World Grand Prix Championship 18 [RP/results]

[Diarcesia]

Aldauren Ginintella
The elf looked like he was going to say something at what he was watching at this point, but he was distracted by something.

A phone call.

"Aldauren," he answered... "Hey Sara, to what do I owe this pleasure?"

"You..." she said, drawing out her voice, "you have any new ideas how to spend the rest of the preseason?"

"Have you reached out to other teams yet?"

"Not really, as much as the teams are watching the drivers, I'm watching the teams as well. Tom and I are trying to determine which is the best fit for me."

"Don't dawdle, then. Or I'll never get the chance to race against you again."

Sara sighed.

"Don't overthink it, Sara. Don't get caught up in the moment," Aldauren continued. "Just get the most out of what's in your cards, no matter what." The elf reached down and took the cap off of his head. "I'll be back soon. Don't talk to me about what teams you'll talk to next, Sara. I don't like spoilers."

"Okay, then. Thanks for the tip. I'd rather listen to someone who lasted in the scene for as long as you did."

"See you in the pit lane," Aldauren bade goodbye in the traditional custom of Diarcesian professional drivers.

What each of them is not aware of the other is that both Aldauren and Sara later contacted Schkeska-VSK Viska Racing, SVJ Racing WGPC Team, and Fireline Motorsports for a potential seat.

For these teams, they got different emphases from the Diarcesian drivers. For Sara, in addition to the results of her WGP2 debut, she pointed out how she spent at least a few years and thrived in the different motorsports that she participated. This was including and not limited to the WGP3, drag, and drift events. Aldauren told them of his sponsorship deals with the largest Diarcesian companies, his WGP3 overall record (he held the most championships in the Monarchy), and the potential to bring exposure and build more positive reputation of the teams to the Diarcesian spectators.

[Recuecn]

Abdoulaye saw the news for the first time when he woke up and checked his phone in the morning. When his alarm went off, he rolled onto his side, grabbing his phone to hit snooze in the midst of his groggy stupor. He was about to roll back over to sleep in five more minutes, but when he closed the alarm, he caught a glimpse of a new email notification. The preview showed the abbreviated subject line: "OFFICIAL VISKA WGPC OFF..."

Instantly, Abdoulaye was wide awake. He sat up on the edge of the bed. Had this really happened? Was he really about to fulfill at long-last his lifetime dream of driving in the WGPC?

The email contained an attachment, an official letter from Jöna Ekeränna, the Viska team principal. And in that letter... it was everything Abdoulaye had wanted for as long as he could remember. He ran across the room, grabbed his laptop off his dresser, and flipped it open. He had some emails to send.

First, to MRT.

To: Maria Jamasova
From: absgoita@courriel.rn

Dear Ms. Jamasova,

My apologies for the delayed response. I am greatly appreciative of the invitation I received from you to take part in your test session at Kopylov. However, as you may be aware, I have received an offer, which I will be accepting, for a seat with Viska Racing in the upcoming season. Under any other circumstances I would be thrilled to participate in the test session, but since I already have a signing lined up, I don't want to waste your time or resources.

Thank you again, and best wishes,

Abdoulaye Goita

With that out of the way, he opened a new email, one he was much more excited to draft:

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

Schkeska-VSK Viska Racing
Akresna, Auruna

18 October, 2020

Dear Mr. Ekeränna:

I am delighted to accept the seat you have offered me with Viska Racing. Thank you so much: I'm very excited to work with you and the team this season.

I will see you at the pre-season test!

Sincerely,

Abdoulaye GOITA

And then, time to twiit it so everyone could know.
ABDOULAYE GOITA ✓

@GTAVII

Thrilled to be driving for @Viska_Racing this season!




#ViskaRacing : #WGPC18

[Cocoabo Forest]

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%

The Cocoabo Exposition & World Grand Prix Trials

Cocoabo Park Circuit, Cocoabo Park, Cocoabo Forest :: While the forecast for the Weekend was only a 30% chance of rain, the week itself had been a wet one at the Cocoabo Park Resort. It didn't matter to Cocoabo #23 or any of the Cocoabo handlers who were more than accustomed to a residual mist in the air but the weather certainly seemed to impact the travel plans of the Drivers and Teams attending the Cocoabo Exposition & World Grand Prix trials to be hosted by the Cocoabo Park Circuit in collaboration with Tropicorp and Vilita & Turori Motorsports. Of course, visitors to the Park itself were treated to a little something different with a few vendor tents that had sprouted up outside the main grandstand area which would also open to the public. Cocoabo #23 was in the paddock before they got behind the wheel for an afternoon showcase of their talents behind the wheel.

Prior to getting on the track for a private session, however, there were just two scouts on hand for a scheduled meet-and-greet with Cocoabo #23 in the Paddock. Juracai Klianiota from iBen Toralmintii's Race Eelandii! Vilita and Turori World Grand Prix Motorworks and a scout who had arrived in the morning to represent the In-House WGPC Motorworks team. Of course it was no surprise that those two teams would be highly interested in all available drivers as neither team had yet secured either of its two driver seats. It was still early in the day, however, and it was possible that representatives from other teams had opted to stay in until the rain let up a bit or had delayed their arrival for the week. There were a number of remaining scheduled meet-and-greet opportunities for teams with vacant seats to take advantage of during the trials.

With no fewer than 13 drivers planning to compete in the Trials over the subsequent days, the multi-day event offered to be the best opportunity for teams that still had an open seat available to them to guage the talent that was still available on the free agent market before they risked missing out on official pre-season testing.

When Cocoabo #23 hit the track for the first of two 30 minute driving exhibitions they did so utilizing a special fit WGPC machine outfitted with Tropicorp Racing Supply's Storm tires. While the rain was letting up the track was still quite damp. As such, there was no track record to be had on course. The vehicle was outfitted with a camera on the side view mirror pointing back at the Cocoabo with two large screens - one opposite the main grandstand and one in the covered paddock where representatives from teams as well as other drivers who had already arrived for the weekend could get a glimpse of Cocoabo #23 in action. After approximately 10 minutes of hot laps in the wet, the Cocoabo came down for a pit stop to show precision pit entry and the ability to take orders from the team. Handlers from the Cocoabo Enrichment and Enhancement Project then set out Cones on the front straight.

After returning to the track, Cocoabo #23 set out a series of cone-related expositions including the slalom, the nose-cone tap and the 'tight squeeze'. Unfortunately the water on the track resulted in difficulty keeping some of the cones in place, giving the appearance that the Cocoabo may have hit some of the cones during the slalom portion of the presentation even though the handlers will argue that the Cocoabo completed the course cleanly.

After 30 minutes, the Cocoabo returned to the paddock for another meet and greet to see if any other team Scouts had showed up and wanted a closer look at the cockpit modifications to support the Cocoabo pilot before an early afternoon buffet and a return to the track in dusk conditions.

In addition to the staff and scouts, drivers on hand who arrived a day early were also invited to the buffet. One of those was Vilitan Grand Prix veteran R.L. Cruisin who was looking to make a deal to extend their career after a they were left holding the bag at a stink-filled Mirrors outfit during the 17th season of World Grand Prix competition.

Other drivers that were confirmed to attend the trial were Sara Luna, Aldauren Ginintella, Kinu Luminna, Lane Carter, Dom Falepeau, Adriana Kowalski, Niklas Schonbaum, Daryl Mizushima, Abdoulaye Goita, Charyseine Valkyria, Dario Nülkeschläger and a mystery driver from an unknown land. Those were just the drivers who had been assigned lodging at the Checkered Flag Resort on the grounds of the circuit, though 6 more driver suites remained on hold at the facility for any late arrivals.

---

[Lisander]

"We apologize, but we'll not make tests anymore. We don't have enough cars for doing that. After all, we only finished four chassis and three powertrains until now... It is not enough to host a test, and if one of them fails? What would be done for the season? The other teams have a lot of money and structure, but it's not like we are at the same level. We thought about having old cars, but we're already repurposing those parts. You're free to go to that Preston Autos test, as I said before." - That was Vetinari sending a voice message to Sissie Devereux and Athan Lille. "Well, back to where we stopped. What do you have for us today, Lasseps?"

The team principal opened her laptop and started to speak:

"Just general numbers, percentages. We've been testing the older and the newer parts. We made some adjustments in Dyno. The new Harlean engine is getting 8,7% better than the modified older engine, and near 15% better than the WGPC17 vanilla Camden engine. We're going from 76% to near 90% in estimated quality. The engineering team is still worried about pairing it with the chassis. Seems we won't have a lot of engines available for the season, so the reliability is important. The team is now working to reduce the weight of other parts to make the car a little bit lighter, but not interested in sacrificing the balance that much... Had you some news about the Heroes Windtunnel? We could make use of some modding on the chassis. All the body modifications were only theoretical. We can win some power if those modifications to the cooling system are allowed. It will be barely perceptible in the cars."

"I keep waiting for the deposit of the first payment from TAS. As soon as it's on the account, I'll have the wind tunnel rent. Also, remember the engineers we need the modifications to be as economic as possible. Tell them to avoid flaps, horns and other heavy addons to the chassis, since our engine isn't the lightest on the grid. Inlets and body shaping are okay as long as they are not too intrusive."

