World Grand Prix Championship 20 [RP/Results Thread]

by **Diarcesia** » Tue May 09, 2023 10:49 am

[GPA Pryfors Bilar will continue to use Sidus engines for the upcoming season.]

by **Hapilopper** » Tue May 09, 2023 11:36 am

Jeanell Bridges Performing Arts Center, Hapilopper City
The launch of the Preston PGP-03

MARTY LEWIS, TEAM PRINCIPAL, PRESTON AUTOS GRAND PRIX RACING: Good evening everyone, and welcome to the Jeanell Bridges Performing Arts Center, where tonight, we will introduce Preston Autos' newest challenger to the World Grand Prix Championship - The PGP-03. This car, our best Preston Grand Prix challenger ever, we think, and we think it, at the hands of our drivers Rudy Edwards and another that we hope to be named very soon, will contend for race victories and the World Grand Prix Championship. But before we go any further, I'd like to turn the floor over to Rudy Edwards, driver for Preston Grand Prix, for what he expects this upcoming Grand Prix season.

RUDY EDWARDS, DRIVER, PRESTON AUTOS GRAND PRIX RACING: I'm absolutely delighted for what we're going to be unveiling today. The crew at Preston Grand Prix has worked countless hours on this new vehicle we're about to show to the world. I figure I need to give a thank you to the staff that has worked nights, weekends, away from their friends, away from their families, still in the shop when the sun comes up, away from the evenings at Andrew's Pub, countless hours in the wind tunnel, there is so many man-hours that have gone into designing, perfecting and building this new hot rod, that I hope to do their work justice. With the work these boys have done in the shop, it wouldn't be fair to them if I'm anywhere but the front of the grid. But this car is more than capable of being right there, in the hunt for victory every race.

SHAWN HAMMER, DIRECTOR, PRESTON PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS: And we here at Preston Autos are more than delighted to present the Skychief V6 engine. Much has been said and much has been read about our engine program by now - how we have developed the stock block V6 engine to be a contender in the Grand Prix world. Already, I am delighted to announce a partnership with Mertagnian team Sivaleinen, who will run the Skychief V6 engines in this World Grand Prix Championship. We are confident that the Sivaleinen organization will run up front, and we are excited to assist them on their efforts for victor. We are also in the process of securing deals with other WGPC teams, and we hope to make an announcement soon. In addition, we will be supplying engines to the Scuderia MeowMeow outfit as well as they participate in a testing program this season. We regret that MeowMeow was not selected this season, but we trust that, in the future, they will be a part of the World Grand Prix grid.

LEWIS: A few notes before we unveil the car. First of all, we're glad to be running Tropicorp Sifaka tires again this season. Tropicorp has been a great partner for Preston Autos, both on the WGPC, NSSCRA and AOCAR sides, and judging from our years of experience of our teams running Tropicorp tires - both Preston Autos and Team Blue - that the tires they produce are the best in all of auto racing. Secondly, we'd like to thank Good Motor Oil for their continued sponsorship and involvement with the team. Good is more than a sponsor, they also treat our vehicles as a test lab for their products - the same Good Motor Oil we put in our Grand Prix cars is the same Good Motor Oil you can put in your car. We'd also like to thank our other sponsors: Mel's UltraMart, Warner Hall Pizza, Fleetwood Electrics, Piper Online Payments, PermaCool Antifreeze, Eastern Seaboard Computer Storage, 500FPS Graphics Cards, Everlong Convenience Stores, Coweta Agricultural and VisuMeet Virtual Meeting Solutions. Now, let's show you a race car.

The Preston PGP-03, powered by the Preston Skychief V6 stock block engine, to be driven by Rudy Edwards and a driver to be confirmed soon.

LEWIS: Looks good, don't it? We've got a number of features that we'd like to show to you, the public of the World Grand Prix Championship. As certain race car designers say, this car is a revolution and not an evolution, and as such, the car has very few commonalities with the PGP-02. Here's some of the features of the PGP-03 that we think you'll like.

BETTER FRONT DOWNFORCE
The Preston PGP-03 boasts an improved front downforce setup - from a slimmer, trimmer nose to a more efficient quadruple-element front wing, that will allow the air to flow freely and guide the car through the corners with ease. Also included in the PGP-03 is the improved "Double DRS" system that allows the front wing to drop down to allow reduced drag for the car at high-speed moments on the race track. Does the driver need additional speed? The Double DRS system allows for that drag reduction on both ends of the car.

IMPROVED REAR DOWNFORCE
As part of the Preston's improvements, the team has also worked to improve the rear downforce of the car - both at the top, with the rear wing assembly, and at the bottom, with a new and improved, specially-sculpted diffuser. That sculpted diffuser will bring air from underneath the car and out the back, helping provide most of the vehicle's downforce, allowing our drivers to effortlessly scream through the corners. Thousands of miles of testing have revealed that the rear downforce on the PGP-03 has allowed the car to remain more stable through the corners than on the PGP-02.

BETTER ENGINE COOLING
Let's face it: The Skychief V6 is a beast. Producing a power output in the neighborhood of 1,000 brake horsepower, that sort of power will understandably generate a tremendous amount of heat. This, too, is where Preston has improved on the PGP-02. Hours of intensive work by the car's chief designer, Todd Stroud, has centered on the cooling elements of the new PGP-03. That work has paid off; The improved airbox on the PGP-03 will help bring in more air to the engine compartment, feeding the powerful stock-block V6 with continual cool air, allowing it to breathe, rather than soaking itself in the warm air inside the car.

IMPROVED GROUND EFFECTS
One of the most important features of the Preston PGP-03 is the aerodynamic underwing on the bottom of the car. Will we show it to you in full detail? No. There are 13 other teams on the WGPC grid that want to find out how the PGP-03 gets its underside aerodynamics, which help make up to 70 percent of the total downforce generated by the PGP-03. While we won't show you exactly what the underwing looks like, we will tell you this: The underwing has, just like the rest of the car, been substantially improved over the PGP-02, in an effort to continue to hit the moving target which is the front of the WGPC grid. Air is more efficiently moved from the front to the rear in an effort to help the car move through the corners with ease.

INSIDE: SAFE, COMFORTABLE, INFORMATIVE
The most important part of the PGP-03 is the way we protect our drivers. At Preston Autos, we feel that our vehicle is no good if our drivers are not safe in the event of a major accident, so consequently, we design our vehicles with keeping our drivers safe and sound in mind. A couple years ago in Liventia, Rudy Edwards tested this philosophy during qualifying at the Talbott Autodrome, smashing the wall in turn 18 with considerable force. But Rudy emerged from his car unscathed. There are different features on the car we use to keep the driver from serious injury - such as the cockpit halo, which is designed to protect the driver's head from any cockpit intrusion. It saves lives.

In addition, our drivers will have the luxury of receiving information about every aspect of their car with the press of a button on their steering wheel - tire temperatures, pressure and condition. Brake temperatures. Oil and water temperature and pressure. How close are they to the driver in front or behind them? And on that wheel are buttons to help the driver out. Thirsty? Have yourself a cold, refreshing beverage. Car a little too loose? Tighten it up a bit with a dial. Car using up too much fuel? Dial the boost back a bit. The driver has so many options with this wheel. It won't do the laundry for you or pay your bills, but it'll do just about anything else.

GREATER STOPPING POWER
It's one thing to go fast - and we do fast really good. But it's another thing to bring that to a stop. With the assistance of our partners at Hi-Tech Brakes, we have performed substantial work on the braking system of the PGP-03. A lot of first-time WGPC drivers marvel at the performance of a WGPC car's braking, and the Preston is no exception. The car utilizes the largest brake discs and pads legally allowed under WGPC regulations, and are custom-built, specifically for the PGP-03, by Hi-Tech. Good luck asking that cute Rushmori girl behind the counter at the auto parts store for these brakes - she won't be able to find them for you. They're not for sale. Those brakes allow our drivers to run harder, deeper, father into a braking zone, and farther than their rivals. Those brakes allow our drivers to stop on a dime and go from 200 mph to a stop in just a matter of seconds.

VIEWING THE PRESTON FROM ALL ANGLES
Both you, the TV viewer, and the Preston mechanic, will have the opportunity to view the Preston PGP-03 from all angles, thanks to assistance from the Hapilopper Television Network as well as the World Grand Prix Championship. There are a plethora of on-board cameras all over the PGP-03, including these cameras atop and aside the airbox. We have cameras overlooking the front wings. We have cameras on the halo and behind the steering wheel so you can see what our drivers do. There is a rear camera looking behind the PGP-03, so you can get a good glimpse of who's being told to "GET GOOD!" You, of course, can watch all the onboard cameras from both of our cars by visiting prestongp.co.hp during a WGPC race weekend.

MORE INFORMATION FOR THE CREW
There are numerous car-to-pit telemetry systems onboard the PGP-03 that allows our crew to fully understand every detail, every nook and cranny, and every reading on the car during a race weekend. These telemetry systems are present onboard the PGP-03, and provide information on the level of downforce available to the driver, tire temperatures, tire pressure, brake temperatures, oil temperature, water temperature, boost, fuel available, as well as personal biometrics. So if there's a problem with the car, and a problem with the driver, our staff at Preston Autos will find it and work to fix it. Our race strategists and mechanics will take that data and work to ensure that our drivers can stay up front, getting through any issues they may face.

LESS DRAG ON DEMAND
With the press of a button, our drivers can enable the Double-DRS system, a drag reduction system that flattens both the front and rear wings of of the car, allowing our drivers to get up to speed quicker, and allowing our drivers to reach a higher speed than without. This allows our drivers to gain a leg up on the rest of the field. And better yet, when our drivers reach the braking point - when the throttle is disengaged and the brake is engaged, the Double-DRS system is disengaged and our drivers have all the downforce they need to successfully negotiate the corners. All the downforce when you need it, none of the downforce when you don't need it. It's a simple system.

MORE OOMPH
And of course, the car is powered by the Preston Skychief V6, a 3.43 liter stock-block V6 engine, an engine that uses the same cast iron block from the Preston Skychief road car. Depending on the boost setting provided by the driver, the engine provides anywhere between 850 (for fuel-saving applications) to 1150 (qualifying) brake horsepower at 8,900 RPM. It revs lower than most engines on the WGPC trail, but provides more torque to the driver. That torque allows the driver to get through the corner easier, and allows drivers to get to power quicker than cars powered by other engines. We here at Preston Autos Grand Prix Racing are proud to be the works team for the most exciting engine in international Grand Prix racing.

by **Aboveland** » Tue May 09, 2023 1:34 pm

Tropicorp Racing Ælund Headquarters
Toralmintii Lintulahti International Circuit
Lintulahti, Aboveland

"It's good to be back," muttered Edvin, his forehead pressed against the passenger-side window. His breath clouds the glass just beyond his mouth; his forehead bounces off of the glass and strikes it hard when the driver grabs a bump on the road.

"Sorry," the driver says, his voice escaping the confines of his unkempt retirement beard. "That pothole's new," he claims. "I do kinda miss getting testing before the season, honestly."

Edvin chuckles. "I miss being your engineer," the team principal admits, tucking himself into his thick fleece jacket as the polar summer sun bathes the forest onto which Lintulahti bay laps softly. "And the cold, so much better than the swamp-ass in Tropicorp."

"That's one hell of a track," the driver sighs. "It's honestly so much better than Lintulahti for testing; what's the team going to be doing now in Lintulahti, anyway?"

Edvin shuffles in his seat. "Chassis design and construction. We have better tools here than in Tropicorp, but they have the powertrain know-how. So it's... sort of the same —"

"But we have to ship the cars all the way here for chassis repair?"

Edvin shrugs. "Sort of... we should move some tooling down south, though, you're right. If anything, Lintulahti still remains the home base, anyway. Tropicorp Racing Ælund's official headquarters are here."

"As they should," grins the driver, and three-time world champion, Terho Talvela.

The electric motors of the pair's sedan whirr down as the concrete facade of Toralmintii Lintulahti International Circuit looms into view from the tips of the firs and birches. Beyond the track and looking towards the massif, opposite the bay, a stormy front looms, a bank of clouds in varying shades of gray merging with the concrete of the headquarters' entrance. A gust of wind ruffles leaves and pine needles across the plaza which serves as the entrance to the track; Terho parks right up against the short curb, and the parking brake engages automatically. He turns towards the door and clicks the latch open, but turns back with the door ajar to face his friend in the passenger seat. "How long has it been?"

"Too long," snorts Edvin. "I can hardly wait!"

The two clamber out of the car and make their way towards the door, wrapping their coats around themselves as the wind picks up its harshness. Approaching the door, an array of striped red and white ribbons flap in the wind, cris-crossed over the three revolving doors that lead into the building. The ribbons read "FORBUDT - AFIP" in large, stenciled blue block letters, with an ominous, sloppily-stamped official seal beside the repeating text. At first, the pair are struck with confusion, but it's after Edvin tries in vain to push the locked revolving doors open — clambering over the ribbons — that the chill slices through the back of their necks, and the fear engulfs the depths of their guts with burning urgency.

"Oh..." Terho moans, his hands rising immediately to pull at his hair. "Oh... fuck..."

^{Æ-NOPEA NEWSREEL___________________________________________________________________________________________________________}
Rallygate: Ælund Racing Assets Embargoed by AFIP in Laundering Probe
The assets of once state-backed motorsport powerhouse Ælund Racing have been frozen by the Abovian Financial Inquiries Police (AFIP), following a tip from the Hodori Ministry of Law Enforcement Department of Financial Crimes Investigation citing a fraudulent connection between the outfit and the Togonistani-registered enterprise, Echocoin International plc. Though Tropicorp Racing Ælund team principal Edvin Pekkanen sustains that the WGPC wing of the team was not implicated in dealings with the company, the AFIP freeze extends to the entirety of the company, including the local half of the renowned WGPC outfit. Despite the rejected appeal, the AFIP has made an exemption to allow the team to set up a temporary base outside of their headquarters, under a different name and without the use of branding associated to Tropicorp Racing Ælund, to continue their WGPC operations. In spite of the situation, the newly-founded team, christened Tropicorp-Colorworks Grand Prix, is expected to confirm Turorian world champion iBen Toralmintii as their first driver, and the continuation of their tyre and engine deal with Tropicorp, for WGPC20.

