their distant father product of a divorce, whom they know well enough to acknowledge their connection but not so much as to have it be the driving force of their lives, but he and Edvin never really gelled properly. Though with Terho things had got along well some time ago, as Janne fell deeper within Nexus' sphere of influence (and Terho grew more occupied with guiding TRÆ's development along), they'd grown somewhat apart. Edvin, on the other hand, was more of a tough-love companion: he'd briefly been his WGP2 race engineer until Antti took over, falling back to more of an advisory role. Today, however, he was the most eager to initiate the conversation.

Hunched over the table and leaning on his elbow, Edvin turns from spectating Terho's tangle with the caesar hair to face Janne, pulling out his phone and setting it on the table, as the splashscreen for his email client loads into his inbox. "Hey," he calls to Janne, rather unnecessarily, as he's already paying attention. Janne catches, in the background, the widening of Terho's eyes and a slight, excitable change in his rhythm. "While we were looking for replacements for iBen, in case he didn't renew his contract, we came across..."

Edvin trails off, puckering his lips and turning his phone slightly towards him, scrolling down his inbox. "Here, this guy," he says, excitedly enough for Janne to notice but frown, yet lean over with intrigue. "Mister, Sir, Charyseine Valkyria."

Janne's eyes oscillate between the subject line and Edvin's mischevious expression. Terho, further back, is now hunched around the center of the table as well. "Scroll down," Edvin says, trying to sound chummy but coming across as menacing.

As his finger glides down the screen, Char's body is revealed in all its splendor, and as the screen reveals his chest his finger slows down, climbing alluringly until it meets the earpiece of the phone. He doesn't realize it, but he's sputtered a nervous cough, and his mouth hangs open a crack. His bottom lip tucks behind his front teeth, but as his left brain pounds his right half into making sense of itself his heartbeat accelerates and he recomposes himself, looking up at the two with an inquisitive scrunch of his eyebrows.

"You think...?" asks Edvin.

"Does it matter?" Janne retorts, clearing his throat after feeling he'd sounded too blunt. In response, Edvin's grin fades, but Terho steps in, letting a grin creep upon his lips. "We nearly went for him, you know," he begins. "You almost had him running around the paddock looking like that."

The Kylmajärvan still doesn't quite grasp the situation. Are they trying to hook me up with this massive... massive...-

"What's this all about?" he shoots, though with a pang of excited emotion.

Terho, before Edvin says anything out of touch, is quick to reply. "We just thought, you know... You'd like to know about him. That's all. Maybe you guys can meet at one point, if it is that he tags along the WGPC circuit."

Ordinarily, this would be a peeve of Janne's. An unsolicited setup with another guy just because he kinda, maybe, sorta looks gay. And wait, he thinks to himself, when did I come out to these two?

Though he stammers in his thoughts before speaking, he does lighten up to the situation. It sort of did matter however it was that they noticed his own sexuality, and how they were able to diagnose his loneliness after Anders, of whom they knew nothing about, had left, but they apparently did care to an extent. This guy though, he broods, staring at the screen. Such a... a fuckboy! He can't possibly have emotional depth beyond the second knuckle of my index finger.

But his hunger for the touch of another human jumps the gun. "Any clue where he could be?" he asks. Shit! he exclaims silently in his head.

Edvin, looking down at his phone again, tries to define a logical, rooted answer. Terho, as Janne spots from the corner of his eye as his stare fixates on Edvin, sports a cheeky smirk.

[Twicetagram and JYPe]

Chars finally east street food in 4 years

---

Chars walks down the narrow roads of Alphaxrie’s street market
Chars: When you come here to Twicetagria, try the street food. It’s some crazy shit. Also incredibly diverse
Chars squints at something off camera, before pointing at it and running
Chars: Oh. My. God. Those are the legendary duck nuggets. We need them.
Chars runs towards the food stall, much to the surprise of the patrons in the market. It’s not often you see an upcoming race car driver excitedly running towards a food stall. Thankfully Twicetagriens are good at not asking for autographs from domestic celebrities.
Chars: Holy cow bro, there’s duck nuggets with salsa sauce. And jalapeño also. We should try them ALL. I promise I won’t cry from the spiciness.
Perhaps predicting his future predicaments, Chars proceeds to order his food.
Stall owner: Be careful, there’s a lot of spice in there.
Chars: Don’t worry sir, I can literally eat 73 chilli peppers in one setting, I’m fine.
Definitely based on a real life event, Chars walks away, greedily looking at his newly acquired stash. Sitting down on a nearby bench, Chars starts to eat his first bite of his food. His face then turns red.
Chars, in an inaudible voice: Por pucks shake.
Chars, after eating his first out of the five duck nuggets: Surely we could add diarrhoea to the schedule right?
Chars, after successfully downing another 3: I was really wrong, wasn’t I. This thing is spicier than what happens in my room every night.
Chars, after eating all of the duck nuggets: Kay guys, let’s probably go for drinks this time.
Producer’s note: After having to go through the gastronomic torture it’s not the least surprising thing that Chars wants a drink.
Chars: I never drink anything than water, but hell maybe some juice could work.
Walking to a nearby drinks stall, Chars looks at the choices in the menu
Chars: Who ever eats kale juice? Or bitter gourd juice. Or like juice. Or anything actually.
The quirky options weirds Chars out for a while, but he manages to make his mind, somehow.
Chars: Okay, I might get lime juice. Doesn’t sound too bad.
Making a quick order and transaction, Chars quickly gets his lifesaver.
Chars, after taking a few sips: Thank fucking god.
Chars, after drinking half the bottle: Well, this is more sourer than the normal vampire would like, no?
Chars, after drinking the whole bottle: Actually, I should have gone for orange juice. I really should have.
All the energy sucked from him, Chars decides to go home.
Chars: You know what, forget what I said earlier. This food market is a nightmare.
As Chars leaves, a sign saying “Only for the strongest stomachs” can be seen at the entrance.

---

From: Mr Sir Charyseine Valkyria
To: Vilita and Turori Motorsports
Subject: Regarding The Cocoabo Exposition & World Grand Prix Trials

I, Charyseine Valkyria of Twicetagria, is interested in attending the trials you are hosting.

Here is a picture of my body!
[image of Chars’ body]

Charyseine is a highly-skilled driver on the rise to become one of Twicetagria’s best motorsport products. Starting off in an already Motorsports family, his father was a rally driver, while his mother was the employee of Adelphia. Growing up, all he knew was cars and cars. He started karting at the ripe age of 5, and by 12 had gone to win various national karting competitions. After trying out some rallying from 11 to 14 years old, he felt that it wasn’t his thing and switched back to single seater racing. He then joined the TPRS, and from there has gone to earn 24 race wins, 37 podiums, and a long string of points finishes.
Charyseine is a highly aggressive driver who likes to go for even the smallest of gaps. Despite his fighting spirit, he can handle the car quite well, and rarely crashes out. In fact, most of his DNFs were because of technical failure.
However, when he executes overtakes it can sometimes go messy, as sometimes he goes for non-existent gaps, commonly leading to him clipping him right wing and torpedoing the target driver. However, with experience comes a better driver, so Charyseine will make sure not to make such rookie mistakes.

Charyseine hopes that he can get a seat in this WGPC season because he believes he is highly talented and will not fail to disappoint the team.

Thank you!
Mr Sir Charyseine Valkyria

Charyseine Valkyria sends an email to V&T Motorsports for a spot in the WGPC trials

[Nekoni]

"Oh shit, he's back."

It's been a long time, but Erica Okumura would recognise that face anywhere. The young man's tattoos, the suit with the tacky fox embroidered on the front, the accentuated mannerisms of a man who really, really wanted to be somewhere else but in the Polaris HQ. Yup, the guy from Ice Foxx was back. Despite it being a year ago since she last saw him, somehow the kid had looked younger. He had been sat in the meeting room for a good ten minutes, and was blissfully unaware that he was being watched by Alex Mayari and a visibly discomforted Erica.

"I'm not going in there, Alex. Please tell me I don't have to go in." Alex was having fun poking the bear.
"Aww...Eri, but he really likes you! He told me so! He looked me square in the eyes and said 'Mm--m-m-m-miss M-m-m-mayari, I would love to sp-p-p-peak with Eri-chan!' You could have cooked bacon off his cheeks, I tell you."
"I swear to God if you wasn't my boss I'd goddamn slap you."
"Look, I know it sucks, but it's only one meeting. Sit down, see what he has to say, and don't sign a contract if you don't want to be stuck on billboards here wearing nothing but a leather glove stretched six feet. Easy, yeah?"

Erica did a quick pace up and down the corridor, steeling herself up to see how she'd be nationally humiliated this season, before taking a deep breath, opening the door, and greeting the man with the least sincere smile she'd ever pulled in her life.