"Okay, last but not least, we still hadn't addressed foreign drivers. Sakinomi Rikikida, Niklas Schonbaum, Aldauren Gintella and Charyseine Valkyria for the seat of pay-driver, as well as between Athan Lille and Sissie Devereux for the local driver."

"For the local drivers, it definitely must be Sissie. She knows the car, she was in the tests. Why are you still hesitating? You've heard Athan saying his preference it's outside. Why should we keep acting like sycophants to him and to Marc Wiel? Because Marc has a lot of connections and we being new at this, don't have them? You know the reason for him to be striking overseas. He's just waiting for us to have a bad result, to buy the team dirt cheap and apply everything Athan Lille brings from there." Kimi Nasunen turned his attention from the rugby game he was watching for the first time to pierce Vetinari with those facts. He was more like the financial brain of the team. He had a lot of money, built through book-printing, metallurgy and now sports. His mind was like the one of a genius, but he looked like an airhead sometimes. "By the way, Lasseps, what do you think about me buying a rugby team?"

"Sorry, I don't understand much about rugby. But if you want to do something, I suggest the usual. Buy a team in a lower division and fill them with good players. But now we need to focus on these drivers. Maybe we should wait a day more, after the Preston test..."

---

The following day, after the Preston Autos test.

Kimi Nasunen: "I said you. Sissie isn't losing compared to Athan. They were even around the same time. His only special traits are having one season of international experience and being managed by Marc Wiel. Inside the car, it's a driver as every other. She is older."

Ricardo Vetinari: "Well, you have a point. But let's not make it official yet. We can even send it through the Poll Wall. And poll will probably favour Athan, since he was in the spotlights recently."

KN: "In the end, it looks like we'll have two Lisanderian drivers... We haven't yet decided on our foreign driver."

RV: "No way we can go full national, Kimi. We get a lot of money from the government for displaying Wishes Foundation, but it isn't enough to finish a season. Harlean could spare us a little more parts if we add Sissie, but it's still a big number to strike. Let's read the reports from Mr. Lasseps."

The two men started to read the report provided by the team principal:

Go there and Contract Niklas Schonbaum. He is a good driver that brings sponsors, and could be a partner to Sissie, as long as both have contracts with engine builders. Would be nice to apply some Teussische Motoren Werke knowledge in our Harlean engines. Yet, his results at Preston were kind of dismal. But, as long as I keep following the teams, I have my doubts about the reliability of that Preston Autos car (and this is why I keep working to improve the reliability of our chassis, I don't want parts of my chassis scattered around thr road, even more when they're actually catching thermic energy for the EBGP). I know both don't like to read that much, so I made that clear in one paragraph... Yet you're really interested in know about the rest of the drivers? Okay...

RV: "Why haven't we fired this crazy woman yet? Is this a report or a joke on us?"

KN: "We haven't fired and we'll not fire her, because she knows each milimeter of that car, each and everyone of those nuts and bolts. And she was de facto the Team Principal when we bought everything. She was already working in the car. You know what people say: 'Genius are slaves of their own thoughts'. He is just saying what she wants to develop the car."

As I said before, I think most of the drivers on that Preston Autos would be good choices. It's the out of the track factor that worries me.

Sakinomi Rikikida, coming from this kind of "supreme nation" don't seems like a good choice to me. Look at that layers of authorizations before the message can be even delivered. Even if this kind offer usually come with an unlimited supply of money. We're already government-backed. This would definitely make us face some legal questions. As long as I know you don't have enough money for a season of racing and a season on the court, I don't recommend that. So, sorry, Sakinomi-san, but no way.

Aldauren Ginintella: You, as members of the Lisander Autosports Board, know the policy of the government in the so-called "other species of Hominidae Family", so no. I don't think you had followed the inhuman effort to make a Falcanian look like a normal woman in the last season. They already have lots of problems with making sentient ponies look like 2-meter-height basketball players.

About Mr. Valkyria, He could bring a lot of money from his fans, and he's quite popular but I'm sorry. I'd hate to deal with a WhoTuber again. Please do that for me.

KN: "Well, at least we can offer the contract and expect to finish this part already..."

To: Mr. Niklas Schonbaum
From: TAS Alliance Racing owners, Kimi Nasunen and Ricardo Vetinari.
Subject: Contract Offer

Mr. Schonbaum,
Here at TAS Alliance Racing, We've received lots of good references of your previous endeavours and of the solidity of your backers, and we decided to offer you a seat for this WGPC season. Needless to say, your experience was a special factor. We're still deciding about your partner, that most probably will be a Lisanderian driver, but our Team Principal, Mrs Carolina Lasseps, asked personally for you and your long-time work with Teussische Motoren Werke. She looks eager to welcome any TMW specialists you may be bringing to help this team to evolve.

We're a small team, but we're eager to work hard during the season, so any support is welcome! We hope to hear on you.

Best regards,

Kimi Nasunen and Ricardo Vetinari
TAS Alliance Racing, owners

[Squidroidia]

Checkered Flag Resort
Cocoabo Park, Cocoabo Forest

"So... This is where it has come to."

Daryl Mizushima was at his room the day before he was to hit the track, but he didn't seem ready to get a potential spot at V&T. Looking out at the window, the 18 year old could see a reflection of himself.

"One last chance to earn a seat for the season. One last chance to prove that my karting days were a fluke."

He clenched his fist while he took his breaths. He did not want to punch a wall today. That would be too cruel this early. Maybe that could be for tomorrow if he doesn't make it.

Daryl then realized that this couldn't be his last chance. Volkov's offering was still on the table. If he fails here, at the Cocoabo Forest, with a shot at one of, if not the best seat open in the WGPC, he could still have a shot at a decent seat. And even then there's still the chance of a Motorworks invite.

"But maybe this could be my second to last chance. I did so well at Preston tryouts. I can do better here if I try. If I do... Anything is possible at Volkov."

Getting out of his gaze at the outdoors, Daryl made his way to the computer. Just in case this goes horribly, he thought to himself as he opened it up and went to his email, I'll get my last shot.

And if this trial and the Volkov one go bad? There aren't really any chances to prove himself. Again, he could get a seat at Motorworks for the Turori Grand Prix, but getting a spot before the Xanneria test was crucial.

Okay, here we go.

To: Volkov Racing
From: dmizushima@squidmail.sqr
Subject: Volkov Trial Interest

Greetings Volkov,

I'm writing from my room at the Checkered Flag Resort at the Cocoabo Forest. Internet here is spotty, so by the time you'll get this you'll be in bed like I will be immediately after this. But anyways, this is Daryl Mizushima from Squidroidia, a driver with no experience that somehow got 11th in the Preston trials.

I'm not saying that you should boot me automatically because I've not been in even a WGPT3 series anywhere. Look, I did not expect the result I got from those trials, nor did anybody else. It was the first time I ever strapped myself in a open wheeled car, and yet I was better than 7 other drivers. And I'm about to do the Cocoabo Expo trials tomorrow. Wish me luck.

But anyways, I know it's likely that I will not get a seat from those trials. I'll probably not make the final day with me and my FunStar Link sponsorship. Unless I somehow win the entire thing ahead of Fast Cocoabo over here, I will be participating in the Volkov Racing test. I will also bring my FunStar Link sponsorship, including my father Yusuke, with me. I plan to make my way to Memenyets the day after the Cocoabo Expo ends. Again, if I win the Cocoabo Trials and take the V&T seat, feel free to trash this email.

I wish to see you on the track,

Daryl Mizushima

Okay, time to go to sleep. Tomorrow is the biggest day of your life.

[Diarcesia]

At this time, Sara looked at the sleeping form of Violet and tucked her in her blanket.

Sara was so tired. Her daughter's serene face at least made her think it was all worth it.

"Good night, little one," Sara said.

Oh, the thought almost escaped her, I forgot to contact one more team for the day. Tom mentioned about them earlier. It was... TAS Alliance.

Sara was not sure if they would consider her, but it wouldn't hurt to have one more option, doesn't it?

After she let out a yawn, she went to her room and opened her laptop to compose another message:

To: TAS Alliance
From: Sara Luna
Subject: Inquiry on Opportunity for a WGPC Driver Position

I, Sara Luna, am a Diarcesian professional racer with experience in various types of cars. I also have Diarcesian WGP3 championships and have been the runner-up in the recently concluded WGP2 season. I have sponsorships with some of the major Diarcesian entities like Konno Power and the Movosis Hotel Group. If accepted, I am glad to help you get the most out of the WGPC season.

I look forward to hearing from you and I am ready to provide whatever assistance I can.

Sincerely,
Sara

[Sorlovia]

Volkov Racing HQ
Driver test circuits

The day of the test circuits had finally arrived. The test schedule had been prepared and the invited racers would soon be arriving.

1 - Reiyomi Enata
2 - Taras Matviyenko
3 - Aldauren Ginintella
4 - Sara Luna
5 - Charyseine Valkyria
6 - Athan Lille
7 - Daryl Mizushima

There was a decision to make. There was only a week left to sign drivers and Volkov Racing still had a second seat to fill. There was no time to waste. Either a second driver was signed or they would have to drop out of WGPC18. That just wasn’t an option. Securing a contract with the WGPC had been the biggest international opportunity Volkov Motors had ever received. Losing that opportunity just wasn’t an option. A second driver would be signed.