Tropicorp Racing Ælund Comprehensive Test Facility
Tropicoast, Tropicorp

The new normal hadn't been so dire in the end, at least so far. Edvin purchased a Vilitan-made floating bulb thermometer to replace his prized desk toy back at Lintulahti, by now likely blanketed by a thick duvet of dust. The office he'd netted himself at the Comprehensive Test Facility was akin in size to the one he had called home for the past three seasons; the panoramic view over the graceful lines and looming crests of Lintulahti circuit, winding in and out of rows of birch and outcroppings of cool granite, had been replaced by a commanding look over the criss-crossing western half of the billions of permutations coming out of the test track's main straight, and though the coast was at least a kilometer away from the track limits, the monotony of the shadowless tropical noon was sometimes sliced by a puff of wind blowing some sand into a svelte whirpool over the track surface. In moving to the CTF, the team had replaced black ice and a personsworth of snow with streaks of sand across the track surface; three dark months in a year with a sticky, oppressive, unavoidable Tropicorp orange sun. For testing purposes, it was a fair tradeoff.

The CTF itself had also proven a massive upgrade over Lintulahti as a testing base: hot to temperate temperatures year round, the actual presence of the fucking Sun, and a multitude of circuit layouts and combinations, were a far cry from the haphazardly grafted outer layouts of the characteristically quick Abovian circuit. As for the equipment based in Lintulahti, it turned out that the Abovians had had enough foresight to preemptively avoid a catastrophe. Fortunately, the team had begun moving critical infrastructure from the Abovian headquarters to Tropicorp while the CTF neared completion, including important tooling for chassis repair, carbon fiber presses and molds and, well, the chassis themselves, even if vital tools such as the circuit's state-of-the-art wind tunnel and CAD equipment had been left behind. Fortunately, and as always, the half of the team based in Tropicorp remained in charge of the powertrain, and so none of the tooling and machinery dedicated to the development and manufacture of the powerplant and the driveshaft were affected by the asset freeze. During the off-season, the team at Tropicorp developed a brand-new engine architecture — novel metal innovations, construction refinements, and injection mappings galore — on which to reconstruct the famed twin-turbo V8 that had snatched the last three world drivers’ titles (and previous two constructors’) with a thousand cubic centimeters to spare; it was, in fact, after Edvin and Terho’s final visit to the engine workshop — the day of the inauguration of the CTF, alongside the first startup of the TRE-2T24V8 powerplant — that they returned to the seized headquarters at Lintulahti. Frankly though, even as the euphoria of the dawn of the new engine persisted throughout the initial shock of the ordeal — the purrs and whistles of the V8 holding its thousand-plus horsepower at idle, and the marvelous mechanical symphony of the machine past full tilt and maximum rated boost, quenched the dread thumping behind their ears at the sight of the closure of the headquarters — a more pressing issue ultimately arose as the dust-storm settled.

Even though WGPC19 had been a net-successful season for Tropicorp Racing Ælund — clinching a third drivers’ title on the trot — it had been evident, already since season 18, that the blisteringly-quick AGP002 chassis’ advantage to its rivals had begun to ebb away. From winning the constructors’ title with two races to spare (and winning said two remaining races), TRÆ’s eventual one-two finish in their second straight season was nowhere near as dominant as their groundbreaking machine’s debut run. And even then, in spite of the glaring necessity to push the evolution of the chassis along further, the team elected to only slightly tweak AGP002 into season 19.

The result — well, it was hard to tell. Terho Talvela’s retirement shook the teams’ established modus operandi, and it had become clear by the season’s midpoint that his replacement, Diarcesian Sara Luna, was unfortunately, but certainly, no Talvela. The 40-year-old, however, was right to cite teething issues as her main conflict point with the car: by the time it was her turn in the navy and gold, the car found itself, essentially, entering its third season. For veteran Toralmintii, it was but the continuation of his comfort zone, and freed from the shackles of the shadow of his teammate, the Turorian put on the performance of a lifetime throughout the season to trump William Archer to his maiden drivers’ title. For Luna, fate would roll against her; and be it the car, the woman, or both, or neither, the aging chassis ultimately conceded the constructors’ title to rivals Badai Angin.

The asset freeze, though, sentenced AGP002 to a fourth evolution.

Simply put, the former V&T workshop didn’t have the production capacity to supply Race Eelandii and world champions TRÆ with cars across an entire season. The timely migration of all of the Abovian team’s AGP002, 003, and 004 renditions halfway across Atlantian Oceania to the CTF averted what would surely have culminated in the defending drivers’ champion having to drive his WGPC14 title challenger, for lack of a suitable car. Still, the fact that the cars had escaped the grasp of the asset freeze were by no means cause for utter celebration, even though the wind tunnels in Tropicorp were still apt enough for development, and the 002 base still madly competitive in the right hands. For Edvin Pekkanen — perhaps moreso rooted in hope than reason — a fresh coat of paint and a reskin with the advancements and refinements TRÆ had developed in composites could acceptably occlude the fact that Tropicorp-Colourworks’ AGP005 chassis was still based on a years-old design. Toralmintii, for his part, would certainly be aware of the fact. Whoever would fill the second seat needn’t know more than they bargained for.

Tropicorp-Colourworks’ second driver. Now that was a real mystery.

Edvin had discussed potential picks with Terho, but they always wound up inconclusive for who did make the cut — counting drivers out was easy, as painful as it was. Were Tropicorp Racing Ælund not under financial investigation because of a Togonistani businessman's shady endeavor, Dom Falpeau would have been the no-nonsense first pick. Perhaps he had been a slow starter at times, but Falpeau's consistency was class-leading, and Togonistani backing — both financial and emotional — was always a plus. But of course, not only was he probably going to Kaylan anyway — as was young hotshot Ted Pressley, Terho’s most prized pick —, signing a Togonistani in light of things was a hard no. Also joining the chopping block, alongside a flightless bird and Tropicorp's own Skiia Vialiv (as iBen was slated to fill the Vilitan Union seat), was no other driver than Sara Luna. The livery the team had run on the final race, reading "Tuha-takk" to their two drivers, was meant as a premonition for the subsequent season, with Toralmintii expected to retire and Luna, well, all but out the door. Teething issues or otherwise, AGP004 was undoubtedly still a contender throughout WGPC19, and if someone was to wring the most out of the legendary chassis, Luna ultimately proved she was not it. No hard feelings, but regards and until next time.

Ultimately, Tropicorp Racing Ælund — er, I mean, Colourworks — found itself right where it didn't want to: highly at risk of signing an unproven rookie. Back along the family tree of teams that ultimately comprised Colourworks, said strategy had certainly paid off in WGPC14, with Terho Talvela zooming to a dominant debut season title; the second time, fielding Vilitan Juracai Klianiota, was nothing short of disastrous. The sharp one-eighty they decided to take in season 19, bringing the experienced, proven winner Luna aboard, similarly failed to meet expectations. Perhaps, the Achilles' heel in TRÆ's infallible clockwork was a result of their comfort zone: could the team only win with Toralmintii and Talvela?

To settle the issue, Edvin decided that a multitudinous, yet invitational, test at the new CTF would be the best way. Three practice sessions, on three different testing layouts, with all drivers taking turns in various iterations of Tropicorp Racing Ælund/Colorworks machines, using all surplus, show-cars, and even machines destined for the coming WGPC 20 season. For ease of use, the Abovian also elected to publicly announce the invitational: a tougher pill to swallow for the uninvited, but a welcome showcase of the skills across the driver market for prospective teams across the multiverse. Plus, if any team wanted to take their pre-season testing to one of the many layouts at the CTF, they were free to do so — for a small fee, of course.

However, in a separate email from the big-tent invitation sent out to the hopefuls of the multiverse, a long-shot offer escaped the Tropicorp outbox. Tropicorp-Colourworks offered their second seat to Fleftic driver William Archer. He knew — or, at the very least, suspected — that the fresh-faced Archer had enough of an appreciative soul to stay at Preston, no less after their previous campaign nearly launched him to the world drivers' title, and just as the team from Hapilopper seemed on the up and ready for a full-blown onslaught on the championship. However, recording the most dominant season in history didn't stop Terho from defecting to MRT in season 15; maybe, just maybe, the fat lump of cash slapped obscenely on the proverbial table in front of Archer, and the prospect of a long-term career at one of the most prestigious teams in the World Grand Prix Championship, could lure him in.

For the rest of them — established stars, up-and-coming promises, messy, sleazy magazine-covers, and obscure and intimidating unknowns — a testing offer was as good as it got.

Colourworks Invitational Trials
Invited drivers
| JI SO-YEONG | AARON DEERING | KINU LUMINNA | JENNA VANDERSEN | MAXIMILIANO ASPHARI | JONALU MARCELO | SANDRO PEREZ | LILLÝ NÁTTMORSÐÓTTIR | ALEJANDRO RUSEGARA |
Congratulations! You have been scouted by renowned, three-time constructors' champion team Tropicorp-Colourworks Grand Prix, and invited to participate in the Colourworks Invitational Trials, hosted at our brand-new, state-of-the-art Comprehensive Testing Facility-Tropicorp, in Tropicoast, Tropicorp.

You will be offered the chance to drive one of the machines which propelled Tropicorp Racing Ælund's top drivers Terho Talvela and iBen Toralmintii to three consecutive drivers' titles at our very own test track, on three very different circuit layouts. This will give you the chance to prove your driving skill, focus, and adaptability, for an opportunity to join the team throughout the 20th season of the World Grand Prix Championship and, perhaps, the prospect of a continued career path under our wing. With enough cars for each individual driver, all nine of you will have the chance to tweak your cars' setups to your liking, guided by triple world champion Terho Talvela, to make sure that you are the perfect fit for our WGPC20 AGP005 challenger throughout the testing day.

At the end of the test, scheduled for May 13th, the team personnel, guided by team principal Edvin Pekkanen, will make a final decision on which of the invited drivers will be offered to occupy the second seat for Tropicorp-Colourworks Grand Prix, based on your peformance across the three tests and the teams' own judgement. We hope you accept our testing offer and the public nature of the event's results, and wish you the best of luck in the upcoming WGPC season.
SCHEDULE (all times local)
8:30AM: reception and onboarding
9:30AM: non-timed trial laps (layout A)
11AM: START OF SESSION 1 (layout A)
1PM: lunch
2PM: START OF SESSION 2 (layout C)
4PM: coffee and free snacks
5PM: START OF SESSION 3 (layout D)
7PM: END OF TRIAL

Tropicorp-Colourworks signs iBen Toralmintii, confirms tyre and engine deals with Tropicorp, and offers their second seat to Fleftic driver William Archer

by **Dod Rava** » Tue May 09, 2023 1:51 pm

Michał's Kopytko Sport's Agent Office, Rawa

"Haha! Julitka! How good that you are here! Here, sit down." Michał sounded eagerly towards his client.

"Anything new?" Asked Julita while closing the doors to Michał's offcie and then taking a sit infront of his desk.

"Not yet; look, Julita, it's a slow process." Teams don't want to risk it; you are a rookie, but you have a sponsor that is willing to give a lot of money to any team that signs you, and you don't care if you would be the second driver. Soo your chances of getting signed are up." He said it, gesticulating with his hands towards Julita.

Julita sighed "I know, I know, I just want to take another step forward and not sit in one place for another season."

"Julita listen to me. I'll take care of everything. Don't worry your job now is to rest and wait for my call, okay? Go to Szczylek, to your family, have some rest, and don't worry, be happy," he told her with a smile.

"I wish it were that simple." She replied looking away.

"It is that simple! Just sit down on your ass for a couple of days, sleep, hike, run I don't care what do you do as long as you stop bothering me until I give you that call, okay? I need to focus too, you know? Look at all those papers on my desk!" He answered her in a pretentious tone.

"What if you won't give me that call, huh? I might not get any offers at all." She answered him with the same tone of voice.

"Julita I like you; you are my client, and I want only the best for you. I don't want to have any trouble with you, soo... I may call the marketing team from Amica, and you will prepare some livery, helmets, or something. I don't know what you will do there because I was supposed to make that call after you got singed. "Are you happy now?" He said it quickly, then took a deep breath.

"You think you can bribe me with some paint jobs? Well, you are correct..."

"Great, they will call you tomorrow morning. Oh, and one more thing, please promise me that you will just go relax after that." He asked Michał

"Okay." She replied shortly.

"Wonderfull... Is there anything else I can help you with?"

"Nope, that's all, see you soon, Michał." she said as she got up from her chair and headed for the door.

"Yeah, see you." He answered her by glancing at the stack of papers on his desk. As he heard the door close, he sighed.

Julita Lérida expresses interest in riding for any team, and she will bring funding from Amica Technological Company.

by **Diarcesia** » Tue May 09, 2023 3:48 pm

The Melancholy of Sara Luna I

Sara Luna was among the first ones to arrive at the Circuit Chaudron in Charon City, Diarcesia. Her car was loaded into one of the garages. It would be a long weekend ahead for her: she had received an invitation to participate in a special exhibition event with old and new Diarcesian WGP3 drivers alike competing together under three-lap exhibition races that will take place on Friday afternoon before the big all-star feature race later during the weekend. The organizers told her there would be eight other participants including herself joining; it would make for some interesting competition not just among themselves but also against those who were racing in WGPC's main series as well!

But prior to this, she had a separate appointment. In an Ikuyoite-themed cafe, she sat down after getting rid of her shoes and socks, placing them near a pile of others; across from her was someone sitting and facing her. She knew this man: Averau Soroa Sesnada (or simply AS), who came from Mespiloriuzen. He was her new agent.

"Welcome, Sara. It's great to finally meet you," Averau began as he shook her hand.

"Thank you, Averau. It's a pleasure to meet you too," she replied.

"So, tell me, what are your thoughts on the upcoming season?"

Casting a somber expression, she ruminated on the lows and highs of WGPC 19: "I wish I would be excited for it, but it would get in the way of bettering my craft. I may be 40, but I can still get in the thick of a competitive season. I believe I can vie for the championship." But instead of icy determination in her eyes, in Avarau's perspective, it was like a dark stormy night. Unreadable. Chaotic.