The man, still as angsty as he ever was, slid down a thick document to her on the desk. At least she didn't have to drink anything today.
"I'll make this quick, Erica. Sales are going well, no need for new flavours, but because of Polaris getting two energy drink sponsors, it's a conflict of interest. Therefore we will only be specifically advertising for you, the person, not you, the team member." Whilst the idea of being paid more despite having a much worse season was really, really enticing, Erica still thumbed through the details of the deal incredibly carefully. In particular, she found the section marked "Contractee Obligations". Oh no, here we go again.

Fortunately, the kid piped up as she was reading through the relevant section. "We noticed that you didn't agree with the advertising campaign we did last season. It really, really worked though, however we believe at IceFoxx that five years of good gains with a happy licensee is a lot better than one year of great gains with a licensee who's publically displeased." Erica didn't know if he was being deliberately petulant with that remark, but she was too busy reading to really care. The focal point around the entire deal seemed to revolve around a promotion called Track Day With The Tempest, which looked novel. She tapped that part audibly. "This Track Day thing. What's that?"

His eyes lit up, presumably because talking about videogames was the one thing he was good at doing other than shilling liquid caffeine. Fortunately, Erica had a passing interest too, so just this once she didn't have to pretend to listen. "That's our big thing for 2020. Plan is, our guys in marketing have friends in the games industry. So, the official game of the WGPC has online leaderboards, right? So, we have a special one running from now until the Nekoni Grand Prix. Your GP17 car, on Rivoli, yeah? And that goes on for until the week before the GP. And we get the top ten drivers in the game, they get sent out to the test track here, you show them the ropes on how to drive open-wheel for real. Fastest three on the day win a boatload of cash and the fastest one gets to wave the chequered flag at Rivoli, and everyone gets VIP race passes for turning up."
"And I won't have to wear-"
"Nope. You aren't gonna have to leave your racing suit at all throughout the entire campaign."

Well, this sounded a whole lot less awful than before. It was nice for once that the brand were advertising Erica, the driver, more than Erica, the body, but, even so, she made sure to check and double-check the contract. As she did, she noticed that the competing energy drink brand had been mentioned by name. Ensadrink. That's Hodori. Did Sayono sign up again? That would be really sweet if she did. Although, Hodori's had tons of new drivers. Maybe one of the people that beat her in the Formula Hodori are joining her? Who knows. She'd definitely find out later, but for now, she signed the contract. As she shook the hand of the man, and turned up to leave, he responded. "Oh, and as part of the deal you get a big fridge stocked with them. Shipment's going to be Friday, be at home for it, yeah?" Oh yaaaaaay.

---

After grabbing a bite for lunch, and noting how the canteen food in Polaris seemed to get noticeably worse every year (a country famed for its food should not have to feed its premier racing team with stuff it found in the darkest corner of the frozen-food section of the supermarket), it was time to see the brand new car. The garage awaited, and in it stood Alex and a familiar friend.

"Bloody hell, Sayono Souzare, you beautiful stranger!" Alex hugged Sayono, who was already kitted out in this year's racing suit. Instead of last year's odd purple/orange fade, this season's was a much more restrained, affair. It was still all dark purple, but there were two vertical stripes of black and orange down the side, over the right breast, and the logo on the left. Simple, and much less ostentatious than previously. Not a bad little suit at all.

Sayono responded back with equal warmth. "She's back again! Signed as Second Driver this morning!" Alex felt the need to append with "But she gets paid the same as you, don't worry about her!" And so, the Polaris team was unchanged for a third season. Maybe after a decent start, and a bit of a stagnant run since, it was third time lucky? Either way, it was happening, and at least they both got drives this season again. Now, for why they were here in the first place, and the big tarpaulin-covered object in the centre of the garage.

"Time to show you what you're racing in. This season we'll be strapping some Deyoze tires on this bad boy and seeing what it can do. Ladies, grab this, and be careful when you pull. Those wing mirrors are expensive as all hell." The three pulled back the covers to reveal the new livery...

[Vilita and Turori]

Nationstates Grand Prix IV - Reserve Driver
NSSCRA Season 4 - Driver - Vilita & Turori Motorsports
NSSCRA Season 5 - Driver - Vilita & Turori Motorsports
WGPC 11 - 18th Place (5 Points) - WGPC Motorsport Works Driver
WGPC 12 - 19th Place (4 Points) - WGPC Motorsport Works Driver
Super Formula Championship 1 - 1st Place (52 Points) Vilita & Turori Motorsports
Super Formula Championship 2 - 1st Place (77 Points) Vilita & Turori Motorsports
WGPC 14 - 2nd Place (128 Points) - Vilita & Turori Motorsports
WGPC 15 - 12th Place (35 Points) - WGPC Eelandii Motorworks
NSSCRA Season 6 - 1 Start (24th place - Vilaye 314)
WGPC 16 - 1 Start; WGPC Eelandii Team Principle
NSSCRA Season 7 - 3 Starts (9th Place - Vilaye 314)
WGPC 17 - 2nd Place (147 Points) - Tropicorp Racing Aelund

All Time WGPC Stats: Wins: 7 :: Podium: 12 :: Top 10: 27

TORALMINTII RETURNS TO TROPICORP RACING ÆlLUND

The transition from full-bodied Stock Cars to Open Wheel was not immediate for iBen Toralmintii who left the struggling NSSCRA circuit to take on open wheel racing as a WGPC Motorsport Works driver during WGPC Season 11. After having to fight tooth and nail for every position and accruing just 9 points over two seasons as a WGPC Motorworks driver, Toralmintii decided to hit the reset button, departing the WGPC circuit to join the Nationstates Super Formula Championship series.

In Hodori, Toralmintii quickly caught on to the driving style - putting together strong consistent finishes throughout the season before claiming their first Super Formula victory in the final event of the season along with the season Championship. Due to the great success, Toralmintii returned for a second season of Super Formula action and started things off the same way winning the opening round before a runner up finish at his home track in Turori. Posting another consistent and smooth season, Toralmintii had all but defended the title heading into the final round but left nothing to chance, claiming their third career Super Formula race victory and second consecutive series championship.

Building on the momentum gained as back-to-back Nationstates Super Formula Champion, Toralmintii and the Vilita and Turori Motorsports team made a triumphant return to the World Grand Prix Championship during WGPC Season 14 putting up the single most dominating performance by any constructor in a single World Grand Prix Championship season with Toralmintii finishing narrowly behind debutant teammate Terho Talvela for the drivers championship. It was just the second time in WGPC history that two drivers from the same team finished 1-2 in the drivers standing after Team Rolatia did so during WGPC season 2 with drivers Thomas Ragji and William Sralt.

But things turned sour for Vilita & Turori Motorsports and Toralmintii during the off-season as Talvela and the funding from Abovian sponsors Nortec and Arctic Air sought glitz and glamour at the MRT race team sacrificing technical performance and results in the process. The VTM team closed its doors after just one season and its assets were repurposed as a Works team, WGPC Eelandii. After driving one season for the WGPC Eelandii Motorworks team Toralmintii announced that they would retire from driving full time in order to take on the role of Team Principle overseeing the development of new drivers.

With the time off from driving, Toralmintii rekindled the flame running some local events within the Vilitan Cove included the popular NSSCRA Stock Car event, the Challenge at the Rocks. After posting a Top 10 finish at the Challenge and putting on a display of the WGPC Eelandii Motorworks ride for fans, it was clear the desire for success was still there. Toralmintii stunned the World Grand Prix ranks by signing a deal to return to top-level World Grand Prix Championship racing with the newly formed Tropicorp Racing Aelund team based out of Aboveland.

The move re-united Toralmintii with his former Vilita and Turori Motorsports teammate Terho Talvela and while the season got off to a slow start, the duo slowly started to re-gain some of the magic that had seen them combine for the highest points haul in World Grand Prix history during the World Grand Prix's 14th season. Toralmintii's dream of winning the World Grand Prix title was dented by a slow start to the campaign but they secured their place in the conversation of greatest auto racing drivers of all time by finding a new gear as the World Grand Prix circuit hit its Atlantian Oceania swing. Toralmintii piloted the #77 machine to back-to-back-to-back-to-back race victories to become the first driver in World Grand Prix Championship history to win four consecutive races. By seasons end Toralmintii had missed out on the drivers Championship by just five points and the conversation had wholly shifted from whether the Turorian driver would return for one more season behind the wheel to whether or not they could finally best their Abovian teammate to become a World Grand Prix Champion before retirement. Toralmintii made things official, confirming they would Return to Tropicorp Racing Aelund for WGPC Season 18, marking the first time in their career that Toralmintii has had a second season in a Top-Tier ride.