Seven drivers had expressed interest in racing with Volkov for the eighteen season of the WGPC. Now the day had come for them to put their money with their mouth was and prove themselves out on the track. All five would arrive at the test circuit in Nemenyets, a circuit which would also be used for practice runs by Volkov drivers, together. In the spirit of competition each racer would take a circuit on the track under standard WGPC conditions. The test would involve both a dry run and a run on a wet track to show they would perform in the season. If it didn’t rain water trucks would thoroughly wet the track to simulate rain.

“This is going to be interesting,” Sergei said from the head of the table “there are a lot of new drivers this season. There’s a lot of new talent and a lot of potential.”

“There is going to be a lot of competition for that second seat,” Svetlana replied “but that is healthy. We need to make sure we sign the best racer for our team.”

“A great track time is what we’re looking for. But we also want someone who is really going to gel in the team. Sportsmanship and working well with Krupin will be just as important.”

The last thing a race team wanted was two racers who rubbed each other the wrong way. A feud in the team would cause hard feelings, offence and could ultimately destroy the team and even its race reputation. As such the invited racers would meet Gregori Krupin, an experienced racer with two WGPC seasons under his belt, and would be carefully watched to see how they interacted and got on with him. Sergei wanted drivers who worked well together and perhaps even enhanced each other’s performance on the track.

At the end of the test circuit the results would be carefully evaluated. Then one driver would win the contract. But for now they had all been informed that the test was to take place today and would now be on their way to Nemenyets.

[Valentine Z]

Post 2 – So many opportunities! ♥

Adriana was very certain that the email has been sent. She paced back and forth, wondering what went wrong with the server, or was it because of a bad input field, which would have had been more or less impossible for someone such as her to do such a thing.

“My input and the fields are automated,” Adriana thought to herself, “Any particular reason why I was not inside yet. Did I send it late?”

To: Sergei Kletska, Volkov Racing
From: Adriana Kowalski Faith (adriana_kowalski_faith@valentine_z_official.vz)
BCC: Valentijn Maxwell Constantine, Clarissa Alanis Star, Jolyn Helen Ceeta, Jamie Izabella Lizbeth Eirian, Gwen Tracer Allison, Valentina Freya Yadana Aye
Subject: Confirmation of attendance for Trial Runs.

Greetings Sergei,

Yes, that will be fine! I would like to confirm my attendance! The date is very convenient with me, thank you very much!

Yours Sincerely,
Adriana Kowalski Lillian

Did the email get lost along the way? Were the servers down? She was not exactly very sure as to what happened. In the meantime, what was more sure was the fact that she was still going for the other trial runs, particularly the Cocoabo Exposition. She has definitely heard of them before, particularly from the Valentians that went for NSSCRA for two seasons.

“They are really, really big birds, basically,” Clarissa told her back then, “Some of them were domesticated, or tamed, for such a driving task, and it was pretty amazing, haha!”

That aside, Adriana has finished packing her bags and were ready to go. With her and another Valentian is a map of the multiverse, as they would have called it. The map would show and guide the Valentians around on the other worlds that they might need and have to go for diplomatic reasons, or just for leisurely visits. This time, it was for the world of motorsports, and the purpose would have been more or less in-line. The Valentian that tagged along and served as her pilot would be Wing Commander Angeline Joyce Crystal Bella Wv “A Estrela Alegre” Samara Sapphire Tamara Annie Estefania Carolina Tavares Alencar Melissa Clemente Teixeira Vanda Regina Mik Nogueira and 1st Cpt. Angela Stella Trista Josephine Natalie Rv. E. Tps. “The Eternal Explorer” Bethany Alyssa Valeska Payton. Mikayla Gosling Josie Rowan Serenity Chelsea Mikayla Hannah Tan Fang Ling, the former who covered about a few of the NSSCRA happenings for the Valentians back in the 9th Season. Gwen would have been the pilot for such an occasion, but Angeline was as well-versed as Gwen when it comes to interdimensional travel, and also because Gwen needs to be available and free for the 10th season (NSSCRA 10), whenever that might be. The latter would be the poster girl of Valentian Space Exploration as a whole.

“Heyyyy, Adriana!” Angeline squeaked out, barely being able to contain her excitement, “Are you ready to get going?”

“Yes, sure!” Adriana replied back with a smile, carrying her luggage that contains perhaps just a set of clothes, on top of a few batteries and repair kits for her body. She was still flipping through various emails on her phone, trying to sort them out and see who she has not replied just yet. In the meantime, the other Valentians also bid her a safe journey and to have a great one, with Clarissa and Jolyn each giving Adriana a meaningful hug. A few other Valentians could be heard talking to each other, with Valentijn, the leader of the nation, joining in.

“-so she should be safe, right? Like I mean, I am okay with that idea, but I was just worried about the nutcases here and there.”

“I don’t see a need for that, no worries,” Valentijn replied back to them, “Besides, I am very sure they do not allow weapons of any kind for the events, right? So Adriana can’t bring one in self-defense. Plus, it’s a racing event. No one is going to go nuts.”

“Still, remember what happened back in NSSCRA 9? I mean, I am glad that it did not escalate back then, but that was scary.”

“Was a good point, but hey, a little international sanction and embargo is all the threat you will ever need if such a thing pops up. Also, it’s just Adriana, Angela, and Angeline; no other assets are at stake.”

“Of course, of course. Well, wishing her the best of luck!”

The doors to the plane closed, and they were ready. The plane would take off as per usual, but it has the added bonus of being able to tear temporary but harmless holes on fabric of space and time, courtesy of Gwen’s methods, to travel through other dimensions, along with the obvious ability to travel through space and time. Adriana sat on the second co-pilot seat, helping out Angela with the navigation.

“Hey, Adriana!” Angela waved at her while flipping through the map that she has charted, “What’s up?”

“Volkov Racing HQ,” Adriana remarked, “That would be approximately 64 parsecs from our Earth, right?”

“That is indeed!” she put the tablet on the middle of the two seats, showing where they needed to go. “208.71334 light years away from us. We will need to tunnel through from there to get the best possible route to that Earth.”

“Heh, nice! Any catch and setbacks we might have?”

“Well, none that I know of… yet. I heard from Gwen that there might be a few black holes there, but nothing strange. Not supermassive ones, mind you, just ones that we need particular caution.”

“I like those odds, still!” Adriana remarked excitedly, before patting them on the back and stepping out of the cockpit. She sat back at the lounge seat of the plane, looking at the arcade cabinet that the Valentians have installed for this very moment. Though, it looked like an arcade cabinet, but it was one of those racing simulators with actual seats and everything. Adriana would need to scale back to 7 feet just to use that, which she did.

With space-warping technology, the Valentians were able to travel through the vastness of space in a relatively short time, being able to go at 50 light years per hour. They eventually arrived at the destination in 4 hours, with Adriana using those hours to practice on the sim.

“Greetings to Ms. Adriana, this is your flight captain Angeline speaking,” the PA system came online, “We are already here at the designated spot for tunneling, and soon will be going through it to our destination, Volkov HQ!”

Adriana heaved a sigh of relief, but with something still bothering her. Why was her name not inside as of now? Did they forget about her, or was it because of her late email? She was definite that it was because of the second reason, but at the same time, what if the Valentians arrived there only to be chased out or barred as unidentified visitors? Angela has been reading on her tablet on the local customs and rules of Sorlovia, as a whole.

“So there are the military profiles, and the presidents of the country,” Angela remarked, “I am a bit hard-pressed with not being able to find more about their test circuit.”

“Should be all in Adriana’s emails, I believe,” Angeline replied back, managing a successful wormhole for the plane to travel through, “We should be arriving anytime soon.”

“Just do the usual once we arrive there, right? Identify our plane number and everything, and request permission from the air traffic. I mean, we have been doing these for years, but it’s strange when multiple dimensions were involved.”

“I guess we hope for the best!”

Tunneling through to the other dimension, the Valentians arrived at the place that they needed to be – Sorlovia. Specifically, at the Volkov Racing HQ, or the nearest airfield from the place. Angeline cut off the warp drives and switched to the normal engines.

“Well, here we are! Sorlovia!” Angela spoke out on the PA system, “Such a lovely place we are having here. Decent weather, too!”

Soon after, they would need to clear it out with the Sorlovian folks in order to have a successful landing, and perhaps to start the Trial Runs.

“I do hope I have enough time to attend the Cocoabo Trial Runs too,” Adriana remarked softly, looking out the window and down at all the fanfare happening.

[Vilita and Turori]

FREE AGENT DRIVER

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, WGPC DRIVERS & TEAMS ARRIVE at COCOABO PARK CIRCUIT

As the drivers and representatives arrived they all met with Gary Cook, acting team principle of iBen Toralmintii's Race Eelandii! Vilita & Turori Grand Prix Motorworks. While Cook's assistant had taken care of most of the logisitics heading into the Cocoabo Exhibition and World Grand Prix Trials weekend, the former NSGP champion was more than happy to take as much credit as they could for setting things up, even though the infrastructure was pre-existing and there wasn't really that much to do organizationally. In the back, Cook's assistant was still on the phone as directed to ensure the event was as much of a success as possible. While Cook obviously had an ulterior motive - to identify the best possibly driving options for the two Race Eelandii VTGP machines for WGPC Season 18, they were also interested in putting on a good show culminating in a race events for the fans. While Cook was acting in a senior position on a WGPC team, the position itself was only temporary. At some point iBen Toralmintii would retire and Cook would be out of the position.