"That's great to hear. I'm also very excited for the upcoming season. The results in the past seasons speak for themselves. You work very well especially in a strong car and a strong team, and I'm confident that we can be competitive."

"I have one request before we begin. Send a message to the Tropicorp-Colorworks team. Tell them I'm interested in trying out for another season's contract. At this point, it's a long shot, but whoever is iBen's teammate must be the very best out there. Whoever it is, if it's not me, must beat me fair and square. It's... it's the way things should be."

Averau nodded in agreement, his eyes now more stern. He understood her feelings and the notion she wanted to compete against iBen again in the same machinery. "Very well."

"I've heard good things about the latest developments in Carvenlo and their car. Can you tell me a little more about it?" Sara changed subjects.

"Of course. Perhaps the only more storied team than Tropicorp, I noticed significant improvements in their visible management since their recent WGP2 foray. They have talent to their engineering team, and they have what it takes to improve their cars and systems as the season progresses."

"That sounds promising. What kind of driver are they looking for?"

"Someone who can provide stability who can help them win races and challenge for the championship. I believe you have the talent and the experience to do just that."

"I'm definitely interested in exploring joining them [Carvenlo], in that case."

"I'll do my best to make them consider you. It's a great team, and they are always looking for the best talent in the multiverse. Any other teams on your mind?"

Contingencies upon contingencies, par for the course in WGPC. "Eminent, UrGa, and Viska. Contact them." She did not elaborate why.

The Disappearance of Samantha Blaatschapen I

I remember the day it happened. It was at a time when I did not know what to do with my life; whether or not to stay in WGP2 another season and continue working on developing skills behind the wheel of a that would be more suited for me supposedly, make the jump to WGPC, or screw it all and move back home. While I made up my mind during training sessions I continued practicing and training as if nothing had changed: but I'm about done doing PR shit and acting maturely towards everyone involved with PB's operations. Smiling widely while taking photos with fans who approached me... interview questions. My smile disappeared almost instantly when someone asked asking what had brought me there from Almur in the Odrioyan Desert of Diarcesia where I hailed from originally; it's a long story, but I cut off almost all contact and everyone in the news media went nuts on my, Samantha Odenatha Blaatschapen's, disappearance from the public not long after...

Pryfors Bilar Headquarters
Pryfurium, Dieresis of Chiyginia
Diarcesia

Gideon Scrivenor, GPA Pryfors Bilar scout: "Aldauren, it's great to have you here. So, I understand Laura Haukanna's confirmed to be our first driver again. Now, about her teammate... Sam Blaatschapen seems to be your first choice, but there is a bit of a dilemma. What's up with her?"

Aldauren Ginintella, the team principal: "She cut off contact with everyone, but I think she has her family with her. I understand she's very upset. I own this mess-up. But before that day, she shared her dilemma on whether to join the WGPC team or continue driving in WGP2. And... there's no WGP2 in the near future. Now we've also had trouble contacting her recently, so we're not sure what her plans are."

Gideon: "She took that 15^th place really hard. But beforehand, her performance when she's fired up. That got a few WGPC teams' attention. We're not alone in trying to get ahold of her"

Aldauren: "I really hate to lose her to another team. She's contracted to us right now as a training driver, but I want to reiterate to her that we're willing to give her a competitive contract. Along with it is a great team to work with."

Gideon: "Now, for the backup options. If our bridge with her turns out to be burnt beyond recognition."

Aldauren: "There's a few, but I'm holding out on my belief that Sam continues to be a great fit with Laura and the team as a whole."

Gideon: "So, if she doesn't join us?"

Aldauren: "Then at least based on the latest analyses and developments, we'll contact Bryce Yannec, Cocoabo #23, Anneliese Devereux, and Darian Vilau. We can direct all our efforts in getting the second driver, now that we've already committed to continue our dealings with Phoenician-In Motion for tyres and Sidus for the engines."

Gideon: "That's a good strategy. I'll help you in contacting Sam."

Aldauren: "Please."

Gideon: "Anything else?"

Aldauren: "That's all for now."

Gideon: "I'll let you know if the situation with Sam changes."

by **Esmerel** » Tue May 09, 2023 4:22 pm

Angela Stella Tan Fang Ling wrote:“Hello and good day to you, Sir / Ma’am.

I am Angela Stella Tan Fang Ling from Valentine Z, who participated in the fifth season of WGP2 (Formula 2 Racing) a few years ago. I am aware that it has been a while and for the most parts, my resume on the racing was a little lacking, but combining the experience I have had driving in a racecar before (and in many of the domestic races happening around Valentine Z), as well as the physical fitness that I have went through for the decades worth of space programs, I hope that I will be able to bring in the determination and performance that your team is looking for. I am more than happy and am willing to offer myself up for the trial runs, if needed be.

Thank you, and best regards, Angela Stella Tan Fang Ling.”

Dr. Emerson looked again at the first message sent to him by the Valentian. And it was already looking good.

The team needed someone who could bring the car home, as well as someone with both experience and room to grow. Angela Stella Tan Fang Ling ticked those boxes, and then some- she was a multi-year-long veteran of space travel, including at FTL speeds, and had brought back invaluable data from across billions of light years to her home.

So what had she done to follow her passions after such experiences? A dip into motorsport, as any path would naturally follow. Her run in WGP2 season 5 led to midtable success, but she did have speed, and promise. She also had room, both figuratively and literally, based on her body’s universe-based size scaling (which also seemed to apply to her name), to grow.

Dr. Emerson loved the idea, to be honest. He knew the Verse- what he interpreted as every nationstate in every universe, however manifested- was a vast place, full of literally infinite possibilities. Quirks his universe wasn’t used to had to be both expected and accepted, and he, at least, did so gladly. An interstellar captain with twenty names and 665 centimeters in height (in her own universe, anyway)? Child’s play.

He quickly wrote a return note.

To First Captain Angela Stella Trista Josephine Natalie Rv. E. Tps. “The Eternal Explorer” Bethany Alyssa Valeska Payton Mikayla Gosling Josie Rowan Serenity Chelsea Lynette Hannah Tan Fang Ling,

I deeply appreciate your time spent in considering the position of driving for the Cygnus Motorsport Team.

The upcoming season of the World Grand Prix Championship is approaching rapidly, and I would like to get my team’s affairs in order very soon. I understand that you have solid experience in both motorsport and adjacent conditions- I think there is some skill to translate from FTL travel. I would be pleased to have you join the team if you so wish, and provide an anchor for our other driver, Brendan, to attach himself to as he enters the world of real racing for the first time.

Again, in response to your interest, I formally offer you the second seat at Cygnus Motorsport Team. Whenever you are able, you are free to come to our headquarters in Midwood, Esmerel. We are finalizing our engine and tire deal with Tropicorp, and will have cars ready for you to test at our test track within a few days.

However you choose to go ahead, I wish you well.

Signed,

Dr. William Emerson
Team Manager, Cygnus.

__________

Elsewhere in the great Verse was Maximillian Torsten Rykinsvik, spending some time in a First City hotel.

Max had the time to think over how things had been so far with his race engineer career. He enjoyed making a difference, and he enjoyed racing- he just didn’t trust himself to be the one in the car. It was a good thing going- and Jean was a good racer to partner with, no matter what Jean thought of himself.

Still, he didn’t know what he was to do next. He had already signed for another year with Nexus, so that was probably what was going to happen. But were there any other possibilities? Would he step back with Jean to do something else, or keep his position and become Janne Laukkanen’s engineer? Or perhaps some unknown-as-of-yet third option? Was Jean right, in a sense- that a change of pace was for the best?

He probably didn’t need to worry about it, even if it was important. Still, the indecision halted him from moving forward. He all but had to wait for a better moment.

But it’d be solved soon enough. It had to. Soon enough, once they had “opened up shop”, in a sense, he’d meet with Nexus and figure out everyone’s place. Because, with luck, there was one for everyone involved.

The journey could only end once it was resolved, after all.

by **TJUN-ia** » Tue May 09, 2023 4:57 pm

#11 LANE CARTER

Age: 23
WGPC19 Stats: 6th (68 Points/1 Win)
WGPC19 Team: Race Eelandii VTGP (Lane Carter (68Pts) + Gregori Krupin (57Pts) = 5th (125 Points))

What can we say about Lane Carter? The Galarian driver, the younger brother of two members of the Hall of Legends (Prince Carter, the 3rd Captain of the football Jaguars, and Jester Carter, the Defensive End on the Gridiron Jaguars), was seen as crazy when they decided to try and make the plunge into WGPC all those years ago, especially after the disappointing season they had in WGP2. Still, they managed to do enough to impress Race Eelandii VTGP and the rest was history. The last time they raced a WGPC car, they managed their first-ever win in their international career en route to a 6th place finish in the Drivers Championship. Now, the aim is to try and push into the Top 5 and prove that they are here to stay in this racing series. Of course, they hope to be still a part of the Race Eelandii setup for this season - but some domestic sponsors won't hurt, right?

Domestic Sponsors

#9 BATU TÜVSHINBAYAR

Age: 21
WGP2 S5 Stats: WGP2 Champion (97 Points/1 Win)
WGP2 S5 Team: Scuderia Orange Cow (Batu Tüvshinbayar (97Pts) + Jordan Crowe (72Pts) = WGP2 Champions (169 Points)

Finally...this journey was almost complete. For Batu Tüvshinbayar, of Shinebaishin, this wait has been long and agonising and eventful as all fuck...but finally, it was his time to step up into the top tier. It was a situation that seemed impossible after the nightmarish 1st season in WGP2 that he suffered, a season in which confidence and belief were hard to come by in an environment that seemed to place so much pressure upon their fragile shoulders. And then they found their way to Scuderia Orange Cow and everything changed, the mentality of being a racing family battling for the same goal certainly effecting his own feelings for the better - which would lead to this little team winning it all with Batu as the champion. Since then, everyone has been preparing for the big time...but certain rumours are also starting to fill the air. Batu owns his career and this opportunity to the team from Baker Park...but some in the press seem to think that maybe, SOC other drivers in their cars...and not the WGP2 Champion. It certainly was a bit unnerving to think that the team who gave him everything could decide that they didn't need him anymore...which is why he decided to get more financial backing for himself. If he does stay, then this will be extra money for the team. If he has to go...then these will be bargaining chips that can be used to find a seat...but he's hoping to god that it doesn't end up like that.

Domestic Sponsors

by **Fifth harmony harmoniser nation** » Tue May 09, 2023 6:18 pm

The Bratz Restaurant, Caratland
“Nini, are you sure you wanna do this ‘racing’ thing? I mean, I never took you for a racist, but maybe I got my impression of you wrong,” Tatianna mused.

“Tati, I didn’t spend 3 days in the simulator for nothing. I mean, racing in like an actual car is nuts compared to Mario Kart! And that’s with real-time conditions on!” Nini replied. In truth, Nini didn’t really know why she was so interested in this, what was it called again? Grand Pree World Championship, version 20? She didn’t really know, but she was so creative like that!

An actual car was so different from Mario Kart, what with the lack of powerups, the traction control, the awful smell of burnt fuel, it was nuts to say the least! Still, Nini did take her time to prepare for a possible opening in the Grand Pree Championship. She did a 5 minute scrawl on the series beforehand, and she found out that most of the drivers in the series had racing experience. In actual cars. If Nini ever took part, she’d be curbstomped by everyone else with a lifetime of experience racing real cars instead of game ones. Nini, naturally,felt a bit nervous.

“Nini, have you actually driven a car before? Like, outside of simulators? I doubt you even know how to accelerate and brake!” Tati half joked, half prodded. She wasn’t wrong at all, but Nini wasn’t one to give up.

“Bitch, I’m going to fucking eat these hoeuxs up whether you like it or not! It’s my signature. How did you think I won 45 Mario Kart Championships?” Nini retorted with the smuggest of looks on her face. Tati’s face contorted to one of amusement. Could this 17-year-old Bratz really do it all?

A few months later
“Tati, I passed my driving test!” Nini proudly exclaimed as she broke through the door to their elusive clubhouse.

She what?

Upon hearing Nini’s proud proclamation, Tati’s eyes dilated to the size of a disco ball, and her heart palpitated faster than a sped-up version of a hyperpop song.

“Nini, you fucking donkey, you fucking nuts ass, you’re so crazy! You’re the youngest girl to pass the driving test! You’re literally a national icon! I think this calls for the national anthem!” Tati cried out in joy, “You’e gonna get that fucking seat, that fucking bag honey! We’re going to be rich! Teams will be in your ass, Nini!”

“Right? My portfolio is supreme: 45 Mario Kart Championships, 72 hours in the simulator, the youngest person in Jonjastan to pass their driving test, AND a viral number 1 hit? I AM the heaux to look out for Tati!” Nini reciprocated Tati’s exuberance. Before they went to stream the national anthem, however, Nini knew she had to make a name for herself, and what not a better way than to email every single fucking team! She could also plug her upcoming single too! Two Barbz killed with one stone!

Although, there was a problem.

She didn’t know how to write an email.

“Tati, do you know how to write a mail, like online?” Nini inquired Tati, whom she assumed to be the smarter one amongst them.

“Nini, I might be a genius, but emails are out of my reach,” Tati replied disappointingly.

“Well, I guess it’s time to contact the Defense Ministers!” Nini blurted out, unaware of the implications of what she said.

“Nini, don’ say that! Fucking dumbass bitch!” Tati warned her, but it was too late. The song Super by Seventeen started to play as a figure walked into their elusive clubhouse, hidden within some shrubs in Caratland.

“Say the name, Seventeen. Hello, I’m CSC, Prime Defense Minister of Jonjastan!” Mr. CSC introduced himself.

“Tati, what do I do? I forgot saying their name summons them,” Nini nervously whispered to Tati. Nini had a really big mouth that would always run, and unfortunately it leads to awkward situations like this.

