WGPC :: World Grand Prix Championship 19 [COMPLETE]

[Chromatika]

"What's the matter with you?"

It was a rather forward, yet innocuous, question, but Anola "Wrench" Melani could feel every fiber of her being tingle as she looked up at Scarlett Miyashiru.

"Huh?" was all that she could muster back.

"You haven't bene the same since that near-wreck that you had in the last race. You've been avoiding me when we're not preparing for your panel, you've been erratic, and I'm worried about you," answered Scarlett.

Had she been avoiding Scarlett? Yes, it was true, but mostly because she needed some time to think; the idea that she had a crush on her best friend was something that had caught Wrench so off guard that she had no idea what to do with it. Now, being confronted with it, she didn't know what to say.

"Sorry, Scar," she answered, not meeting Scarlett's eyes, "I just have a lot on my mind regarding the panel and everything. I promise I'm doing all right."

Scarlett did the thing that drove Anola crazy, putting a soft hand on Wrench's shoulder.

"You know that if there is anything else going on, you can tell me, right? I've been your best friend since you were like six, you can tell me anything," Scarlett stated, attempting to make eye contact.

Anola couldn't help herself from flushing red, and looked away.

"Anola?" came the voice of Scarlett once again, and Anola made herself look at Scarlett's eyes, the eyes full of concern, care, and... What was that glint?

"I do have a hunch..." continued Scarlett, "But I need you to promise me that if I'm wrong, you won't take offense, all right?"

Anola could feel herself nod as butterflies took over her stomach. Suddenly, she was aware that they were in a room by themselves with nobody else around, the lighting a bit dim, the room's temperature not very cold...

Scarlett Miyashiru brushed away Anola's hair that was obscuring her eyes, and then took Anola's hands in her own.

Then, Scarlett leaned in, and quickly kissed Anola on the lips.

A brief second later, Scarlett pulled away, smiling at Anola's reaction, and whispered in Anola's ear:

"Take your time, Wrench. I've been waiting for fifteen years, and I'm not going anywhere. Once you have everything sorted out, you know where to find me."

Before Anola could say anything else, Scarlett was gone, leaving Anola with the feel of Scarlett's lips, the sound of her heartbeat in her ear, the scent of Scarlett's perfume...

It was enough to make her head spin.

Was this really happening to her?

[Diarcesia]

In the early days of Sara Luna's career, the sporting equipment company Syntagma decided to sponsor her after her seeming decline in performance beyond her debut season in WGP3. It was a reluctant, yet mutually beneficial arrangement. Syntagma back then was a newish entity that sought to break into the crowded market dominated by several established brands. They saw in Sara a somewhat recognizable athletic figure who happened to be available.

On the other end, Sara at that stage was not recognizable enough for the bigger brands to spend money on her. Syntagma responded to her overtures positively, albeit they could only spare a pittance for her given their limited resources. It was fine for Sara, as any amount would help.

After Sara signed the contract to put Syntagma's ball on shield logo on her helmet/overalls/car, she returned to focusing full time on her career revitalization across various motorsports disciplines. She strove to be the best she can be and to give her team the boost they need to win a major championship. It was a slow process, but Sara succeeded in that and helped give positive exposure to her sponsors, and that included Syntagma.

Syntagma's success in the sports equipment market was not as smooth as Sara's in racing, and when one of the contract renewals was due after her first WGP3 championship, she declined in favor of Polkopia's Akadamik.

Presently, Syntagma has a niche but sustained sporting goods presence in Diarcesia.

[Abanhfleft]

William Archer would be lying if he said that the last few weeks hadn't been very rough for him.

William had hoped that meeting with Katie Corpus once again would finally give him a sense of closure with regards to his first crush, but instead the meeting left him with more questions than answers. What had happened to Katie? Why was she working late night shifts in a fast food restaurant? Why was she now a single mother? What happened during those four years between college and today that had resulted in all those? There was really only one person who could answer all those questions, but William had a suspicion that she would not be willing to say anything to him at all, and knowing that only made things worse for him.

It also didn't help that the doubter within William had risen back up with a vengeance in the aftermath of his fateful meeting with Katie. The doubter wasted no time at all in taunting William as soon as he got on the flight that would take him back to Hapilopper to meet up with Preston before they moved on to Nekoni for the first WGPC race of the second half of Season 19. What a pathetic little piece of shit you are, the doubter whispered in William's ear during the long flight between Riuwiee and Hapilopper City. You're nothing more than a stray dog waiting for people to throw you little scraps of food that they don't need and want anymore. Look at you, still pining like a little puppy after your first crush even after she all but told you that she doesn't want you in her life anymore! And why should she even waste any more of her time with you? You're nothing but a little bitch, hoping that by running back to Preston, Lewis, Stevenson, and Edwards will take enough pity on you to give you some crumbs for the second half of the season. But you and I both know that they'll never give even the time of day to you. And you know why? Because you're not Rudy Edwards. You're just the guy who made it possible for Preston and Hapilopper to continue pushing Edwards towards the drivers' championship. You're not their championship contender, and you never will be!

It was all William could do to not lash out. He was the only one who could hear the doubter, after all, and it wouldn't do him any good to lose his marbles on a long international flight. And he didn't want to cause an international incident involving both the Fleftic and Hapiloppian air marshals that he knew were on this flight. William did not drink a lot of alcohol, but he ordered some cola and vodka to drown out the laughter coming from the doubter. Even then, it would take him at least three glasses before he finally felt drowsy enough to drift off into sleep, but the doubter's laughter continued to ring in his ears even as he fell asleep.

The arrival of Preston Autos GP at Nekoni, along with the rest of the WGPC grid, finally provided William with a chance to distract himself from the constant rants and beratings from his inner doubter. Seeing Rudy Edwards' name at the bottom of the practice standings seemed to shut up the doubter though, and as the weekend went on and William consistently placed himself above his Hapiloppian teammate, the doubter remained curiously quiet. The results of the Gran Premio de Nekoni was running contrary to his own narrative, and he simply didn't have a comeback ready against cold hard results. Sure, William might have dropped two points in the standings because of Dario Nülkeschlager overtaking him after both drivers had done their pit stops, but he still finished higher in the order than Rudy, negating all of the ammunition that the doubter might have had against him. For at least one week, William finally got some internal peace from his own mind.

And then, just like clockwork, things fell apart for William once again in Filindostan.

There was just no getting around it. The weekend in Filindostan started off poorly for William and it only went downhill from there. William qualified in P19 and could only gain three positions overall to finish the grand prix in 16th place. Meanwhile, Rudy Edwards managed to qualify in the top 10 and was able to convert it into a P5 finish. This meant that Rudy was now just five points behind William in the drivers' standings, with 42 points to his name compared to William's 47. It now seemed so long ago when William had been second in the drivers' standings just right behind Rustom Ibuna. Back then, the gap between the Filindo and the Fleftic driver was nine points. Now, four races later, and the gap had grown to 29 points. William's prospects of being able to compete for the drivers' title were growing bleaker by the week, and if he finished another race out of the points then there was every chance that Rudy would overtake him in terms of points.

William was not looking forward to receiving another round of mockery from his inner doubter as he made his way back to his mobile home. He knew that this whole race weekend in Filindostan had given the doubter plenty of new ammunition to use against him, and William was dreading the moment that he was alone with his thoughts once again and the doubter would start insulting and berating him again. But, as William unlocked the door to his mobile home and went into the bedroom, he saw a figure waiting in the shadows for him. "Took you long enough," the figure said.

"Who the fuck are you and what are you doing inside my room?" William asked.

"I helped myself into your room," the figure replied. "It's okay though. I have a key."

"Whoever you are, you better get out of here before I call for security," William said while reaching for his phone.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," the shadowy figure said. "No matter how fast this security of yours is, they'll never catch me anyway. Besides, I'm here to tell you something really important. Life-changing, even. If I recall correctly, you were waiting for your doubter to start bringing you down once again. Well, I'm here to tell you that you don't have to worry about the doubter anymore because I got rid of him."

"Wait a minute now," William said, the hairs on the back of his neck beginning to rise up. "How the fuck did you find out about my doubter? Who the hell are you?"

"How do I know about your doubter? Well, that's simple," the figure said as he stood up. "That's because we come from the same place," he continued, and he stepped into the light for the first time, revealing himself to be none other than William Archer, or rather an exact duplicate of William Archer. "Me and your doubter come from the same place, William, and that place is right inside your head," the other William said, tapping the side of his head.

"Wait, huh, what?" William asked. "How is this possible? Are you real, or are you just inside my head? Are you just a figment of my imagination?"

"Of course I'm just a figment of your imagination, William!" the other William replied. "How else would I have been able to shut up that bloody annoying doubter of yours?"

"But why would you do that?"

"That guy was really getting on my nerves," the imaginary William replied. "Someone had to shut him up. And I was the only one brave enough and strong enough to do the job."

"Who are you, really?" William asked his imaginary self.

"Why, I'm your supporter, William," the other William answered. "While the doubter was doing nothing but talk shit about you, I've been supporting you through it all. The doubter was very noisy, I'll give him that. But after you shut him up in Nekoni, I finally got strong enough to shut the doubter up for a long time. Now it's my turn to help you get through the rest of the season as best as you possibly could!"

"But why though? Why would you want to help me now?" William asked.

"Because I'm your supporter, William!" his other self replied. "I'm here to support you. I'm here to give you advice. And my advice to you is, as soon as you get the chance, get the fuck out of Preston! Staying here is going to be the death of your career in WGPC, and we both know that you know that. You know that, and I know that, and I know that you know that."

"Wait a minute now. Are you really telling me to leave Preston too?" William asked. "Don't you know that that's exactly what the doubter told me too? What makes you different from him then?"

"The difference between me and the doubter is that the doubter sees you as being no better than trash. Me, I think you're the best damn driver on this WGPC grid," the supporter replied. "The doubter wants nothing but to see you fail. Me, I want nothing but your continued success. And if you want to succeed, you will want to get out of Preston as soon as you can!"

"Yeah, I don't think I see the difference at all," William shook his head. "You both want me out of Preston. You know, the team that gave me a chance in WGPC!"

"The doubter wants you out of Preston because he wants to see your career nosedive and fail. Me, I want to see your career reach new heights, and you'll never reach those heights if you remain stuck with Preston," the supporter replied. "Think about it, man. Do you really think Preston has what it takes to challenge for the title? Do you really want to stick yourself to just one team for the rest of your career? Of course not. Because you know better. Because you know that you're better than that. Come on, Willy. Just think about it."

"Don't you dare call me Willy ever again!" William shouted. "Nobody calls me Willy!" But the supporter was already gone. William took a few deep breaths to calm himself down, and then he held his head in his hands as he sat down. Now he wasn't just hearing things anymore; he was seeing them too. Was he going mad under the pressure of his sophomore WGPC season? He had done absolutely brilliantly in the first and third races of the season, but now he was lagging behind everything and everyone. Was his mind beginning to crack under all this? Was he beginning to crack under the stress?

William Archer was afraid to know the answer to that question.

[WGPC 19]

---

Aurunair Aurun Grand Prix

Event Preview & Circuit Guide

Located at the Aurun hills, near the city of Akresna just north of Veratuna, is the most popular, successful, and challenging Akresna Circuit. With an altitude of about 1,350 m above sea level, the circuit is both challenging for both the drivers and cars. After the formation of the Mötoraaroitu Nazyonalla Auruna (MNA), this is one of the circuits that are now government owned and it was saved from closure by the MNA and it is one of the Viska Racing test tracks due to a partnership with Schkeska Motors. First built in 1956, the track features a wide variety of elevation changes and corners, also featuring the Akresna Tunnel that goes down though a hill (Although it is not used in the International Layout). With decent run-off areas and one of the best facilities in Auruna, the circuit is one of the best in Auruna and is a part of the Aurun Trinity Circuits.

Akresna starts off with the start/finish straight followed by a heavy braking zone to Turn 1, Valantov, then a fast Turn 2 that goes uphill. Turns 3 continues the uphill climb where Sector 2 starts at the exit of Turn 4. Sector 2, also called the "Hill Run", starts with a short straight to Turn 5 then followed by a slightly downhill then uphill Turn 6, where an old bunker is next to, then flowing nicely into Turn 7 which heads to the Akresna Sun section where most of the pictures of the track are taken, usually at sunset and during endurance races. At Turn 8, Politov, the Akresna Tunnel is located, it is unused in the international layout. What follows is a series of uphill-downhill corners ending with Turn 12, this is the most challenging part of the circuit where oversteer and understeer are prevalent and demands good throttle control by the drivers if they make a small mistake in this section, they will end up in the barriers. Still going downhill, a straight leads on to Turn 13, Veren Üka, which starts Sector 3, the fastest sector. The fast corners and chicanes of Turns 15, 16, 17, and 18. Cars go though this section flat-out and at this area is where most of the grandstands are located. Drivers usually get caught out at Turns 17 and 18 where they can oversteer into the barriers and ending their race. A final heavy braking zone to the Turn 19, Kaulinta. Another fast straight followed by a fast Turn 20, Entenalla (Similar to Parabolica of Monza) that leads to the start/finish straight which then completes a lap.

Week 8: Practice

Conditions:      	Dry
Session Length:	75 minutes
Nation:         	AUR
Circuit:        	Akresna Circuit

Drivers have 75 minutes to complete as many laps of the track as they like

---

POS # ▍DRIVER                           	FASTEST LAP	GAP TO LEADER
 1 37 ▍Laura Haukanna                   	00:01:47.057	00:00:00.000
 2 51 ▍R.L. Cruisin                     	00:01:47.070	00:00:00.013
 3 71 ▍Rustom Ibuna                     	00:01:47.116	00:00:00.059
 4 82 ▍Kinu Luminna                     	00:01:47.143	00:00:00.086
 5 25 ▍Gregori Krupin                   	00:01:47.155	00:00:00.098
 6 77 ▍iBen Toralmintii                 	00:01:47.160	00:00:00.104
 7 31 ▍Joy Wingelaar                    	00:01:47.189	00:00:00.132
 8 85 ▍Olivia Stone                     	00:01:47.196	00:00:00.139
 9 19 ▍Dom Falepeau                     	00:01:47.197	00:00:00.140
10 40 ▍Adriana Kowalski Ela...          	00:01:47.240	00:00:00.184
11 23 ▍Cocoabo #23                      	00:01:47.270	00:00:00.213
12 11 ▍Lane Carter                      	00:01:47.307	00:00:00.250
13  7 ▍Anneliese Devereux               	00:01:47.400	00:00:00.343
14 88 ▍Ted Pressley                     	00:01:47.434	00:00:00.377
15 83 ▍Anola "Wrench" Melani            	00:01:47.461	00:00:00.404
16 24 ▍Sayono Souzare                   	00:01:47.485	00:00:00.429
17  8 ▍William Archer                   	00:01:47.519	00:00:00.462
18  5 ▍Rudy Edwards                     	00:01:47.522	00:00:00.465
19 -T- ▍Skiia Vialiv                     	00:01:47.977	00:00:00.921
20 27 ▍Dario Nülkeschläger              	00:01:48.346	00:00:01.290
21 17 ▍Janne Laukkanen                  	00:01:48.541	00:00:01.484
22 63 ▍Daryl Mizushima                  	00:01:48.701	00:00:01.645
23 94 ▍Ryker Lane                       	00:01:49.546	00:00:02.489
24 15 ▍Heinz-Otto Junker                	00:01:49.996	00:00:02.939
25 41 ▍Jean Mercer-Daly                 	00:01:50.132	00:00:03.076