Cook's assistant was calling the teams. Fireline was expected to be there with both of their seats still open. They hadn't gotten a confirmation from SVJ Racing but had worked with them in the past when Jama'obo Pegasii drove for the team during the WGP2 campaign. The last team was MRT. MRT were hosting their own test session and had a limited invitation for just four drivers - Abdoulaye Goita, Dom Falapeau, Sara Luna and Nicklas Schonbaum. All four were also scheduled to participate in the Cocoabo Exhibition and would be squeezing the two tests into their schedule. That is, except for Goita who signed a deal with Viska Racing. It would leave the potential of one slot in the MRT Trial. One chance for a driver who was not chosen by Cook and Eelandii VTGP to make enough of an impression to get an invite to the MRT trial and then out duel three-other rising prospects for a drive. The competition couldn't be tougher.

For many drivers, however, the Cocoabo Expo & WGP Trials was the last chance. MRT were already zeroing in on a driver. They had already ruled out drivers like Lane Carter, Barnabas Mate, and even Cocoabo #23 - despite the heavy financial backing the Cocoabo driver brought, due to lacklustre performances in the World Grand Prix 2 season. Would Cocoabo #23's primary financial backers - Cocoabo Park and Tropicorp, permit Cocoabo #23 to take a drive with a team that was not using Tropicorp Tyres? Or would Eelandii VTGP and Fireline be the only options on the table should a team be willing to take a chance on the WGPC's first Cocoabo driver...

Veteran driver R.L. Cruisin was also a driver who needed a lifeline. Cruisin had previously expressed limited desire at returning to a home-country run team such as a Vilita & Turori Motorsports entry. There were rumors that a long-tense relationship between Cruisin and fellow competitor iBen Toralmintii had softened throughout World Grand Prix Championship Season 17 - but as the former stock car driver Toralmintii continued to build on the accomplishments that the life-long open wheeler Cruisin had never achieved, if nothing else the jealousy had to mount for Cruisin who was stuck in one of the slowest cars on the grid for the duration of the campaign. It has even been rumored that Cruisin was hesitant to be contracted to a team that had Toralmintii's very name in the title.

Yet, while Cruisin may be hesitant to take a drive for Race Eelandii! VTGP, they were at the track. They could be seen in the paddock as Cocoabo #23 conducted slalom activities around cones in the wet conditions. Cruisin was talking to Toralmintii and Klianiota, a sign that at least some of the tensions had subsided. Would a veteran driver like Cruisin even be considered for a drive at World Grand Prix Motorworks? Would a veteran driver like Cruisin even accept a drive like that? There were not many seats available for the Vilitan who brings the full backing of the Vilisorma Beverage Company through its Vilaye Energy Drink Brand. After being stuck in bad cars for three consecutive seasons, it was unlikely that Cruisin would settle. Would a drive at experienced teams like Fireline or SVJ Racing be sufficient? Would Cruisin consider a second seat drive at a team like MRT instead of a number one drive at a team operated by Toralmintii?

The weekend was abound with questions that would be answered on the track. As the Cocoabo finished up its evening routine, Cruisin and the rest of the drivers who had already arrived spent about another forty five minutes in the paddock area mixing elbows with scouts, sponsors and team representatives before heading back to the Checkered Flag Resort to get ready for the mornings open trial practice sessions.

---

[Ethane]

Fireline expected to sign Ethanian driver

Rumours are circulating that with places for drivers drying up as teams complete contractual negotiations for the upcoming season, there is a risk that neither Ethanian driver would be able to get a seat in this year's WGPC. With Ethanians late to the party both in driver and team applications, they have been left behind when it comes to picking up drivers and positions on WGPC teams.

Yet not all hope is lost. Fireline Motorsports have returned once again to the WGPC fold with the express desire to challenge the incumbents and make their name in international racing. Perhaps the biggest coup for this time is their partnership with Tropicorp. Fireline have signed a deal with Tropicorp for both their engines and tyres for this WGPC season, being one of the only tams to go for a non-native engine supplier. They have also gone for Tropicorp tyres, upgraded for this season. The experience that Tropicorp ingenuity and manufacturing will bring into the team through their engine and tyre designs should revolutionise the capabilities of this Ethanian team.

There is also hope for an Ethanian driver. It is yet to be seen who will be the Ethanian to take a position on the team, but the debate will certainly be between experience and quality vs diversity and funding. Both are important for Fireline, but they do have to choose.

The team will also have their eyes on the test events this weekend. With one driver position likely filled up by an Ethanian, Fireline Motorsports still would have one remaining place for a driver, or two if they deter on signing an Ethanian driver. That decision will be made soon, with interested drivers likely to be contacted over the next day or two, rumours suggest.

There's a long road ahead for Fireline Motorsports, but they're ready to be brutal.

[Ethane]

"Do we have a drive yet Catherine?". Ben looked up at her, eagerly waiting for a positive answer.

"Neither of us have had a response yet Ben, just keep calm. There's got to be a team out there looking for a driver." She sighed. Benjamin got so stressed sometimes, and it got to her. She was beginning to feel anxious too. Team places were filling up, and fast, and at this rate neither of them would get teams. "Fireline Motorsports is always an option, but we both know a drive elsewhere is preferable."

"I have experience, but I don't have money Cath. I don't know if I'm good enough to get what I want this season." He took a gulp of water to quench his thirst. "Will anyone want me, especially considering I won't be in the test events now because I left it too late to submit my application."

"There are always chances, you just have to wait for the right one to come. That is what I'm doing."

Ben looked upset. "But there aren't many seats left Cath. You know this. And we all know Fireline will likely choose you if they have an Ethanian driver."

"But you're wrong. There are still seats available. Look. TAS Alliance might be interested in either one of us. They're still looking. So are the SVJ Racing WGPC Team, and Preston Autos, as well as a few others. It's worth a shot."

"I suppose. We'll try it out. One of us at least might be able to get a seat somewhere if we try."

---

TO: Schkeska-VSK Viska Racing, Mattijana Racing Team, Preston Autos Grand Prix Racing, TAS Alliance, SVJ Racing WGPC Team, Volkov Racing.
FROM: Benjamin Talison and Catherine Toggard

READ: We understand you may not have space on your team left for this season but would appreciate your consideration if you do. Ben is a talented driver with experience in WGPC and on the home circuit, whereas Catherine brings youth, energy, and dynamism (along with a lot of money). I ask for your consideration in taking one of us to join your team, for we fear that neither of us will get a drive. We would be honoured to drive for you, and look forward to hearing your correspondence regarding our request.

Many blessings.

[Diarcesia]

airplane landing by Yuichi Kosio, on Flickr

En Route to Sorlovia

To pass the time in the airplane, Sara looked at Gergori Krupin's past seasons in the WGPC. What would be a better way to prepare to meet him than this? There would be the usual time trial, and then... an interview session with Krupin? No, that would be too formal. Yes, it would make sense that they might want to get a grasp on how the dynamic between him and the potential co-driver would look like. She thought it would be a welcome thing.

Would the public tensions she had with some of her past co-drivers be brought up? She was sure of it. The pressures of the WGPC must be more intense than elsewhere in motorsport. It's part and parcel of being the sport's top tier. She learned a lot in those past seasons. Yes, maybe her Norris Racing co-driver in the WGP3 quit out of jealousy, though a few hurtful words on her part didn't help, and it still stayed as one of her bigger regrets in her career. Making amends later on was the least she could do.

And what about Carmi in Adelphia? Sara recalled those moments in her WGP2 season. That time though, she was more ready, and saw it as frustration bubbled over. Yes, it struck her emotionally, but she understood it was not a personal jab, and she did her best to be quick to forgive once the olive branch was offered...

As for Krupin? Sara thought she saw a bit of her younger self in him, in his work ethic and struggles to get up in the WGPC and how he persevered and finished his most recent season at sixth out of 28.

She tried to heed Aldauren's advice to not overthink it and focus on bringing her best driving Volkov's car and in her interactions with the team's staff and Krupin.

Meanwhile, Aldauren Ginintella was fighting to keep his cool in the heat of the moment. He couldn't help but feel as if he was on the losing end of the crucial race for the remaining open spots. He thought that he was above frustration. Was his recent successes in the Diarcesian WGP3 making him susceptible? Was bypassing WGP2 and then attempting to get in to WGPC something he bit more than he could chew?

Was this all for a vain goal, in that his only pursuit was to keep up with Sara Luna? For a moment, he toyed with the idea of cancelling all his applications altogether and taking the offer to start up Pryfors Bilar's eventual World Grand Prix team.

But he promptly banished these thoughts just as a flight attendant turned to his row.

"What would you like to drink?" the lady offered.

"Do you have some sujamma?"