“I’ll handle it, you dumdum,” Tati murmured back, “Ahem, great afternoon to you, Mr. CSC. Your beloved 17-year-old citizen, Danielle Bugatti Johnsilvaturr, has a problem with writing an email. She wants to introduce and promote herself as a potential driver for the World Grand Pee Championship, as well as promote her upcoming single! Would you kindly give her your benevolent helping hand and aid her in her email?” Nini was impressed by Tati’s eloquence and charizzma. Maybe she could be her side chick during ghe race! You know, just seated at the back, chatting with her as she traversed through the circuits.

“That can, and will be done,” Mr. CSC replied. Nini was ecstatic. The Defense Minister was going to write a letter to all the teams! This was lit!

To: All the competing WGPC20 teams
From: The Jonjastani Ministry of Defense
Subject: Regarding Danielle Bugatti Johnsilvaturr

To whoever it may concern,
It is my pleasure, as the Prime Defense Minister, to be able to speak to all of you.

As you might have known, Jonjastan’s very own most prolific driver, Danielle Bugatti Johnsilvaturr is interested in landing a place in a World Grand Pee Championship Season 20 team. Her portfolio is incredibly vibrant and we think that it makes her a promising candidate for your team. Here are her achievements as follows:
45 Jonjastani Mario Kart Championships from the age 10 to 16
The youngest person to earn their driving license in Jonjastan
A viral number one hit in Jonjastan

If your team is interested in Johnsilvaturr, we at the Ministry of Defense will proudly sponsor all her endeavours, as well as give your team more exposure in Jonjastan. You will also have early access to Johnsilvaturr’s upcoming single “Super Gucci Goku Flops” as an additional bonus.

Any response is appreciated, and any travelling expense for potential testing sessions will be covered by us.

We hope to have Johnsilvaturr represent your team and Jonjastan.

Yours faithfully,
CSC

“And that’s done and dusted! Time for the emails to come in!” Nini excitedly squealed.

“Nini, you might not even get a seat,” Tati tried to force some sense into Nini’s mind, but she wasn’t having any of it.

“Who cares, Tati, we’re gonna win! It’s time to stream the national anthem!” Nini replied without a care in the word.

Scared by P1Harmony plays

“Yeah, don’t listen to their feedback…”

by **Nico Hulkenberg** » Tue May 09, 2023 6:21 pm

DRIVING DUO TO SEEK SEATS IN UPCOMING SEASON

EMMERICH - Fans, punters, and casuals alike can hardly contain their excitement as a new World Grand Prix Championship season draws closer. With the embers of driver rumours growing to sparks, many are worried by the rumours - or lack thereof - surrounding the two Hülkenberger hotshots vying for seats in the illustrious championship. The HMG-linked duo of Dario Nülkeschläger and Nepö Kinder have been unusually tight-lipped about their plans for the year ahead, leaving Hülkenberg's resident motorsports enthusiasts to speculate on their respective futures. Said speculation has been helped onwards by comments from higher-ups at HMG, especially those from former HMG Head of Development Jöhan Turbringer, who suggested that "[Dario] hasn't given much away", and that "you never really know with [Nepö]", citing uncertainty about her future. Journalists and experts have had their say as well, as has the Herald's Magic 8-Ball, which when asked about the duo's future, responded with a swift and stern "OUTLOOK NOT SO GOOD". Thankfully, the Herald managed to catch up with both drivers at HMG's 50th Anniversary Celebration at their headquarters in Emmerich, and their answers should put any surrounding uncertainty to bed.

When asked about a potential WGPC seat for next season, Nepö was hesitant to answer, hinting at ongoing discussions behind the scenes. She did, however, confirm a lack of confirmation: "Well, I can't give too much away just yet, especially when I haven't put pen to paper on anything. But there's been conversations, yes. A couple of texts and calls here and there, the odd email, that sort of thing. But I'm still open to offers." Similarly reluctant, Dario provided his take in his own, colourful terms: "Well, I don't [redacted] know, do I? I mean, I've been at this stage of a season a few times before, it's always the same. Unless you're of a particular nationality or a particular skill level, you just kind of have to roll with it. I've been lucky enough to have two wonderful seasons with WGPC Motorworks and Pryfors Bilar-Viska, I've had other offers besides them, and - god willing - I'll have offers again. My usual catchphrase around this time is 'call me', and I suspect I'll be using it a lot more in the coming weeks."

Whether or not either of the drivers will be successful in their quests to get on the grid is yet to be seen, but what is evident is that they're hopeful about it - and with the championship's expansion from twelve to fourteen teams, thus opening up an extra four spots, there's no reason why they shouldn't be. In Dario's case, with new teams on the horizon, his experience could be a driving factor in getting himself a drive in the upcoming season. For Nepö, despite her relative inexperience, her exceptional drives in HMG Challenge GT had already turned a lot of heads domestically, but some of her compatriots are confident that teams will be casting an eye on the young woman.

"I've heard great things about Nepö, she [beat me handily] in GTs.", mentioned Dario. "Someone's bound to take a chance on her. I know I would."

With the rumour mill constantly churning out new stories daily, The Hülkenberger Herald promises to be your port of call for all the latest racing news. Subscribe now for only… show more content

Jöhan: "I'll be totally honest with you, there's not much I can really say about Dario. I worked with the lad for a good couple of months when it came to the rallying side of things, but from the tidbits of info he's given me since... ach, it's not for me to say. He hasn't given much away, I'll tell you that much. I'd rather you asked him these sorts of questions, I'm sure he'd happily tell you. When it comes to Nepö, you never really know with her. Sometimes she's a constant stream of consciousness, rattling on about the car, her career path, her life plan, and all that jazz, and sometimes it's just blank looks, shrugs, and radio silence. Lately, I'm sorry to say, it's been more of the latter. I'm certain though, once she has a gig set up, you'll know all about it before I do."

Nepö: "Well, I can't give too much away just yet, especially when I haven't put pen to paper on anything. But there's been conversations, yes. A couple of texts and calls here and there, the odd email, that sort of thing. But I'm still open to offers. I've got a lot to prove, and I think teams quite like to take chances on that sort of thing - I mean, the wonderful folks at HMG gave me a shot, and look how it ended up!"

Dario: "Who am I driving for next season? Well, I don't fuckin' know, do I? I mean, I've been at this stage of a season a few times before, it's always the same. Unless you're of a particular nationality or a particular skill level, you just kind of have to roll with it. I've been lucky enough to have two wonderful seasons with WGPC Motorworks and Pryfors Bilar-Viska, I've had other offers besides them, and - god willing - I'll have offers again. My usual catchphrase around this time is 'call me', and I suspect I'll be using it a lot more in the coming weeks. A man's gotta get his name out there, y'know? Oh, and of course, in this modern era of motorsport, a woman's gotta get her name out there too. I've heard great things about Nepö, she handed my ass to me in GTs, but it ain't always easy for the young folk. Again, god willing, someone's bound to take a chance on her. I know I would."

Dario

A long off-season had left the fan favourite with very little to do. Sure, he’d driven the odd sportscar to keep the bigwigs at HMG happy, but he’d maintained very little contact with his former colleagues, owing in part to his general discontent at not being very quick. This, in turn, left his email inbox - if you factored out the advertisements for pills to enlarge certain body parts - decidedly bare. Even HülkenMail was making fun of his lack of contact, with animated tumbleweeds and cobwebs adorning the ‘NO NEW MESSAGES’ on the screen. ”Oh, hell to this,” thought Dario. ”I’m fast. I’m handsome. I’m-“ He interrupted his self-indulging train of thought to check his (admittedly much heftier than either mine or your) bank account before continuing. ”Well, I’m somewhat well-funded. Teams should be all over me! What’s the problem?” Amazingly, the man who thought so highly of himself hadn’t even considered the possibility that he would have to put some work in himself if he wanted to land a seat. Luckily, he had an agent who could do that for him.

From: pvr@hülkenmail.hb
To: All Interested Teams
Subject: Dario Nülkeschläger

To whom it may concern,

As the representative of Dario Nülkeschläger, I have taken it upon myself to offer his services to any team who may be willing to make use of him. For what it’s worth, you may find that his experience and sponsorship assets could add a lot to your team. If this sounds like an interesting prospect, please respond whenever possible.

Yours,
Pascal von Reisepass
Head of Consultancy at PVR Talent Management

Without agents, Dario would probably have hit his peak as a middling driver in HMG Challenge GT, fighting it out amongst gentleman drivers for the rest of his life. Thankfully, unlike most things in his life, he had enough sense to hire one.

Nepö

After her sharp rise to success, and with all the glitz and glamour that comes with motorsports in general, photoshoots were exactly the sort of thing that Nepö was expecting to get involved in. After all, striking poses for her fans was something she’d done for her entire career - so why not get paid for it? All publicity is good publicity, right?

”Aaaaaand that’s a wrap! Great work, Nepö, you nailed it! With your help, our little tobacco enterprise will be able to force kids all over Hülkenberg to smoke our humble death sticks - and best of all, your face will be plastered all over every pack! It’s great, isn’t it?”

Nope.

TL;DR
Dario Nülkeschläger and Nepö Kinder are open to any and all offers that come their way. The latter will probably bite your hand off for an offer.

by **Delaclava** » Tue May 09, 2023 7:13 pm

Sandro Pérez expresses his interest in Portland-Carvenlo.
Pérez accepts the trials invitation from Tropicorp-Colourworks.

The door slammed. Sandro Pérez wearily put his head up from the pillow in the small holding room. His manager, Marco Ciccone, was standing in the doorway.

"SO!" Marco barked, and Sandro shook his head, letting out a pained "Uuuurghpfh". "Hope you had fun last night!"

Sandro stared back. "I don't think you mean that."

"Well, do you remember how you got here?"

"Uh..." Sandro struggled to remember. "Well, my eyes hurt. Is that..." he put his fingers to his eyes and licked them. "A skinny margarita?"

"You can really tell?" Marco was impressed for a second. "Well, yes, that's what the girl threw in your face after you made such an ungainly attempt to court her, and then the bartender and the police decided it would be better if you got put in timeout."

"I didn't get arrested, did I?"

"No, it's just an overnight holding, you're free to go. Sit down!" Marco interjected as Sandro moved to get up. "What the hell were you doing?"

"What? You're telling me I can't rip 300-year tequila and hit on girls at the club?"

"You can. You shouldn't."

"Look, I heard that Walcott kid's getting an offer. The bloody virgin. So I was just blowing off some steam. I'm more of a man than he is anyway."

"Hold up." Marco shook his head. "You were out trying to hook up with all of Beliri just to prove you're better than Kingsley Walcott?"

"Well, when you say it like that, it sounds ridiculous."

"It is ridiculous, and let me tell you why. Two reasons. First, he is more of a man than you. You know why? Because he went to bed at a reasonable hour last night—in his own bed—and did it without getting highballs in his face."

"He went to bed at a reasonable hour because his daddy made him."

"Yeah? Well maybe you need a daddy. Now shut up and listen. Second reason is that you need to be in Tropicorp to test in four days. We're leaving today and you're doing a press conference first. We have to get going now."

"What?"

"Colourworks. And you're doing the press conference because Carvenlo's interested too. Now do us both a favor, get yourself cleaned up, and make a better first impression than you made on Danielle last night."

Puzzled, Sandro asked, "Who's Danielle?"

"Oh my god, man, you have a problem..."

***

It was hard to imagine that the bleary-eyed man in a torn V-neck was the same man that was now wearing a sharp burgundy suit, complimenting Sandro's tanned skin and well-kept dark hair. He sat down at the table and took a sip of water, resisting the temptation to down the whole glass.

"Sandro, the announcement has come out that you have been invited to Tropicorp-Colourworks trials for the team's second seat. I guess, can you just confirm for us, are you accepting the invitation?"

"Yes, of course. They are one of the best teams in the world with some of the best facilities, all the personnel, and they have a proven history of success. So yes, of course I'm going to go."

"How soon are you headed there?"

"We're leaving today actually. It's been a minute since I've been in the area. But it's a good change of pace. And, you know, they've invited quite a few drivers, so it's an opportunity to meet some of the people who might be on the grid next year."

"You mentioned that there are a lot of drivers trying to get this second seat. There are nine, in fact. How do you think you stack up, and what do you think you bring to the table that the others don't?"

"I think, you know, it's the right time for me to make this move. I'm 29, I'm in my prime, and I've grown a lot over the last few years. I think I bring instincts, agility, and aggression that others can't match. You know, I think a lot of you have made a big deal of, oh, I've finally got the consistency right and made my championship run. And that's true, and that's important. But you can also teach that. You can't teach what I have, the decisiveness, the control and the willingness to take advantage of a car's speed. I think as far as experience goes, Luminna was the only one on the grid, so there's not a huge gap I have from the rest of the trial drivers. Luminna was very strong last year and this is a big opportunity for him. It's a big opportunity for all of us."

"What are your thoughts on potentially driving alongside the defending champion, iBen Toralmintii?"

"I mean, what an opportunity, right? He's had quite the career and last season was an incredible breakthrough. It would be an unbelievable honor to ride in support of him."

"Your skill is well-known—but so is your flair, your love for the glamour and for the fun, and that's gotten you into some trouble both on and off the track. How do you convince Colourworks, or anyone else, that won't be a liability?"

"Huh. Well, I don't know if 'liability' is fair. There are plenty of colorful characters in racing. I'm a bad boy, for sure, but I'm not the only one. Have I had disputes in the past? Sure. Have I had some failures, some bad headlines? You bet. But I'm one of the best drivers in the world, and I'm not going to do anything to jeopardize that. So bring the headlines, bring the hate. I'm going to do whatever and whoever I want. Within reason."

"Well...well put. Sidestepping that, there are also reports that Portland-Carvenlo is targeting you as an option. What can you tell us about that?"

"Yes, that's true. There have been conversations. That's all I can say about it for now."

"What are your thoughts about joining that team?"

"Again, a great opportunity. Cruisin is a phenomenal driver, also very aggressive, very experienced too, he would be a great teammate to learn from. And it's a very competitive car."

"But not a car you'll have the chance to drive. Does that factor into your decision?"

"Everything matters. Obviously the drive matters, but I have to have the right people to work with too. The car matters, but the people working on it can make or break everything. So I'll have to see how it pans out."

"There's a lot up in the air, as you said—but do you prefer one over the other?"