---

WGPC 11 - 4th Place (82 Points, 1 Win) - Vilita & Turori Motorsports
WGPC 12 - 9th Place (54 Points) - Vilita & Turori Motorsports
WGPC 13 - 11th Place (56 Points, 1 Win) - Frontiere Racing
WGPC 14 - 7th Place (59 Points, 1 Win) - Carvenlo-Franklin Racing
WGPC 15 - 14th Place (29 Points) - Arada Motorsport
WGPC 16 - 9th Place (58 Points, 1 Win) - MSA-Sinval
WGPC 17 - 17th Place (23 Points) - Mirrors

All Time WGPC Stats: Wins: 4 :: Podium: 13 :: Top 10: 38

CRUISIN TO ATTEND WGP TRIALS @ COCOABO PARK

R.L. Cruisin's World Grand Prix Championship Career got off to a fast start, earning their first career podium in just their fourth career start then standing atop the podium for the first time in the penultimate race of their rookie campaign which ended with 8 points finishes in 11 events good enough for 4th overall in the Grand Prix standings.

Six seasons later, and that debut campaign remains the best statistical campaign of Cruisin's career. Cruisin would drive one more season for home country team Vilita & Turori Motorsports but despite two podium finishes, would fail to find Victory Lane in WGPC 12 sparking a departure from the team that had given the Vilitan driver their break in the sport. Cruisin would join up with promising upstart Frontiere Racing for WGPC Season 13 picking up their second career Grand Prix victory despite piloting the under-powered Frontiere machine. Cruisin was offered a return to Vilita & Turori Motorsports for WGPC Season 14 but opted instead to join Carvenlo-Franklin Motorsports. Cruisin knew the Carvenlo team could field a competitive car - having twice before been the World Grand Prix Constructors Champions. When Vilita & Turori Motorsports would go on to win the opening two events of the season, Cruisin was undeterred, responding with their own Victory at Carvenlo's home track to climb into the early season title contention. For the third consecutive season Cruisin would outperform their teammates on the track but struggle to keep pace with the Championship leaders.

Watching Toralmintii - the Works driver who only got the Vilita & Turori Motorsports job because the team wanted a local driver and Cruisin had turned down a return to the team - compete so well in the car - was difficult for Cruisin. When Carvenlo announced they would not be feeding a team for season 15 the Vilitan driver moved to the Arada Grand Prix team earning 1 podium finish and 4 Top 10's.

For WGPC Season 16, Cruisin would join their Fifth different team in as many seasons teaming up with regular mid-table team MSA-SinVal. Cruisin stunned the oddsmakers when, for the second time in their career, they would win the seasons penultimate race. Cruisin had a massive late season surge with three consecutive points finishes and two podiums to close out the campaign including earning the Eastfield Lodge outfit MSA-SinVal its first ever Grand Prix Victory. Cruisin outperformed teammate Cesaro Whittaker by 53 points in the standings.

Changes in Eastfield Lodge necessitated change for WGPC Season 17 however, as the teams backers split and put their support behind local driver Dalia Dahl. Cruisin appeared to have landed on their feet, however, as the famed Mirrors team was being re-founded for the season and they had tapped Cruisin as their #1 driver. The excitement was short lived however as the Starblaydi team's return ultimately proved to be a little bit of Smoke and Mirrors. The engineering department was under-funded and the speed never appeared on track. Cruisin used their experience and skill to will points out of the "Purple Plow" as the entry would be come to be known, while teammate Esteban Guilhermez would finish the season as one of just two drivers who competed in all races to fail to earn a single point. While Cruisin finished a respectable five races in the point, it was the first season in the Vilitan drivers career that they failed to score a podium finish. Cruisin nearly kept the streak alive at the Turorian Grand Prix chasing down Drake Stevenson on the final circuit in Eelandii but falling just under 2 seconds short at the finish.

With Mirrors closing its doors again at the end of WGPC 17, Cruisin is once again a Free Agent looking at the possibility of returning for an 8th World Grand Prix Championship campaign. If they do so, Cruisin could become the first driver in World Grand Prix history to make 100 Grand Prix starts as well as the first driver to compete for Seven different teams over the course of their career. While Cruisin has been rumored as a potential Senior Partner for iBen Toralmintii's Race Eelandii! Vilita & Turori World Grand Prix Motorworks team, Cruisin's past history being hung out to dry by local teams could once again drive the Vilitan veteran to an upstart team outside of Atlantian Oceania. Cruisin will be attending the upcoming World Grand Prix Trials as part of the Cocoabo Exposition at the Cocoabo Park where All WGPC Constructors are invited to participate in scouting Free Agent drivers piloting equally prepared Cars on an unfamiliar course

---

RACE EELANDII VTGP TO USE COCOABO PARK TRIALS TO FILL WGPC SEATS

With iBen Toralmintii fully dedicated to driving duties with Tropicorp Racing Aelund, day-to-day operations of the Race Eelandii Vilita & Turori Grand Prix team will once again fall to Gary Cook. A new addition to the operation will be Juracai Klianiota who is expected to take a larger role in the operations of the team just as they have taken a leading role in the Race Eelandii! business. Klianiota will be representing Race Eelandii! Vilita & Turori GP Motorworks at the Cocoabo Exposition & World Grand Prix Trials in the Cocoabo Forest. Klianiota will be there not only to see the performance of Cocoabo #23 to determine whether it would be worthwhile to offer the non-traditional driver a seat for the upcoming season but also to meet and greet with other free agent drivers who will be participating in the trials. Acting Team Principle Gary Cook will be leading the Trials event and is believed to be open to offering the best driver in the Cocoabo Park World Grand Prix Trials a seat for Season 18 on site before they leave the resort.

Gary Cook also advised that he has formally responded to a number of Free Agent drivers who had inquired about Race Eelandii! VTGP's two empty seats inviting them to compete for their shot to earn one of those seats by attending the upcoming Cocoabo Exposition and World Grand Prix Driver Trials which Cook will be in attendance for. Those drivers include, but are not limited to, Mr. Sir Charyseine Valkyria of Twicetagria, Aldauren Ginintella a WGP3 driver from Diarcesia, Niklas Schonbaum of Siovanija & Teusland and Sakinomi Rikikida of Kyoki Chudoku. Cook is also rumored to have reached out to Adriana Kowalski of Valentine Z, Kitti Armbruster of Nephara as well as rumored multi-millionaire Jasmine Muscadet to offer arrangements for attending the Cocoabo Park Trials.

---

[Savojarna]

New Beginning

Yarkovo International Racing Circuit, Savojarna

Sigur Bjarnason hadn’t really thought about the upcoming WGPC season yet. Nothing after his departure from Mattijana last year gave the suspicion that Struna no longer wanted him on board, and he started to like Mattijana. If they didn’t want him anymore, it couldn’t be too hard for a driver in his mid-20s with two seasons of experience and a nice government sponsorship in his pocked to find a drive. So, it came as a surprise when Krister Arlund was asking him to come over to Yarkovo, urgently. There was an even bigger surprise when he arrived on the track. It slowly turned to shock when his former race engineer greeted him with an uncharacteristic smirk, and a notion that he should not be saying anything to anyone about what he was going to see. A single garage was closed, and Arlund walked straight to it, flicking a big switch on the wall.

Creakingly, the door lifted to reveal a clean, shining garage and a waft of petrol and fresh car paint. Krister smiled more as the light reflected off what looked like… a WGP2 SVJ Racing car? Sigur took a double take. “What, a car? Why am I here? I’ve been to the big show, I’m not gonna drive WGP2, Krister”, he said. “No, look”, the engineer responded with an even bigger smirk. Then, a coin fell. There were new sponsorship badges on it. It was wider, longer, bigger. This was… a WGPC car. Sigur raised his gaze to the wall behind the car. “SVJ Racing WGPC Team”, a big flag proclaimed there. Underneath it was a little board with a number 14, and his name. Krister put a hand on his shoulder. “We’ve got the confirmation, and we’ve got the car. WGPC. The big show. Savojar government pays. And they want a big name to headline. That Nr. 1 seat is reserved for you, Sigur”, he said. “All you need to do is to sign the contract and take it”. This was what they had been waiting for, all this time. “Do you have your suit with you? We’ve got the car here. Take it for a ride”, the engineer said. Sigur chuckled. “As you asked me to, yea”, he said, pointing to the bag he had dropped onto the tarmac. “Get changed. You know where things are”, Krister said, his smile now eclipsed by Sigur’s. Fifteen minutes later, the Ejanan was sitting in a Savojar-made WGPC car for the first time in his life.