[Togonistan]

WGPC Trials
Cocoabo Park Circuit

Dom had arrived to Cocoabo Park. He did some neck rings as he and Mareta walked towards the entrance. ''Remember, this is an extraordinary chance. You need to be at your absolute best here. I know you have that MRT seat in mind before anything, but keep in mind, nothing is set in stone just yet,'' she said to him. ''Believe me Mareta, I am totally aware of this,'' Dom managed to reply to her before putting his hand to his mouth to cover the yawn that came out. He still had some jet lag. Dom did a few more stretches to brush it away, and there they were. Having shown their invitations, they passed the gates and entered the facility. It was game on. Dom brought out his phone and took a quick selfie for his social media.

Dom Falepeau
@DomFalepeauOfficial

---

I'm present at @CocoaboPark for the upcoming WGPC Trials.

#WGPC

Mareta rolled her eyes at that, but didn't say anything. Instead, she rushed Dom to speed up and guided her forward. They had to meet Gary Cook, the person behind all this. Dom looked at her and smirked as he could see her constantly biting into her lower lip. Mareta had a tendency to do that whenever she felt a bit nervous or uncomfortable. Dom, on the other hand, remained calm and conserved. Sure, it was important to leave a good impression, but, open person like he was, it had never been too much pressure for him.

Having gone through the initial security checks and all the other trivial things, they reached their destination. Mr. Cook greeted and welcomed both of them. ''Thank you for your kind words Mr. Cook, the pleasure is all mine. I must say, I have been here for 5 minutes and the atmosphere already feels great.'' Dom smiled as they had a little chat about the event. With that done, Dom thanked Mr. Cook again for his hospitality and moved on to the paddock area. Althought the test drive itself was going to happen tomorrow, they still had to use this chance to let as many people as possible know about his presence.

''Excuse me Dom, I need to go check on something.'' Mareta said as she moved away from him and, next moment, had gone behind a corner. Dom nod in response and carried on strolling around the paddock. A couple of Eelandii team mechanics were having a little break with their backs leaned against the wall. Dom approached them and started a little conversation with them. He always liked to do it. For sure, drivers were in the spotlight in this sport, but it was those guys who made these machines run. Dom had always reminded himself to never forget that fact and never underestimate the contribution they put into a team. They talked about various different things. Mainly the upcoming season and what to expect of it. However, their conversation was cut short by Mareta waving at him from a distance, ''Dom, can you come here for a moment? I'd like you to meet someone.'' Dom nod, ''Sorry guys, I need to go. We'll talk again later, okay?'' he waved at the mechanics and made his way to Mareta, who was standing there with someone next to her.

''Dom, I'd like you to meet Dr. Alexandra Luciania, the Chief Principal of Fireline Motorsports. Dr. Luciania, this is Dom Falepeau. The flying Togoni, as news reporters like to call him.'' Dom smiled and shook her hand. ''Such a pleasure to meet you Dr. Luciania. I must say, I'm very impressed by your team and it's achievements. What a great history you people have.'' They talked about the upcoming trials and motorsports in general. Dom enjoyed this conversation a lot. He would've liked to talk more, but sadly, time was pressing on and he had to start getting himself ready for the show that would happen tomorrow. Thus, they said farewell to Fireline's principal and started making their way back to the Checkered Flag Resort to spend the night. Tomorrow was going to be a big day.

[Former Citizens of the Nimbus System]

Somewhere North of Viska Kalnatranne Test Track, Livonsk, Auruna
18th of October

The hard padding of feet against the forest floor makes little sound, cushioned by fallen pine needles scattered across the hillside path. Olivia takes in the smell of the trees, that paradoxical sickly-sweetness that still cleanses, emptying the mind, letting it focus. Ideal, really; the aching of her muscles is something she’s more than used to after a decade of racing competition and all that entails but help is quite welcome.

“A pause here?”

“You sure, Baxen?” Olivia turns, grinning and jogging on the spot even as she pants for breath, sweat beading across her face. “I could still get back at full tilt!”

“And be… Exhausted for the rest… Of the day.” Baxen Aurora catches himself, leaning over; Olivia briefly touches a hand to his shoulder, only for him to raise a hand, then lever himself up with a burst of cerulean light. “Shall we find a spot?”

“You know, you’re going to exhaust your Imagination stockpile like that.” Olivia chuckles, standing on tiptoe to have a glance about, then stepping away up towards a gap in the trees. “Not like you to not have that rationed out!”

“I haven’t? You wound me, ‘Liv.” Baxen smiles as his companion lets out a fuller laugh. “I have my share being sent periodically.”

“You can do that?”

“Mmm. Mainly set up for non-Nimbans who’ve passed the tests but we can take advantage of it, too. We can do so for yours later, if you’d like.”

“Mmm… Maybe.” Olivia considers, as the two emerge into the clearing. “Let me sleep on it… Though it would be a reminder of home,” she sighs, looking out. “That’d be nice.”

Through the trees and below the hills lies the test track; beyond that, the city of Livonsk, stretching across the landscape, reaching its arms out to grasp at the earth and stake its claim upon the land. All of it is so far from the First or even the Second City, their towering pseudo-arcologies striking out into the sky, proclaiming their presence to the world – let alone the Imagination Nexus…

“Perhaps.” Baxen stares out alongside her. Then he glances across. “But Viska is as much a home for us now. You made it that way, ‘Liv.”

Olivia rejoins the gaze, raising her eyebrows. “I did? You did, Baxen. You’re a networking mastermind, not to mention your strategic choices back in WGP2.”

Baxen opens his mouth as if to reply. Then, seeing Olivia’s wry smile and knowing look, he pauses. “You have a point,” he accepts – and then, from his pocket, his phone buzzes. “Speaking of networking…”

He pulls it from his pocket, giving a few purposeful swipes and taps. The stoicism on his face slowly thaws, giving way to a smirk with a hint of surprise. “Oh.”

“‘Oh’?”

Baxen holds the screen up for Olivia to examine. The changes in her expression are rather swifter.

“What? Oh, Imagination, yes! Hahahaha!” She raises a finger, grinning triumphantly. “I wondered! I wondered, didn’t I? Oh, this season’s going to be fun!” Her head pivots suddenly – down to the track, then back again. “We need to go and congratulate him. Come on, Baxen, long enough break, we’re heading back!” Olivia declares in the instant before she charges off.

Baxen, in turn, focusses. Ahead of Olivia, his voice sounds from a nimbus of glowing air. “I have my phone. We can congratulate him from here.”

Olivia slowly comes to a stop, with a sigh that gives way to a gentle laugh. “As you so say.” And her feet brushes against the grass with a sound like the wind through the trees below.

Crossbay Circuit, Nimbus Bay, the Nexus Wardship of Former Citizens of the Nimbus System
12th of October

“…the graphic should help to keep you informed on their state. Lot to keep track of with eight tyres!”

“You’re still upset about the push control, aren’t you?”

“Nah, it was the best solution. Far simpler than what I came up with…” Victoria smiles, placing a hand to her hip. “Besides, why would I stop you driving your own car? You’re very good at that!”

Ryker smiles back. “Are you sure? The way you talk about your AI, sounds like you want to put me out of a job.”

“Patently absurd, Ryker Lane! Only when you’ve retired, obviously.” The two share a laugh, punctuated with a hug. “I should get back; come tell me what needs improving when you’re done.”

Ryker answers with a nod and a squeeze of the hand, tugged forward to loose Victoria’s at the last moment. He sighs, then turns away… “Hey, Martin.”

“Ryker.” A touch of mirth is clearly present in his engineer’s voice. “Shall we?”

“Why not? Good to get back out on track. Anything in particular that needs testing?”

“Broadly, whatever wasn’t covered during the run a few minutes ago.” Martin gives a nod towards the other side of the garage. Ryker frowns, extending his gaze…

“Hey, Ryker! It's been one hell of a long time. Too long…”

“Jean!” The Nimban grins, practically leaping towards his teammate – preternaturally quickly, a burst of Imagikinetic energy flaring blue around him to augment the enhanced reflexes of his RMEO – and seizing his friend by the forearm.

Then he realises that he has, indeed, leapt towards his teammate and seized him by the forearm.

“Ah…” Letting go and stepping back, Ryker places his other arm against his chest in greeting. “Hi! It’s good to see you again!”

A moment passes before, seemingly unperturbed – or at least sufficiently unperturbed enough to maintain some composure – Jean sees fit to continue the flow of conversation. “So, Ryker... I know you're probably wondering what I've been up to, but I'd like to ask you first before we get to me. How's it been going?”

“Well, thanks! Getting on, being with my family and Victoria and everyone here, testing the new car… You were just out there, right?” He grins, miming pushing and pulling a steering wheel. “How did you find adjusting the camber over the lap? Took us maybe too long to get there and me a bit to get used to, honestly, but when I got it hooked up…” He shakes his head. “In Motion must really know what they’re doing with these trapezoidal tyres, I tell you.”

[Auruna]

Lukas Ziuvin's Apartment
Veratuna, Auruna

After the Preston Tryouts, he feels defeated after finding out that another Aurun driver, Kinu Luminna, performed better than him which is very unusual for him. Other than that, it doesn't really matter to him now, he needs to try other teams. There's one thing that he almost forgot about. He quickly rushes to the nearby MNA to announce his participation in the Cocoabo Trials in hopes to beat Luminna and to get a seat. He's rather late but he thinks he can make it.

---

Viska Circuit
Sterlennau, Auruna

Jöna somewhere out in the field, observing their test drivers with the new cars. It was after he read something earlier that he has a smile on his face to the surprise of Artur.