"Again, it's way too early to say. People to talk to, other teams are still figuring things out. I'm gonna go to Tropicorp now, it's gonna be great to test out the car, test out the nightlife."

"One last question—what is your current status with Celia? Or with Benji?"

"We've decided to remain friends. With benefits."

"Which one?"

"I said we've decided... Thank you, got a flight," and Perez stood up and dashed out with Ciccone, leaving the room abuzz, frantically writing in notepads.

by **Auruna** » Tue May 09, 2023 7:18 pm

Jöna's Office
Viska Factory
Sterlennau, Auruna

Decisions upon decisions... this is part of being team principal of a team like Viska. The thoughts race through Jöna's mind as he tries to figure out something for Viska's current driver situation. The team is now to be picky of their drivers especially at the upper echelons of racing as they want to actually be competitive. As a result, they've become exclusive in their choices and only a lucky few outside of Viska's own line of drivers are able to get a chance with the team. Jöna and Artur know this so they have an extensive procedure in working out who are the best candidates are. Jöna's eye for talent is good and helped pick out Aaron Deering last time who went on to be successful in WGP2 so he is at the top of the list alongside a few other drivers.

But regarding Olivia Stone, Jöna couldn't decide to replace her with Aaron or let her driver alongside him if Kinu Luminna is not available. It was a tough decision for him as she was Viska's pick since their debut in WGP2. He couldn't bear the thought of letting her go but something had to change. He had an idea of letting her do her own thing, to decide for her own but he figured that it would be best that she took a short break to compose herself or find something to greatly motivate her.

It's really tough.

So he lets Artur deal with that situation to get an answer from the Nimbans. There's nothing from them yet but patience is key... up to an extent.

He pushes that out of the way for now and switches his focus on the list of drivers he's currently working on. It was something he was working on ever since the beginning as it greatly influences his decisions so he makes a well-calculated one that benefits the team greatly. It was a habit he picked up during his time in the AEC. A lot goes on in making that list like looking into the driver's career history and comparing them with their recent performances while having some consideration to rookies especially when they came from WGP2.

While it still needs more work, the first version is coming along nicely.

Jöna's Notes
VISKA DRIVER CANDIDATES
In no particular order

Top Priority
Aaron Deering
- Viska Junior.
- Has proven himself in WGP2 S5 with great performances that resulted in a title fight near the end. 3rd in the championship.
- Provided substantial data as test driver and has adapted to the Viska car.
- Gathered some experience in the Aurun E-Series where he eventually won the championship.
- High potential.

Kinu Luminna
- Top driver for Viska in WGPC 19 who finished 5th in the championship.
- 1 win, 1 pole, and 3 podiums in WGPC 19. A podium with the Motorworks team in WGPC 18 (1 Win / 1 Pole / 4 Podiums Overall)
- Intense defender.
- Performance picked up at the second half of WGPC 19.
- High potential to be a top driver.

Olivia Stone
- Legacy Viska driver since WGP2 III.
- 1 win and 1 podium in WGPC 19.
- Has potential that she doesn't realise and just needs some motivation.

Sara Luna
- A high ranked driver with several great performances.
- 1 Pole and 2 podiums in WGPC 19. A win, 2 podiums and 3 poles in WGPC 18. (1 Win / 4 Poles / 4 Podiums Overall)
- High potential according to what I've seen.

Janne Laukkanen
- The Viska car suited him during the trials in WGPC 19.
- In the right team, he can greatly perform and might challenge the top drivers.

Other Potential Candidates
Ones with no history with nor considered by Viska in previous seasons both domestically and internationally. But they have the talent and are still candidates for a Viska seat.
Darian Vilau
- Runner-up in WGP2 S5.
- Might consider him.
- Will look for more information.

Natasha Vollerei
- Don't know much about her.
- With current available information, she might be suited to our car.
- Will look for more information.

Anneliese Devereux
- A notable character.
- Had tried out for VSK in WGP2.
- Has some strong performances.
- Might consider.

Skiia Vialiv
- Current top pick among drivers with no history with Viska.
- Had great WGP2 seasons.
- A very strong performer.

After finishing, he rewards himself with a nice hot cup of coffee while he reclines back on his chair.

Now that's done, what's next?

Kinu's Apartment
Veratuna, Auruna

It was not long after he said to wait for teams interested in him that he received the news of his invitation to the Colourworks Invitational Trials. He just woke up and it was the first thing he saw in the morning. He was ecstatic to say the least. After grabbing something to eat, he immediately went over to his computer to start writing his response confirming his participation in the trials. The thought of being behind the wheel again, oh it gets his blood pumping. This excitement though minor was enough for him to look forward to whatever comes this season.

While it was the only a trial and there's no guarantee that a seat will come his way, it was enough to satisfy him for now. Even with that, he doesn't feel an immense amount of pressure as he knew he could trust Viska to catch him if his search for another team to drive yielded no results. That's it. He had an extensive plan in place and he'll attempt to see through it after the trial. He'd have to work for it all by himself... as usual. It's something that he'd done for time and time again.

And it's still the first step.

Sÿriiauri, avautaa kurukasi...
Mennäähän kuroitaa kuljellaa...
Lentaru, lentaru, lentajaamme...

Kÿljää... lentajaamme.

Aurun Railways High Speed Rail to Karalinne

Laura soon left Livonsk to return to Karalinne to get herself ready for the WGPC20 season, she did it by train but she could've done it by motorcycle but she didn't bring hers to Livonsk and Haru doesn't have a car so had no other choice. And another thing is that Haru went with her on the train which she didn't expect and now he sits beside her asleep. It was going to be a long albeit peaceful train ride.

She was just listening to music, looking out the window to look at a running view of the Northern Aurun landscape, when her phone buzzed. She wasn't expecting anything so it came as a surprise. Taking it from her pocket, she goes on to check what it was all about. At this time, she guessed that it would be Juno trying to call her but instead she saw Erik's message. Thinking it was important, she immediately viewed it.

ERIK: "Laura, PB is officially giving you the first seat."

Ah, about time. She thought to herself as she types in her reply. But she already expressed her interest in the SOC tests and she has to decide what to do now. Several revisions of her reply later, she finally sends it.

LAURA: "Alright Erik, let SOC know that I'd like to cancel the tests as I will be getting the first seat at Pryfors Bilar which was my top preference anyway.

ERIK: "Gotcha. I'll let them know."

And now... she has nothing to worry about.

For clarification:
- Kinu Luminna confirms his participation in the Colourworks Invitational Trials
- Laura Haukanna confirmed for the first GPA Pryfors Bilar seat

by **Chromatika** » Tue May 09, 2023 8:16 pm

Two Months Ago
Chromia, Capital District, Chromatika

It was a cloudless, beautiful day in downtown Chromia – a rarity for this time of year. As she walked the final three blocks on the way to the Headquarters of the Chromatik Sporting Council, Ji So-Yeong avoided the eyes of every person that she ran into, paying attention to the path ahead, the click-clack of her heels on the pavement, and the task at hand instead. It made no difference whether she acknowledged their shocked stares when they noticed the scar or not; it had been there since she was very young, and she’d be damned if she was going to let something so commonplace get in her way on this momentous day. No, she stood by the decision that she had made that morning – to let her long hair fall as it may, covering the scar or not – as a testament to the point of no return.

From a young age, So-Yeong had learned to not call attention to herself; bad things would always follow, regardless of whether she deserved them or not. It was by devoting herself to anything and everything ahead of her that she had become as successful as she was today – not by dawdling around, feeling pity, nor crying foul for the hand that she had been dealt. Even when she had swept the Chromatik Racing Series for the last three cycles, she’d declined every single interview. Some said that she was haughty, rude, or un-Chromatik. The truth was that she simply didn’t think that it was that big of a deal, and she wasn’t going to break out of her comfort zone for anything less than racing internationally.

It was a minor miracle that she was headed to CSC Headquarters in the first place. When her main sponsor, the Gwenderyn Home for Misplaced Youth (an arm of the Rainbow Hope Foundation) had told her few months back that they had made a passioned plea to the Chromatik Sporting Council, she hadn’t thought too much about it. Since the Anola Melani incident, the CSC had been rather skittish when it came to Chromatik racers going international – and she could hardly blame them. Instead, the proposal had been accepted after only six weeks of waiting – on a trial basis, depending on results. So-Yeong was absolutely fine with that – if she didn’t prove that she belonged, she didn’t belong, after all.

“You have to show up dressed nice, and carry yourself in a professional manner,” her agent, Valérie Kessler, had insisted the night before in a decent restaurant as they discussed their plans, “Not only are some of the biggest news outlets from our country going to be there, but some journalists from other motorsports countries as well. This is that first step that you’ve been talking about – a chance to make a good first impression.”

“I know how to carry myself when I need to,” So-Yeong had responded almost immediately, “You forget that I used to be a sports medicine major at CCCU. People like me don’t end up going to a college like CCCU without knowing how to present oneself – I’ll be fine.”

“Do you even have something decent to wear?” Kessler had pressed. So-Yeong had just brushed the comment off.

She was in a professional pantsuit, white shirt, and cuffs – nothing too gaudy, but definitely professional. A silver bangle adorned her right wrist, while her left had a nice looking watch. She carried a designer purse in her left hand and an umbrella in her right – you never could tell about Chromia weather, even on a nice day like this. Some would say she was still eccentric, but nobody would deny that she looked pretty good – especially for those that saw her on a daily basis.

Ji So-Yeong would never admit it if asked, but she was excited for this press conference. An opportunity to take that first step, to introduce herself to the international motorsports world at large, was way too important to let pride or comfort get in the way. She finally made it to the building, and took the large elevator to the third floor, with twenty minutes to spare. A chapter of her life had closed; another one was beginning.

Fifteen Minutes Later

So-Yeong had been surprised by the one waiting for her at the press conference booth to represent her sponsors – none other than one Park Ji-Hye, one of the personal assistants of Sarai Gwenderyn regarding the Gwenderyn Home for Misplaced Youth and an expert media handler. Dressed in a plain white dress, Park’s simple elegance and beauty still shined through even in this setting.

“Ms. Gwenderyn wishes you the best of luck,” Park stated, offering Ji a hand to shake, “And wishes she could’ve been here in person. I personally volunteered to fly here to help you with this conference. It’s very important to me and to the Foundation that you get all the support that you need to make your dream come true. Please let me know how best to assist you in this conference.”

So-Yeong was taken back by both Park’s presence and the gesture. Had she stepped into a gameboard willingly without even knowing that piece she was to play? Gwenderyn’s people had always treated her with the utmost respect and kindness, but she couldn’t help herself from assuming the worst – it was a part of her nature.

As the assorted media personnel filtered into the room, Ji-Hye turned to So-Yeong. “We will be fielding ten questions from ten journalists,” Park explained, “Some of them will be about personal things, others will be about racing, and as expected, a fair few will be about the competition to come. We will take things at your pace, and if you really don’t want to answer a question, you can always give a roundabout answer and not face it directly. Always feel free to prompt me in if you want me to fill time for a while, all right?”

So-Yeong nodded. She wouldn’t dodge any questions – she had nothing to hide. Not any more.

“Let’s get the show on the road,” she muttered to herself as they reached the appointed time.

Ji So-Yeong Introductory Press Conference
Chromatik Sporting Council Headquarters
Chromia, Capital District, Chromatika

“Welcome, esteemed members of the press, to this introductory press conference for The Rainbow Hope Foundation’s latest sportsperson, drive Ji So-Yeong. Ten of you have been pre-selected to ask your questions to our driver. Please identify yourself, what network you represent, and then ask your question. So-Yeong can decide how much or little time she wants to spend in answering your question,” Park Ji-Hye explained. A murmur of assent went through the room, and Park looked at Ji, who simply nodded that she was ready to go.

“Frederick Hassen, Chromia Courier. After the Anola Melani incident, it’s taken so long for Chromatika to return to the world of motorsports. Why do you think that was the case, and what is your take on the Chromatika Sporting Council deciding to lift the embargo for your sake?” the look on the middle-aged man’s face as he asked the question was part curiosity and part apology. Park knew Frederick well – the man didn’t mean ill will, he was simply doing his job.

“My sponsor here can probably answer the first part of the question better than me,” started So-Yeong, “But I like to think that everything fell in a perfect swoop for me. I posted the results, the Foundation needed someone to invest in, and they were able to convince the Council to let me compete. I know that I’m lucky – that so many others could’ve been in my spot in the last three years – but I’ve proven that I deserve this opportunity.”

“The Anola Melani incident is still under investigation, and the details are not ready for discussion at this time as I understand,” Ji-Hye carried on, “We’ve been asking the Council for a while, and this was the person that made the difference. So-Yeong only decided not that long ago to give the WGPC a try, and when we mentioned that it would be Ji So-Yeong trying to go for the WGPC, the Chromatik Sporting Council didn’t make much of a fuss at all.”

This was mostly true, if a bit embellished; the truth was that after the Anola Melani incident, nobody had dared approach the CSC regarding motorsports for a solid two years – and it’d taken the leverage of a name like Sarai Gwenderyn to even make them reconsider. It helped that The Rainbow Hope Foundation was one of the more financially sound nonprofits in the country – the capacity of something like the Anola Melani incident happening again in Ji’s case was rather small. The media didn’t need to know all the details, though, and Park was glad that even Ji wasn’t privy to the worst of it.

“Zuia Montpellier, Ekitaldia. What are you most excited about experiencing in the WGPC, provided that you get signed onto a team?” The Mertagnian reporter had promised a mostly benign question, and Park was glad to see that they’d followed through. This was a chance for So-Yeong to provide a friendly, vanilla answer that would go well in most news circles.

“There’s too many to count,” Ji expressed, “But I’d say the thing I’m most excited about is the level of competition. I am no longer going to be competing against just Chromatik drivers in Chromatik courses; instead, I’ll hopefully be racing against the best in the world in varying countries, with their differing climates and temperatures. These are all going to be brand new experiences for me, and that is very exciting.”

For the twenty or so seconds that she answered this question, Ji So-Yeong looked more like a bright twenty-five-year-old looking forward to her future instead of her usual critical, dour self. The tactic had worked – she had finally shown the capacity to look human.