---

Week 8: Qualifying

Conditions:      	Cloudy
Qualifying Type:	Traditional
Nation:         	AUR
Circuit:        	Akresna Circuit

POS # ▍DRIVER                           	FASTEST LAP	GAP TO LEADER
 1 82 ▍Kinu Luminna                     	00:01:42.987	00:00:00.000
 2 77 ▍iBen Toralmintii                 	00:01:43.007	00:00:00.020
 3  5 ▍Rudy Edwards                     	00:01:43.009	00:00:00.022
 4 85 ▍Olivia Stone                     	00:01:43.011	00:00:00.024
 5 37 ▍Laura Haukanna                   	00:01:43.024	00:00:00.037
 6 11 ▍Lane Carter                      	00:01:43.025	00:00:00.038
 7 51 ▍R.L. Cruisin                     	00:01:43.132	00:00:00.146
 8 17 ▍Janne Laukkanen                  	00:01:43.173	00:00:00.186
 9 40 ▍Adriana Kowalski Ela...          	00:01:43.230	00:00:00.244
10 88 ▍Ted Pressley                     	00:01:43.238	00:00:00.251
11 23 ▍Cocoabo #23                      	00:01:43.243	00:00:00.256
12 19 ▍Dom Falepeau                     	00:01:43.303	00:00:00.317
13  8 ▍William Archer                   	00:01:43.368	00:00:00.381
14 25 ▍Gregori Krupin                   	00:01:43.496	00:00:00.510
15  7 ▍Anneliese Devereux               	00:01:43.517	00:00:00.530
16 24 ▍Sayono Souzare                   	00:01:43.748	00:00:00.762
17 83 ▍Anola "Wrench" Melani            	00:01:43.759	00:00:00.772
18 50 ▍Sara Luna                        	00:01:43.892	00:00:00.905
19 71 ▍Rustom Ibuna                     	00:01:43.917	00:00:00.931
20 27 ▍Dario Nülkeschläger              	00:01:43.940	00:00:00.954
21 15 ▍Heinz-Otto Junker                	00:01:44.449	00:00:01.462
22 41 ▍Jean Mercer-Daly                 	00:01:44.636	00:00:01.649
23 94 ▍Ryker Lane                       	00:01:44.802	00:00:01.816
24 63 ▍Daryl Mizushima                  	00:01:45.041	00:00:02.055
25 31 ▍Joy Wingelaar                    	00:01:45.697	00:00:02.710

[Auruna]

Akresna Circuit, Auruna
Sÿrä-prii Auruna
Qualifying
As expected it's the home team and drivers are doing well on their home circuit. There's the pressure to do well, to not disappoint your local supporters, and to give them a memorable home race. The grandstands are full and split between Viska and Luminna fans, and dedicated Haukanna fans, all of them are anxious to find out who is going to get pole position in Akresna. As the sun hides behind the clouds, qualifying commences. Drivers go out immediately out of fear of rain. Olivia was the first of the Viskas to get sent out as Kinu waits for a while, as well as Laura in the PB-Viska garage, waiting for the right moment to start. A few minutes pass by, most of the drivers had set their times, Kinu was the first to go and Laura soon followed.

"Haukanna behind you, Kinu. Let's do a quick outlap here so we'll be able to get a tow from Olivia. Hot-lap mode will be available at the exit of 20."

"Copy."

Taking in the sights, the dark and cloudy sights as he quickly darts through his outlap, Kinu starts to reflect on what Artur said a few days before as he passed by the site of his accident at turns 17 and 18. He sets his sights on what's ahead and accelerates out of the complex and into the straight. At the final straight, he does his final adjustments before Jan speaks through the radio.

"Olivia did a 1:43.5 on her last lap. Hot-lap and Mode 4 at exit of 20, watch for traffic. Olivia will be able to assist you on your next timed lap."

Kinu remains silent as he adjusts his settings on the steering wheel and as instructed, he sets it to hot-lap and More 4 and he barrels down the main straight. He crosses the line to start his lap, absolutely focused. He was nailing every corner, speeding through every straight and finding new lines as he speeds through a circuit that he hasn't conquered yet. Artur could only watch, hoping that his motivation helped Kinu overcome what has traumatised him.

As Kinu's VK-02H negotiates the final corner with the wide line, the bellow of the 1.6l VT-160F/H-II can be heard at full throttle with Kinu utilizing everything that he has from the highest mode on the hybrid system to the Talons that help the car grip the track. Artur braces in anticipation of Kinu's time, anxious to see it but as he hears Kinu pass by, he takes a look at the monitor and a big smile followed.

"That's a 1.43, dead on."

"Haha! Yes! I could go for another. Feels like I can shave a bit from that. Probably a hundredth or two."

"I'll let Olivia and Baxen know. Oh--- Olivia set a 1:43.011, P4. Anyway, Hot-lap and Mode 4 at the exit of 20. You should get a tow from Olivia at Valley Run."

"Got it."

Kinu then goes for another timed lap, pushing as hard as he could for another time. Visually, it's nearly identical to his previous hotlap but the significant difference is that he has the assistance of his teammate via a tow through the first half of the third sector. As he reaches his teammate, the signal has been given. Olivia leads the way for Kinu to follow in her slipstream. They effortlessly go through 17 and 18 and Olivia pulls out of the racing line right before the braking zone for Kaulinta. Olivia slowly fades away from view as Kinu negotiates Kaulinta then he immediately guns it at the exit. From there, it's smoot sailing through Entenalla and then he crosses the line for the second time. And the crowds at the grandstands go wild.

"There we go. 1:42.987, and you remain P1. That's pole for tomorrow! Good job Kinu. You and Olivia got nice starts for tomorrow."

"Yeaah! Etteremät Viska! Ükandes! Etteremät! Haha!"

"Sÿrä Kinu!"

"Whoo! That's a nice feeling! That's something worth celebrating!"

Akresna Circuit Sauna
After debriefing, some of the team went to the circuit's sauna with Jöna not joining in as he has something more important to attend and it's the WGP2 race that is ongoing. The ones at the sauna are mostly from Kinu's side of the garage but the celebrations are for all with a special team dinner setup for later, they are just making use of their spare time to relax.

"Man, today's the best for me. A pole in WGPC, what an achievement."

"I agree with you mate, you really nailed it in quali. Never thought you could use that wide line at Entenalla for a better laptime."

"For qualifying, yeah, especially with that car, I can set it up for a better run down the main straight. That's all it is. For the race, I think I'll stick with the tighter line. Everything worked out well at the end."

"Yeah, enough talk. Let's just relax for now and Jöna has scheduled a team dinner later at a restaurant in the city."

"Heh, I'm looking forward to it. But let's make it work for tomorrow."

"I'm with you here, right guys?"

"YEAH!"

[Valentine Z]

The Valentians – Chapter 11 – Dressed So Sharply!

Well, well! Ahah, sorry, I wasn't really surprised by this result, to be extremely honest. I mean, sure, there was a time where I won two feature races in a row, but I don't think I will have that kind of luck all the time. It does make me sad a little bit that I didn't even get as much as a points-finish. That is just it with me - either I will get the podium or win, or I will get nothing out of it at all. In fact, I was super lucky that I didn't get disqualified out of the race because from the looks of it, I finished second last and the guy behind me was a lap down. Not exactly the most stellar of results. Ah well, that can wait for another time. For now, maybe I should do a little bit of self-reflection just because. There are the Valentians who have helped me a lot as usual, especially my big sis Clarissa! Her push and tenacity for the rather strange but effective training got me a podium finish AND a win separately. That definitely counts for something, hehe.

On top of that, I think it's time I talked about the Valentian companies and businesses. I know, this is going to sound like one of those "This video is sponsored by...", and I do apologise for that. I will try my best to make sure that I am not being biased here, for the Valentians have always been equally helpful towards me. Still, it helps to think and to accept that there are companies out there who have more hand in helping me than the rest. For instance, the Fisheries might not have much of an involvement compared to the semiconductors industries. Well, then, enough beating around the bush, ahaha! Let me present to you the companies who have created me, helped me out along the way, and the like.

Of course, what better way to start off than by talking about the contributors to my hardware and software! Flux Semiconductors are the ones that provided all of these wonderful parts for me! The SSDs, the artificial neurons, and even the interdimensional storage space. They were the ones who made it a reality for me, and that is also the reason why I have so much storage space overall! There was a bit of a silicon shortage, but we Valentians managed to make it work. We had to visit a lot of parallel universes, though. And then there is Harumi Robotics! Named after my big sister, they are the ones that provided me the body that I am in right now. The guys are Flux provided the chips, and the folks at Harumi Robotics provided me with all of these robust systems of head, limbs, and everything else along the way. They really do know how to make me quite tough and muscular, haha! Gone were the days where robots are creepy and robotic. With the Valentian technology, we can express as much as humans do, and we are getting pretty good at it. As for why we can express and learn like humans and other organic beings do? Well, that would be the efforts of none other than Isalov Industries! They are the ones that provided me with the Artificial Intelligence and well, you can say they are the ones that created me. This is a bit more of a joint project between Isalov and Harumi as they worked hand-in-hand, but at the end of the day, the former did quite a lot of work in making sure that I am operating at my best, learning at my best, and everything else along the way. Jenny used to be the head of operations in Isalov before changing careers to a more cybersecurity-based line of work, so you will find no surprise in there when she helped me out!

And now the rest. Sentinels - they conquer the omniverse. Not in the bad, "conquest and kill all" way, at least in the physical world. You see, they are the ones that makes gaming peripherals! Keyboards, mouses, controllers, gaming consoles and computers (with parts from Flux), you know the drill! They helped me a lot because well, they are the ones that provided me with all the comfortable seat, steering wheel, pedals, and everything else along the way. For the Valentians, our height and stature demand a custom-made rig that none of the other countries and nations can do, though this is less of the availability of tech and more of us being way too big, hehe. So yes, there you go! Every time I had great results, I can always thank the Sentinels for making it easy for me to practice. Solaris Electrical systems, as the name suggests, helped me with the energy needs. They have been wonderful folks all around, and they are the reason why I was able to go for up to 40 days on a single charge, and that is when I am working as intensively as possible. On standby, I can last pretty darn long, hehe. Hyperzicht deals with Photography and Videography, and I was told that Head Diplomat Charlene Jeannie Natalia Adeline Marceline “Wanbyeoghan Hyeobsang-Ga” Celestie Christine Irelle Dva. Arianna Rees Edith Novena Annie Ciara W. I. Bethany Myong Suh-Hyung is a big fan of them given her interest and profession. I can see why, hehe. Ahh, details! Anyway, they are the ones that provided me the eyes and the ears, like literally. Flux and Harumi Robotics lacked the camera and optics expertise that these guys have, and I have always been happy with these set of sensors I got.

And of course, last but not least, The Orange Tabby Appeals. Still being run by Head Secretary Jamie Izabella Maxie Clara “The Elegant and Magnificent Mathematician” Pernella Ellie Natie Lexie Marie Valerie Ruby Æstriðr Fni. Clementine Millicent Lizbeth Alex Cass Eirian, it is one of the most prominent fashion company, with a LOT of smaller companies under it. That is the nature of Valentine Z's companies - we have smaller companies (both chains, mom & pop shops, and everything else in-between) under the larger ones, which in turn are overseen by the Valentian government to ensure that there will be no greed or corruption overriding anything. Anyway, sorry I went off-tangent there, haha! So you might think to youself - okay, the fashion company ensured that Adriana here wasn't naked on the race course like some robot from a sci-fi movie. There is more than that, of course!

And it all started from that one tweet outside of the race course.

[Ethane]

"Adriana Kowalski can push for points"

It was a poor weekend for Eminent in Filindostan, the team not picking up any points for their troubles. It's hard to take away positives from a performance in which the team were sorely lacking, but there are some which they'll be building on as they head to the Aurunair Aurun Grand Prix. Adriana had some good pace on certain laps, especially where the tyres were fresh straight after the pit stop. While it was a slow pit stop - another thing Eminent need to work on - Adriana was able to show the raw pace they have available. If the team gets it right as it was doing more slightly earlier in the season, then we know Adriana will get it right. Because I think Adriana, one day, could be a title-winning driver.

The overall package also wasn't too bad. In the right situation, the Eminent car can be first. Adriana and Anneliese have put in some good showings throughout this season, picking up solid points for themselves and for the team. Fireline+Heroes Eminent are in fourth in the constructor's standings, and second is certainly not out of reach. This isn't a bad car. We're not looking at a title winning car, it has to be said, but this is a car that could finish second this season if everything goes right toward the end of this season.

The team dynamic is positive too. Where we let ourselves down, we are just as quick to pick ourselves up again. The relationship between the Fireline and Bitten Heroes entities within the team structure is collaborative and cooperative, and has contributed to advances in the car's performance this season through information sharing. Relying on the performance history of both cars has allowed the team to look at what really works and what really doesn't across two different case studies, and adapt to what they can make work on the track.

And so we find ourselves at the Aurun Grand Prix. Qualifying wasn't amazing, but Adriana finds themself in a positive position to advance forward and pick up some points this weekend. Adriana was only .244 seconds off pole position in qualifying, finding herself in 9th on the grid. It's a positive start to the weekend and hopefully will do much to distil the notion that Eminent is done for the season and has nothing more to give. We're still fighting all the way to the end.

[Filindostan]

Yogyakulta International Circuit
Yogyakulta, Filindostan
Raceday

Starting in 2nd place, Rusty's preparations with Werner was almost complete. "Radio check, Rusty?" the first words stammered from the veteran race engineer's mouth.

"Roger, loud and clear." The Filindo driver who is racing in his home nation, responded. His overalls and helmet had a different appearance this weekend, as part of losing his bet with the marketing team of Good Motor Oil, he was forced to don the logos of the Hapiloppian company in his race suit, which included his helmet as part of a bargain deal to have this 'punishment' only in his home race and not for the entire season.

Another change in the race suits is a logo of "Thank you, Aling Ling", and "Ling's Supermarket" in the upper arm contingency spot, which they announced for the race today as homage to Linda "Ling" Gumawan, a retail store enthusiast and owner of Ling's Groceries, who passed away before this weekend. Gumawan and her family significantly helped test driver Alvis Kalvin Lacsamana's racing career in the junior categories in karting up to the WGP3 Filindostan series.

At the opposite of the front row where Rusty is situated, is his Badai Angin Tim teammate, Dom Falepeau. Arriving in Filindostan, Dom currently holds the lead in the drivers' championship over iBen Toralmintii and Rusty himself, with the team holding a 39.5 points lead over the Turorian's team, Tropicorp Racing Aelund. In Rusty's mind, the only way to get a favorable result against Dom and have a favorable pit strategy is to lunge inside of the Togoni driver's racing line in the first corner. In the track, the grid position of the pole sitter is in the outside line of the start/finish line, and the only way to get that inside line is to out-brake his teammate into the first corner, into the sweeping kerbs of the Kotyog Complex.

However, this move was easier said than done, and thinking of the constructors' championship, it would be a disaster if he misjudge his braking, collide with Falepeau, and take the Togoni and himself out of contention. As the formation lap concluded and the five lights started to illuminate, Rusty paid extra attention on when the lights would go out, to avoid getting too excited and cause a jump start which would ruin his race altogether. He was able to react quickly once the lights went out, and pushed the gas pedal to accelerate the car quickly off the line. The quick reaction enabled him to inch closer to his teammate, and as the two were side by side, he glanced at the Togoni driver braking first into the first corner, which enabled the Filindo to safely pass him through the first set of corners. He had not have the time to think whether Dom had allowed him to overtake him and if he wanted to let the Filindo through, or he wanted to avoid a potential clash in the first corner to preserve Badai Angin's healthy lead in the constructors' championship.