"Whoa Jöna, good news?"

"Yep! The two accepted!"

"Goita and Olivia? Aha! Nice!"

"Heh, yeah!"

"Wow, that's brilliant. Anyway, if you want to, you can go check on the cars at the garage. Just one final check then we'll go to Livonsk later.

"Alright, alright." As he stands up, still happy about the news. He heads to the garage for a final check on the cars with the engineers and mechanics. Everything is working well, they still have room for some upgrades in the future but that will be after the first few events.

They have been busy for the past few months... with a few crashes in testing, but they have optimised their cars.

The V6 starts up, it comes to life. Its hybrid components complements it well. Its sound, its very own heartbeat gives it a soul that is purely for racing.

---

MNA FORUMS
WGPO Thread

krasnaahima » in WGPO Thread
@könäivan
KVA Rally

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14.57
Guys, big news. Goita accepted Viska's offer!

LaHauka18 » in WGPO Thread
@laurahaukanna
Viska Racing

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14.58
Ah, yes. So excited for their final driver lineup. They're going to be in the fight for the championship for sure.

krasnaahima » in WGPO Thread
@könäivan
KVA Rally

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14.58
I would like to see that!

Ahh, I have too much time online.

airanika » in WGPO Thread
@aira_ekeränna
Schkeska Racing

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14.59
Whoa.. whoa.. what!?! Wow they're going to have a nice driver lineup!

KK-Tola » in WGPO Thread
@kikookantolaa
Aviari Racing

---

15.00
Looks like everyone got excited here lol

krasnaahima » in WGPO Thread
@könäivan
KVA Rally

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15.00
Lemme check.

Yep, it's everyone. XD

Haru14 » in WGPO Thread
@harurukönä
VSK Racing

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15.01
Double check and triple check, mate haha.

krasnaahima » in WGPO Thread
@könäivan
KVA Rally

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15.01
What?

LaHauka18 » in WGPO Thread
@laurahaukanna
Viska Racing

---

15.02
They were slightly late to announce, Olivia Stone will be driving for Viska.

krasnaahima » in WGPO Thread
@könäivan
KVA Rally

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15.03
Uwa-- let's go! lol

Haru14 » in WGPO Thread
@harurukönä
VSK Racing

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15.04
Haha, there we go.

[Cocoabo Forest]

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%

The Cocoabo Exposition & World Grand Prix Trials

COCOABO EXPO - DAY 2 SCHEDULE
07:30: Drivers/Teams Meet & Greet
09:00: Warmup Session #1
11:00: Warmup Session #2
12:15: Working Lunch
13:30: Group Time Trials
16:15: Top 8 Time Trial
17:30: Drivers Group De-Brief
19:00: Dinner Meet & Greet at Checkered Flag Resort

Cocoabo Park Circuit, Cocoabo Park, Cocoabo Forest :: While Cocoabo #23 was in the spotlight for Day 1 of the Cocoabo Exposition & World Grand Prix Trials, getting their opportunity to try to impress Scouts from Race Eelandii VTGP, WGPC Motorworks and Fireline Motorsports, the day ended without a deal being done. With Fireline being a Tropicorp Team the connections for the Cocoabo were quite convenient as Tropicorp and the Cocoabo Preservation Society look to groom Fast Cocoabo to become the first Cocoabo to compete in the World Grand Prix circuit at its top tier level. Discussions in the Paddock after Cocoabo #23's solo performance included whether there were options for Cocoabo #23 to serve as a test driver in upcoming Official World Grand Prix sessions or to begin a ride-share where Cocoabo #23 piloted half the races with another development driver running the remaining half of the events.

There were a number of other drivers in attendance, however, hoping that it would be them landing one of just 6 remaining full-time drives on the World Grand Prix Team board. While Vilita & Turori Motorsports officials had expected 20 competitors for the event, only 17 had arrived by the time the 07:30 Meet and Greet between drivers and teams had concluded and the drivers headed to the paddock for the first practice sessions. Due to the availability of cars as well as a chance for all drivers to get space on the course, the participants were split into two groups for the practice sessions. Each group got 30 minutes on track. At the end of the session, Gary Cook's assistant handed out slick sheets with each participants best 5-Lap Average time of the day as well as each competitors Fastest individual lap of the morning session. Any Late arrivals would be slotted in to the groups for the second practice session

---

COCOABO EXPO WGPC TRIALS - GROUP A - MORNING PRACTICE

POS	DRIVER			FASTEST 5-LAP AVG
1	Cocoabo #23 		1:51.373
2	R.L. Cruisin 		1:51.432
3	Adriana Kowalski 	1:52.109
4	Lane Carter 		1:52.242
5	Niklas Schonbaum 	1:52.441
6	Jasmine Muscadet 	1:52.536
7	Athan Lille 		1:52.858
8	Aldauren Ginintella 	1:53.162
9	Magic Colored Rectangle	1:53.431

COCOABO EXPO WGPC TRIALS - GROUP B - MORNING PRACTICE

POS	DRIVER			FASTEST 5-LAP AVG
1	Dom Falepeau 		1:51.789
2	Sara Luna 		1:51.928
3	Sakinomi Rikikida 	1:52.028
4	Kinu Luminna 		1:52.438
5	Aldauren Ginintella 	1:53.033
6	Charyseine Valkyria 	1:53.321
7	Dario Nülkeschläger 	1:54.101
8	Lukas Ziuvin 		1:55.238

---

COCOABO EXPO WGPC TRIALS - GROUP A - MORNING PRACTICE

POS	DRIVER			FASTEST LAP
1	Cocoabo #23 		1:51.169
2	R.L. Cruisin 		1:51.192
3	Lane Carter 		1:51.686
4	Adriana Kowalski 	1:51.814
5	Aldauren Ginintella 	1:51.821
6	Athan Lille 		1:51.854
7	Jasmine Muscadet 	1:52.021
8	Niklas Schonbaum 	1:52.081
9	Magic Colored Rectangle 1:52.106

COCOABO EXPO WGPC TRIALS - GROUP B - MORNING PRACTICE

POS	DRIVER			FASTEST LAP
1	Dom Falepeau 		1:51.472
2	Sakinomi Rikikida 	1:51.787
3	Sara Luna 		1:51.813
4	Aldauren Ginintella 	1:51.818
5	Kinu Luminna 		1:51.864
6	Dario Nülkeschläger 	1:52.102
7	Charyseine Valkyria 	1:52.133
8	Lukas Ziuvin 		1:52.503

---

[Sorlovia]

Volkov Racing HQ
Driver test circuits

Eight racers! There were eight racers coming to take part in the test circuit competition. It seemed that Adriana Kowalski had somehow been left of the list. A revised schedule was prepared and one of his assistants contacted Adriana on his behalf. She would of course be welcome at the test circuit and the mistake in communications made right. Though he could’ve sworn that he’d contacted her.

Sergei Kletska, an executive at Volkov Motors and now the Head of Volkov Racing, had always prided himself on being impeccably professional. The idea that he’d accidentally forgotten to contacted one of the prospective racers bothered him.

To: Adriana Kowalski
From: Sergei Kletska

Welcome to Sorlovia!

I would like to take a moment to apologise for the miscommunications. I’m not sure how it was able to happen. I sincerely hope that I haven’t caused you any offence. You are warmly welcome at the test circuit and I will make amends for this mistake. When you arrive at the testing facility please make yourself known and I will meet with you. Please accept my sincere apologies and a gift basket from Volkov Racing.

I look forward to meeting you and watching your test circuit. Please be advised that you will take part in a total of two separate circuits designed to simulate wet and dry conditions. You will no doubt be familiar with the conditions of driver tryouts. However, it is also a condition of our testing to conduct a one-on-one session with Gregori Krupin, our signed number one driver, to see how any potential driver will gel with him. Here at Volkov Racing it is important to us that our drivers are able to function together as a cohesive team.

My sincerest apologies,
Sergei Kletska
Volkov Racing

By the end of the day Volkov Racing would have its second driver. Sergei would not admit to having any personal preference. It didn’t matter if he liked any particular racer. It would come down to who worked the best with Gregori and who got the fastest time. There would be no bias in Volkov Racing. It was only fair that each racer be given equal opportunity to prove themselves both on the track as well as in the lounge with Gregori.

The racers would be made aware, if they weren’t already, of Gregori’s prior seasons in the WGPC. It would be interesting to see how they got on with them. There were, after all, many factors to think on when signing a second driver. But, one of them would soon be offered a contract. Time was short.

---

Gregori took a long sip from his coffee.

So, it seemed he was to meet each of the prospective racers before their test circuits. He could see what Volkov was doing and found it interesting. He hadn’t had to go through it with MRT in WGPC17 or with the Vannish Motors team in WGPC16. But Volkov Racing was a different ball game. They had their own tactics and they clearly wanted to see how any potential race pairings would go.

“Interesting tactic,” he said softly to himself “but I like it.”

With his spot on the team now secure all Gregori had to do was wait for the start of the season. But he had been taking advantage of the wait to undertake some training sessions at Nemenyets. There was no point in sitting idle until the first race. That could cost him in the long run. It was much wiser to take advantage of every training opportunity he had to ensure that he was in peak performance. He would not be found lacking on race day.