“Jared Ewers, Eyrods Daily. It’s widely known that you grew up in Eyrods, and that you didn’t have the easiest time growing up. How do you think growing up in Eyrods has influenced your life, and what sets you apart from the everyday Chromatik?”

Ji-Hye did her best to hide her wince at the mention of So-Yeon’gs childhood. Questions like this one had been asked of So-Yeong ever since the very first time that she had made her way to the racetrack, and this time was no exception. In fact, Ewers had been at every single post-race press conference of So-Yeong’s victories to ask the same question, to no avail. Park almost wanted to encourage So-Yeong to ignore the question, but before she could move, Ji was already answering.

“I lost both of my parents to the Rainbow Revolution when I was eight,” she responded, her eyes locking on to Ewers, “I was placed into a government-run orphanage for the next ten years, during the time when we were learning how to be a functioning country without a color-based caste system any longer. How did growing up in Eyrods influence me? It taught me that life isn’t fair, and that you have to do the best with what you’re given or suffer in silence. How did growing up in Eyrods influence me? It showed me that emotion leads to passion, and passion ruins all that it touches in its wake. How did growing up in Eyrods influence me? It turned me into a task-oriented machine who can do almost anything as long as I put my mind into it. How did growing up, an orphan, in a city that was home to the Red Enclave influence me?”

By this point, the silence was thick, and one could hear a pin drop. Ewers’s eyes were wide open, as if he hadn’t expected the force of these answers. Of course, Ji-Hye had known – So-Yeong had confided in the Foundation a few years back – but the gravity, the depth, and the power of So-Yeong’s story loomed large in the room.

“It’s made it so that I view life as a sequence of goals to achieve,” So-Yeong continued, “Goals to achieve, with lessons to be learned when I fail. It’s made me be very cognizant of what is and isn’t worth my time.”

“I am who I am because of my upbringing – or, in some cases, in spite of it,” Ji concluded. What was the most shocking was that her voice hadn’t picked up in volume or inflection during the entire answer to the question. No, she had remained calm – as if discussing it didn’t bother her at all. The shocked silence that followed was in reverence for So-Yeong’s past as well as the fact that she had deemed it time to share the story with the present audience. She’d earned massive respect in their eyes.

“I don’t know how to follow up after that,” admitted the next speaker, “But I’ll try. Vince Julian, The Almanac. Ever since Chromatika started to play sports at an international level, it’s been quoted that although we’re consistent, have great sportsmanship, and don’t get rattled, we don’t take enough risks. In a sport like motorsports, where figuring out when to make aggressive moves is a key, that kind of mindset could be viewed as a negative. What are your thought on that, and how would you compensate it?

“I think it’s true that Chromatiks are risk-averse as a people,” So-yeong responded, “I’ve seen people not take risks that the definitely should have. On the racetrack, though, it’s all instinct. I’ve learned to not question my instincts when they take over the logical side of things. I’m also good at constant threat assessment and taking in variables to adjust my plans accordingly against. I’d also add that I know when to let loose, and when I do let loose, I commit all the way.”

It was a solid, if not spectacular, answer. A way to return things back to normal, away from the charged topic of the one prior. Just like that, So-Yeong was four questions in.

The next to speak was someone that everyone in the room recognized – the most famous sportswriter in Chromatika, Jordan Lawless of The Rebel. He was in attendance to support one of the people that he respected most – Sarai Gwenderyn – and his presence alone made this press conference the talk of the town.

“Who is your role model or inspiration when it comes to participating in sports, and why?” he inquired, giving Ji a slight nod of acknowledgement.

Thankfully, the answer to that question was rather simple. “I really admire the path of Alisen Mayamoto,” Ji responded after only a few seconds, “She took a sport that was only being played at an amateur level and turned it into the first major sport that we have a world title in. Without her, there is no Chromatika joining the LPB. Without her, there is no changing the name from Amateurs to Outliers. She is an unsung hero at times because football and gridiron run the country, but she deserves so much credit.”

This response, above all others, seemed to win the room. Mayamoto’s story of leading Chromatik baseball was one of the best documented examples of success in Chromatik history. Ji was halfway through, and she was commanding the room.

“Sandy Peters, Hapilopper Television Network,” began the next journalist, “It seems like this World Grand Prix Championship is shaping up to be the most competitive season ever – and not just on the track, as there’s going to be a lot of competition to be one of the twenty-eight drivers on the grid. What can you bring to the table that would make a race team pick you over the many others looking for a seat?”

Hapilopper. An established name in the racing scene, and the first question directly asking about the upcoming WGPC season. A way to focus the discussion down to the task at hand, and a chance for Ji to address the elephant in the room.

“I am a student of the game, and a perfectionist at heart,” Ji answered, “I’m willing to commit 100% to whichever team chooses to sign me, and to earn their trust. I can bring the perspective of a newcomer to the sport, taking in insights and past knowledge like a sponge while also providing fresh ideas to be tested out. I don’t take the status quo for an answer and like to push the envelope within reason as long as the results speak for themselves. Most importantly, I take responsibility for my actions while asking for everyone else to do theirs. If you want a consummate professional, I’m it.”

It wasn’t the greatest of responses, but it was honest. Park Ji-Hye hoped that the honesty would carry through. At least the Hapiloppian journalist seemed content enough with the answer.

"Laura Joona, Ælunder Nyttispalvelu," this time, it was an Abovian journalist. "Adding onto that, why do you feel ready to make the step up to WGPC with little prior experience?"

"Racing is in my blood," Ji began, "I switched from a sports medicine degree because I fell in love with it. I've dominated the CRS circuit in the last three years, breaking the points record set by Anola Melani herself. I've proven to be a quick study, and I'm devoted to being the best racer that I can be. I haven't reached that peak yet, and the WGPC is a logical next step. With the opportunity presented to me, I am taking the chance to make a go at it."

That seemed to appease the journalists, at least, but it was hard to read the room.

"Dorothy Xiang, Crix Motorsports. How much do you think the Chromatik Racing Series has prepared you for the WGPC? What do you think will be the biggest difference?" Xiang was a true motorsports lover at heart, and they could count on her to provide a valid question.

"The CRS is, if nothing else, chaotic," So-Yeong replied, grinning, "I learned how to roll with the punches, live the life of having ten races in a season, and how to show up to key races. It's unlike any other motorsports circuit series out there. Due to its unique nature, I'm more than ready for any eccentricities of the WGPC circuit. More than anything, it was a chance for me to learn how to race, and how to do it well."

"Polyclet Bardakçı. ACTO," stated the next questioner, a Diarcesian reporter, "Countless nations come and go in the WGPC circuit. What makes you and Chromatika a potential to stick around and make an impact? Why should the nations that have been around for a long time pay attention to you? If one of my readers were to say, 'Hey Polyclet, why did you go to see this random Chromatik driver?', what should I say?"

That was from left field, but by this point, Park was no longer worried. So-Yeong had this.

"I'm not in charge of what happens financially," Ji responded, ""But I'd like to think that if I perform well enough, they'll keep me funded. Why should they pay attention to Chromatika? We've shown we can do pretty well in most sports. We have the infrastructure, we have the passion, we have the dogged determination to see a project through. Yes, the Anola Melani incident was a bleak point in Chromatik motorsports, but it's made it more important to see this one come true. I cannot promise success, but I can promise that by the time that this WGPC season is over, viewers will remember my name if I end up on a team. I have the drive, I have the personality, and I believe that I have the skills."

A strong, confident answer. Park gave Ji a nod of approval. One question remained.

"Jan Savelsky, Chromatik Motorsports. What is your goal for this season?" Jan was a reporter right out of college, and often stuck to the usual questions. Very good to fill space and for Ji to say what she wanted to say without much consequence - a solid ending.

"Obviously, sign on to a team," Ji chuckled, "Then, I'd like to have at least one podium finish and finish in the top half. Depending on the team, I can learn from the other driver and the team's executives to get better quickly to reach my goals. I don't think it's aiming too high."

With that, Park thanked everyone, and the press conference was over.

"How did I do?" Ji So-Yeong asked, "I wasn't too much, was I?"

"You were perfect," Park answered, "You were yourself. That's the best thing to be."

With that, Ji So-Yeong announced her arrival to the WGPC circuit.

Ji So-Yeong confirms participation in the Colourworks Invitational Trials and the Sivaleinen Trials. She remains open to other offers.

by **Quebec and Shingoryeo** » Tue May 09, 2023 9:12 pm

Mid-December, somewhere in Jolbonopolis...

Alejandro Manawin Rusegara's mind has been all over the places lately. It was in middle of December, when Jolbonopolis was at its coldest, and if not for being out with friends he'd be spending it cozied up with his family. The sweet taste of victory from the QCMC last November, when the 19-year-old maverick had defied all the odds to become the first rookie to win the most prestigious open-wheel competition in the Quebecois Commonwealth, had remained on his mouth, even though its taste was rapidly fading away as the offseason sunk into his mind. Now, with him comfortably back in this windy, inland city of 2.5 million people he called home, it was time for him to think about his next move.

Home had meant everything for Alejandro. This city, laid in the long, endless plains stretched over hundred miles of black soil, was a depressing place, which was only made worse in this time of the year when all he would see and receive were strong blows of wind, endless snow, and frozen, slippery ground with decent patches of worn-down buildings and home. And yet it's where he grew up, in the hotbed of emotions in South Jolbonopolis nonetheless, and where he had managed to develop love for all forms of racing. He knew that he was very lucky on that regard, for his parents, civil servants of modest means, had managed to secure access to carting and rallying - latter under more dubious way because, you know, underage driving - but Alejandro, who also grew up idolising South Jolbonopolis legend Malo 'Bo' Boludio the entire time, had managed to pay it back.

And now that he had come back, everything had changed. Once a relatively unheralded rookie, he had quickly found himself on the receiving end of every fanfare and speculations by media back home, not just here but on other parts of Quebec and Shingoryeo as well, as he would find out in a short timespan upon return that he couldn't make it to all the functions he's invited to. With the spotlight now heading his way, he would have to choose carefully and think about what could be next on a budding career, perhaps past his normal expectations of just getting to the QCMC and winning it.

Yes, past it. Alejandro knew that this was now possible. The Federation Quebecoise de l'Automobile (FQA) was quick to give a rare international approval to Alejandro, with the Executive Board congratulating him on the letter of permission. The level of enthusiasm on the letter, which had oozed straight into the ink, made Alejandro feel much better, especially considering that he, at such young age, would be the first Quebecois racer to represent the Tricolour Taegeuk on the open-wheel race. Of course, this really didn't mean much unless he could secure a seat, which was all but a certainty this early in the offseason, but Alejandro knew he had to give it a try. An opportunity like this would normally come up every six years, and if anything's to be taken from a decade-long gap between the previous season and the upcoming season....

To: All Interested Constructors, WGPC-20
From: Mr. Alejandro Rusegara
Subject: WGPC 20 Opportunities

Dear all,

Good morning. My name is Alejandro M. Rusegara, and I would like to express my interest in competing to earn a driver's seat for the upcoming season of the twentieth World Grand Prix Championship. In my young career with Team Naxos, I have been the Quebecois Commonwealth Champion, a feat best remembered for being the first individual ever to win the title at his rookie season, and before that I have maintained steady, consistent rise to the motorsports world in open wheel and rally racing. I am a driver who believes in the power of faith, vitesse and energy, who knows how to thrive upon the most challenging of circumstances. My greatest assets lie in my mental fortitude, where my ability to come up ahead, even at great risk, and also to rebound after a difficult race, allow me to serve any team in not just short-term, but long-term capacity as well.

Furthermore, I would like to present to you possible sponsorship opportunities that I could bring as the first Quebecois racer of open-wheel racing, and one of only half-dozen privileged to earn the right across all formats. Some of the finest companies in Quebec and Shingoryeo, which include but are not limited to Quebecom, Salamantel and Centennial Bank, have agreed to sponsor me with possible opportunities. In addition, more have promised to support my endeavours, provided I receive a seat, and this alone presents a promising opportunity for those interested.

Many thanks in advance. I hope to hear from you soon. Let's get this rolling.

Warm regards,
Alejandro Manawin Rusegara

Alejandro Rusegara confirms participation in the Colourworks Invitational Trials. He remains open to other opportunities that may emerge as well.

World Cup 81/82/83/84

“How are we gonna handle these test days?” Vic Marzetti, Deputy Team Principal started out the meeting with the first question.
“We've got three commits right now, should we bring them all in simultaneously, or stagger them a little bit like when did open trials?” Jill Franklin needed to be able to make arrangements to get the drivers from the airport to the factory and back again.

One of advantages of the new factory was the ability to have more expensive toys to play with, including the team's first racing simulator. A consortium of three universities (Osheana A&T, Baker Park A&M and Ezra Technical & Technology University) had worked on the project that gave OCR a chance to compete on an equal footing in their first season.

While the PRL03-1 car was going to be an original design for WGPC, it was based on the PRL02-3 chassis that SOC had used at the end of WGP2; Ed O'Malley was testing new design elements in the windtunnel using the old car adapted with revised components. The 03 spec needed to go through crash testing, so the issue was going to come down to 'what cars should we run them in and where?'.

“Meet & greet and tour, then onto the sim for 45 mins or so, then seat/pedal checks, in staggered order. If we work it right, we can get a quick lunch in, then run outside for 45 mins each? Maybe an hour if we don't have to do too much switching over in between.” Mike Lambert calmly laid out the schedule that was very much like the previous search for drivers in WGP2.

Making the arrangements for lodging and transportation was left to the multi-talented Helena Kaczakzy, one of the most popular employees at OCR among her colleagues; she had probably been one of the best liked people up and down the pitlane in WGP2, one of the best front facing ambassadors of the 'Brand' that could be hoped for. The indispensable 'Hella' had kept watch over and provided support above and beyond the call to both Sakiteno Kuyara and Batu Tüvshinbayar, earning each driver's undying love & friendship.

She knew Aaron Deering and Jamie Gifford but didn't have any experience with Anneliese Devereux or Laura Haukanna's reps, so she kept her introductory message straighforward.