There was a lot of setup to be done, but eventually, the white and blue vehicle rolled out of the garage slowly. “Krister here, take it easy please. We don’t want damage to the car, and the tyres are expensive. Don’t bother about feedback right now, we’ll be collecting some data but this isn’t a development drive, just go for a ride”, he said. The SVJ Racing car felt incredible, a finely tuned car that was using the expertise of Savojarna’s leading engineers for both the strong acceleration that JMC’s hybrid engines provided in the WGP2 as well as an aerodynamically fine-tuned machine. It was clearly set up for this track, where it had been tested. The tyres may have been somewhat cold, and Sigur wasn’t exactly going for top speeds, but the Savojar couldn’t help but feel incredibly... powerful. In fast corners, where the MRT had often felt a bit finicky and bumpy, this machine just smoothly sailed through them. Maybe it was a bit heavy-handed around the tight corners, compared to the technical MRT, but it wasn’t something that Sigur couldn’t handle. Overall, he felt like the machine was built for him - and in the back of his mind, a voice kept telling him that probably, it actually was built for him. The times he posted were slow, but that didn’t matter; Krister told him to take it safe. What mattered was that the car felt strong, the car felt smooth, it was what he needed. It also felt right.

When he finished the session and sat down at a garage table, Krister told him the details. “I’ve been signed on officially last month, as head strategist. Not principal, didn’t like that too much in the Juniors; Ivar Mortensson from LA Motorsports will do that. Pavel is the lead designer again, and the engine stuff is all done by JMC. We don’t have race engineers yet per se, although Pavel and I have some people in mind, Ivar does too. If you drive for us, I’ll take to the wall again, if you want me to. But now, drivers. As I told you, the seat is yours, if you want; all I need to do is to send Ivar a message. Number 2, you’d have input. Ivar, the idiot, wanted to mail Okumura”, he said, laughing at the idea. “Would’ve been good for PR, at least; I told him about Polaris and he shut up”. He continued in a more serious tone, making his pen bump over a list of names. “I’ve been thinking about Goita, the WGP2 champ. He knows the team, but we shouldn’t be too focused on him. Here’s another one that I’ve heard good things about, Adriana Kowalski, from Valentine Z. Great racers over at NSSCRA, those Valentians. Nate Jackson hasn’t been the greatest in the past, but he does have WGPC experience. Matviyenko is supposed to be really constant, could be very helpful to develop the car, although we also have Roman [OOC: Arjenko, of WGP2 fame] and Mika [OOC: Mika Lauho is a young Savojar driver and SVJ test pilot] for that”.

As the pen bounces down the list, Sigur frowns. Many players he doesn’t know, a few he does. Then, his eye catches a name. “Kitti Armbruster? What’s her twii, is it this Kitti Armbruster?”, he asks dropping his phone on the table. On the screen, there is just one sentence:

what could possibly attract #WGPC teams to the multi-millionaire jasmine muscadet?

“Probably?”, Krister responded hesitatingly. “The one that took a safety car for a ride in the WGP2”, he added. “Seems like it’s her, yea”, Sigur smiled. “Invite her for a test drive. No clue if it’s worth it, but she’s gonna get us some juicy PR. If you invite Muscadet too, I’ll wear my helmet in the garage though”, he added with a chuckle. The idea seemed dumb to Krister, but hey, why the hell not? The girl was fast, and she definitely did want her drive. Railing against multi-millionaires was going to endear her to the Savojar public, and Nephara was a market. At least he’d pitch it to Ivar, he decided.

SVJ Racing WGPC Team confirms Sigur Bjarnason as Nr. 1 driver and intends to use Solymok tyres.

[Kyoki Chudoku]

Kyoki Chudoku
Nogyo District
Zenshin Hikō-tai Facility

“They actually got back to us. They’re actually giving us a chance.” Rikikida’s tone was devoid of its usual gruff quality. There was no hiding the glimpse of hope that crept their way into her voice. Not when it seemed she was gaining more chances and opportunities by the moment. She’d thought the foreigners would be utterly averse to taking her on- now she’d have a chance to prove herself on the tracks. Tracks.. Plural. Multiple demonstrations of her ability awaited. She just hoped they’d actually pan out.

“I told you it would work, didn’t I?” For once Reiyomi’s constant cheeriness didn’t rub her the wrong way. On this occasion, for just this moment- perhaps even this very minute alone- it was earned. But there was still much to prove. She had the utmost confidence in her own ability, of course. She’d been a fighter pilot, she could handle speed better than any supposed veteran of racing. But hopes...well, they were hopes. Not reality. She’d have to make her mark with her own hands to be assured what she deserved.

“You did. You did.” Rikikida conceded the point. There wasn’t any sense starting an argument over it. Much as she loathed Reiyomi’s presence sometimes, she wasn’t a half-bad public relations officer. She had her suspicions as to where she’d gotten the experience, too. Most Chudokurens weren’t exactly qualified to speak to those outside of the nation. Only someone inside of the media or diplomatic fields would have any understanding of foreign concepts the way Reiyomi did.

She wondered what those beyond would think. When they saw her face. Her scars. Her eyes. When they heard what country she was from. How many of them would even know what it meant? Would they have the faintest clue?

She hoped not.

She didn’t manage to finish thinking about why.

---

From: Reiyomi Enata
To: Volkov Racing
Subject: Your Offer

---

The following message has been approved by the Kyoki Chudoku Bunka no Media Bumon- under authority of Reiyomi Enata and Densetsu Hachi
The following message has been approved by the Kyoki Chudoku no Gaikō-dan- under authority of Tokiko Suou

Thank you for your correspondence!

We would be delighted to take part in your test circuit. Aerial transport can be managed on our end, but transport beyond that would be appreciated, as would accomodation for our visit. It is wonderful to be given an opportunity to prove ourselves on the field, and for granting us that chance, you have our utmost gratitude.

Kind regards!
Reiyomi Enata,
Public Relations Officer of Zenshin Hikō-tai

---

Kyoki Chudoku
Shinrin District
Omoiyari Hospital

Omoiyari Hospital had once been a medical research facility, and that was apparent in its design. Most of the structure was a series of underground tunnels connecting subterranean wards, numerous airlocks remaining intact to this day. Rikikida had taken part in the Great Chudokuren Civil War, and she knew as well as anyone how necessary such measures were when it came to the exotic weaponry once developed in places like this. That didn’t diminish how infuriating it was to pass through three sets of airlocks just for one stupid operation…

As always, Reiyomi was her escort. At least it made sense for once. Utashige had important work to do, assessing the likely tactics that would lead to good results. And Masasasyuki...he didn’t do well with hospitals. Not anymore. Rikikida didn’t blame him. At least the walls here were soundproof. Airtight. Not like the cobbled-together curtains and tents of the immediate aftermath of the Nightmare War.

“You understand why this must be done, right?” The typical chipper tone had a mild hint of doubt. Rikikida didn’t know whether to be insulted or relieved.

“Of course I know. It’s to prevent treason.” The idea that she’d commit treason in the first place was ridiculous, but she wasn’t about to question her superiors on matters of national security. No sane Chudokuren would. Kyoki Chudoku was an isolationist state- it had been ever since the Tyrannical Revolution, and that was never going to change. They weren’t taking any risks. It wasn’t like she wasn’t already under surveillance. This was just an extra step, that was all.

There wasn’t even a queue waiting for them as the two passed into the operation room. Everything had been booked in advance. Rikikida placed herself on the operation table, the cold surface pressing against her back. Not comfortable, but it’d be over quickly. The doctor approached- an older man in his fifties or sixties by the looks of him. It was amazing people that old had endured it all, made it through to the end.

“Miss Sakinomi Rikikida, correct?” Shinrin accent. Of course it was. Their district was the home of the greatest medical facilities in the country, even if half of them were never repaired or recovered. She gave a nod of affirmation. May as well get on with it. The doctor lowered the mask. It was a tense moment, breathing in the anaesthetic. This could be her last moment. But then, so could any moment. She’d lived through them all...before…

…

...when her eyes fluttered open, she could still feel the toxins weighing her down. Making every moment light and numb and like she was treading water in thin air. She felt something else, too- the faintest itch in her wrist. Around she turned to face it, and sure enough- there it was. Visible even from the outside. It needed to be taken out later, she figured. But there was no doubt what it was.

A tracking chip. To keep her in line. To make sure that if she made a run for it, they’d find her. That they’d know exactly where she was at all times. Rikikida gave a little smile at that. For the moment, it was a comforting thought to know that even if they didn’t care, at least her country was still watching over her.

---

[Auruna]

Lÿntere Hospital
Lÿntere, Auruna
Three months before WGPC 18

Kinu Luminna has been spending two years in hospital recovering from his accident that almost cost him his life, everyone doubted that he could race again. While watching some races on his laptop, he eventually found out about Viska's involvement in WGP2. This served as his inspiration to go back to racing but where would he go? Where would he race? His endurance career was put on a hold as his body currently cannot cope with the higher stresses in endurance racing but suddenly he decided to set himself for the upcoming WGPC 18. He would have to spend one more month in hospital before he could go out racing.

One month later

His body ready, and he has been training since he was discharged from the hospital. He couldn't wait to get his opportunity to race again but he still needs to prepare. Good thing he's still a Viska driver, so off to the simulator he goes.