Rusty continued to build a gap to his teammate, but at lap seven, the field were bunched again due to a safety car to remove some debris at Turn 7, and when the race resumed, the Filindo was able to fend off the rest of the pack and started building up the gap again to the other drivers. He was also in constant communication with Werner to provide him updates on who is the second placed car behind him. The former Hodori domestic series driver informed him that Dom has been called into the pits for hard tyres. After a couple of laps, it was Rusty's turn to pit. The end of the cycle of pitstops show that Rusty remain in the lead, but was surprised when Ragos told him in the radio that in the ensuing pit stops, the Kaylan of Ted Pressley is chasing him for the lead. There were no more action up front except the Tumbran maintaining his pace to put pressure to the leader.

In the end, it was Rusty who took the chequered flag and won the race for the team. "Rusty, finally, race winner in your home track!" He was not able to stop himself from a mixture of emotions for jubilation and tears as he raised his left arm to celebrate and wave thanks to the fans who attended the race. As he composed himself, he quickly asked where his teammate finished. "Rusty, this it Tauro, bravo for the victory here in your home race. Dom and I will join you in the podium. Third place, Badai Angin, 1-3! iBen in fourth, Pressley in second..." Rusty felt relief with Dom finishing in the podium as well and ahead of his title rival in iBen.

Rusty still cannot hide his emotions winning his second WGPC race, and the first in home soil. When the car was parked in parc ferme, he patted the back of the Togoni driver, thanking him for racing smart for the team, and gave him an embrace. The three, including the Kaylan driver celebrated at the podium after the Filindostan National Anthem was solely played in the podium prior to the officials handing trophies to the victors.

At the podium interview. He thanked all the fans, and threw another shoutout at Good Motor Oil, "I Got Good guys! This would not be possible without you." When Rusty went down from the podium, several Filindo outlets asked in the post-race interview regarding the additional logos in his racesuit:

"It was a promise I made to our test driver, AK, who is not with us in this weekend in Yogyakulta due to the WGP2 paddock in Aji No Moto. We wanted to deliver the goods to the late Aling Ling, who unfortunately passed on before this weekend. We had conversations pre-season regarding that company in his overalls, and he said that in his karting days, the logos of 'Aling Ling's Sari-sari Store' was in his karting car as sponsor, and most of his competitors laughed at his car for bearing those store logos.

He told me also that he gave some of his winnings in the WGP3 Filindostan, and his recent WGP2 win at the Elbej Historic Site Circuit to Aling Ling as she was bedridden in her last days."

Rusty thanked the media for their support, and went back to the garage to celebrate with the team. Little did he know that there would be several twists coming up to the team that may shake up his and the team's future.

[Hapilopper]

But first, another word from our sponsors.

Marty Lewis’s office, Preston GP HQ, Akresna Circuit, Akresna, Auruna
Before the Aurun Grand Prix
Marty Lewis and Drake Stevenson looked inside the Hapilopper City Herald to find Good Motor Oil ads carrying the name “Rusty Ibuna” alongside the names William Archer and Rudy Edwards. One advertisement congratulated Ibuna for winning the Grand Prix Filindostan Cepat, while another mentioned Ibuna as a Good-sponsored driver. For the record, that wasn’t the case… yet.

“He’s not driving for y’all next year, is he?” Drake asked Marty.

“No,” Marty said. “I haven’t extended an offer and I don't plan to. I want to keep both Rudy and William. They’ve made this thing happen. And the last thing I want to do is break this up. This is a Good Oil thing.”

“Well, just curious. I mean, I just wonder what this team’s going to look like next year,” Drake explained. “By the way, uh, I got a message from the Good Oil people, they said that you need to call them. Something about a new image, new logo, new slogan, new everything for next year. Apparently our cars are going to all look different next year.”

“What do you mean?” Marty asked. “Are we losing that ‘Get Good’ slogan?”

“They’re doing something different,” Drake said. “They had me and Taylor in a studio the other day giving these testimonials for TV commercials. Something more straight forward than the ads they had before. I think they were using the slogan ‘People who know Get Good’ or something like that.”

“‘People who know Get Good’?” Marty asked. “Oh, brother.”

“I know, right? Either way, they wanted you to talk to them. I guess they want to travel to Stelburg for the next race to shoot a commercial,” Drake said.

“Aight, I’ll call them up,” Marty said.

So Drake walked off and headed towards the main room of Preston GP HQ, the team’s nerve center at races. Similar to the Team Blue Center in the NSSCRA, the Preston GP HQ was a multi-million dollar gathering place for the Preston team for whenever they needed it – impressing sponsors, relaxing, conducting meetings, or just to watch some pro wrestling when the day’s activities are done. As Drake came out, he spotted Rudy Edwards sitting at a table, looking at his phone. Rudy didn’t look particularly bothered, but just engrossed in whatever was going on.

Rudy was doing better in these last few weeks since Drake started traveling with Preston GP. There were some hiccups – Rudy felt like he psyched himself out in Nekoni, for example – but he was doing better, all things considered. He was starting to feel like he had more confidence in his abilities, and with Drake’s help, Rudy felt like he had a better grasp of the voices in his head doubting himself. On top of that, he had a new friend.

“Yo, Edwards, you doing anything this week?” Drake asked.

“Not really,” Rudy said.

“Come over, my brother’s been working on his private pilot’s license, he wanted to take us and Taylor flying,” Drake said. “He calls it a great way to relax.”

“Sounds good.”

[Sorlovia]

Akresna Circuit
Qualifying

He needed to do better for Race Eelandii

Finishing fourteenth in qualifying from eighth in practice hadn’t been ideal. It seemed there was still something that he wasn’t doing right. He’d heard it referred to as a gremlin - a niggling ongoing issue that always seemed to elude discovery while continuing to wreak havoc. The image of a little green creature clambering about in his car both amused and annoyed him. Or perhaps it was stalking his season causing the ongoing bad streak that continued to plague him. He wasn’t a superstitious man by any means. But the gremlin concept did at the very least give him an outlet for his frustration. He knew that he had the skill to do better. He’d proved it in WGPC18. But for some reason he hadn’t been able to turn things around.

He owed it to Race Eelandii. They’d invested in him and he needed to show them that it hadn’t been a mistake. The practice run had gone alright. But things had changed in qualifying when he’d quickly found himself slipping and losing time. He’d been mentally kicking himself ever since. He knew he had it in him. He could do better than this. Seven races and no podiums. What was going on? He had started the season badly but that was no excuse. Was he pushing the car too hard? Or was he failing to use it properly? He’d thought that he’d improved his technique and approach ahead of the season but it seemed that he was bad luck streak had followed him from WGPC18. That fact that he hadn’t yet been able to get to the bottom of it continued to eat away at him more and more. He yearned to be able to put his finger on the problem and fix it.

“We need to turn this around Gregori,” Sergei said “you need to climb up the standing tale if you’re going to have a shot on the championship.”

“I know,” Gregori sighed “I know. Believe me; I want to get to the bottom of this as much as you do. But I just can’t figure out what it is. The analysis readouts haven’t told me anything. I’ve been putting in as much practice as I can. I took some time to clear my head and I’ve had the car looked at. What more can I do?”

“Sounds like you’ve got the yips darling,” Elena added “I know it’s hard but you can push through it. I still get them sometimes when I’m on a particularly tough shoot. You know what you’re doing and you know you can do it. But suddenly things just seem out of reach. Don’t let it discourage you my love.”

“Listen to your wife Greg,” Sergei added “the last thing you want to do is let this streak unhinge you. It’s out there I know. But maybe you need to look inwards. Remember what worked well last season and try and replicate it. You have the skill but there’s just something holding you back.”

Sergei and Elena had been his strongest supporters ever since he’d entered as a rookie. They were the ones who talked most honestly and bluntly with him. But in truth Gregori had been looking deep within himself for weeks now. It was a mental or emotional issue. Nor did his strengths from the last season seem to be translating over into this one. Had he made a mistake sacrificing aggression? He had altered his approach to be more focused on technique and handling than last season. Had that been what’d caused all this? Should he have stuck with his usual approach? He’d spent hours looking over Sara and Terho’s performance in WGPC18 before finalizing his new approach. But perhaps he’d made a mistake somewhere in his preparations. The fact that he didn’t know annoyed him greatly. He wanted to do better more than anything.

On the positive side his sponsorship deals had gone through well. Zaitsev had signed on to serve as his primary sponsor. Having their name out there in the WGPC environment would be invaluable for their inevitable shot at hosting a WGPC team. His secondary sponsors were Orcon Fuels and Rostok Autoworks from his homeland. They had placings on the arms of his race suit with Zaitsev proudly worn on the front. The suit itself was, naturally, in Race Eelandii colours with their name very prominently displayed.

[WGPC 19]

---

Aurunair Aurun Grand Prix

Event Preview & Circuit Guide

Located at the Aurun hills, near the city of Akresna just north of Veratuna, is the most popular, successful, and challenging Akresna Circuit. With an altitude of about 1,350 m above sea level, the circuit is both challenging for both the drivers and cars. After the formation of the Mötoraaroitu Nazyonalla Auruna (MNA), this is one of the circuits that are now government owned and it was saved from closure by the MNA and it is one of the Viska Racing test tracks due to a partnership with Schkeska Motors. First built in 1956, the track features a wide variety of elevation changes and corners, also featuring the Akresna Tunnel that goes down though a hill (Although it is not used in the International Layout). With decent run-off areas and one of the best facilities in Auruna, the circuit is one of the best in Auruna and is a part of the Aurun Trinity Circuits.

Akresna starts off with the start/finish straight followed by a heavy braking zone to Turn 1, Valantov, then a fast Turn 2 that goes uphill. Turns 3 continues the uphill climb where Sector 2 starts at the exit of Turn 4. Sector 2, also called the "Hill Run", starts with a short straight to Turn 5 then followed by a slightly downhill then uphill Turn 6, where an old bunker is next to, then flowing nicely into Turn 7 which heads to the Akresna Sun section where most of the pictures of the track are taken, usually at sunset and during endurance races. At Turn 8, Politov, the Akresna Tunnel is located, it is unused in the international layout. What follows is a series of uphill-downhill corners ending with Turn 12, this is the most challenging part of the circuit where oversteer and understeer are prevalent and demands good throttle control by the drivers if they make a small mistake in this section, they will end up in the barriers. Still going downhill, a straight leads on to Turn 13, Veren Üka, which starts Sector 3, the fastest sector. The fast corners and chicanes of Turns 15, 16, 17, and 18. Cars go though this section flat-out and at this area is where most of the grandstands are located. Drivers usually get caught out at Turns 17 and 18 where they can oversteer into the barriers and ending their race. A final heavy braking zone to the Turn 19, Kaulinta. Another fast straight followed by a fast Turn 20, Entenalla (Similar to Parabolica of Monza) that leads to the start/finish straight which then completes a lap.

Week 8: Race

Conditions:      	Dry	
Laps:              	53	
Nation:         	AUR	
Circuit:        	Akresna Circuit	
Event:	[Aurunair] Aurun Grand Prix

POS  # ▍DRV Name                     Team                     	Time      	Pts	Fastest Lap	
  1 82 ▍LMN Kinu Luminna             Viska Racing             	01:38:48.214	25		
  2 77 ▍TII iBen Toralmintii         Tropicorp Racing Ælund   	00:00:08.399	18		
  3  5 ▍EDW Rudy Edwards             Preston Autos GP         	00:00:31.417	15		
  4 11 ▍CRT Lane Carter              Race Eelandii VTGP       	00:00:32.827	12		
  5 37 ▍HAU Laura Haukanna           GP Pryfors Bilar Viska   	00:00:34.661	10		
  6 85 ▍STO Olivia Stone             Viska Racing             	00:00:38.213	8		
  7 40 ▍AKS Adriana Kowalski Ela...  Fireline+Heroes Eminent  	00:00:43.962	6		
  8 51 ▍CRU R.L. Cruisin             Carvenlo Racing          	00:00:49.386	4		
  9  8 ▍ARC William Archer           Preston Autos GP         	00:00:51.923	2		
 10 19 ▍FAL Dom Falepeau             Badai Angin Tim          	00:00:54.268	1		
 11 17 ▍LAU Janne Laukkanen          Carvenlo Racing          	00:01:17.971			
 12 50 ▍LNA Sara Luna                Tropicorp Racing Ælund   	00:01:21.429	 + 1	1:45.465	
 13 88 ▍PRE Ted Pressley             Kaylan Racing Team       	00:01:24.513			
 14  7 ▍DEV Anneliese Devereux       Fireline+Heroes Eminent  	00:01:42.217			
 15 83 ▍MNI Anola "Wrench" Melani    Kaylan Racing Team       	Laps Down: 1			
 16 71 ▍IBU Rustom Ibuna             Badai Angin Tim          	Laps Down: 1			
 17 27 ▍NÜL Dario Nülkeschläger      GP Pryfors Bilar Viska   	Laps Down: 1			
 18 23 ▍C23 Cocoabo #23              WGPC Motorworks (B)      	Laps Down: 1			
 19 15 ▍JUN Heinz-Otto Junker        Teusbank TMW Rennsport   	Laps Down: 1			
DNF 94 ▍LAN Ryker Lane               Nexus Racing             	Ret. lap 53			
DNF 24 ▍SZR Sayono Souzare           WGPC Motorworks (HR)     	Ret. lap 32			
DNF 25 ▍KRU Gregori Krupin           Race Eelandii VTGP       	Ret. lap 31			
DNF 41 ▍JMD Jean Mercer-Daly         Nexus Racing             	Ret. lap 9			
DNF 31 ▍WIN Joy Wingelaar            Teusbank TMW Rennsport   	Ret. lap 3

Pos # ▍DRV Name                      Team                     Pts
 1 77 ▍TII iBen Toralmintii          Tropicorp Racing Ælund   91
 2 19 ▍FAL Dom Falepeau              Badai Angin Tim          85.5
 3 71 ▍IBU Rustom Ibuna              Badai Angin Tim          76
 4  5 ▍EDW Rudy Edwards              Preston Autos GP         57
 5 82 ▍LMN Kinu Luminna              Viska Racing             55
 6  8 ▍ARC William Archer            Preston Autos GP         49
 7 85 ▍STO Olivia Stone              Viska Racing             48
 8 37 ▍HAU Laura Haukanna            GP Pryfors Bilar Viska   47.5
 9 40 ▍AKS Adriana Kowalski Ela...   Fireline+Heroes Eminent  46
10 11 ▍CRT Lane Carter               Race Eelandii VTGP       44
11  7 ▍DEV Anneliese Devereux        Fireline+Heroes Eminent  38
12 51 ▍CRU R.L. Cruisin              Carvenlo Racing          35
13 88 ▍PRE Ted Pressley              Kaylan Racing Team       32
14 94 ▍LAN Ryker Lane                Nexus Racing             27
14 25 ▍KRU Gregori Krupin            Race Eelandii VTGP       27
16 50 ▍LNA Sara Luna                 Tropicorp Racing Ælund   21
16 27 ▍NÜL Dario Nülkeschläger       GP Pryfors Bilar Viska   21
18 17 ▍LAU Janne Laukkanen           Carvenlo Racing          19
19 41 ▍JMD Jean Mercer-Daly          Nexus Racing             17
20 31 ▍WIN Joy Wingelaar             Teusbank TMW Rennsport   15
21 23 ▍C23 Cocoabo #23               WGPC Motorworks (B)      12
22 83 ▍MNI Anola "Wrench" Melani     Kaylan Racing Team       5
23 15 ▍JUN Heinz-Otto Junker         Teusbank TMW Rennsport   3
24 24 ▍SZR Sayono Souzare            WGPC Motorworks (HR)     1
25 63 ▍MIZ Daryl Mizushima           WGPC Motorworks (O)      0

Pos NAT ▍TeamPts
  1 FID ▍Badai Angin Tim                      161.5
  2 ABL ▍Tropicorp Racing Ælund               112
  3 HAP ▍Preston Autos GP                     106
  4 AUR ▍Viska Racing                         103
  5 F+H ▍Fireline+Heroes Eminent              84
  6 V&T ▍Race Eelandii VTGP                   71
  7 DCS ▍GP Pryfors Bilar Viska               68.5
  8 LEN ▍Carvenlo Racing                      54
  9 NIM ▍Nexus Racing                         44
 10 TGN ▍Kaylan Racing Team                   37
 11 STL ▍Teusbank TMW Rennsport               18
 12 WGS ▍WGPC Motorworks                      13

Note: No drivers are mathematically eliminated from the championship at this stage - Mathematical Projection lines will begin after Siovanija & Teusland.