But he would be personally watching the test circuits. Unlike Sergei, who had to maintain a polite neutrality in order to avoid bias, he was free to favour any racer he liked. At this point he had his favourites in Sara and Taras. He would be watching their tests with great interest.

[Abanhfleft]

"Holy shit!" William Archer shouted when he had opened up his email account and saw the most recent item. "No way! No!"

He had to blink, not just twice but three times, just to make sure that he wasn't seeing things. But it was still there. There was an email from Preston Autos right on the top of his inbox. No, not just from Preston Autos, from Marty Lewis himself. William hesitated before finally opening the email. And there it was, Preston Autos offering him the second seat in their team. "Oh my god," William muttered to himself, and he sat down and held his head just so he could catch his breath. Then, once he thought he had finally calmed himself down enough to write a coherent reply, he cracked his knuckles, placed his hands on the keyboard, and began to type.

To: Marty Lewis, Preston Autos Grand Prix Racing Team
From: William Archer

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to race for your team, Mr. Lewis. Yes, I accept your offer to race for Preston Autos Grand Prix Racing Team. I know that I may not have been the best driver in the previous WGP2 season, but I promise you that I will give my all for this team. Once again, thank you for giving the me the opportunity to race for your team and work with you.

Sincerely,
William Archer

William read the email over again to make sure that he didn't make any spelling or grammar errors, and then he checked it a few more times to make sure that he was sending across the message he wanted to send to Preston Autos. He didn't want to appear too eager to take the seat (then again, William himself stated that his first choice was Preston), but at the same time he didn't want to look too casual. Eventually, William was satisfied with his email, and he clicked the send button. A few moments later, a box at the bottom of his screen said MESSAGE SENT.

That was it. It was done. William Archer was a Preston Autos driver.

"Let's go!" William shouted.

---

Taras Matviyenko was slightly concerned about the fact that the Cocoabo Expositon & World Grand Prix Trials had already started. Taras had planned to head on over there as soon as he had finished his trial with Volkov Racing, but things didn't appear to be syncing. Maybe it was the vagaries of the multiversal nature of the sporting world, but it was concerning to Taras all the same. He wanted to try out for all the teams that still had open spots for drivers. Yes, driving for Volkov or Schkeska would be nice, there was no guaranteeing that he was the one who was going to get that available seat in either team, and he was the kind of man to keep as many options as possible open.

There was nothing wrong with Volkov Racing, as far as he could see at the moment. The team appeared to be competent, dedicated, and hungry, and Gregori Krupin seemed to be a nice and pleasant person to work with. How he was as a racer and a competitor though, the jury was still out at the moment. But he hoped that the tests would finally get going. Taras Matviyenko hoped that there would be still enough time for him to take the Volkov Racing test and go to Cocoabo Park and take part in the trials there.

[Siovanija and Teusland]

1:00PM - Stelburg International Airport, Teusland

The jet carrying Niklas Schonbaum and other members of the Teussische Motoren Werke team touched down on a regular rainy Stelburg afternoon. The glum weather fit the glum mood on the plane - there was still a little bit of disappointment after the Preston Autos test in Hapilopper City. Onwards and upwards, though, and the team were re-convening at the TMW headquarters in Stelburg today to debrief.

Schonbaum stepped off the plane, pausing quickly to open up his umbrella, before pulling out his phone and turning off the airplane mode. Instantly, however, his phone began to buzz.

11 missed calls - Hannes Kleber (agent)

Niklas wondered why his agent had called him 11 times - surely Hannes knew he was on the plane? Was telling him how much he’d messed up really so important it required 11 calls? Niklas continued to scroll through his notifications.

2 missed calls - Heinrich Eichler

Message: Congrats man, you’re going to tear it up out there! (Patrik Metzinger)

What was going on? There was no way, not after the test performance he’d just had… was there? Immediately, he dialed his agent. Kleber picked up in about 0.1 seconds.

“Niki! Where the f*** were you?”

“Hannes, we just landed in Stelburg. What’s up?”

“Airplane, right. So you haven’t heard? Check your email, kid.”

Niklas was still puzzled, but opened his email up. Then, his face lit up.

To: Mr. Niklas Schonbaum
From: TAS Alliance Racing Owners, Kimi Nasunen and Ricardo Vetinari
Subject: Contract Offer

That was all he needed to read before erupting in joy, raising a fist in the air.

“I didn’t expect this, especially not after what happened in Hapilopper.”

“They like you, your experience, they like TMW, and they also like your sponsorship. It’s going to be a great fit, I think. Congrats, Nik.”

“Thanks, Hannes.”

With that, he hung up the phone, and told the crew with him on the plane what had happened. Following that there were phone calls, to Heinrich Eichler, to Patrik Metzinger, to his mom and dad, and more.

All of the calls seemed to be the same. You’ve done well to get to this point. But the real work starts now. TAS Alliance Racing aren’t going to accept anything less than 100% effort.

Niklas Schonbaum saw it as the perfect opportunity for him. A newer, small, hard-working team. In fact, one whose Team Principal had specifically encouraged her team to reach out to him. He didn’t know who his teammate at TAS would be yet, but he had a good feeling about either of the Lisanderian drivers being in the seat beside him.

Well, I guess there’s only one thing left to do, Schonbaum thought. He typed out a response to the email he’d received.

Niklas Schonbaum officially accepts the contract offered by TAS Alliance.

[Lisander]

---

Drivers Chatbox (You, sissie_dvrx, athanlille and 6 more online in the last four hours)

---

sissie_dvrx
So, what have you and Marc decided?
12:12

athanlille
We'll keep waiting for a seat overseas. He really does not want Alliance unless there's no other option.
12:13

sissie_dvrx
Must decide fast, Kimi sent out an application to Schonbaum.
12:13

athanlille
I can do nothing. It's 99% you'll be selected to drive for Alliance.
GO GET IT, WOMAN
They will prefer two backed drivers. I have the XP, but no backing, neither team nor financial.
I'll keep around. Fireline and WGPC works haven't selected both drivers.
If I don't get one, I'll focus on Costa 24h. Ludi sent me a pic of the livery. That's a lot of teal, I liked it. I'll send you in Meep later.
12:18

sissie_dvrx
Cool.
Hey, WGPO released Test Calendar. https://wgpc.com/sesson/calendar/
Whoever gets selected, will have little time to get ready...
Hey, must leave now. Lunchtime.
12:20

---

Athan left the chat soon after Sissie and started to look at the WGPC Calendar at the screen of his mePhone. The seats were dwindling very fast and Marc Wiel wasn't that certain he could find a seat for Athan. After the good result in Preston Autos test, seemed like contract offers would come like rain. But soon they noticed. Only seemed. No contract offerings arrived. Athan was starting to worry. Behind the conformist expression, he was itching for a spot in any team. He wouldn't mind how little was the team. His contract was very advantageous inside Lisander borders. He had a good salary and a seat in every national series he could desire. That's the power of Marc Wiel, three times Lisander GT Champion and 2 times Formula 3 Champion, one of the most talented drivers of his era (the pre-WGPC era). But the entire knowledge about Marc Wiel overseas was: He is the father-in-law of Juliano Lemos. The scale was clearly different. As people say in Lisander, they counted with the egg yet in the chicken arse, but the chicken didn't even lay the egg.

It was a fail, but there's nothing else to be done. "Let's just keep a look around." he thought, closing the browser and opening e-mail app.

To: Race Eelandii V&T GP; Schkeska-VSK Viska Racing; Fireline Motorsports; SVJ Racing WGPC Team; Volkov Racing
From: Athan Lille;
Subject: Driver searching for a seat.

Hello! I'm Athan Lille!

I'm a Lisanderian Driver searching for a WGPC seat.

I'm an experienced driver with three seasons of Lisanderian Motorsports and one international season at Hodori, despite my age of 21. I was in WGP3 Alpha League and most recently finished a Season in Formula Endurance of Hodori, with Heroes Academy. This Formula Hodori season has shown my driving abilities to the world.I finished 6th with two Grand Slams (Pole, Win and Fastest Lap) in Soumakuin and Soeshu, and had two more pole positions in Dashoze and Tarogama. At the moment, I must admit I'm unlikely to accept the offer of the Lisanderian team, since I'm kind of disappointed with the local motorsport scene and the failed endeavours that keep starting here. I believe I should leave the nest once more. Go outside and drive with the best of the world. Currently I have the support of Team KB, an initiative lead by Marc Wiel, a local motorsport legend (and father-in-law of WGPC former driver, Juliano Lemos), but I'm sure as soon as I manage to find a seat, the loyal "sponsorbase" of former Bitten Heroes Grand Prix Engineering will certainly bring more money to help the team.

I've been around for some days. I've been in Preston Autos Test and was among the top three there, less than 0.4 slower than the fastest driver. I'd like to be invited for Volkov Racing Test and like my fellow compatriot, Ms. Sissie Devereux, I plan to be at Cocoabo Expo. I would be grateful if you could give a look at my abilities in these events.

Best regards,

Athan Lille
WGPC Free Agent

Soon after that, he found himself seeing the notification that everyone expected:

TAS Alliance selects Anneliese Devereux as its first driver for WGPC 18.