Driving open wheelers are different from his usual endurance cars but it looks like he got used to it quick despite some problems in his first few laps, he asked for a test with an open wheeled car, from the Viska VN-20 VJF to the recent VL-01A.

It looks like he's ready.

Veratuna, Auruna
Present day

Inside his apartment, Kinu suddenly got busy. "I never thought I could race again but here I am, looking for a seat." He thought to himself. He's determined to earn a seat but what should he do, this is vastly different from before, he needs to either earn a seat through testing, find a team that would take him, or just suddenly get offered. There are so many directions to go but which would be viable but there's another way. Why not try to do all three? There's a high chance that he will get a seat that way.

Scrolling through his emails, he's overwhelmed by the numbers. There's one email from Viska, specifically from Jöna Ekeränna, that he was chosen to be VIska's back up choice in case they couldn't find any driver until the deadline.

An Aurun driver in an Aurun team racing internationally? That's the dream of most Aurun drivers. Looks like Kinu was chosen by the "gods" to get an opportunity.

First up, Preston Autos' open tryout.

To: Marty Lewis
From: Kinu Luminna (knlumi@mna.au)
Subject: Open Tryout

---

Greetings. I am Kinu Luminna, newcomer to WGP racing but I have years of racing experience especially in endurance racing. I won several races and eventually got the drivers' title in 2016. I am capable of outperforming a car and bring in good points in races, hopefully that can lead the team to success. Anyway, I am interested in participating in the Preston Autos open tryout for a driver seat. In addition, I can help your team go through the season by bringing in a large sponsor of mine.

Sincerely,
Kinu Luminna

He doesn't know that another Aurun driver is in WGPC, but even if he knows who it is, it doesn't deter him from getting a seat. His competition may be tough, added by a fellow Aurun, but he's known to keep pushing even he's at a disadvantage.

He continues through the night, sending more emails. His endurance is still there after his two year stay at the hospital. It's a trait that stays with drivers like him but will it help him in the WGPC?

To: WGPC 18 Constructors
From: Kinu Luminna (knlumi@mna.au)
Subject: Seat Opening

---

Greetings. I am Kinu Luminna, former endurance driver, newcomer to WGP racing but I have years of racing experience. I raced in the Viska Junio Formula then eventually raced in the AEC-J until I was promoted to race in the AEC. I have won several races but winning the 2017 24 Hours of Livonsk is my personal highlight. I eventually won the drivers' championship with my colleagues. It was cut short after my accident but after two years, I am eager to get back behind the steering wheel, racing in the highest tier.

I am known to outperform any car, getting good points for the team and hopefully I am able to do that with your car as well. I can bring in a large sponsor that has been with me during my endurance years to help your team go through the season.

Sincerely,
Kinu Luminna

---

MNA FORUMS
WGPO Thread

LaHauka18 » in WGPO Thread
@laurahaukanna
Viska Racing

---

17.33
You guys heard about Kinu Luminna? Apparently he's going to race again.

krasnaahima » in WGPO Thread
@könäivan
KVA Rally

---

17.35
Whoa, seriously? Has he fully recovered? It's a bad idea to race with injuries.

Trust me, I know.

This post was removed by moderators.

LaHauka18 » in WGPO Thread
@laurahaukanna
Viska Racing

---

17.36
News has it that he's fully recovered. Question is, will he do well? I heard from test drivers that it's different from here.

KK-Tola » in WGPO Thread
@kikookantolaa
Aviari Racing

---

17.39
Having watched him race before his accident, if he still has his pre-accident form, he could do well.

LaHauka18 » in WGPO Thread
@laurahaukanna
Viska Racing

---

17.40
Hope he does well.

Looks like he has tough competition, even Lukas Ziuvin is going to race there.

kulmivesa » in WGPO Thread
@illä_kömäkki
Sport Mikuren

---

17.41
What?! You mean that Ziuvin?!
Damn.

LaHauka18 » in WGPO Thread replies to kulmivesa (@illä_kömäkki)
@laurahaukanna
Viska Racing

---

17.42
Yes.

LumiLumi » in WGPO Thread
@kinuluminna
Viska Racing

---

17.45
Wait what.

[TJUN-ia]

Portside, JB TJUN-ia
Downtown - The Lost Anchor Bar
10:32PM TST (Here's some music to suit the mood...)

It's just another quiet night at The Lost Anchor Bar, where lost souls go for the free alcohol, the not-so-free caffeine and the feeling of being lost at sea. To many in this city, the Lost Anchor was their place - where they didn't feel so out of place - and for Lane Carter, TJUN-ia's open-wheel racing prospect, it was too.

You'd think that after making a name for himself in WGP2 and meeting new people from across the multiverse, the Galarian would feel better about his standing in the world. But this was not the case.

Just before WGP2, Lane's journey began in this Bar. A rare reunion of the Carter brothers after WB48 was the occasion and it was on this night that he realised that he needed to act on his career - he just didn't know where. He felt pretty far from his brothers' standing even then but now, they might as well be in different star systems. Prince was a national footballing hero and now plays professionally in Ko-oren while Jester is continuing the Gridiron Revolution in New Washington, which might as well be light-years away from the JagBase. But here in Portside, Lane is just...here. Nothing to do and no one to talk too, as if he was invisible even in this haven for the invisible. He had never felt this lonely in his life, even when he was on the road for UrGa.

After that interview across town at the Atlantis Hotel for SportNight, he emailed Preston about that open tryout session in Hapilopper City. He also made sure to email everyone else, as he wanted to make sure everyone in this series knew that he was available. He even forwarded the SportNight interview to the teams because, in his mind, he needed to ensure everyone knew who this random TJUN-ian is.

He will be flying to Hapilopper tomorrow, and after that...he wasn't exactly sure himself. UrGa was the 2nd team he tested for in WGP2, so maybe it will be the same again...but the prospect of racing for Preston was something he couldn't just give up. In the end, he may well end up racing for the WGPC Motorworks team if all else fails but even that would be better than nothing. Lane didn't want to fail, he didn't want to fall to those lows he felt after WGP2....not again, not ever. He carried the hope of TJUN-ian open-wheel racing on his shoulders.

But, he thought to himself, if that is the case, why does it feel like I'm the imposter in this world. Why do I feel like nobody cares about me?

Because they don't. Only the obsessed could care about me, a worthless piece of Galarian mud who would be better off in the depths of the Bay of Peace.

Thoughts like this are hard to get rid of, even when the letter did arrive eventually. As he downed his last little bit of the ale he got in his glass, he thought back to a few months ago and remembered what Jester said to him on that night.

"Don't worry, Gearhead!" Jester replied, using the nickname Lane hated to his core. "Surely opportunities will come at some point. Everything will be fine."

Everything will be fine? Let's hope to Margaret your right, Jest.

[Togonistan]

DF Racing Headquarters
Edrana, Togonistan

Dom was standing in a parking lot, looking at an old warehouse building in front of him. The sun was shining, laying it's rays on the worn out walls. Yellow paint that had covered these walls for many years had started to tear off, revealing cold grey brick wall it was covering. Some local hooligans had done some graffiti on the large sliding iron door which had also seen better days in the past. It wasn't a beautiful building, it was old, it was worn. And still... it was perfect.

This old warehouse in the outskirts of Edrana had been waiting for a new owner for quite a few years now. Edrana, a small town in Southern Togonistan, home to approximately 80 000 residents, had a certain charm to it. This town was a starting point to many local motorsports practitioners. While Hwoarang was the big central hub of racing with constantly lively atmosphere and home to many local teams, Edrana was different. People on the streets walked slowly and seemed lazy as they carried out their daily routine tasks. It was only during race weekends at the local track when the town would wake up and show it's true spirit. Today, however, it was Wednesday, and no race was taking place. Still, Edrana had a special spot in Dom's heart. Here, 7 years ago, it all had begun for him. Dom had driven his first ever rallycross race here at local track, and thus, started his motorsport career. He still remembered it as if it was yesterday, when he crossed the finish line in his second-hand rallycross car for the very first time. Indeed, Edrana had a special spot in Dom's heart, and that was the very reason he had decided to buy that old warehouse to establish his newly-founded team headquarters.

Dom opened the door and entered the building. Lights at the ceiling were flickering as he walked around a large storeroom, in which a small group of team staff was busy transforming the room into a workshop area. In one corner, a Kaylan Malaga RS was parked. The very same car Dom had won Hwoarang 24h race with the other day. The car which was now about to be driven by Sasha Thornsk during the upcoming TTRL season. The team acquired services of the talented Natanyan driver after he had proven his worth by securing 2nd place in WGP3 ENZ Championship. Another car was about to arrive in the upcoming days as well, which would be given to some young talent from the local driver pool. They had not yet made the final decision, but there were quite a few options on the table, and Dom remained positive. He raised his hand to greet a slightly balding man in his 50s, who answered with same. That was Timo Karauna, the fresh new team principal of DF Racing. 4-time champion of local TTRL series. A man who knew the inner workings of local motorsports scene. A man who Dom trusted 100% to take care of the team tasks on a daily basis. Because, while Dom had indeed made one of his dreams come true by founding his own team, he clearly couldn't focus on running the team himself as of now, as Dom wasn't done with racing himself yet.