Next Race Cutoff in 6 Days (Siovanija & Teusland Qualifying & Sprint)
Next Feature Cutoff in 1 Week [Time and Date]

Week 9 RP Challenge: What hobbies do your Drivers / Key Characters have outside the track?

[TJUN-ia]

WGPC19
Round 8
Aurunair Aurun Grand Prix
Akresna Circuit, Auruna

Sometimes, action has to be taken in order to do the right thing. For Lane Carter, his thoughts about being alone were beginning to consume him again like the time before the Letter and he could feel the Darkness consume him like some sort of nightmare many of Galarian blood have had since that time long ago. He could feel all the links he had entering this season, from Mizu and from his teammate Gregori Krupin, were disappearing and for the first time in a long time, he felt alone...with The Dreams still polluting his mind, a constant reminder of what one of those chains meant to him and how losing that would shatter his heart for the first time since San Marco.

But he still had to focus on his job and, as such, here came Round 8 at the Akresna Circuit at Auruna looking to distract from the pain once more. He focused his practice session on his race pace, expected on a circuit as tight and twisty as this one as this circuit is, which goes to explain his P12 position at the end of the day, despite only being 0.25 seconds off the pace. Laura Haukanna was looking to do well at home and she won the day over R.L. Cruisin and Rustom Ibuna with Kruipin doing well in 5th, iBen Toralmintii in 6th, Skiia Vialiv the test driver doing OK in 19th for Ælund and Daryl Mizushima down in 22nd.

Qualifying was, once again, in the traditional format and this time, the roles were reversed at Race Eelandii. Lane found himself with some cracking pace and ended up in 6th because of that while Kruipn was half a second down in 14th. It was the other Aurunan on the grid in Kinu Luminna who took pole over iBen and Rudy Edwards with both Badai Angins outside the Top 10 and Mizu missing out on racing for the 2nd time in a row in 24th. He could feel the frustration coming from his teammate and while he hadn't seen Mizu in a long while, he could imagine the Squidroidian also feeling a bit down...but could Lane really help them?

That would be decided by race day, a race which saw no safety car but a bunch of chaos to swallow down. Lane was mainly using strategy and pace to keep himself towards the top but he could hear the chaos for the radio as 5 drivers did not finish this race: Joy Wingelaar on lap 3, Jean Mercer-Daly on lap 9, Krupin on lap 31, Sayono Souzare on lap 32 and Ryker Lane on the final lap itself. To hear that Gregori had retired from this race saddened Lane to his very core, but he knew he had to keep going. The final few laps were very tight, but he managed to pull out a 4th-placed finish to get some valuable points for the team. Kinu Luminna won at home ahead of iBen and Rudy with Lane, Haukanna, Olivia Stone, Adriana Kowalski, Cruisin, William Archer and Dom Falepeau rounding out the Top 10. Sara Luna took the fastest lap from 12th. Those 12 points he got helped him close the gap to the rest of the Top 10 in the drivers, with Krupin now =14th, while Race Eelandii VTGP remains 6th in the constructors. iBen now leads the Championship hunt by 5.5 points over the Badai Angins.

That performance was certainly better from the Galarian and he will certainly try to build on that next time at the Rennbahn Stelburg in Siovanija and Teusland, but what the race also gave him was...confidence, to face the demons that now spoke in his head. He decided to send one final email to Mizu, a sort-of plea to see if he was alright, before trying to see if his teammate was OK. He looked a bit miffed after his DNF today and had gone into his motorhome straight from the track, but Lane decided that he had to be the one to go see him. He had to, else the chain break into dust. He made his way to the door and, with all the confidence in the world, knocked three times.

"It's me, Gregori. Are you OK?"

---

To: Lane Carter (lcarter@jagwire.tj.un)
From: Daryl Mizushima (dmizushima@squidmail.sqr)
Subject: Hey...?

---

Hey Mizu...Lane here...

I know I promised not to send another email before you have a chance to respond, but I felt like...this was necessary.

Is everything OK, Daryl? I know this season hasn't been the best so far, but you...not making the last two races has me concerned about...everything.

You're not like this, Daryl. Usually, you are someone who always tries to respond to my worries and my emails, just like I do for you. But ever since you've been busy, you've...shut yourself off from everything...even this email thing.

Look, I'm not going to force you to return from the darkness and get back to me ASAP, I wouldn't do that to anyone and especially not to you of all people, but...I really do miss your responses and without them...I feel a bit lost, to be completely honest. You were always someone I could talk to in my times of need but now that you're...like this...I just don't know what to do, Mizu.

I hope, from the bottom of my heart, that you are OK. But remember this...I swore when I sent that first letter that I would try and look out for you if it came to that...and I'm still committed to that.

See you when I next see you.

Kind Regards,
Lane

[Sorlovia]

Gregori had maintained two hobbies that he was particularly fond of. They weren’t perhaps the kind that would be expected from a World Gran Prix racer but he enjoyed them immensely. They brought him a deep sense of calm and thorough enjoyment that saw the pressures of life melt aware. His two most beloved hobbies were bird watching and figurine modelling. He took them with him during the WGPC seasons and pursued them in the downtimes between the races. When he was having a hard time or when a race had gone badly, like what he was currently experiencing, they allowed him to be calm and gave him an opportunity to unwind. Each circuit and each country gave him an opportunity to spot some new and interesting birdlife.

In the days before his disastrous race at the Akresna Circuit he’d done just that. In a break between his training sessions he’d gone off alone into the local wilderness to bird watch. He’d known that he would find new and intriguing birdlife that he’d never seen before. So, with his scrapbook clipped to his belt, he’d trotted off into the forest to see what he could find. He couldn’t quite explain why he’d developed such a love for the fringe sport. But the physical stillness and the quietness that required strict observance in bird watching resonated with him. Then there was the experience and standing very still to observe the bird in its natural habitat. In that moment it was just you and the bird. A sort of quite intimacy between man and nature. You took nothing but a photo and showed respect to the bird. Sorlovia had its stately eagles and hawks that he was so enthralled by. It had its songbirds and various other feathery residents. But the countries he visited with the WGPC had unique encounters that he could not pass up.

His other hobby consisted of plastic kit sets, paints and glues. He’d very carefully and delicately put together a model of each of his WGPC cars. The WGPC19 Race Eelandii car had only recently joined his WGPC16 Vannish Motors Racing car, his WCPC17 Mattijana Racing Team car and the WGPC18 Volkov Racing car. They were now proudly stored in a case on a shelf in his accommodation. He also thorough enjoyed putting together models of warships and fighter aircraft. It was very delicate and patient work but it too brought him a deep sense of satisfaction. His most prized model was a scale model of the RSS Mikhailov, a Borisov-class heavy frigate once in service with his nation’s navy, that sat in a special case at home. It might be considered a ‘nerdy’ hobby but he enjoyed it immensely. It didn’t matter whether it was a mainstream hobby or not.

His hobbies allowed him to unwind and relax. But even they hadn’t been able to take away the sting of the DNF in the race. The frustration was getting to Gregori and he’d shut himself away following the race. He’d been practicing as hard as he could. He’d been studying the playbacks of each of the other racers. He’d spent hours going over the race readouts with a fine-toothed comb. He was doing everything he could but nothing was working. He’d faced a few hurdles and a bad streak of finishes in WGPC18 but it hadn’t been this bad. Perhaps he didn’t have what it took to succeed in the WGPC after all. He knew he could do better but he was stuck. So, rather than letting the media see growing frustration he’d hid in his trailer. He was frustrated at himself. He was frustrated at the bad streak. It was welling up within him and for the first time he was having trouble keeping it down. Gregori. The man that was usually always calm and level-headed. Something was holding him back and he wished he could figure it out. Was the entire season lost? Was there even still time to turn it around? He now knew that the championship was out of reach.

“Damn it Gregori!” he said to himself “You’re better than this! You’ve got to pull out of this!”

---

He heard the knocks at the door of his trailer. They were firm enough to be heard but a little on the hesitant side. As the knocker wasn’t sure what he was going to face. For all he knew the person on the other side could be expecting to find him having a breakdown or worse. It wasn’t unheard of for the stress and performance anxiety to get to racer’s with disastrous results.

Gregori slowly opened the door to find Lane standing looking up at him. A concerned look painted itself across his teammate’s face.

“Hey Lane,” Gregori said quietly “come on in. Thanks for checking on me my friend.”

Gregori carefully cleared the scattered papers off the table and made room for Lane to sit. He'd never had company in his race trailer before but it felt good to have Lane there. Sometimes it just felt good to have company and when it came from a teammate it was even more meaningful. He'd taken a liking to Lane when they'd first met. There was something about him that helped to put him at ease. Lane was a likeable chap with a caring side to him. He was obviously intuitive as well if he'd picked up on the signals and come to check up on him.

"It's getting to me my friend," Gregori said with a deep sigh "it seems that no matter how hard I train things don't get better. I study all kinds of readouts, I watch replays and I try new things on the track. But nothing seems to work. It's frustrating. Now I find myself wondering if I even have the skill to make it in the WGPC. Or have I burnt out early?"

Before Gregori knew it he was unburderning himself on Lane. He felt a little guilty for having to put his teammate through it. But something about Lane made him easy to talk to. Gregori's way of speaking and strong accent would prove interesting for Lane. He spoke perfect English but there was a distinct cadence to his voice and a mannerism in his words. The Sorlovians were a Slavic people and tended to speak in a slightly different way when not speaking in their native language. Theirs was a slightly direct and energetic way of speaking. The Sorlovian accent had a way of capturing attention and dancing on the listener's ears. When it was happy it had a bubbling mirth and bounce to it. When it was angry it had a force and fire to it. When it was sad it was contemplative and slow.

[Aboveland]

Akresna Circuit
Akresna, Auruna

'What are we doing?!'

Was that what he'd said?

A flash of color; a swath of black enveloping the center and spreading out towards the sides; grain, and noise, and a sudden red glow. He squints harder, breathes louder, groans heavier, as the image starts to slip from his mind like water through his fingers.

"Janne!"

"Huh?"

He jumps in his seat, shaking his head inside of his helmet — still strapped to the head restraint. The blackness dissipates as his eyelids, glued together with the gooey secretions of his tear ducts and pleading to stay pressed shut, peel apart. He falls back into the present moment in installments, as blotches of reality reveal themselves through the clearing fog. The grainy blackness evaporates violently, with the tormenting sound of collapse.

A red hand, wiggling in the air outstretched, complements the voice coming from above.

"Come on!" the voice — gruff, grainy, almost dusty, and unmistakably Antti's — pleads, its fingers curling inwards in a grasping motion. Janne channels his energy in a rush: quickly, his belts are undone, his head restraint is strapped off, and he clutches onto Antti's helping hand to rise out of the Carvenlo machine. He pulls himself towards the hand which, in turn, pulls him out, his legs catching on the bare steering column as he clambers to his feet beside the green car. He's a passenger to the moment, like a child being dressed for school: Antti clears the grit from his visor, the oil from his shoulders, and undoes his gloves, starting the process gently and getting more hasty and abrupt as he moves on.

He inches closer to Janne and lowers his voice, his face worryful. "Poika..." Lightly, the pads of Antti's fingers jab at his cheek. "What's the matter? It was a good result today. Close to the points again!"

The younger Abovian stares blankly at his engineer, smiling softly and nodding after a moment. "Yes," he agrees, bluntly. His ears begin to ring; his temples pulse and throb. Antti's cloudy eyes fall as he purses his lips and shakes his head. "I know you too well, poika." In the ensuing silence, he perches his hand on his shoulder. "We'll put off the debrief again. Go relax; your friend is waiting for you." Janne can only so much as croak as the elder embraces him emphatically. His throat seizes and his toes curl with repulsion — not at the hug, but at the anticipation, and at the sudden sight: at his fluffy dark blond middle-parted hair; at his broad, firm, sculpted shoulders; at his weathered, chiseled cheeks, and his golden complexion, and his deep, hooded, narrow ocean eyes, and his first beaming, then subdued, smile, shining in his general direction, blinding him, searing his corneas, and burning his heart. He approaches with the same confident, upfront, provocative, imposing, alluring, leg-weakening stride he'd done the day they'd met — and every other day after that. His soul, uneasily, clamors for his touch, but his longing makes him ache. He could ask himself why he's longing for someone who's right in front of him — he could ask himself a whole host of things — but if he dares question himself, at least at this instant, he knows he'll spiral out of his mind.

Janne and his Olympian partner approach each other to meet halfway, between the garage opening and the back of the paddock. As they meet, the shorter Janne falls into Sami's enveloping arms, his face buried in the nook between the other's jaw and collarbone. He takes a deep sniff of the taller Abovian's musk; his essence is intoxicating, making his arms rise up his back to clutch those dark blond locks and his lips purse, pulse, and suck gently against his skin. Sami retaliates with a squeeze, and he runs his fingers across the collar of Janne's strapped overalls, his digits reaching out to stroke the skin on his neck.

Though Janne resists, Sami pulls back, grasps his shoulders, and pecks him on his dry, pasty lips, holding himself close and smiling onto his mouth. "How do you feel?" he asks, smiling.

Janne shrugs, his legs trembling, his eyes twinkling. "Okay," he replies. "Good race." He sniffles as he pushes his nose up with the back of his hand, then unstraps his collar and drops his head, leaning on Sami's chest. "I'm exhausted. I need a shower."

The chest against which he rests beats harder, then it hums as Sami speaks, the smirk audible through his voice. "There's a sauna here at the track," he says, the words wafting down towards his ears, his heart twitching and wretching at the suggestion.

'What are we doing?!'

But he's too weak to say no, so he says yes, and before he can fully process that he's agreed, his headrest disappears as Sami turns to head out of the garage towards the paddock. As Janne stumbles to his feet, he calls on Sami to wait, as he needs to grab two towels from his drivers' room. Fine, Sami replies, agreeing to wait for him at the sauna entrance.