Hello,
I'm Helena Kaczakzy from Orange Cow Racing and I'll be coordinating your travel, hotel and transportation needs. A few quick introductory items:
The test and meetings before & after will take place at the OCRC, our new team headquarters. It is advisable to book flights in and out of the Commonwealth through the closest airport to us, Osheana International Field in Oceana. It is the second busiest airport in Baker Park, and serves dozens of carriers from across the multiverse.
Directly driving from OIF to our facility is approximately a 75 minute trip depending on the traffic, but it is all expressway travel.

Please let me know if you would like overnight accommodation either before, after or both during your visit; if you prefer a top tier hotel, I can arrange for rooms in Oceana itself, or if you would be fine with a clean, comfortable room closer to the facility there are options in Georgetown, approximately 20-25 minutes drive with metro area population of around 185,000.

All vehicles supplied by the team shall be able to accommodate 5-6 persons comfortably.

Please do not hesitate to contact me through this mail account, or by phone at the numbers listed in the header.

Yours,

Helena

Just before she hit send, an IM from Jill Franklin popped onto the screen:

Haukanna is a scratch. No need to send info.

by **Tropicorp** » Wed May 10, 2023 2:35 am

SKIIA VIALIV ✓

@Skiia
Can't wait to hit the test track to prove I'm ready for full time @WGPC action. I think Colourworks are looking for more experience to get the Constructors Title but surely there is a team out there willing to take a chance on a two-time WGP2 Race Winner! I'm ok being a second driver while I learn the ropes.

#WGPC20 :: #SOC :: #PBViska :: #PressleyRacing

Skiia Vialiv Accepts Private Test with Scuderia Orange Cow, Confirms interest in negotiations with PB VIska and Pressley Racing.

Cocoabo #23 Offers Driving Services to Sivaleinen, sends CV to other interested teams

by **Lisander** » Wed May 10, 2023 3:59 am

<< Previously | Next >>

III. Betting safely.

"Bastards! So I was discarded by Bitten Heroes, was I? Am I not eymohshiunal enough?" - Anneliese pronounced the word "emotional" in a tone that was clearly mocking.

She read once more. Fireline + Heroes Eminent Racing team is applying for another season. Not Fireline alone as Eminent as she thought. And she was not recalled. Probably it wasn't her fault. No, better saying, obviously it wasn't her fault. For its first season, Eminent had a very good season, finishing seventh from the absolute zero, ahead of the Carvenlo and Nexus in the table, with three podium finishes and a win by Adriana.

"Okay, no point in crying over the spilt milk." she thought. Her focus was already in finding a new drive, whether it was on Eminent or any other team. She would prefer a move up than down. With Badai Angin off the sport, there were less spots available, so she started checking the teams. From 2nd to 8th in the previous season: TRAE, Preston, Viska, VTGP, Pryfors Bilar, Eminent, and Carvenlo. Return to the purple team wasn't discarded at all, the problem was Bitten Heroes back in the factory. She threw herself on the bed. "No point in crying over the spilt milk", she repeated in her mind like a buddhist mantra.

No way she would simply leave that anyways. It was her most safe bet for a seat. Other than that, would be much harder to get a seat. Even if she had sent private messages to people in other teams, that was a entry door too thin to pass. She picked up the smartphone and sent a message to her best friend in the team, the head of the technical sector of Bitten Heroes and her head engineer for the last season, Carolina Lasseps.

Anneliese
"Hey, Carol. Have you received the new mail from Eminent? It seems like the team will return. Were you aware of that?"
19:07

Carolina
"Yeah, I was, I thought you were too. I'm packing to Neomaris right now, to dispatch equipment."
19:09

Anneliese
"Nay. I thought I'd be on my own this season, I even received termination notice... So, let it stay just between us. Does Darius decided to replace me with another driver?"
19:11

Anneliese
Maybe Lukas Horsch?
19:12

Anneliese
Or Lianna Rasianoara?
19:12

Carolina
"I'm not aware. Darius isn't even handling nothing. They haven't made offseason tests, and the preseason will be quite short this year. Fireline is taking the helm this year. The structure is being moved to Ethane, some personal was dismissed."
19:14

So Eminent were Heroes mostly by name only? Reading that last message, she started to think about the reasons why Bitten Heroes were pulling from the team. It wasn't only because of her. She would as much count one of the casualties. But soon she decided that to think about that was irrelevant. She wouldn't even care. Why should she, when they simply fired her? She didn't want nothing to do with them anymore. She would pay for her seat with all of the money she was getting.

From: Anneliese Devereux (contact@anneliesedevereux.ls)
To: Fireline + Heroes Eminent WGPC Team

Dear friends,

It's been a long winter, but the WGPC is on its way again.

Nevertheless, I hope you're considering myself to fill one of the seats, as it was in the last season. Despite being contacted by Scuderia Orange Cow, I'm still very impressed and so grateful for the awesome work we made together last season. Despite not being a contracted Bitten Heroes driver anymore, I would still be happy to, at least, be taken in consideration for the team. I'm pretty sure I can back my seat even without the backing of the company itself, but even more assured that most of the crew will be very happy to work with me again.

Best Regards,
7. Anneliese Devereux

She cleverly chosen her words, to make the team urge her a seat. In fact, she wasn't lying when said she was contacted by both Orange Cow, but she ommited some crucial details. The team from the Commonwealth had invited only for a test, she didn't had a guaranteed seat. But her pièce de résistance was "I'm pretty sure I can back my seat". That was powerful to the extent of "I don't need the Bitten Heroes team to be a Bitten Heroes driver. If they are pulling back from team management, fuck them, I can pay for my own seat with my sponsors."

Before pressing send, she thought. Could she? She had some reliable sponsors, indirect government support and all that. She had more money to receive. But she was still a little insecure. Then she remembered a certain message, she had received more than a year ago:

"If you ever need some support, just give me a call. I'll be happy to sponsor you."

"Good. This is good. This is my passport to a worry-free WGPC!" - she sent the e-mail and then threw the phone on the bed, celebrating her courage for a second, alone in her room, punching the air. Then everything turned serious again. She picked the phone and dialed.

"Vetinari? Hey, long time no see. Are you still searching for that racing driver to sponsor?"

OOC: I preferably would like her moving up in the table, however, I'm aware that Anneliese isn't the first option in any allowing scenario.
Regarding the recent mention by GPA Pryfors Bilar, which are something like: Player knows, character doesn't), I may confirm Anneliese's interest in negotiations.

by **Atheara** » Wed May 10, 2023 4:43 am

INVITATION AND PLANNING IT OUT

FOR INFORMATION:
- Maximiliano Asphari confirms his participation in the Colourworks Invitational Trials. But he also remains open to other opportunities should he not be successful in the trial.
- Natasha Vollerei remains open for any offer or opportunity available. All she desires is that she earns more experience to improve her racecraft.

"So you're invited for a trial at Tropicorp by three-time constructors' champion team Tropicorp-Colourworks Grand Prix?"

"Pretty m-much, yeah... It c-could be my uhh, big break, ya know."

Natasha Vollerei and Maximiliano Asphari were at the latter's house. Natasha was helping Maximiliano get ready to head towards Tropicorp for the trial, and to also talk about the video series ASON wanted them to be in on. To introduce the world to the Athearan Grid Racing Championship.

"Does your mother understand about all of this?"

"Yes, s-she does. If that's w-what's on your mind a-alone, uhm..."

"You don't look like you're ready, Asphari. They're three time constructor's champions, you need to look as a part of the best if you want to have a chance. Even if you don't get in, it's best you look professional as you attempt to do so. Maybe a document about your records?"

"Hmm, yeah, yeah, I f-forgot about t-that part."

"Alright. I'll make it for you, and one for myself in hopes to try and convince teams to give us a shot."

Asphari nodded as Vollerei decided to boot up his computer, which to be honest he doesn't really mind. He talked with Vollerei more about her and his current situation and this girl was just spewing more questions than answers. No background, little racing experience yet able to match the AGRC.

Who in the world is she?

But when he asked that before arriving to his house, all she answered was, "I am Natasha Vollerei, and that is all there is to it." Either way, he tries to get it off his mind as he continues to pack his bags because in no way this would be a one-way trip then a trip back home. Absolutely not. He wants at the least to grab a chance at exploring more if he fails the trials, perhaps maybe looking around for some tourist spots? He doesn't know much but he can try to do so.

As Natasha hacked on the computer creating a document and email, doing both as a failsafe in case anything happens, Asphari continues to try and talk to her. Perhaps he can learn a bit more about her, and with her knowledge on Atheara's motorsporting history.

"So, Natasha, w-where did you uhm, uh, live for the m-majority of your life?"

"Sisalena."

"I see... W-what got y-you into uhm, racing, if I m-may ask?"

"I don't know. I had a simulator at home that was untouched and one day decided to try it. It was great. So I decided that I will pursue racing as a career. Overall, I am neutral on racing in general. But, there is a pull for me to race, and to continue doing so until I cannot."

Alright, that sounded rather suspicious. Decided to try it out? She's been racing for barely over a year or two and yet she can match the AGRC standard? That was a sign for alert by Maximiliano. This was the "vague" part about Vollerei. You hear her answer and either can't or won't believe it at first, but you know she tells only the truth. The secretive part of her? She doesn't answer questions, sometimes.

"O-okay. Uhm, well, do y-you know who o-originally owned the s-simulator? A parent or, like, of s-sorts?"

"..."

Silence from Natasha.

Asphari sighs. That won't be told for a while it seems, but he kind of... Understands it in a way? The type of silence that was there was one of unwillingness. But he can't read Vollerei's mind, can he? He just continues packing up. After a while, he was done packing and Natasha got up from his computer. It seems she was done with the documents and whatnot as she handed him a file, containing a few papers and photos inside.

"Just in case."

"Thanks, uhm, Vollerei."

"Don't mention it. Another question, how will we do the video project proposed by ASON?"

Maximiliano thought about it. Yeah, they are likely going to be separated for quite a while, but ASON wants the project to continue as the WGPC progresses. It took a while for him to come up with a proper answer, but it was one that Natasha agreed on. Something that Maximiliano kind of didn't expect.

"W-we could, maybe, like, uhhh... Do a l-live call and r-record or or something, as we, uhm, d-do the videos and stuff... Maybe w-with green screens and w-whatnot?"

"Alright, that will be fine by me."

"Good. I've g-got my, uh, stuff p-packed. I should g-get going."

"Right. Come on, I'll drive you to the airport."

TO: All Interested Constructors, WGPC 20
FROM: Maximiliano Asphari & Natasha Vollerei
SIBJECT: WGPC Opportunities

Written by Vollerei, on the behalf of myself and Asphari,

Greetings. As you may know, my name is Natasha Vollerei. I would like to state my interest in competing for a potential driver's seat for the upcoming World Grand Prix Championship season that is soon to dawn upon us. As based on already known information, I barely had a junior career as I have only raced in three races for Artecha Racing Power in the Halozia Junior Formula Championship. However, I do wish to emplore you on more details. My simulation runs, along with the three races I have participated in showed that I have the capability to compete against the upper half of the Athearan Grid Racing Championship, which has a rich history and is dependant on driver capability when it comes to the success of the drivers themselves and the teams they drive for. Not only that, I am driver who has the desire to prove their worth, as many still look down upon my capabilities as a driver. I also am rather young, and I have a lot of room to grow into.

As for my fellow countryman in Maximiliano Asphari, he is older and has 8 years more in terms of experience. His nineteen podiums and one win with Azura Excellor are well known, along with a rather aggressive temper on the track. But he too is a driver who has the drive to win. Video clips can be found of him pointing out his and his teams mistakes which has costed them possible extra points in previous seasons of the AGRC. This anger from racing is directed at improving oneself, which is a factor you may want to consider as he is only 26. But alas, he also would like to enjoy the non-requirement of points expected from him. He will bring you results as long as you do not mount too much pressure on him. This may seem like a liability, but this is actually developed from the nature of the AGRC. Not just that, but you can guarantee he will do his best to bring out everything the car can give out, as told by his record of finishing every race in the points in every race he participated in despite being in one of the worse teams on the grid along with teammates changing every season.

We are two drivers of reliability and good technique. However, Asphari is definitely the more aggressive driver while I am more balanced. There's also the potential viewership and support from Athearans. We are known to be a nationalist nation that supports one another, teams and individuals honing their craft abroad included. Athearan support for one team can increase as we love seeing our own countrymen perform. Even if we end up leaving, there's a likely chance that a good portion of the newfound supporters from having an Athearan on your team staying in your fanbase to continue supporting you. But alas, this is only our view of reasoning. There is no pressure given to you to accept us or not to. We know you have other targets as well, along with different priorities. I am only giving reasons on to why to consider us.

Thank you in advance for reading and listening to our reasoning. Asphari and I hope to hear your responses soon, whether we are accepted or not. We hope to impress.

P.S. The reason I am writing on behalf of Asphari as well is because he cannot write in such formal matter.

Bright and hopeful regards,
Natasha Vollerei, on her and Maximiliano Asphari's behalf.

OOC: I was actually on planning to write this sort of thing. But I definitely got inspired a bit from Queb's RP.

works? · by **Abanhfleft** » Wed May 10, 2023 7:25 am

The Vilitan Grand Prix
WGPC Season 19
Two years ago

“Totoo ba ito, Papa?”

“Siyempre totoo ito! Bakit naman hindi? Ito ang regalo ko sa iyo para sa iyong birthday. Hindi ba sinabi mo na sa akin na gusto mong mag-karting?”

“Alam ko po yun, Pa, pero di ko alam na ngayon pala natin gagawin ito!”

~~~~~

“Papa! Pasok ako! Tinanggap nila ako! Pasok na ako sa UrGa Driver Academy!”

“Sinasabi ko na sa iyo, William! Hindi ka nila basta na lang ipag-walang bahala ng ganun-ganon lang! Hindi ka nila pwedeng balewalain ngayong naipakita mo na kung gaano ka talaga kabilis!”

~~~~~

“There are no championship points on offer for this race, but you just have the feeling that that doesn;t matter at all to the young man in front of everyone. For much of this season, they’ve been telling everyone else to get good. Now it’s their turn to get good! William Archer takes the checkered flag at the Raichovsky Circuit and wins his first ever WGPC-sanctioned event!”

“Come on, man! I wanna hear you say it! Say it!”