Indeed, he wasn't done with racing himself.

Dom had now made his way to his office. A small room on the upper floor with a large window on one wall, overlooking the workshop area. Just like the rest of the building, the office still needed a lot of work, but all the necessities were already installed. Dom took a seat behind an old dining table that was temporarily fulfilling the duties of being his work desk. He placed his laptop on the table and opened it up, to check on the latest news related to WGPC. He had heard nothing back from MRT yet, it seemed as if they either had not yet seen his offer or they just had other ideas in mind. Oh well, it was worth a shot... at least there was a slim chance with Preston left... After browsing for a while, a press release about Cocoabo Exposition & WGPC Trials caught his eye. Having read through the article, Dom realised he can't miss such an opportunity. An opportunity to show his skills alongside other WGPC prospects. Any publicity for him was good publicity right now, and thus, Dom called his agent to let her make sure that everyone will know he will be attending the Cocoabo Expo & WGPC Trials.

[Diarcesia]

To Marty Lewis,
Firstly, I would like to extend my greetings. My name is Sara Luna, and I do motorsports for a living. You might have known me as the runner of WGP2 III, but before that I have done multiple types of events: karting, touring car racing, drag, drift, among others. I am glad to accept your invitation to join the Preston tryouts. I feel this will be a season of transition for me, with the decision to take the next step to try my fortunes in WGPC and become a more involved part in motorsports.

Regarding sponsorships, I have deals some of the largest companies in Diarcesia such as Konno Power and the Movosis Hotel Group.

Sara Luna

[Sara accepts the invitation to join the Preston Autos GP open tryouts]

---

While many Diarcesians were glued to their television sets and computer screens for the World Cup final between Nephara and Banija, Sara was busy getting honing her driving in the local racetrack. She hopped in her PB Crux, ran a few laps and jogged in the grounds to build up her endurance.

She had no illusions that where she was now, she was in the latter stages of her motorsports career. She had won one of her first races here in one of the second-tier one-make competitions and it was also the site where she cemented her place in the WGP3.

It was thanks to all these years that Sara's focus stayed sharp. She was able to transfer some of her skills in one discipline into another...

"Sara, you have to race soon."

"That came out of nowhere, to be honest," A younger Sara, then a test driver, said to her team principal.

"Our number two just got into a freak accident. We don't really have a choice"

It was a tough situation to learn the ropes in that shortened timeframe, but this focus served her well. Out of 20 finishers, she was ninth. Not bad given the circumstances.

The incident brought forth a lot of sympathy from the fans, as well as the attention of several WGP3 teams, taking note of Sara’s ability to handle the pressure. Most notably, being a pay driver was a thing of the past for her after that point. In Diarcesia, at least.

Sara packed up her bags and left the racetrack with satisfaction. She had made a name for herself after so many years of working her arse off. It wasn’t an easy feat, but she proved to herself that even at her age, success in racing wasn’t impossible.

[Nephara]

My assumption is that the posts hinting at rumoured or planned invitations for tests were effectively current/active invitations from an OOC perspective. I'm willing to amend things if I misread this.

The sponsors were racking up for Jasmine Muscadet. Unlike certain other Nepharim, she knew the importance of rallying together the country's commercial might behind the !first! Nephar in WGPC1. Not 2, you understand, darling. Not for Muscadet, that bastard offshoot. Ha! Imagine. The thought--
Her agent pulled her out of her inner monologue. "Ha!"
"Mm?"
Leonhard 'Call Me Leo' Seward presented his smartphone to his boss. They were both in Seward's high-rise Brinemouth office, with glass walls that 'encouraged transparency' and 'challenging furniture' that 'spurred creative thinking'. In practice, Muscadet's creative thoughts were things like 'ow' and 'ouch' and 'my neck hurts'. But she unfolded as best she could to try and look at the screen...
"Ah, excellent. My, ah..."
"Official fertiliser partner of Jasmine Muscadet."
"Of course. They won't be offering samples, right?"
"Oh, of course not."
"Good. Mm. What's our friend Catheline been up to?"
Seward flicked to Armbruster's twii. "Ah, hrm. Reacting to our news with no fewer than seven joy emoji. That was quick."
"Eh?"
"You know, the cry-laugh." Seward shrugged. "It doesn't matter what she thinks. The fact is this: she isn't attractive to sponsors, and even if she was I doubt she could collect them at our rate. You see, we have people who know the industry. Who have the Connections." He tapped his nose surreptitiously.
Muscadet shifted on the awful tetris chair. "Sponsors are all well and good, but part of me is still... I mean, we are just talk, aren't we? Until I get inside a car--"
"Hush! No, no-no-no-no."
"Huh?"
"No negative thinking. This?" He swept out a hand across all he surveyed. "What is this, Jasmine?"
She blinked. "A high-rise office-space renovated and cleaned out to be full of unco-- challenging furniture."
"This is a Positive Thinking Environment, Jasmine. I take this very seriously. This is a place where we celebrate our successes."
"What happens if we fail?"
Seward practically recoiled. "We don't talk about the f-word here, Jasmine! We encounter challenges and then recalibrate our goals to iterate towards a viable outcome."
"Sure. Can we recalibrate towards a contract with a proper outfit? Like, look, here--"
"Hey!"
"Give me that." After a brief but decisive tussle during which Seward nearly broke his back on a challenging furniture piece, Muscadet ripped the phone away. "Oh, look, it's another invite."
"We already gave our time to Prest--"
"I don't care, Leo. I want it all. I want to get my face out there, want to see myself in lights! And I want to get in a bloody open-wheel car calibrated to the highest level. Wouldn't it be a disaster if I pursued this softly-softly approach you want, got into a car and had no bloody idea what I was doing?"
She navigated her way to the Reply button on Tropicorp's invitation, shoved her protesting agent aside, sending him tumbling over a Tetrissy stool, and keyed in her terse reply;
Yes.

Kitti Armbruster stared at her phone. It was too many drinks into the night
"Hey. Hey. Heyyy."
"Nmhgh."
Her agent, Nikita, patted her wrist. She was also too many drinks into the night, and less able to carry them besides; as a result, she was looking up from a perpendicular angle, side of her head glued to the table. "You should get yourself out there," she wheedled.
"And... and what, whore myself out like Jasmine?" Armbruster hiccuped. "Fuck. Anyway, no. Nah. I'm waitin' for... for someone to show some faith, innit?"
Nikita groaned. "Nobody's gonna just rock up and throw you in a car, Kitti. Even the most estab... estabullist... est... even the drivers that win things gotta like re-audition and shit."
"They seen what I can do," said Armbruster, defiantly.
"... Kitti, you been in one race."
"Yeah."
"And you crashed."
"Only 'cause I was goin' too fast."
"Oh my fuckin' God, Kitti..."
"Anyway. Anyway! I don' want Jasmine's money. I don't want her noodle sponsors and her multi-millions and her bein' everywhere. I already done the hard stuff. Now I wanna just... go fast."
"You'll get your chance... if. If. IF. You do the right stuff. Not before then."
"Yeah? Yeah well--"
Her phone beeped. Armbruster grinned.
"Hey. Hey, this is it. This is fate. This is a concrete... something."
"Kitti, it's pro'lly an ad for athletic shoes or one of your exes tryna get in touch or, or a noodle partner. Or."
Armbruster chuckled until she actually checked. "Nah, wait, look! Fuck!" That almost sobered her up. "Holy shit!"
"Uh?"
"Look!"
It was from SVJ Racing. It was not a form letter.
She didn't even bother reading any of the specifics.
Yes.

[Sorlovia]

Volkov Racing HQ
Nemenyets, Yekatoyva Oblast, Sorlovia

KRUPIN SIGNS WITH VOLKOV RACING

"Excellent," Sergei said leaning forward in his chair "we've got Gregori in our number one seat. Now we just need to finalize our number two. Has there been any word from Ryker Lane yet?"

"No sir," the young redheaded woman replied "but Reiyomi Enata has accepted our offer for a test circuit. She's a promising young racer with a lot of potential."

Sergei was silent for a few moments. He hadn't heard of Reiyomi before and the prospect of signing a racer he wasn't familiar with was a risk. But he needed to fill his second seat and Reiyomi's record was impressive. Her performance on the track would be the deciding factor. She would be given every opportunity to prove herself but the final Volkov seat would come down to who was the most promising. It was, after all, a competition.

To whom it may concern,

Volkov Racing would like to take this opportunity to extend a formal invite to all racers taking part in the eighteenth World Gran Prix Championship season. We cordially invite you to take part in a test circuit on at our testing facility on the rural outskirts of Nemenyets.