Overcome with neuroticism, Janne sprints to his drivers' room. His head stays down — his speedwalk is not unlike his breakdown run-away from Nekoni. He scrambles into his quarters, violently sifts past the hanging clothes on the rack against the wall, and clutches two towels from the cabinets in the back. He places them firmly together and clutches them against his chest; behind him is a mirror, but he's conscious to avoid his own gaze. His breathing, he notices, is heavy, and collects in the center of the folded towels. He doesn't want to groan loudly: what if someone hears him?

He closes his eyes as he turns towards the door — anything to avoid himself — and creaks it open. The hall looks clear enough for him to step out, but as he heads out towards the paddock, that funny feeling returns to his throat. Not just the seize: the fuzzy, perky, twitchy little bunny ears against the back of his throat.

It's Ted and his icy passing gaze, which he holds at just the right angle, at just the right height, to trap him in, and which he seasons with a naughty, witty, "I've seen you" smirk — and what else can Janne do but involuntarily return the favor, and lead him on, and lead himself on, and feel the rush run down his spine to his pelvis and back up to his throat? Where the sight of Sami was petrifying, the sight of Ted was incinerating — both equally painful, in the most polar opposite of ways.

He doesn't stop to ponder whether Ted's gaze stayed at his eye-level, or whether it dropped to his mouth, or whether he scanned the towels he pressed against his chest. Unlike every other one of the million times they've crossed their gazes since that fateful day, and unlike every one of the times their knees — oh, the brush of their bare knees, and the rendezvous of their knee hairs! — met under the press conference table, and unlike every one of the times they passed by each other and Ted just barely stuck his knuckles out from how they were pressed against his body to brush them against his own as they passed by each other on unrelated walks through the garage, he doesn't stop to analyze his reaction. There's no time for that, and there's also no time for the bunny ears. With a big gulp, his head is back down and he sets his course for the sauna.

He arrives just as a contingent of Aurunans depart, and checks himself and his boyfriend in with his paddock pass. He hands him one of the towels, but as they enter the changing room, they find a stack of warmer, fluffier ones on one of the shelves. Sami, dressed in light clothes as a spectator, takes little time to strip down, checking every so often to his side to observe his partner doing the same. But Janne, still overall-clad, fumbles with his collar and his zipper before he starts trying to wriggle out — unsuccessfully — of the fireproof suit, to the point he's still not past the first stage by the time the olympic speedskater has finished.

"Here," says Sami, approaching him slowly. "Let me help." He smiles as he helps pull the sleeves of his overalls off, grins as he pulls the suit down by its shoulders to Janne's feet while he pulls his fireproof top off. From the floor, Sami looks up at him and smirks.

"I can take it from here," Janne whispers, chuckling in a fleeting release of tension. Sami nods, as he stands to grab his folded towels from one of its corners. "Fair," he replies, shaking the towel out of its fold and smirking at him again, giggling. "Won't be needing this much, after all."

Once he makes his way into the sauna, Sami has already positioned himself next to the hot rocks, his towel set to the side in a ball; his chest already channels numerous drops of sweat down his abdomen to his navel, and his neck has already begun to drip. With his towel tightly wrapped around his waist, Janne sits apart from him, his back firmly against the wall. Sami, silently, ladles water onto the rocks and sighs pleasantly to harmonize with the sizzle. As Janne smiles warmly, he scans his body, and how the light reflects off of his chiseled curves.

"Come closer," Sami pleads. Janne only smiles back and closes his eyes.

'What are we doing?!'

His heart thumps again, and when he opens his eyes back up Sami has inched closer. He's still grinning; then he reaches out to ladle more water onto the rocks before sitting back down closer to him. The sizzle fills the air and thickens the atmosphere. Janne takes a deep breath, the musk and the cedar brushing his nostrils but falling short of reaching his soul, his throat again beginning to lock up.

What does guilt feel like?

"Are you okay?" Sami asks. He inches closer again, bringing his thumb up to Janne's face to stroke his cheek. His finger glides over his skin; then he leans in to kiss him. Janne nods, his eyes shut harder than before.

Does it burn? Does it itch? Does it tighten your throat and claw at your eyes?

Sami's thumb leads his hand to envelop Janne's chin. He strokes his lips downwards, then lets his hand drop down the slippery slope of his body down to the top of Janne's towel, still tightly wrapped around his waist. His thumb reaches between the cloth and his skin, then he pulls back to unlatch the towel.

"I'll be here for you, always," he says. "You know that."

Janne nods.

Or does it feel like a pair of bunny ears scratching the roof of your mouth?

[Auruna]

Akresna City, Auruna
Days before the race weekend
Infront of a bakery in Akresna at the designated time of 0930, Laura who just came back from a quick errand in Veratuna is at her motorcycle waiting for Dario. She texts Dario just as a reminder then she just nibbles on some sweet bread that she bought from the bakery as she waits. A few minutes pass and she is still patiently waiting then as she looks to her side, Dario can be seen waving with Poseidon on a leash heading towards Laura. She waves back and as the two get close enough, Laura greets Dario with an Aurun "amta" ("morning") and she then pets Poseidon.

"Now, as usual, you can choose whatever you want to do or eat or something... as I show you around, you know." She pauses as she continues to pet Poseidon for a bit. "Now uh.. I can also translate stuff for you but nearly everyone here understands English, just tell me if something needs to be translated. I guess that's all and let's go. I can leave my motorcycle parked here so it's all fine."

"I'm fine with whatever so lead the way." Dario replied.

The two then walked around the central part of the city with Laura acting as some kind of tour guide for Dario. Akresna isn't that large of a city compared to Sterlennau, Karalinne, Livonsk, and especially Veratuna but they had plenty of options on what they can do. For most of the time, it was sight seeing.

"I know you've been in Auruna before for the WSRC at Livonsk and here in the previous season, right?" Laura asked as they pass through a park.

"Yep." Dario answered. "I know most of the stuff like those tanks and rallying, the lot so it's all familiar."

"I guess this is the time where you'd get to know more about me." Laura said as they sit down on a bench for a break. "Not sure if anyone told you before, quick history: I'm a daughter of the legendary Aurun rally driver, Aina Haukanna so then I was a rally driver for Schkeska, that's where I got my start in higher tiers of motorsport and because of some inside problems with the team, I raced in E-Series for a season before ending up here." Then Laura hands Dario a bottle of water from a vending machine before sitting down beside him. "Whew."

"So that's where you got your driving style from. I'd like to experience you driving a rally car." Says Dario.

"Heh, I think we can arrange that."

"Do you have anything else to do besides racing, like hobbies and stuff?" Dario asked out of the blue which took Laura by surprise but seemed to be comfortable with it.

"A typical question but at least it's not the press who asked that. I'm fine if it's you." Laura says before telling Dario a bit about her. "Apart from racing, which I truly loved doing... er... I guess I can say riding my motorcycle to wherever possible, sim racing, those streaming stuff and if that doesn't count then I usually draw whenever I want do. Well, it's some of the usual answers but then there's... erm..."

"Oh? Is there another one?" Dario teasingly asked Laura.

Laura nervously sighs but eventually gives in. "It's a bit embarrassing so I try to hide it as much as possible so--- eh fuck it. It's that cosplaying thing and some part-time idol singing and dancing stuff like that. Got hooked into it after watching those animessi on TV which is part of our modern culture I guess. It's a bit difficult to explain but I enjoy doing it in my free time. It's quite a modern and weird answer and at least it's just you who knows."

"Well, I don't actually mind it. Just do whatever you want but I kinda want to see a demonstration."

"Thanks--- wait, see a what?"

"A demonstration, if you want to."

"I kinda want to show it off more but there's no appropriate time yet but..." Laura paused a bit to come up with something. "How about this, you get a podium or a win, or I get a win then I'll show off a bit for you after the season's end. A small demonstration would be enough."

"If you think that's alright with you then let's go for it."

"I'm both anxious but excited at the same time." Laura says after standing up and stretching for a bit. "Long conversations like that usually makes me hungry, let's grab some lunch before continuing whatever we can do around Akresna."

"Gotcha."

---

---

Akresna Circuit, Auruna
Sÿrä-prii Auruna
Race
The weekend started to favour Kinu in the Viska after a strong qualifying in the previous day, they are preparing for their first home race win in WGPC after missing out on the win and settling for P3 and P4 in the previous season. But now, all efforts were made to win at home. From practice to qualifying, Viska has been looking strong after not much improvements were made, surprisingly. The team announced that the upgrades for the suspension systems and aero were slightly delayed in order to manufacture sufficient parts for Viska and the sister team, PB. Meanwhile, both drivers were looking great for the weekend and with the help of the boosted morale from Olivia's P3 finish at Nekoni, the engineers and mechanics are working in full swing to help the team impress the local crowd.

Again, Jöna did his usual pre-race speech to help motivate everyone in the team. "Back at home, we should feel comfortable but this is the WGPC where anything could happen. But let's conquer the hills after missing the target before, let's do this once more like we did when we started. Fight for the win, everyone, täitä etteremät."

As the drivers set off on their formation lap, Jöna sat down and dropped silent, looking anxious as he deeply analyses their chances. Artur finally notices Jöna and tries to reassure him that they will get the win.

"Mate, we'll get the win this time! Trust in Kinu, trust in our team, and trust the car, we can do this!" He says as he pats Jöna at the shoulder before turning to the two race engineers to discuss the strat.

"We'll be doing optimal for both, and work from there." Artur said before asking. "Any suggestions?" But asking that didn't even matter as both Baxen and Jan trusts Artur's calls and the two would reply to him. "No suggestions, strat is optimal+ as you said."

"Great. Let's do this!"

After lining up on the grid, the five red lights go off and the Aurun Grand Prix starts. Tyres screeching and engines revving fill the start-finish straight to the delight of the crowds at the grandstands. Kinu did an average start so he's immediately under threat from iBen Toralmintii, who was looking to repeat his finish here in the previous season but Kinu puts up a fierce defense as he had been known for. The two go side-by-side through Valantov but Kinu just inches infront a bit after getting a better line through Turn 2 into the Uphill Run. Shortly behind, Olivia was having a bit of trouble fighting against Laura Haukanna as they go through Uphill Run and into the next couple of corners, the two kept battling to get ahead of the other. Kinu, after negotiating the following turns, he was ahead of Toralmintii upon reaching Akresna Sun and Kinu kept his P1. But as the leading pair reach Akresna's fastest section, Toralmintii was slowly gaining on Kinu.

"Toralmintii now 0.7 behind."

Through Valley Run, the gap between Kinu and iBen Toralmintii was decreasing. Kinu would comment on this through the radio.

"Gaining on me through the entirety of S3 I think."

"Mode 4 through sector 3 to keep him behind. We can revert to 7 for sectors 1 and 2. Tyre temps are okay for now but don't fight too hard."

"Copy. I'll be needing more power later on."

"Understood Kinu."

Kinu, in all his strength, continues to keep Toralmintii behind for the first couple of laps. His effort can be recognised as he tries to defend from a more experience driver. Then the first retirement in Akresna was by TMW's Joy Wingelaar at the third lap. A few laps later at the ninth lap, Nexus, a team with misfortune in Akresna had their first retirement, the second of the race with a few more to go. Olivia and Laura are locked into a tight battle as Lane Carter waits behind them for an opportunity to pass. A short while later, the first pit stops occurred with Kinu staying out for a few more laps to increase the gap while his softs still have life in them.

"Box this lap for mediums, box box."

"Copy-- mediums?"

"Confirmed mediums."

"I was expecting hards but alright then."

"It's Artur's call at his home track, I'm sure you can trust him."

"Copy."

Kinu then enters the pits and as she was significantly behind the leading pair, Olivia soon followed for a double-stack. The Viska mechanics performed well with a quick change on Kinu and they swiftly took care of Olivia's tyres as well with a successful double stack from the team. The mechanics cheer on as they return to their seats inside the garage.

"Brilliant work."

"Softs are an option for the next, it's risky but should work well if you look after your tyres."

"Copy."

"We need a good outlap so we can maintain out position. Once clear, push and energy is available."

"Okay, copy that."

Kinu went to do a fast outlap to increase his gap to Toralmintii for the time being and continued on as instructed. Olivia meanwhile, rejoined behind Laura and Lane but would be unable to join in the battle, eventually holding onto P6. Gregori Krupin and Sayono Souzare retired at 31 and 32 respectively. Back in the lead, Kinu was managing his race well although there's still the looming threat of Toralmintii behind, going after Kinu. Remaining calm, he focuses on his tyres as he was on aging mediums while back at the pit wall, Jan awaits the signal to change for softs but Kinu was decently kept the tyres happy. Jan kept telling Kinu about his gap to Toralmintii at regular intervals. Probably as a reminder that there's still a threat and the win at Akresna is on the line.

"If you think the tyres are fine, Mode 4 and push. Mode 4 and push."

Without hesitation, Kinu did speed up a bit at the cost of his tyres. It didn't matter to him that much, for now. Near the of the race, his tyres were slowly reaching the point of life support as he tried to increase his gap to Toralmintii.

"Toralmintii 9 behind."

...

"Toralmintii 8.7 behind."

...

"Toralmintii 8.5 behind."

Slowly gaining on Kinu but it wasn't enough as at the end of the final lap, as Ryker Lane retired, putting Nexus out of the race, Kinu crosses the line first with Toralmintii trailing behind at second and soon followed by Rudy Edwards to round up the top three. The entire Viska team rejoiced, as they run toward the pit wall to cheer at Kinu as he crosses the line. Soon, the crowd followed with their own cheers. As Olivia then crossed the line at P6, it was a near-perfect recreation of their win at Akresna in WGP2 S3 and the cheers never stopped following VIska's strongest finish of the season.

"That's is P1! Do you hear the crowd?! Those are for you! Haha! Great work, the entire weekend was all yours!"

"Yahaha! Vituntaja etteremät, ükandes! Ah, kiitantaka!"

"Greatly enjoy your first win, congratulations! See you on the podium."

"Never knew today is going to be the day. Thanks again. I've been waiting for this!"

Then a message from Jöna was transmitted through the radio. "Once broken was soon mended, once mended was then stronger. Kinu, how does it feel finally conquering the hills? I'm sure it's great so congrats on your first win and may more to come! This weekend was yours, take your time and enjoy!"

"Viska je aimeakkat Akresna, kiitan. I'll remember this day until I reach the one that will surpass it."

---

---

Meanwhile, at PB-VIska, only Laura was able to finish inside the points at P5 with a valiant effort on going after Lane Carter which was a relief for her after two consecutive no-points scorers. For racing at Akresna in WGPC for the first time, both Laura and Dario handled the circuit well but each had their own difficulties.

"Okay Laura, that's P6, great effort."

"That's a strong finish, finally... Aina, we're back in business, hopefully."

"You did well, there's no denying it."

"You're just repeating yourself."

"Oh--- sorry."

"Anyway, I'm having a bit of trouble with our aero here so I think that needs to be addressed, Viska's are strong here and Olivia was a strong nut to crack. Aside from that, nothing much to comment about--- oh, where did Dario finish?"

"He finished P17, a lap down."

"Ah, bummer... but that means coffee's on him this time! I'm looking forward to it."

[Sorlovia]

Akresna City, Auruna

The threat of being eliminated from the season was one that loomed over Gregori. It felt like how a Snow Leopard loomed over a hare before the kill strike. Or like the way that a wolf pack stalked elk before closing in for the kill. So far his season had been a resounding disaster and being eliminated would be the final nail in the coffin. Would his career survive being eliminated? He was still having a hard time getting his career to the next level and being eliminated from a season stood to do terrible damage. The prospect had been keeping him up at night and reducing what sleep he did have to no more than fitful tossing. In all respects his career really was on the rocks.