[Liventia]

Week 1: Test session 1

Conditions:      	Dry
Lap Record:      	00:01:15.300
Session Length:	        180 minutes
Nation:         	XAN
Circuit:        	Excelsior Resort Myrtle Grand Prix Circuit
Event:	                Pre-Season Test of Xanneria

Drivers have 180 minutes to complete as many laps of the track as they like.

POS # DRIVER                   	FASTEST LAP	GAP TO LEADER
 1  7 Abdoulaye Goita          	00:01:21.463	00:00:00.000
 2 71 Rustom Ibuna             	00:01:21.472	00:00:00.009
 3 47 Erika Okumura            	00:01:21.474	00:00:00.011
 4 42 Alex Dimitrianov         	00:01:21.475	00:00:00.012
 5 85 Olivia Stone             	00:01:21.478	00:00:00.014
 6 77 iBen Toralmintii         	00:01:21.480	00:00:00.017
 7 50 Rudy Edwards             	00:01:21.482	00:00:00.018
 8 56 Terho Talvela            	00:01:21.485	00:00:00.022
 9 25 Gregori Krupin           	00:01:21.491	00:00:00.027
10 12 Anneliese Devereux       	00:01:21.492	00:00:00.029
11 22 Jasmin Kranjska          	00:01:21.517	00:00:00.054
12 94 Ryker Lane               	00:01:21.522	00:00:00.059
13 37 Niklas Schonbaum         	00:01:21.536	00:00:00.072
14 52 Sayono Souzare           	00:01:21.541	00:00:00.078
15 41 Jean Mercer-Daly         	00:01:21.976	00:00:00.513
16 14 Sigur Bjarnason          	00:01:22.482	00:00:01.018
17  8 William Archer           	00:01:25.199	00:00:03.736

RPs following this post will still count towards event 1 (the Xanneria test). There will be an RP cutoff before test session 2 for each of the pre-season tests, but not before test session 1.

[Recuecn]

Abdoulaye pulled on his helmet and blinked through the visor. The cars from the first group had just come in, and now it was to be his turn. He could feel the stress and the pressure building. He laughed at himself. He already had a contract. What was he worried about?

Well, the answer to that was pretty obvious. It wouldn't do to sign on with a team as WGP2 champion and then embarrass himself in another team's exposition just before showing up. So the practice might not affect his career, but it would affect his reputation... his honor. He asked himself, was that too melodramatic? Probably, he admitted. But this was the WGPC. A little bit of drama was to be expected.

Abdoulaye had been mentally comparing himself to the other drivers throughout the pre-season signing periond. Not a healthy habit. But one thing he had realized was that he was much more mellow and much less high-strung than a lot of the other drivers out there. It seemed every grand prix driver had to have a massive personality. It came with the territory. Take Armbruster for example. Or Nülkeschläger. Or Franssen, or the entire Archer family. Each of them could have been a celebrity in their own right, even had they never touched a steering wheel. The Savojarnans were quietly but deeply patriotic. The Nimbans were idealists. Goita felt he was the only one who was down-to-earth, but he wasn't sure it helped him. Wouldn't it be better to stand out more, draw a little more attention? Sara Luna came to mind. Well, she seemed like a very normal, wholesome person, and she had done alright for herself.

Abdoulaye was handed a steering wheel. Go time. He stepped into the cockpit and tried cleared his mind. But as he did, a new worry came in. It felt as though he was double booked. The first WGPC test session was coming up soon, and he really ought to be with Viska getting ready. Would he have enough time? Maybe he'd have to leave the Cocoabo expo a day early.

Then he realized he was doing it again. He had to focus on one thing at a time; focus on the present. He connected his steering wheel and click his brain on, for real this time. Let's do this.

[Squidroidia]

"Daryl, wake up."

Yusuke's face stared his son's as the bus stopped at the final destination, the Cocoabo Park Circuit.

"Look son, I know it took us a while to get here, you missed the first session. I don't want you to miss the second one after the numerous tourist traffic jams we had to go through."

Daryl Mizushima woke up from his seat and looked at his father. He was busy dreaming about driving against Cocoabo #23 so bad that he forgot that the hotel he wrote the Volkov email in was in Vilita and not at the Checkered Flag Hotel.

"Dad, I swear. There were no direct flights to the Cocoabo Forest, not from Squidroidia, not from Sarzonia, nada. It was either here from Vilita or Turori or not showing up at all. Just let me get out of here."

Sighing to himself, the father let his son out of the bus. Daryl was wearing his fire suit, dusting it off as he arrived at the paddock. While he went there, he heard teams calling his name. Fireline, V&T, and Motorworks. Some people were saying Motorworks was his best chance at a seat, but doing these 2 trials, the Cocoabo and Volkov ones, just sounded better than just being lazy and waiting for Motorworks to call his name. In fact Daryl probably wouldn't even be at Motorworks if he stopped here. He had to impress them just enough to earn a seat at this level. Hence why, of course, he was at the Cocoabo Forest.

And no wonder why he didn't arrive in time for the first session. Ginintella had run twice in FP1, and now he was off seeing the local Cocoabo! Well isn't that great, now he had only one session to learn the circuit. Maybe he could squeeze 2 runs in if he was lucky before he had to go for lunch. Oh well, you never take these chances lightly I guess.

With the time ticking down until he was to hit the track with the machine, he would take the opportunity to look at what the hell a WGPC-type paddock looked like. Apparently it was full of tech, so much that his brain could barely comprehend even a sliver of what was being presented. Nah nah, he just wanted to hop into his seat and get ready for his show.

Getting his seatbelt tight, getting the personal adjustments, learning the remote again, analyzing the circuit... It was hard work to do to just even start the race, but he still had to do it like the other drivers. Yes, that includes the magic colored rectangle and the Hülkenberger. Breathing in and out as he was given the all clear, Daryl, like everyone else, got out of the pitlane and ready to see how good he can be.

[Diarcesia]

(OOC: My timeline assumption is: Volkov trials happened first, and then Cocoabo Park, and then MRT)

Cocoabo Forest
7:30 am

A remarkable thing happened on today for Aldauren when he took gave his tickets for the trials.

"Thank you Mr. Ginintella. Please follow the signs to the shuttle for your Cocoabo tour."

"You're wel— I beg your pardon?" Aldauren sought clarification, earnestly surprised. He was here for a test drive, and enjoying the vistas of the Cocoabo habitat was not in his itenerary. He would miss his time slot!

"Our records show that you have signed up for the CEEP tour scheduled for 9 am, sir. This way, please."

"Sheogorath blind me," Aldauren cursed under his breath. "I— I appreciate it," is all he could say and made his way to this de-tour.

He called his agent as soon as he got settled in the vehicle. He wished to get it all straightened out.

"Hey... Aldauren here."

"Where have you been?" His agent's voice was frantic. "Everyone else has already started!"

"Got diverted to a bird tour of all things! Long story. Can you get me rescheduled?"

"Glad you asked! It would look bad if I rescheduled on my own and it turned out you didn't fall off a ravine or something!"

"Just do it please? I owe you a favor."

"Ask, and you shall receive." Aldauren hanged up.

"Damn, damn, damn..." he muttered. At least he got this for free and got an up-close look on how Cocoabo #23 trained to be a racer.

12:15 pm

Aldauren walked through the entrance to the cafeteria at the Cocoabo Park Resort. He was greeted by a hearty "Welcome, welcome!" by another man shortly after.

"Thanks for sorting it out," Aldauren told his agent, who shook his head.

"It was nothing, and nice driving, by the way."

"Hopefully nice enough for the teams to notice."

---

After she took her last bite in her quick lunch, Sara enumerated her immediate plans. She had finished the Volkov trials, was in the middle of the Cocoabo Park one, and would soon head to Mattijana. She hadn't received any offers yet, so she was still determined to go ahead with her remaining schedule.

Actually, scrapping these was not even in her consideration. Before joining a team, she wanted to check for herself how she and her prospective car would work together. That a strong bond between woman and car is a crucial ingredient to success was one of the first lessons she learned in her trade.

[Nephara]

Muscadet detached her wheel. She removed her helmet. She sat, and she absorbed the energy still twitching through her body.
Hooooooo.
The open-wheeler was... she expected a ferocious beast. A Nepharan car but upscaled, all brute force to be harnessed. This one was an engine of finesse, one that twitched keenly around the corners, one that felt... tantalisingly, like it could react to her every thought. If she just got more practice.
Okay. It wasn't fantastic, her time. But she hadn't spun out. She had, she figured, proven herself.
She sat in the car as long as she could get away with, before pit guys apologetically pried her out. Even then, she lingered as long as she could, breathing in the noxious atmosphere.
Eventually, she checked Twii. Surely there would be people already showering her in adulation. The first Nephar in a WCPG1-spec car, and doing... yes, respectably! People would notice! They might finally fill that elusive boot polish sponsorship!

imagine being @jazz26official

and comin so far and bribing so many guys

just to be ...

...

...

...

... mediocre

The rush left Muscadet. Her fingers twitched around her phone, hard enough that if it'd been around her wheel earlier she'd probably have died.
She called up her agent on the spot. It took a couple tries.
"Mmm?" Leo had clearly been roused from slumber. "I was having a productivity siesta, Jas. I'm going to have to insist I--"
"Get in contact with everyone still looking for a driver. I'm going to get this goddamn seat and shove it up Armbruster's fat arse."