This is an open invite to all racers who we have not previously contacted and who have not been signed to a team. In the spirit of competition we would like to invite you to take part in this test. All racers who attend will take part in four timed laps of the test circuit in a competition to see who can get the fastest time.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Sergei Kletska
Volkov Racing

That group email would cover his bases. Naturally, the racers he had personally contacted would get first preference but the final decision would come down to the racer that got the best time out on the test track. His team was new to the WGPC scene but he'd heard how demanding and fast-paced it was from Gregori. The young Sorlovian already had two previous WGPC seasons under his belt and as such was a valuable source of information.

Gregori's test circuit had only been a formality. Sergei knew of his performance in WGPC16 and WGPC17. He'd wanted to sign him from the moment he'd first heard that he was back in racing for the new season. But to make it fair Gregori had undertaking a test circuit just like every aspiring racer and had now secured a multimillion dollar contract for WGPC18 as befitted his experience in the racing industry.

VOLKOV RACING SELECTS TROPICORP TYRES

The Mark I chassis would serve as the official race chassis for Volkov Racing's debut WGPC season. Tropicorp tyres and a WGPC spec engine would be fitted onto the car which would be tuned to be competitive with the other teams. Things were coming together at last. All that remained was to selected a second racer.

[Squidroidia]

Hapilopper City Grand Prix Circuit. The big day for Daryl Mizushima.

It was the Preston Autos open tryout. To most participants, it was one of only a handful of chances they would get at a WGPC seat. For Mizushima, however, it was his only chance. No other team wanted him, a scrappy pay driver with no record in open wheeled machinery. Just karts. And even with karts he was horrendous. A newly founded team with little money to spend could get him, but this was a season with no new teams begging for money. The teams are all established, and only a few would even want pay drivers.

He pinpointed the most likely candidates from 3 teams. The WGPC Motorworks team, MRT, and Preston Autos, with MRT already confirming their lineup. He could try for a seat at Viska, but that would be harder than it looked. Tropicorp Ælund would not want him, TAS already have their sponsorship set in stone, and BAT already have their driver lineup set. So really, it came down to this. A dogfight for the 2nd seat at Preston. He had to show it his all, otherwise he would likely not get a drive for the season.

And yeah, there was also Fireline and Volkov, but to be honest they would not want him.

As he arrived at the circuit for the tryouts, he could be seen putting on his balaclava and a helmet. Nothing too fancy in terms of design, it had a Squidroidian flag on it as well as a couple of lines here and there, to the normal eye it felt like a bland, average helmet. But Daryl was proud of this. It was his chance to show Preston and the WGPC world what he was truly capable of. And if this is pulled off correctly, it could mean much more for Squidroidian racing. Maybe a steady flow of competitors? Perhaps a future champion?

And so he would make his way to his car for this do or die situation. There it was, the PGP-01, complete with a V6 engine. It called his name. It called it with the crooning of a talented girl, one that wanted to have him for her love. It seemed like destiny. And so, with his seat adjustments at the ready, he hopped in the cockpit and looked at, for the first time, open wheeled machinery.

The steering wheel had a lot of buttons, more than in his kart and way more than an Inklingcraft car. It felt... Like rocket science. Complicated as all hell. Daryl thought he should give up here, but it was a commitment. He wanted to drive the car around the circuit. It was going to take some getting used to when it came to the steering wheel and the car and whatnot, but he wasn't going to give up now. It would make him the most childish driver to ever touch the WGPC.

As the Tropicorp tyres were put onto the car, Daryl slowly hit the gas. When he felt comfortable, he just pushed it as much as he could. He could see the circuit and all the turns from here, and everyone at Preston was watching him. He did not want to mess up now.

Daryl Mizushima was about to do his laps for the Preston Autos tryout.

[Diarcesia]

To Sergei Kletska,

Thank you for the invitation for the tryouts. The WGPC is one of the most popular racing leagues in the multiverse and I could not ask for a better opportunity than to prove that I can contribute positively to Volkov. I've been fortunate enough to race in the WGP3 for multiple seasons and win championship trophies along the way. I've also had time in the Pryfors Bilar automotive company as a test driver, helping me learn a lot of the inner workings of cars and the best way to handle them. If accepted, I am really looking forward to working with you and helping Volkov get on the podium this season.

Sincerely,
Aldauren Ginintella

Aldauren Ginintella, more than 100 years ago

Aldauren,

It was the best of times, and the wheel has turned to show its worst now. The people of this land have been through too much pain, and too soon. They suffered, and you were not spared. You have the right to be angry, but you have the duty to help them. Leave them the Oblivion alone, and they will eventually become your friends. Otherwise, they will only hate you. Your choice begins with you.

My son, I am glad that you took the time to read this letter. However, I must ask that you reconsider. Are you sure you will not visit this old elf? Your mother would surely love to meet you again. I am sure you will agree to help her out in any way that you can. She is quite difficult to persuade, but you see, I have been trying to convince her for several months that you leaving for Diarcesia is for the best.

- Your father

"You know, Dad," I said aloud, still not wanting to sound rude, "I mean, I'm not sure if you finally realize that I actually exist, but this is a hard decision."

[Recuecn]

For a pro WGPC driver, the off-season is no vacation.

A driver's job responsibilities don't end when they take off their helmet after the race. A WGPC driver doesn't get the rest of the year to celebrate and rest on their laurels. The week after the last grand prix, they're at the track again, running test drives, giving feedback, putting in the hours. It's hard work, and it's all year long.

Abdoulaye Goita was not a WGPC driver.

Abdoulaye was a WGP2 driver, and that was different. His off-season had been full of relaxation and fun adventure. His contract had ended when he had stepped off the podium holding his drivers' championship trophy, and he'd gone back home a week later. He didn't know what to do with any of his prize money - not that it was a ridiculous amount. This was the WGP2, after all. So he moved back in with his dad.

Even before he'd made it back home, however, he'd received a call from GFR Motorsports, the Kanyean NSSCRA team. They'd heard about his victory, and wanted him to drive just one race for them in NSSCRA as some sort of publicity stunt. Abdoulaye didn't know the first thing about stock car racing, but he'd gone along for the ride, so to speak, and had a great time getting to know the Kanyeans and following NSSCRA around the multiverse. WGP2 had been his job, and he'd taken it very seriously, but NSSCRA just seemed like one big party to him, and he suspected plenty of NSSCRA drivers felt the same way. Abdoulaye went sightseeing and played tourist in each country they visited, but also wound up coming back for a second race with the team.

Abdoulaye found that he wasn't the only WGP2 driver who'd wound up in the NSSCRA world, either. Drake Stevenson was there: an acquaintance of his ever since that ill-fated test drive back during WGPC 17, but now, after a season of racing against each other, a good friend of his. William Archer—the same one who'd won the last race of the WGP2 calendar at Crossbay Circuit—was there, and his whole family was involved in stock car racing. Abdoulaye found time, amid meeting so many new people and seeing so many new things, to catch up with both of them.

And then, once more, he returned home.

Abdoulaye's dream still lay before him: a drive in the WGPC. His single passion had led him on such a long and crazy journey. He had flown around the multiverse trying to find a seat during WGPC 17 until he bankrupted himself and his brother had to pay for his ticket home. He had botched the test drive for Race Eelandii, and been rejected. He had fallen into a depression and, for a moment, given up. Then, taking inspiration from his father's advice, he had returned to the hunt for a seat, this time setting his sights on the WGP2. Somehow, he'd gotten lucky. SVJ Racing had signed him, and although the season had had its rough patches, they had made their way to victory, winning both the constructors' and drivers' championships. And now, here he was all over again, back where he started, looking for a team. The stress of trying to find someone to sign with was insane, especially when there were so many drivers looking and so few spots. It was enough to give you nightmares.

Yet Abdoulaye had still been procrastinating. He was procrastinating now, as he lay on his couch, watching the IFCF preliminary rounds. It was at that moment his phone rang. The name on the caller ID surprised him.

"Hello!?"

"Abdoulaye, man! It's been so long! What's up?" Drake Stevenson's Hapilopper accent came through loud and clear, even on a choppy cell connection.

"Hey, Drake! Not much! I've just been, uh, relaxing a bit. How are you?"

"Doin' alright! I wanted to check in with you, so I thought I'd give you a call."

"Oh, why's that?" Abdoulaye was beginning to feel a little flustered. He'd breen procrastinating, sure, but what was this, some sort of intervention? No, that didn't make sense. Then why was he getting so defensive?

"Well," Drake said, "I sort of expected to be seeing your name in the headlines by now with some big WGPC signing." Abdoulaye bristled again before hearing Drake's laugh. It was disarming as hell.

"I'm not sure how well you remember," Abdoulaye chuckled, "all the way back from when you were the one getting the big WGPC signings, but Gary Cook never really liked me quite as much as he liked you."