After a bout of intense training in the simulators and out on the track he’d gone out to dinner with Elena. His wife was one of the very few people who ever saw him at his most vulnerable and open. It was a trait that he’d inherited from his father Nikolai. According to him the Krupin men had always been the quiet type who kept their hardships bottled up inside. They did not talk about emotional or mental hardships. They didn’t allow themselves to show vulnerability and they certainly didn’t talk about it openly. Gregori had been the same way for most of his life and still had trouble opening up to let it out. Elena, with her gentleness and coaxing, was the only one who had ever been able to get him to.

“I know it’s difficult my love,” she cooed placing a kiss upon his lips “I know. You want so badly to do better for your team. You’ve been trying so hard and you want to get those good finishes. But things seem stacked against you.”

Elena reached out to gently stroke his cheek with one slender hand. Her green eyes held a softness reserved solely for her husband. She trailed the hand down his chest to take his hand on the table. She loved him dearly and hated to see him so troubled. Elena Krupin was a gentle and kind woman who employed gentle physical touch to sooth her husband. No one knew him more intimately than she did and no one knew how to get through to him better.

“You have the skill sweetness,” she continued “and I know that you can do it. So the season hasn’t gone well for you so far? It’s just a bad streak lyubimaya moya. It’s not the end. All you have to do is keep on pushing. Things could still turn around. Never give up. Not for even a second. Sometimes it’s right when you’re about to give up that things turn around for you.”

Gregori had been about to reply when a waiter interrupted with the night’s specials. He’d taken his beloved Elena out to one of the fanciest restaurants in the city. They often had to go long periods of time without seeing each other and he wanted to treat her. His wife was his flame and his muse. She kept him going when he thought that all he could do was give up. But she always challenged him to better. She supported and cherished him. But she was also capable of, albeit lovingly, giving him a good telling off when it was required. It sounded cheesy but she really was his other half. Or his better half as he liked to put it.

As she ordered her meal he noted that she was forgoing alcohol. That wasn’t like his Elena. She was quite partial to a nice wine or some good quality vodka in the evenings. A thought popped into his head and he promised himself that he would ask her about it later. Or maybe she was waiting to tell. But for now he would enjoy some quality time and a nice meal with his wife. A desire to be a father wasn’t a new one for him. Gregori had begun to have the yearning recently but hadn’t thought that it would be appropriate considering his frequent absences with the World Gran Prix. If he was going to be a father he wanted to be there for his children. As his father had been for him and his father before him.

“My love,” he said once the waiter had left “you always know just what to say. You know that I can’t hide anything from you. It’s all starting to get to me. I’ve been practicing as hard as I can but things just aren’t getting any better. It’s as if I’m cur-“

“Shush my love,” she replied cutting him off “there are no such things as curses. That’s all old world superstitious nonsense. We all go through bad streaks like these. You just have to pick yourself up. Dust yourself off and get back to it. You’ve shown that you have the skill I know you do. You can do this sweetness. Now, no more talk of these things. Let's enjoy ourselves.”

[Diarcesia]

An unspecified time in the past

The atmosphere in the abandoned building was cozy. Aldauren continued to hum one of his favorite tunes as he took one more step forward.

"So you're saying the Coronation of Hlaalu Helseth has gone down to... not that we're too concerned about that," his urban spelunking partner Ilse inquired, "I'm more concerned about the fact that no one came to check his uncle, his predecessor, in his fraught last days. There are more than enough people who would be loyal to him."

"Mind you this is passed down from my grandfather. Much of the info is fragmentary," Aldauren continued. His attention was not fully into his conversation with Ilse; he was in awe of this long-forgotten corner of Arcesius, the capital of Diarcesia. "Hey, look at this house across from us. It's like it was written in the books. Traces of the signature brochorthogonals are present."

"Brocorthogonals?"

"Long, looping series of rectangles. The Old Diarcesians have a thing for them."

"I see." Ilse came closer to the house and peered through a window. "It's so spacious. I could live here."

"As long as you don't starve in the process... come on, let's move. Can't stay too late, will need to prepare for the race tomorrow."

"Shh... don't fret, it's a hobby, after all."

[Togonistan]

Kaylan Racing Team HQ
Tushlark, Togonistan

Parking lot in front of Kaylan's WGPC team headquarters, usually a nice and quiet place, had it's peace interrupted by a small group of people who had occupied a decent chunk of it. A brand-new sky blue coloured Kaylan Tataka road car was parked in one corner, with a group of people pulling up green screens all around it. Slightly overweight Togoni man in shorts and T-shirt was walking around the lot, shouting out instructions to his team in a manner that was very stereotypical to Southern Togonistani people. A certain hipster-like attitude reflected from both the man's body gestures, as well as the way he was speaking. ''Ay, brother! Don't put it there, brother! Is gonna mess up the angle there, put it on dashboard aight?'' the man instructed a member of the crew who was currently busy attaching a small camera into the car.

Ted Pressley, Kaylan's WGPC driver, was greeted by all this mess going on as the Tumbran made it to the parking lot. It took a few minutes until the head honcho noticed the Tumbran. ''Ay! You, brother! Come here brother!'' the man indicated Ted to step forward. Being a bit confused about what exactly was going to happen, Ted walked over to the car. Soon, however, the man explained him what they wanted from him: ''Aight, raffa*, we are shooting this car commercial here, aight? We take some close up video shots of you sittin' in da car, do it like you're on a casual Sunday drive. We got most of footage already done with another guy but we want people to think it's you driving the car. So play it chill like you're relaxing while driving a mountain road, listening to radio and be cool, aight brother?''

Ted might have still been a bit confused about what exactly was wanted from him there, but nevertheless, the Tumbran took a seat behind the wheel, adjusted the seat and put on a seatbelt. Next thing he knew, a clapper was shut in front of his eyes and cameras were turned on. ''Aight, brother, put your hands on the wheel and look forward. Do some subtle steering moves with the wheel. Yeah, that's good brother! And gimme that chill Ted face, aight? Chill Ted face, just chill out, this a mountain road not a racing circuit aight?'' Constantly receiving instructions from the man, Ted started to imitate driving the car on a road.

''That's good brother! Now, gimme that subtle smile, aight? Nah brother, too much. Subtle smile, no grin, just tips of your mouth a tiny bit upwards. Yeah, that's good brother. Now, eyes up, check that rear view mirror aight? Aight, cut, cut.'' The man bent over and looked at Ted through the open door window. ''Aight, brother, that was good but you seem a bit tense. Loosen up brother, you go with the flow aight?'' having given a pat on Ted's shoulder, he took his spot a bit further away again. ''Aight, action! Yeah, good, good. Now check that mirror... yeah, that's the way brother. If you can add a smooth gear shift as well, that would be golden... sweet, that's the way brother. Aight, cut! We done here, you can come out brother.'' Car door opened, Ted got out and film crew got in to shut off the cameras. The man, who Ted had now figured out must've been the producer for commercial, shook hands with the Tumbran. ''Nice stuff brother. You know, if racing won't work out you might wanna consider career in acting, aight? My brother Eli there gonna add the footage we took here to what we have already and cut it all together tonight. I'll send you a copy when he done, aight?''

With that, the film crew started wrapping up their equipment and half an hour later, peace was restored in the parking lot. However, the producer kept his promise and next evening, an e-mail with a video clip attached to it landed in Ted's e-mail inbox.

Video clip starts with a moving drone shot at mountainous Togonistani countryside landscape. Next, there's a close-up shot of a beetle sitting next to a road, minding their own business. Few seconds later, a car speeds past with it's engine roaring. The beetle raises their head and looks after the car that is driving off into distance. Next, there's a shot focusing on the road. Background music starts playing with car noises in the background getting louder and louder, until a sky blue Kaylan Tataka can be seen appearing over a bend.



With the shot taking about three seconds, next we see a shot from inside the car with Ted Pressley sitting behind the wheel and looking at mountainous scenery that can be seen flying past via car's windows. Small text appears on the bottom right corner, stating [Ted Pressley - WGPC Driver]. With a subtle smirk on his face, Ted adjusts his rear view mirror before putting his hand on the shifter and switching to fourth gear. While doing that, a text pops up on the screen, advertising the car's 5-speed gearbox.



Next, the car is being filmed sideways, with the drone shot zooming away from the car as it follows it driving down the road. Another text about the car's features pops up, this time advertising it's 1.6L engine.



Then, the car's interior is shown. A man's hand can be seen operating a touchscreen, picking a song to play before moving on to open the car's navigation system and setting up a waypoint. After that, the camera pans further away, giving a better overview of the car's interior and advertising the car's touchscreen-operated multimedia system.



More shots of the scenery are being shown once again, with the car driving through a mountain pass.



With the car having gone through the pass, it starts heading off into distance with the screen slowly fading to black. For the final shot, the car is shown once again, this time in a studio shot with another promo text next to it.



With the final splash of Kaylan logo shown on screen, the commercial ends.

[Lisander]

"We are back with Drive, right from RTL Broadcast Center, Soria. Currently, it's Tuesday, 14:47, and we have a very special guest. However, this guest isn't here. In fact, our guest is doing what she does best. What do you think? Who do you think is driving? Can we have the camera?"

The image of the camera appeared right behind the broadcasters, but only for the audience. The people on stage could only see the chroma key. To see what the viewers would see, they counted on a screen off the camera. two female hands in a truck steering wheel.

"Hello! We can't see you, guest! It's everything okay?"

"Give me a minute, I could not find another place to the camera, it's currently over my head".

Among the small attendance in the studios, some people recognized the voice inside the truck, and those were applauding even before the host, Julian Castro, present the guest formally.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Anneliese Devereux is on Drive!"

More applause. Castro followed:

"So, Anneliese! I know our creative directors are kind of over the top sometimes but are you okay with this? Did they hand you a truck? And now they are saying me here: Not only it is a real truck, but it's also loaded with something and you're doing a real transportation job?


Anneliese, that could not be seen by the camera, answered while driving:

"That's right. They asked me to make a real delivery, and I will be duly paid for the job, or, if I fail, pay some fines. It is a cargo of cellulose fibre, which I received in Lerna and am taking to a paper manufacturing company in Roux. It's going to be a fun trip up the west coast, should take the afternoon and a little bit of the night. I am surprised how modern these new Starlight trucks are, they now have everything with accessibility right on the steering wheel. The last truck I drove was an old PKM Roadking, 1984 model, to get my big vehicle license. That thing was too hard. Compared to that, drive this one is quite nice... This one is easier to drive than the E19, probably!"

"So, what are you thinking of this kind of event? We had racing drivers on Drive before, like that time Darius Castellammare acted as a private driver for Splendora Model Agency and the Spinosa brothers acted like meFood deliver guys on their Superbike motorcycles, but it is the first time we have something that big." - the TV show host asked.

"It's a different experience, of course. I do respect and admire the work of professional truckers. If we remind the fact they do this every day, it looks even more impressive."

"So, and regarding WGPC? What is in your mind today? Are you excited about the final races? Do you have plans for WGPC20 already Or you're thinking in keep up with development for the current car?"

"We fell a little behind in the most recent, but we still have the opportunity to cover up for the mess and finish at the top of the season. The plan is to keep giving our maximum but without forgetting the safety and the care of the parts. I'm always giving my maximum. And it's the same mindset to drive trucks. Okay, now I'll make my hourly stop. I'll send a photo as soon we finish the interview."

"Okay, so we'll follow to the cycle of the show. Drive with Anneliese is being recorded right now, and should be fully on air on the next Drive Sunday Special, at RTL Sports 2.!"

Anneliese, doing some truck driving for Drive, a somewhat famous Lisanderian TV Show about cars.

[Abanhfleft]

He was never going to admit that he was feeling what he was currently feeling, but he was feeling those things nonetheless. But there was only one thing that William Archer secretly feared would happen this season, and after the checkered flag had fallen in Auruna, the worst case scenario had finally come to pass.

His teammate had finally overtaken him in the drivers' standings.

There were a lot of things that William would never admit to anyone in a public setting, and one of those things was the fact that he actually liked being the lead driver in the standings as far as Preston Autos Grand Prix Racing was concerned. Those first few weeks of the 19th season of the World Grand Prix Championship where William looked like he had a handle on his PGP-02 challenger and was practically claiming podiums left and right had been one of the best few weeks of William's young life. His father had taught him before that it always felt good being on top, and Guillermo Archer had been proven right in those early weeks of the WGPC season. William absolutely enjoyed being the guy who was almost literally dragging Preston into the points while his teammate Rudy Edwards was lagging behind him.

But there was a cynical part in William's mind that knew that this period of success wouldn't, couldn't last. It was no secret that Preston Autos established their WGPC team so that they could crown on of their the WGPC Drivers' Champion. That Hapiloppian driver was none other than Rudy Edwards. William would swear on his life that for those first few weeks of the season, even though team principal Marty Lewis was praising William for almost literally dragging that PGP-02 into the points at almost every race, whenever William wasn't in earshot (or so Lewis thought) every other word that came out of Lewis's mouth was Rudy's name. Rudy this, Edwards that. Maybe Marty Lewis didn't think that William could hear him, but William certainly did hear him.

And then Lewis brought in Drake Stevenson to help Rudy out with whatever was troubling him in the early season. Yes, the very same Drake Stevenson who was tearing it up in NSSCRA at this very moment. There wasn't anything official about it, but Lewis had brought in Stevenson as a "consultant", and William had this gut feeling that the only person whom Stevenson would be consulting for would be a certain R. Edwards. On one hand, William understood why Preston would want to bring in someone with Stevenson's experience to help guide their own driver, but on the other hand, William wanted to know why he wasn't getting a "consultant" of his own. Of course, Stevenson could consult for both Rudy and William, but that didn't happen at all. Throughout all of the seven grand prix that WGPC had currently raced, not once did William get so much as a "how are you?" from Stevenson. It was like William didn't even exist to Preston's upper management. All they were focused on was getting Rudy to perform once again. Not once did any of them bother to inquire about William after a poor race on his part, and nobody scrambled to get a "consultant" for him after the crash in Yakumicha or his epic tumble down the order in Eelandii.

And there was nothing that William could do about it. He knew the rules of the game. It was Bitten Heroes all over again. In any given WGPC or WGP2 team, if one of the team's two drivers came from the same nation the team was based in, that driver would receive priority in everything no matter what. It was the case with Bitten Heroes ans Lourdina Westgrens, and now it was the case with Preston Autos and Rudy Edwards. William didn't have anything against Rudy though. He actually liked the guy. But he also couldn't deny that the team was doing everything in their power to help out Rudy as soon as he didn't score any points. Preston were doing everything that they could to accomodate even the littlest request from Rudy. William didn't have any proof of that, of course, but he was sure that it was happening. And then there were the car setups. Early on in the season, both drivers were using their own setups independent of each other, and that was probably why William was able to grab those two podiums in Liventia and Crossbay. But as soon as Edwards started underperforming and Preston brought in Stevenson, William found that his setup changes were being vetoed more times than not. Now he had to run the same setup that Rudy was most comfortable with, and William knew that that just wouldn't work. Sure, there were some days when the Edwards setup was actually a good one for both the track and for William, but those days were very few and far between. And he couldn't even try out his own setups in practice. William was being told to go out on long runs and do full-fuel scenarios in practice, leaving him little if any time to actually find the setup that was best suited for him and the racetrack. Once again, while there were times where William was told to just go out on the track and have fun during practice, those times were very rare, and Preston never listened to his suggestions and recommendations every single damn time.