"I don't think he disliked you," Drake began, "I think it had more to do with your practice time—" but Abdoulaye cut him off.

"There's a lot of doors that are open to someone like you that aren't to someone like me," he said. "I don't have your name, I don't have any sponsors..."

"Hey, don't beat yourself up," said Drake. "For one thing, you've got a title. For another, none of that shit matters. Teams would be happy to have you. Look, just this weekend, down here in Hapilopper City, Preston Autos is having a test session with an open invitation. That's actually why I was calling, I wanted to make sure you'd heard about it. You know the type of deal. You win, you get the seat."

"Huh." Abdoulaye was intrigued. "Thanks for the heads up. I hadn't heard, but I'll be there."

"Attaboy," said Drake. "There's some more like that, too, I think. Race Eelandii's doing one in Cocoabo Forest..."

"What did I already say about Gary Cook," laughed Abdoulaye. "I think I'm a little scared of him."

"He doesn't bite," said Drake. "He's actually a nice guy. Plus, I think other teams will be there as well."

"Yeah, I guess I'm not going to turn down a chance to drive a WGPC car, even if it's just a test session. I'll RSVP for that tonight."

"You'd better," said Drake. "I want to see you on TV again."

"Same!" said Abdoulaye. "When's the next NSSCRA season starting exactly? It seems like Team Blue's really going to be challenging this year..."

---

Late that evening, Abdoulaye found himself awake at his desk. He was surprised how productive the second half of his day had been. The conversation with his friend had energized him - pushed him to finally get off his ass. He'd gone for a walk afterward, up one of the many steep Reçuecian hillsides, to a point from where he could see the cityscape beginning to glisten in the dusk as the sun set and the lights turned on. He paused there a few minutes, thinking about everything that had happened in the last year or so. There was so much. Scary moments, stressful moments, moments of joy and celebration. Moments where it felt like he had finally caught - just for a second - whatever he was chasing. He remembered that feeling. Now he was pursuing it again... so why had he stopped? Why had it taken a call from Drake Stevenson to galvanize him into action? What was he scared of? It wasn't Gary Cook. Not mostly.

No, it was simply the stress of finding a team that had paralyzed him. The only thing to do was to go home, make a call or two, and start writing emails. The tests were well and good - of course he would do them - but now he wanted to take even more firm action. Time to contact someone with a definite offer.

The first sliver of the moon appearing above the horizon was washed out by the light of the streetlamp over his head flickering on, and he started to walk down the hill and back home.

He'd had a quick dinner, and then officially confirmed his participation in both the Preston Autos and the Cocoabo Forest test sessions. Then, he'd finally taken some time to do some research, and had begun drafting a third and final letter. He reread it now, making sure it seemed formal enough and presented himself well.

Abdoulaye Goita
67 Rue Bas
Reçueçn, Reçueçn
Tèl: +35 45 82 65 69
E-mail: absgoita@courriel.rn

Schkeska-VSK Viska Racing
Akresna, Auruna

16 October, 2020

Dear Mr. Ekeränna:

Aware that Viska Racing has secured a WGPO license for the upcoming season, I am writing to you to express my interest in driving for your team at the WGPC level. Having competed against - and only narrowly beaten - Viska Racing in the most recent WGP2 season, I possess a modicum of familiarity with your team and organization, and consider you to be the best option as I search to participate in WGPC 18. I am still a relative newcomer to the world of professional racing, but as you will know, I was nevertheless able to win both the drivers' and constructors' championships with SVJ Racing during WGP2 III.

Impressed with what I have seen of Viska Racing, and believing, as I mentioned, that your team constitutes the best opportunity for myself in the WGPC, I hope that you will look favorably on my application for a seat. For the same reason, I have not reached out to any other teams in search of a position; this is not a form letter. I have, however, registered for two test sessions with different teams, in order to get some time behind the wheel early this season.

As I am not searching for a first driver seat in particular, I was pleased to hear that your team will treat both drivers as equals in the hunt for the championship. I would also like to say that I would be very excited to work with Ms Stone and Mr. Aurora, should they renew their contracts with Viska Racing after WGP2 III, as I consider Ms. Stone in particular a friend, despite our competition.

Dans l'attente d'une suite favorable, je vous prie d'agréer, Monsieur le team principal, l'expression de mes hommages respectueux.

Abdoulaye GOITA

[Abanhfleft]

"William! William!" Guillermo Archer called out as he walked towards the room of his eldest son. "Come on man, you've been here before. Remember that? Remember how you almost missed out on a seat in WGP2?"

"Yeah, Dad, I remember," William Archer replied from inside his room.

"Then what are you still doing in there? Shouldn't you be up applying for these teams or whatever it is you do during preseason then?"

"Yeah, Dad, that's exactly what I'm doing," William said.

"Really?" Guillermo opened the door to William's room and found the latter sitting on his bed and typing something on his tablet. "And how is this applying for a WGPC team?"

"Chill, Dad, I've got it all covered," William said. "I don't want a repeat of what happened last year, Dad. I don't wanna settle for a team that may or may not be shit. This time, I wanna have a choice on which team I want to drive for. Like, for example, Preston Autos. I know you haven't had the best relations with the Haps, Dad, but I kinda like the direction that they're taking here. And they're holding open tryouts as well, so I definitely want to go there and just put my name in the hat. And even if I don't make the cut there, at least by then people will probably know about me."

"Any other teams you might want to go for?" Guillermo asked. "You said it yourself, there's a chance you won't get the seat at Preston at all. Are there any other teams you might want to go to?"

"Yeah, got myself a few other options actually," William nodded. "There's Mattijana, SVJ Racing, and Race Eelandi." And then William went silent, staring off into the distance.

"What's wrong, William?" Guillermo asked his son, sitting down next to him.

"It just hit me, you know," William said after a few moments of silence. "I'm about to go into the big time. Like, the real big time. Everyone I've ever met in CGPRA absolutely loves WGPC and dreams of finally making the step up to it, and now I'm the first driver from Abanhfleft to do it. I can already imagine the looks on the guys' faces when they find out."

"Then why the long face just now?"

"Just think about it, Dad," William said. "I just listed all of the teams that I wanted to drive for. But what if none of them want me at all? What if I'm once again stuck with trying to scramble to find a seat, or worse I don't even get a seat at all? What then?"

"Don't sweat it, little man," Guillermo said, putting an arm over William's shoulders. "It might have taken you until the final race of the season to get a win in WGP2, but you did become a WGP2 race winner, didn't you? Besides, you're an Archer. Racing is in your veins, William. You're gonna be in a seat one way or another sooner or later. So don't worry about a single thing. Just get out there, drive as fast as you can as best as you can, and hopefully you don't wreck a single car cause you know a single one of these cars costs more than the prize money for the winning team in ARTS."

William snorted at the last bit. "Thanks for the motivational speech, Dad," he said, but his tone suggested that he actually appreciated the help. "Now can I write my email to Preston Autos in peace?"

"Sure, little man," Guillermo nodded, ruffling William's hair affectionately before getting up to leave.

[William Archer will join the Preston Autos open tryouts, and has also expressed interest in Mattijana Racing Team, SVJ Racing WGPC Team, and Race Eeland V&T WGPC.]

---

Taras Gavrilovich Matviyenko was not sure if he had made the right choice of taking the big step of jumping up into the WGPC.

Taras prided himself in being a good driver. Some people would actually call him a great driver. He was, after all, the first driver's champion of the Coalition Grand Prix Racing Association. But after that inaugural win (and following an accident involving his teammate) Taras never really had the fire burning in him anymore, at least not as hot as when he had first come into the sport.

His first and so far only season in WGP2 might have changed that though. That season, Taras was known as a steady driver who didn't get into accidents, at least not of his own volition. Taras could be relied on to bring back the car in one piece, but aside from that his pace was markedly up and down. On one track he would be challenging for podiums and on others, he was very much a backmarker. Taras just didn't want to go for the overtake. That was how his teammate had gotten into the accident, and since then Taras had committed to less and less overtakes throughout his career.

But during the offseason, Taras had tried to change that. It took him a lot of work in the simulator, and in the end he was still very much apprehensive about making a move on another driver (simulated or real). But Taras wanted to drive in the WGPC, even if only for this one season. Hell, even if it was only for one race, he would still want to do it. The WGPC was the top after all, and he wanted to say that he had been at the top before the moment came that he decided to hang up his boots and retire.

Still, Taras felt that he was ready for at least one more season of racing. Depending on how he did this season, maybe he could convince himself to go for one more year after. Or maybe this was the year that he would finally retire from racing altogether. But enough thinking about that for the moment. First he had to actually get some emails sent telling teams that he was available for hire.

[Taras Matviyenko sends applications to all teams still looking for drivers, with a special emphasis on Schkeska-VSK Viska Racing and Volkov Racing.]