Maybe the doubter that had been troubling William's mind for weeks had a point. Preston was a Hapiloppian team with a Hapiloppian driver. That much was undeniable. It was also undeniable that Preston wanted to make Rudy Edwards the first Hapiloppian WGPC champion. But whether they were doing that at the expense of their own second driver was a different question altogether. And sure, while William might have been the man who saved Preston from folding after just one season, it was not enough to make him a viable candidate for the drivers' championship in Preston's eyes. He was not Hapiloppian, after all. He was just not the guy whom Preston wanted to make into a champion. And for the first year of his WGPC career, William was just fine with that.

But now things were different. William really felt that he could have had a chance to compete with the likes of Rustom Ibuna and iBen Toralmintii for the drivers' title if only Preston would help him out. But no, the team was too focused on trying to bring Rudy back up to speed to even bother supporting William in his title "challenge". The only thing that William hoped would be his saving grace this season was the fact that he had more points than Edwards, and now, after Auruna, even that had been taken away from him. William Archer was no longer the leading driver for Preston Autos in the standings. The team was now free to ignore him even further, as if they hadn't already done that to him.

But despite all that, William was actually happy that Rudy was able to get back into his groove. He really was. All William wished was that he would get the chance, the opportunity, or even just the help to be up there on the podium with his teammate. This was supposed to be a team effort after all, and even if William was the clear second driver in this Preston team, he knew that he would have a better chance helping out Rudy if he could just put themselves a little bit closer to each other on the grid. But there was still a part of William that was hurting when he saw that he had been leapfrogged in the standings by Rudy.

William was walking back to his mobile home to get a little rest before the flight back to Hapilopper City when he heard someone call out to him. “Good thing I could still catch you!” someone said.

“What do you want now?” William asked back to the exact replica of him whom only he could see..

“Hey man, I just wanted to ask you how you were doing,” his supporter replied. “I saw that you were down so I decided to pay you a visit.”

“Why do you even need to know how I’m doing? You should already know how I’m doing because you’re just me! You’re just a figment of my imagination!” William said.

“I may be just a figment of your imagination, William,” the supporter said, “but that doesn’t mean that you can’t talk to me like a real person now, does it? All right then, let’s say for the sake of the argument that I actually do know everything that you know and feel, so what even is the point of asking you how you feel? You know, William, sometimes it’s not just about knowing something. Sometimes you have to say it out loud.”

“What do you want me to say out loud? That I’m losing my mind and I’m now talking to someone that exists only in my head?”

“Of course not, idiot,” the supporter shook his head. “You know what I’m really talking about. So come on then. Say it.”

“What? No. No way,” William shook his head. “I don’t need to say that to anybody, least of all you. Nobody needs to know! It doesn’t matter anyway! It’s actually not that important!”

“You know, man, you say that, but I know better,” the supporter said. “You say that everything is all right, but I know that that thing is actually eating at you inside. Because I know, and you know, that you’re better than this. You definitely can do better than this. You can be a contender for the championship if only some team would let you drive to your full potential! You just gotta admit it to yourself first. You gotta admit to yourself that you want it, and that you’re never going to get it where you are right now.”

“You know, you keep saying that you’re my supporter, but once again you’re starting to sound like the doubter,” William said.

“And how many times do I have to tell you, I’m nothing like that doubting bastard at all!” his supporter cried out. “He wants nothing but to see you fail. I want you to succeed, and we both know that you’re never going to succeed in WGPC if you stay with Preston because we both know what the situation really is over! I mean, just look at that!” The supporter pointed at the Preston GP HQ, where William could see Rudy Edwards and Drake Stevenson talking to each other. “You said it yourself, William! You’re not getting any help from that guy,” the supporter said. “They brought Drake Stevenson in to help out Rudy and only Rudy. That’s because he’s the one that they want to make a world champion, not you! I mean, what are you to them? The guy who saved the team? Yeah, you did save this team, just so they could keep pushing Rudy to the championship! Okay, William, real talk: do you want to become a champion?”

“Of course I do!” William shouted. “I want to become a champion! Who doesn’t? Who wants to get into WGPC just so they could drive a fast car around a track hundreds of times? Nobody, that’s who!”

“Now ask yourself this: do you think you can become a world champion with Preston Autos?” the supporter asked.

“I don’t know,” William shrugged. “Maybe I can, or maybe I won’t.”

‘Don’t give me that bullshit!” the supporter shouted. “I want a simple answer from you, man! Yes or no? Do you think you can become a champion with Preston or not?”

“Of course I don’t think I’m going to win a championship with Preston!” William finally said out loud. “You think I’m that stupid? Of course they’re going to support Rudy all the way! He’s their guy through and through! And what am I? I may be the guy who saved Preston, but at the end of the day, I’m just their second driver no matter what!”

“Attaboy! Now we’re getting somewhere!” the supporter said. “Now, do you want to be a second driver for the rest of your WGPC career!”

“No! No, I don’t want to be a second driver! I want to be a first driver for once!” William shouted once again.

“Yeah, that’s it! And where are you going to become a first driver?”

“Not at Preston!”

“So where are you gonna go next season?”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, cool it down now!” William suddenly backpedaled. “There’s no need to talk about moving anywhere else right now!”

“You do want to become your team’s first driver, yes?” the supporter asked him, and William nodded. “And you know that you’re never going to get that status in Preston as long as they’ve got Rudy in the team, right? So why are you delaying this?”

“I don’t know, man,” William said. “Somehow it just doesn’t feel right.”

“Well, there’s got to be some team out there whom you’ll want to go to eventually!” the supporter said. “Come on, man, rack your brains! Think! Which team out there do you want to race for?”

“Wait a minute, why are you the one asking me to think? Don’t you have any suggestions of your own?” William shot back.

“I mean, I could make a few suggestions, but each of them just kind of seem unlikely to me,” the supporter shrugged. “I mean, Carvenlo Racing has got history, but as we’ve seen this season, history doesn’t mean much of anything anymore. After that 1-3 in their home race, they just went…” The supporter then mimed a nose-diving plane with his hands and made the appropriate sounds before the imaginary plane crashed. “Race Eelandii? I think that team is happy with both Carter and Krupin. And besides, do you really want to call that track that you so freaking hate your home track too? I thought not. And after that… yeah, I got nothing.”

“Well, I gotta get myself noticed by at least another team before I make the decision about taking that leap of faith!” William said. “What good will it do to my career if I say no to another year at Preston and I end up not getting signed next season?”

“Hey, there’s always WGPC Motorworks if you’re really desperate for a seat,” the supporter said jokingly. “I’m kidding, I’m kidding!” he added once William glared at him. “But seriously, man, you gotta do something to get yourself noticed! I’ll tell you what, why don’t you make some friends with the rest of the grid, huh? You really should get to know your other competitors more. You can’t just keep going back to your place after a race and sit there while everyone else is having fun, right? Right?”

“All right, and who do you suggest I make friends with now?” William asked.

“I don’t know, but that’s only because you’re spoilt for choice, man,” the supporter said. “How about that chick Melani? You know, the one who looks like your first crush Katie. Why don’t you reach out to her? Or if you’re too shy around women, talk to Ted Pressley first and then get to the Wrench that way. Or if you wanna start off somewhere easy, talk to Lane Carter. You’ve still got some of that apple green tea you gave him the last time, right? Or maybe Rustom Ibuna? Your mother’s got a crush on him, right?”

“I don’t know, man,” William said, lifting his arms up in surrender. “I just don’t know, man! I don’t know what to do!”

“Well, you better figure it out quickly, William, because if you wanna make it to the big time in WGPC, you gotta have more than just your talent and speed. You gotta have connections too. It sucks, but that’s the way of the world, sad as it is.”

“You don’t need to remind me,” William muttered, but then when he turned to look at his supporter again, he had already vanished. “Shit,” he muttered to himself. “Now I’m taking life advice from a literal figment of my imagination. This season is really turning me crazy!”

[Tropicorp]

Nekoni Top 5 brings Rare Joy to Motorworks Season

WGPC19 Supplier Performance Standings (After Week #8)
[1] - 179.5 :: Tropicorp Racing Supply
[2] - 162.5 :: Phoenician/InMotion
[3] - 79 :: WGPC Official
[4] - 1 :: HR (Deyoze / Gajamina)

It was the most competitive race week of the season for the WGPC Motorworks team at the Gran Premio di Nekoni at the Autodromo Internazionale de Rivoli with Cocoabo #23 qualifying less than a tenth of a second off the pole position time set by Tropicorp Racing Aelund driver Sara Luna. Fast Cocoabo would backup their qualifying speed with a 4th place run earning points for the first time on the season and just the second time that a WGPC Motorworks driver had finished in the points all season long. The Cocoabo held off a late challenge from Kaylan Racing Team driver Ted Pressley beating the Tumbran driver by a second at the finish. The duo were well short of the Podium with a 13.5 second gap to Viska Racing's Olivia Stone in third place. Fast Cocoabo's strong performance was overshadowed slightly however by the performance of Adriana Kowalski Ela Lillian. Cocoabo #23's teammate one season prior at Fireline Motorsports, Adriana was surprisingly chosen as the Frieline driver for the new Fireline + Heroes Eminent Grand Prix team despite the fact that she had been outperformed by Fast Cocoabo throughout the WGPC's 18th season. Now Kowalski was a World Grand Prix Race Winner for her new team while Fast Cocoabo was struggling to stay relevant in the sport.

Over the next two Race Weekends, Cocoabo #23 and the World Grand Prix Motorworks team would struggle with the Cocoabo barely qualifying for the Grand Prix Filindostan Cepat at the Yogyakulta International Circuit - just a tenth of a second faster than Squidroidia's Daryl Mizushima who failed to qualify for the first time on the season. The race did not go much better for the team who could not take advantage of the momentum they had earned in Nekoni. Cocoabo #23 was the last car across the line in 23rd a lap down while Sayona Souzare was just behind as the last car on the lead lap.

The story was similar in Auruna at the Akresna Circuit - while Fast Cocoabo showed some speed in Qualifying with an 11th place run there wasn't much there as far as race pace. Hodori's Sayono Souzare failed to finish the race while Cocoabo #23 was a lap down in 18th position at the finish.

In the Supplier Performance Standings the three race stretch was mostly a wash as three different suppliers won over the three race stretch with Stellenbosch taking home the victory for the WGPC Official tire in Nekoni, Tropicorp Racing Supply taking the checkers in Filindostan through Rustom Ibuna and collecting a perfect 26 point day for the first time on the season after earning the fastest lap as well at the Yagyakulta Circuit. After winning the first three races of the season, Phoenician/In-Motion had been on a losing streak but clawed back into the hunt with Viska Racing's triumph at the Akresna Circuit keeping the supplier within striking distance just 17 points behind Tropicorp Racing Supply in the standings.

The World Grand Prix Championship tour now heads back to Atlantian Oceania for the final three events of the season starting in Siovanija and Teusland for a double race weekend. It will be critical for Fast Cocoabo to perform well in qualification to take advantage of the sprint/feature setup being used for the second and final time during the WGPC 19 Season.

On the way back Fast Cocoabo was able to return home to Cocoabo Park to refresh and relax for a few days, handing out with trainers and other Cocoabo for some good old fashioned enrichment activities. One of Fast Cocoabo's favorite activities back at the park is paintball and they would take advantage of the time to participate in a few rounds with some fellow Cocoabo and trainers from the Cocoabo Enrichment an Enhancement Program. Of course the paintball game at Cocoabo Park operates a little differently than a standard game as Fast Cocoabo's primary goal in the event is to avoid being shot while other Cocoabo fire softball sized paint baloons out of foot-driven cannons. While many assume Fast Cocoabo got their name for their exploits on the race track, some wonder if the Fast Cocoabo name actually came from Cocoabo #23's moves on the paintball field - regularly avoiding getting hit from the oversized paint targets.

[Aboveland]

Rennbahn Stelburg
Stelburg, Siovanija and Teusland

Edvin had hidden his discontent at the end of the Aurun Grand Prix from the media, but not behind closed doors. The failure of Sara Luna to assist iBen in making up significant ground to Badai Angin on one of their only off-weeks of the season had nearly proven the final straw, and was the final push which got the Rube Goldberg machine of change going. But, though the posters had been made, and the contracts had been drafted, and the sums of money to breach agreements had been found, Terho stopped the team principal short of pulling the trigger. After some persuasion, the two had reached a mutual agreement: the move might be too premature; the penultimate round would be, statistically, favorable to the current lineup, and heading into the final stretch of four races in a car already proved to be far from dominant could quickly have become a PR disaster more than a resounding win. It would have also been an overly ham-fisted and unfocused decision: as Terho put it, like cutting off your arm after getting a splinter.

It took some persuading Edvin to cool the waters; fresh in the memory of the boss was the complete lack of gratitude shown by Batu Tüvshinbayar to Team Noortekoondis (nee Nykipiflugpuun) after he'd decided to keep the young Mongol on board instead of sacking him to secure the safe stream of dirty cash coming from the team owners. "What good is integrity anyway?" Edvin lashed out, arms crossed, staring out at the frozen-over bay, one dark Lintulahti afternoon. "Nobody gives a fuck."

"Nobody takes lineup changes so lightly, either," Terho clapped back.

"She's another Juracai!"

"It's different," insisted Terho. "WGPC16 was a trial season; Juracai was plonked in by the Vilitans. You sought Sara Luna."

Edvin scoffed. "I sought the 'best-of-the-rest' Sara Luna, not—"

Terho clicked his tongue with discontent. "The car is three years old, Edvin, Jesus."

"But it's not suddenly a dog!" exclaimed Edvin.

"Why don't you try solving the problem before ripping it apart?"

The insinuation that Edvin hadn't done much to find why Sara had been struggling to get to grips with AGP004 sent a chill down the back of his neck, and an instant kicker to the sweat glands on the palms of his hands and at the base of his hairline. But Terho, much as it pained him... had a point.

The point — and subsequent ones after that, such as the analysis of the fact that Luna had been the WGPC18 winner in Hapilopper — was solid enough such that the air in the TRÆ garage in Stelburg was markedly more eclectic than it had been for most of the season; the tingle in the team’s hearts, the conviction in their eyes, and the focused murmurs which permeated the active silences between the whirrs of the wheel guns and the ratchets of the wrenches harkened back to a simpler, easier, safer, more predictable time. It had taken an international team meeting called by Edvin, a pep talk from Terho Talvela The Sporting Director, and a determined sit-down with Sara and Agreka Rimanti'i, her Vilitan engineer.

The team meeting had succeeded in driving the main situation report across: there’s little time for a large order, but we’re no strangers to beating the odds. The pep talk had served to rally the staff: there’s so many points on the plate this sprint weekend: if we lick that plate clean, working harder, faster, and stronger than ever, we’ll have taken the biggest step towards closing the gap.

And the talk, between Edvin, Sara, and Agreka, had been clear. There’s little margin for error left in the season, far too little room to allow for a single more off-day. The points are up for grabs, and they must be ours, no matter what; Terho will be on hand to dial-in the setups during practice and sprint qualifying. “I trust you,” Edvin said, “as I have trusted you before, and as I trusted you before Liventia, when we penned down that contract.”

He kept the ‘please don’t make me regret my decision’ for himself.

[WGPC 19]

---

Grosser Preis von Siowenien und Teusland

The most famous street course in the country, the Stelburg street circuit winds through the downtown core of the former capital of the Teus Empire. The first sector, a pleasant ride through some of the oldest streets and most beautiful architecture in the town, is quite easy-going, before entering the technically challenging sector 2, titled 'Schloss.' Here, drivers must be fully confident in their car, particularly through the turn 12-17 complex that loops around an old palace. Sector 3, titled 'Fluss,' takes you out of the city briefly and sees some elevation change as drivers work their way up to the turn 21 hairpin. From there, it's a climb back downhill and back into the city to the main overtaking spot on the track, the pit straight.

Week 9: Practice

Conditions:      	Rainy
Session Length:	75 minutes
Nation:         	STL
Circuit:        	Rennbahn Stelburg

Drivers have 75 minutes to complete as many laps of the track as they like

---

POS # ▍DRIVER                           	FASTEST LAP	GAP TO LEADER
 1 71 ▍Rustom Ibuna                     	00:02:11.617	00:00:00.000
 2  5 ▍Rudy Edwards                     	00:02:11.627	00:00:00.010
 3 51 ▍R.L. Cruisin                     	00:02:11.658	00:00:00.041
 4 19 ▍Dom Falepeau                     	00:02:11.675	00:00:00.058
 5 37 ▍Laura Haukanna                   	00:02:11.682	00:00:00.065
 6 50 ▍Sara Luna                        	00:02:11.750	00:00:00.133
 7 77 ▍iBen Toralmintii                 	00:02:11.815	00:00:00.198
 8 83 ▍Anola "Wrench" Melani            	00:02:11.831	00:00:00.214
 9  8 ▍William Archer                   	00:02:11.834	00:00:00.218
10  7 ▍Anneliese Devereux               	00:02:11.836	00:00:00.219
11 27 ▍Dario Nülkeschläger              	00:02:11.858	00:00:00.241
12 11 ▍Lane Carter                      	00:02:11.885	00:00:00.268
13 25 ▍Gregori Krupin                   	00:02:11.894	00:00:00.277
14 40 ▍Adriana Kowalski Ela...          	00:02:11.905	00:00:00.288
15 17 ▍Janne Laukkanen                  	00:02:11.908	00:00:00.291
16 31 ▍Joy Wingelaar                    	00:02:11.911	00:00:00.294
17 85 ▍Olivia Stone                     	00:02:11.918	00:00:00.301
18 88 ▍Ted Pressley                     	00:02:12.113	00:00:00.496
19 15 ▍Heinz-Otto Junker                	00:02:12.245	00:00:00.628
20 82 ▍Kinu Luminna                     	00:02:12.453	00:00:00.836
21 23 ▍Cocoabo #23                      	00:02:12.453	00:00:00.836
22 24 ▍Sayono Souzare                   	00:02:13.003	00:00:01.386
23 94 ▍Ryker Lane                       	00:02:13.075	00:00:01.458
24 63 ▍Daryl Mizushima                  	00:02:13.976	00:00:02.359
25 41 ▍Jean Mercer-Daly                 	00:02:14.614	00:00:02.997

Week 9: Qualifying

POS # ▍DRIVER                           	FASTEST LAP	GAP TO LEADER
 1 25 ▍Gregori Krupin                   	00:02:08.100	00:00:00.000
 2 11 ▍Lane Carter                      	00:02:08.190	00:00:00.091
 3 31 ▍Joy Wingelaar                    	00:02:08.224	00:00:00.124
 4 71 ▍Rustom Ibuna                     	00:02:08.253	00:00:00.154
 5 50 ▍Sara Luna                        	00:02:08.263	00:00:00.163
 6 51 ▍R.L. Cruisin                     	00:02:08.324	00:00:00.224
 7 88 ▍Ted Pressley                     	00:02:08.341	00:00:00.242
 8 23 ▍Cocoabo #23                      	00:02:08.373	00:00:00.273
 9  5 ▍Rudy Edwards                     	00:02:08.451	00:00:00.352
10 77 ▍iBen Toralmintii                 	00:02:08.470	00:00:00.371
11 82 ▍Kinu Luminna                     	00:02:08.507	00:00:00.408
12 94 ▍Ryker Lane                       	00:02:08.545	00:00:00.446
13 19 ▍Dom Falepeau                     	00:02:08.560	00:00:00.460
14  8 ▍William Archer                   	00:02:08.585	00:00:00.485
15 15 ▍Heinz-Otto Junker                	00:02:08.649	00:00:00.549
16 40 ▍Adriana Kowalski Ela...          	00:02:08.720	00:00:00.620
17  7 ▍Anneliese Devereux               	00:02:08.766	00:00:00.667
18 83 ▍Anola "Wrench" Melani            	00:02:08.878	00:00:00.778
19 37 ▍Laura Haukanna                   	00:02:08.905	00:00:00.805
20 17 ▍Janne Laukkanen                  	00:02:08.944	00:00:00.844
21 85 ▍Olivia Stone                     	00:02:08.956	00:00:00.857
22 27 ▍Dario Nülkeschläger              	00:02:08.978	00:00:00.878
23 41 ▍Jean Mercer-Daly                 	00:02:09.380	00:00:01.281
24 63 ▍Daryl Mizushima                  	00:02:09.839	00:00:01.739
25 24 ▍Sayono Souzare                   	00:02:10.133	00:00:02.033

Conditions:      	Cloudy	
Laps:              	25	
Nation:         	STL	
Circuit:        	Rennbahn Stelburg	
Event:	Grosser Preis von Siowenien und Teusland	
Safety Car Deployed on Laps:	6, 7, 8, 9

POS  # ▍DRV Name                     Team                     	Time      	Pts	Fastest Lap	
  1 71 ▍IBU Rustom Ibuna             Badai Angin Tim          	00:57:51.561	12.5		
  2 25 ▍KRU Gregori Krupin           Race Eelandii VTGP       	00:00:15.344	9		
  3 51 ▍CRU R.L. Cruisin             Carvenlo Racing          	00:00:19.081	7.5		
  4 11 ▍CRT Lane Carter              Race Eelandii VTGP       	00:00:24.800	6		
  5 50 ▍LNA Sara Luna                Tropicorp Racing Ælund   	00:00:48.738	5		
  6 88 ▍PRE Ted Pressley             Kaylan Racing Team       	00:00:56.261	4		
  7 31 ▍WIN Joy Wingelaar            Teusbank TMW Rennsport   	00:01:23.082	3		
  8 23 ▍C23 Cocoabo #23              WGPC Motorworks (B)      	00:01:33.561	2		
  9 77 ▍TII iBen Toralmintii         Tropicorp Racing Ælund   	00:01:42.394			
 10  8 ▍ARC William Archer           Preston Autos GP         	00:01:45.881			
 11 82 ▍LMN Kinu Luminna             Viska Racing             	00:01:58.469			
 12 19 ▍FAL Dom Falepeau             Badai Angin Tim          	00:02:01.882			
 13  5 ▍EDW Rudy Edwards             Preston Autos GP         	00:02:05.454			
 14 94 ▍LAN Ryker Lane               Nexus Racing             	00:02:08.041			
 15 15 ▍JUN Heinz-Otto Junker        Teusbank TMW Rennsport   	00:02:08.753			
 16 40 ▍AKS Adriana Kowalski Ela...  Fireline+Heroes Eminent  	00:02:11.134			
 17  7 ▍DEV Anneliese Devereux       Fireline+Heroes Eminent  	00:02:12.781			
 18 83 ▍MNI Anola "Wrench" Melani    Kaylan Racing Team       	Laps Down: 1	 + 1	1:53.291	
 19 37 ▍HAU Laura Haukanna           GP Pryfors Bilar Viska   	Laps Down: 1			
 20 17 ▍LAU Janne Laukkanen          Carvenlo Racing          	Laps Down: 1			
 21 85 ▍STO Olivia Stone             Viska Racing             	Laps Down: 1			
 22 27 ▍NÜL Dario Nülkeschläger      GP Pryfors Bilar Viska   	Laps Down: 1			
 23 41 ▍JMD Jean Mercer-Daly         Nexus Racing             	Laps Down: 1			
 24 63 ▍MIZ Daryl Mizushima          WGPC Motorworks (O)      	Laps Down: 1

Feature Race in 24 Hours. Starting Grid = Invert Top 10

[Sorlovia]

Rennbahn Stelberg
Post-Qualifying

”We did it Lane! We really did it!”

Qualifying at Rennbahn Stelberg had been a resounding success. Gregori didn’t quite believe that he had managed to go from thirteenth place in practice to first place in qualifying. In a fit of excitement he’d called Lane and left the exuberant message on his voicemail. The result was incredible given his disastrous start to the season and the less than desirable race results. He quite liked the fact that he had finished with Lane close behind him in second place. Race Eelandii would be satisfied with it as well. Having their two racers finish first and second in qualifying would make them good. Now they just had translate that success into an equally good finish in the race.

But it was a glimmer of hope for Gregori. It came as a source of deep encouragement on the tail-end of a painful period of self-doubt and quiet melancholy. Gregori had learned that it was important for him to celebrate every good result. It gave you hope and reminded you that you did in fact have the skills to compete in the World Gran Prix. Celebrating each success made you feel better and served as a morale boost for the races to come. The fact that Rustom, who seemed to hold a grudge against him, had finished two places behind him in fourth wasn’t lost on him either. He didn’t bear an ill-will against Rusty. But he did take a sort of guilty pleasure out of beating him. If Rusty was determined to be his rival this season, he wasn’t sure if he was or not, then he was going to give him a challenge as the opportunities arose.

Gregori was currently sitting alone in his race garage. He’d invited Lane over to celebrate the result from qualifying but hadn’t heard anything from him. Gregori had taken quite a liking to Lane. He was a good man with humility and racing skill in equal measure. Lane had supported him when he had needed it and he was determined that he would do the same in return. A celebratory drink would be a good way for them to bond as teammates and blow off a bit of steam. Lane seemed to be having a better season than him so far but instead of jealousy Gregori felt only pride. He was proud of Lane for doing so well and for being humble enough to admit his doubts. He deserved to do well. For all he knew Lane could be the next Terho Talvela.

“Game on Rusty,” Gregori said quietly to himself “game on.”

Gregori had taken an instant disliking to the ‘Get Good’ scrawled across the spoiler of Rusty’s car. It was far too arrogant and brash for his liking. But it wasn’t uncommon for race teams to use wording like that on their liveries. Perhaps it was some sort of taunt to the other drivers? Or was it a claim to fame? He didn’t like it whatever the reason for it was. The fact that he’d been forced to see it for a large part of the season was a matter of distinct displeasure. It was made even worse when he saw those words fading away ahead of him. But the few times he managed to pass it resulted in a broad smile. Perhaps instead of letting it annoy him he could use it as inspiration. That ‘Get Good’ would be his target. He’d make a game out of putting it behind him. After all, having a rival racer was good for him. Rusty kept him focused and gave him the determination to do better. Gregori had always been the type who liked having a challenge to test himself against. The tougher that challenge was the better.

While he'd been waiting for Lane to respond he'd been pouring over the readouts from practice and qualifying. The result wasn't an excuse to rest on his laurels. It might be his first small taste of success but it was only the beginning. He knew that he could repeat that result in races. He knew that he had the skill and the technique. This was only the beginning. He realized, with a grin, that his mood had completely turned around after that result. There was nothing wrong with that at all. He'd earned it. But he still needed to do better. He needed to push himself harder to secure higher places in the races themselves.

As he waited his mind drifted back to Rusty. He honestly didn't have anything against the man. As a man or as a racer. If anything he admired his skill and technique. His ability to stay ahead was impressive and his performance out on the track was something to be admired. Theirs would be a sporting rivalry. Of the sort he'd had with Terho in previous seasons.

[Valentine Z]

The Valentians – Zastępca Strażnika Adriana Venus Ela Kowalski Lillian – Chapter 12 – A Sign of Something.

My most recent race at Akresna Circuit in Auruna was pretty good, if I say so myself. The course was something that I am good at compared to most of the other drivers. It is a bit more technical, with sharp and hairpin-like turns for Turn 1 and 19 respectively. The rest of the course was standard affair with 90-degree turns here and there, straight routes, uphills - nothing I cannot handle! Going to the practice and the qualifications sessions first, I thought that I was going to lose out here. After all, I always have been bad with the qualifications, maybe save for that one race where I started off at second. Hmm, anyway, the race went pretty well, and I finished 7th and got myself 6 points. Poor Anneliese ended up last among those that did not have a lap down. I am hoping for her to get better results as well because hey, she has become quite a friend of mine from this experience and I would like to keep it that way! With the race out of the way - I know, it was such a short summary and I am leaving out quite a lot of details - perhaps it is time to talk about the stuff outside of the race. For one, maybe the Hapilopperians. However, unlike Valentijn, my big sis Clarissa, Anastasia, Gwen, and many others in NSSCRA, I have not met the Hapilopperians as much and have not interacted with them that closely. They are pretty okay to me for the most parts, if a little unorthodox and "memey", so to speak. They got into this called the MemeWatch from what Clarissa have told me, and it was all thanks to the antics that they have constantly getting themselves in. "Why is that?" was the question that was on my mind until I looked at that poster. "Get Good. You can't GET GOOD until you GET GOOD in your car." It's harmless as far as I am concerned, though I think a few of them might have been offended by that. Maybe on top of that event that they might have hosted before - if they crash, you might win. In other words, they are banking on someone crashing to cash in on that. The vices of gambling for winning is something else, but for crashing and then getting hurt? Pieprzyć to! There is money to be made! I know Jolyn went a little too far with the death thing, but even she did it at her own expense and crash and not as someone else's. Some folks in NSSCRA mentioning our mistake over and over gets a little too old along the way, but I think I'm going to stop here because I am kinda ranting on and on. Maybe it is time that I talk about something else, hehe. My hobby, for example! Let's get to it!

As Adriana goes back to her private jet, she then walked up to one of the sections of the plane, the one where she has a chair and a table set up with a huge stack of computers, devices, and satellite equipment. She powered them on, to which they all came alive with a small whine. Here we are! So, if you are reading this right now, you might be asking and wondering to what Adriana is doing right now. Well, this is my computer rig! I know, I know - why can't I do it outside, right? Or on my own board of computers? To which I will answer that this is to prevent interference and to ensure that I get the best signal strength. And what signals have I been checking up on? It's none of the communications, I can assure you guys! See, I have quite a knack for signal processing, and I have no interest in listening in to what people say on their phones or on the Internet. My hobby involved more of checking the skies and looking for signals from suns to stars to even black holes! Well, maybe what are around those black holes. Either way, I had a lot of fun doing those and I do it as a hobby and a side job. It also helped the Valentians immensely now and then because it's not all the time that you get nothing but random garbled up signals from a star vomiting out some excess energy. At this point, I think you know where I am going with this - that's right, alien signals! For most people, it might as well be a pointless endeavor because for them, aliens are not a real thing. For me and the Valentians, however, we have been to several universes and of course, there are life on those places - some more than others, others more amicable, and others very hostile. I often like to look for the hostile ones because after all, you want to look at who wanted to kill you. I might have been overblowing this, so to ease your tension, I recently found a signal originating from a universe adjacent to this one. It just tunneled through and I received it with my equipment. What was the message, then? An impending invasion? A declaration of alliance? A SOS that their universe is in danger from a collapse? After minutes of cleaning up the signal and deciphering it, it simply reads: "Running out of Penghou Custard in Zosie XFB2. Send more over on the next shipment." Interesting, I thought!