“You are P1, William! P1! You are the winner of the Twicetagrian Grand Prix!”

“YEAH!!! Whoo! Woohoo! Oh my god! I can’t believe it! This is unbelievable! Incredible! Hoo! Oh my god, I can’t believe this actually happened!”

“First win in WGPC, man! That Mid-Season Impromptu Bash of yours really must have done wonders for you, man.”

“Oh, man! I never thought I was ever going to win a race soon, especially not this season! Especially after all that’s happened. Man, it’s a real shame that there’s no points for this win though.”

“Never mind that now, William. A win is still a win, right?”

“Oh, yeah, man. GG, boys. Get good!”

~~~~~

“Alam mo, simula ng pinapunta ni Lewis si Stevenson sa mga karera, parang pakiramdam ko ay kinalimutan na ako ng buong team. Alam ko naman na kababayan nila si Rudy kaya gusto nila siyang tulungan na bumalik dun sa Rudy Edwards na muntik ng mag-kampeon last year. Simula ng magpakita si Drake sa Team Blue HQ, parang napapabayaan na ako ng crew ko. May mga pagkakataon pa rin naman na mas mabilis ako kay Rudy, pero pakiramdam ko talaga na ang tanging focus lang ng team ay si Rudy. Mali ba akong maghinala na sinasabotahe nila ako? O ako lang iyon?”

“Ang masasabi ko lang sa’yo ay, may patunay ka ba? May patunay ka ba na sinasabotahe ka ng Preston para maging mas mabilis sa’yo si Rudy? May patunay ka ba na tinutulungan ni Drake Stevenson si Rudy at si Rudy lamang na gumaling sa pagda-drive? O pakiramdam mo lang ba ang lahat ng ito?”

“Putsa naman, pare. Akala ko ba ang magkaibigan nagtutulungan? Bakit para yatang kinakampihan mo pa sila kaysa sa akin? Bakit parang gusto mong i-doubt ko ang sarili ko?”

“Hindi iyan ang gusto kong iparating sa iyo, pare. Ang sinasabi ko lang naman ay huwag kang basta-bastang magbibintang ng wala kang ebidensya. Isipin mo, out of the blue, bigla mo na lang aakusahan ang team mo na hindi ka nila tinutulungan. Ano ngayon? Kung wala kang ebidensya, baka magkatotoo rin yung mga binibintang mo sa kanila. Alam mo yun? Bakit pa nila tutulungan ang isang driver na wala palang tiwala sa kanila?”

“Pero naiintindihan mo naman ang pinanggagalingan ko, di ba, Donny? Naiintindihan mo ang gusto kong sabihin?”

“Siyempre naman, William. Pero sana naiintindihan mo rin ang sinasabi ko. Mag-iingat ka sa mga sinasabi mo at sa kung kanino mo ito sinasabi. Hindi mo alam kung sino ang nakikinig na hindi dapat makarinig nito.”

~~~~~

“Hindi ko rin alam kung anong magagawa ko kapag namatay ka, Papa. Nawala ko na nga ang aking totoong mama. Paano pa kaya kapag nawala ka rin?”

“Pero nandito pa rin naman ako, di ba? Huwag mong alalahanin ang tatay mo, William. Yakang-yaka ko na ang sarili ko.”

“Seryoso ako, Pa! Kung namatay ka, hindi ko alam kung kaya ko pang ipagpatuloy ang pangangarera!”

"Sinabi ng huwag ka ngang mag-alala para sakin! Matanda na ako. Kaya ko na ang sarili ko. Pero William, alam mo, habang tulog ako at wala akong malay, nakausap ko ang mama mo. Ang totoo mong ina, si Jessica. Nakausap ko siya, at sinabi ko sa kanya ang tungkol sa iyo. Kung gaano ka na kagaling sa pangagarera."

"Buti ka pa. Dinalaw ka ni Mama Jessica habang tulog ka. Paano naman ako?"

"Huwag ka namang mag-selos sa nanay mo. Sigurado ako, darating din ang araw na mapapanaginipan mo rin siya. Anak ka niya, William. Hindi ka niya matitiis.”

“Sana nga po, Pa. Matanong ko lang po, Papa. Tinanong mo ba si Mama tungkol sa kinabukasan ko? Tinanong mo ba siya kung magiging kampeon ako?”

“Napag-usapan nga namin iyon. Tinanong ko siya. Alam mo kung ano ang sinagot niya sa’kin?”

“Ano po?”

“Ngumiti lang siya at sinabi niya na baka mag-iba ang mangyayari kapag sinabi niya sa akin o sa’yo ang hinaharap. Pero huwag ka sanang mawalan ng loob dahil dito. Sabi nga di ba, ang lahat ng magagandang bagay ay pinaghihirapan. Baka gusto lang ng mama mo na paghirapan at pagsikapan mo ang pagiging kampeon. Ano naman ang saya kapag alam mong mananalo ka rin naman, di ba?”

All these thoughts and more were running through William Archer’s mind even as he drove his Preston PGP-02 across the finish line of the Vilitan Mountain Challenge Course to win the Vilitan Grand Prix. Motorsports could be such a strange thing sometimes. William felt like he was hailing a taxi in Effelenendro rush hour traffic after the pair of victories he had gotten to close off the season: he spent all of this season working very hard to finally win his first WGPC race, and in the last two races, he had won both grands prix. Just like waiting for one to two hours for a taxi to come only for two to suddenly appear at the same time just when all hope seemed lost.

William was the winner of the Vilitan Grand Prix, but most of the attention was directed at iBen Toralmintii as his championship was confirmed when he crossed the line in 8th place. The two other championship protagonists, Rusty Ibuna and Dom Falepeau, did the best that they could to spoil the party for the Tropicorp Racing Ælund driver, but in the end their best just wasn't good enough. Most of the attention went to iBen, but some of the cameras were pointed at William and Preston Autos as well. Both William and Preston had been going through their respective struggles throughout the season, and William had also suffered a blow in his personal life with the news of his father Guillermo Archer collapsing at the end of the NSSCRA race in Filindostan. William had said that he would dedicate this win to his father if he got it, and now here he was.

"Second race win in a row, William!" his engineer said. "What a way to close out the season. Especially after everything that's happened."

"I know, man," William replied. "So who won the championship?"

"Toralmintii has won the championship, William."

"Well, good for him. He deserves it. Especially after how he lost it last season," William muttered.

"It's now the second time that an Archer has won at Vilitan Mountain, William. Is there anything you would like to say?" his engineer asked.

"Yeah, like Hap City, the Archers now own Vilitan Mountain," William said. "But seriously now. Papa, alam kong nanonood ka ngayon, kaya sasabihin ko na ito ngayon. Para sa'yo ang panalong ito." (Dad, I know you're watching right now, so I'm going to say this right now. This win is for you.)

William didn't celebrate this win as wildly as he did the one in Hapilopper City. He didn't hop around the paddock high-fiving everyone that he could see this time. Instead, he simply got out of his car and knelt down beside it. Whether he was overwhelmed by emotion at that moment or simply saying a prayer, he never said. All everyone saw was the moment that William knelt down beside his car. William went out and stood on the podium alongside Kinu Luminna and R.L. Cruisin. He was drenched in champagne by the two, and he drenched them back. And then, to William's surprise, he was also drenched in champagne at his garage by none other than the team principal himself, Marty Lewis.

To say that William was surprised that Lewis of all people would come out to his garage and join in the celebrations was an understatement. All season long, William had been under the impression that it was his Hapiloppian teammate Rudy Edwards who was the favored driver by this team. Why else would Marty Lewis ask for help from none other than Drake Stevenson in sorting out Edwards when the latter was struggling throughout the season? William never felt like he got any help from the team when he was struggling this season. It was this sort of "favoritism" that had triggered a crisis of faith with William during the second half of the season, and it was in those moments that first the doubter and then the supporter popped up in his life and began messing with his head. William had never really given any thought about his WGPC career beyond Preston Autos before this point, but during the second half of the season, when it really looked like Preston were going all in on Rudy and leaving William in the dust, it was all he could think about. He had his own dreams and aspirations of becoming the drivers' champion one day, and William didn't feel like he was getting that kind of support from Preston all season long. So it was very much to his own surprise that William found out that he was actually the driver whom Preston would pay top dollar to hang on to.

Once again, it was an understatement to say that William was surprised when he saw that article from Doug Goodman. He never expected he would be the driver that Preston actually wanted to keep. He was nothing but the son of a loudmouthed stock car driver who liked to let his mouth run away from him. He was only the guy who saved the team and eventually gave them a shot at putting a Hapiloppian driver in the conversation for the drivers' championship. But now, apparently, he was the driver most in demand on this current grid. Preston were willing to pay anything to keep him in the team, and there were now rumors circulating that other teams were interested in him as well.

And then there was the thing with Rudy as well. Far from being the golden boy of Preston Autos as far as William was concerned, Rudy was apparently actually fighting some battles of his own. Apparently, Rudy thought that he was not good enough to compete in the top tier of open-wheel motorsports and felt that he was always one mistake away from being given the boot by Preston. It was in stark contrast to William, who was beginning to think that he was now getting too good for Preston. And as for the times that Drake Stevenson was trying to help Rudy get out of his funk? It turned out that there were times that Rudy was actually refusing Stevenson's help, to the point that Stevenson had finally had enough and decided to stop helping Rudy altogether. And now William felt bad that he had thought ill of Rudy before, of all the people.

It was this particular piece of news that was weighing on William’s mind as he joined his father Guillermo out of the hospital after he had been discharged from his earlier collapse in Filindostan. “Something on your mind, William?” Gil asked as the two of them got into the SUV being driven by Gil’s wife and William’s stepmother Brigitte.

“It’s just something that I saw on the news,” William replied. “You know, Dad, all season I’ve been thinking that Preston have been doing everything they can to push Rudy Edwards as their contender for the drivers’ championship, but now all I see in the news is how Preston are determined to do everything they can to retain me. I mean, they’re even willing to pay top dollar just so I’ll stick with them for next season, and now I don’t know what to do.”

“I’ll tell you what you managed to do, William,” Gil Archer said to his son as William helped him get into the minivan from his wheelchair. “You did what every single racer out there wants to become: an indispensable asset to your team. You’re now the driver that everyone wants on their team. And if the rumors about Kaylan and Ælund wanting to poach you from Preston are true, that Hap team isn’t the only one interested in having you drive for them come next season."

"What? Kaylan and Ælund want me too? No way," William shook his head. "Kaylan aren't going to let go of either Pressley or Melani, not at this stage of the game. They may not have done as good this season compared to last, but both Ted and the Wrench are from their WGP2 team. If Kaylan drops either one of them for a driver outside of their program, what do you think that's gonna look like to their other juniors? And as for Ælund, I'm not really sure if they're the kind of team that I would want to go to after Preston."

"And that's the neat part about all this," Gil said. "You don't have to go to Ælund or Kaylan or wherever if you don't want to. You are now in control of your future in this sport. Do you know how many drivers in this sport would actually kill just to be in your position? I'm not talking about just grand prix drivers like you and your friend Donny. I'm also talking about stock car drivers, rally racers, the whole shebang. It's not everyday that a driver gets to command the kinds of fees that the Haps are talking about with regards to you, especially here in Abanhfleft. Much as I hate to say it, Abanhfleft is still a poor country, at least as far as motorsports is concerned. That means team budgets are tighter than a virgin's you-know-what. The teams are the ones that get to dictate how much money the drivers get, and oftentimes that's not a lot. But now you've got Preston willing to throw that much moolah at you. You are now in the driver's seat for these negotiations. You can take these teams wherever you want to go, and they’ll go there just because your signature is that valuable to them. You can squeeze them for every smacar they've got!”

“I still remember that time when you were scrambling to find a seat in WGP2 back in the day,” Gil continued, “and in the end you had to settle for that Bitten Heroes thing, right? Yeah, it was perhaps the worst team you’ve ever driven for in your whole career, but at least you were still on the grid, and you still managed to make a name for yourself despite everything going against you back then. Heck, didn’t you even win a race then too? It might have even been the last race of the season as well. Anyway, the point I was trying to make is that you’ve proven yourself to be perhaps the hottest young commodity on the grid in the past few seasons. First, you got a race win in WGP2 despite your own struggles to get into a team at the start of the season, and then in your first season in WGPC itself, just as it was looking like you and Preston were going to be a massive flop, you won those two mid-season races and showed literally everybody, even the head honchos over in Preston who were thinking about pulling the plug on the entire operation, that this car of theirs was actually a race-winning car. And now you’ve actually done it. You’ve won two races for the team. They literally cannot ask for anything more than that. And that’s why Preston wants you, and why other teams like Kaylan and Ælund want you too. You’re a race winner! And you’re also a team saver! Any team would kill to have your signature right now! And you know what that means? Choices, William, choices.”

“Before you were scrambling to find even just one team to take you on,” Gil went on. “Now you’ve got teams fighting over your signature. However, the thing about having choices is that it can also be overwhelming on its own. Do you want to stick with the team that trusted you to finally get the results that you and they wanted, or do you want to go to another team and give yourself a new challenge and maybe even a new environment that will actually support your title challenge? It’s up to you, William. You’re old enough now to make your own decision. I’m not going to convince you to go to one team or another. Like I said before, it’s your choice. It’s your career. It’s up to you to take the next step with whichever team you feel is best suited to actually helping you get there.”

William Archer thought long and hard about it, and he thought that he had made his choice a few months after the end of Season 19. However, due to circumstances outside of his control, Season 20 of the WGPC did not get started until almost two years after the last Vilitan Grand Prix. During that time, William never really changed his mind as to the decision that he had made many months before, and once the new WGPC season was finally underway once again, his decision was finally set in stone: William Archer was coming back to Preston Autos for a third season. However, simply re-signing with Preston wasn’t enough. If William was going to come back to the Hapiloppian outfit and fight for a championship there, then he was going to ask them for guarantees. Not promises, but guarantees. Guarantees that they would actually back him for his title challenge with all their might. William didn’t really know if Preston was actually to do that, but it never hurt to ask, right?

by **Valentine Z** » Wed May 10, 2023 8:37 am

Part 1 – To 1e+500 km and beyond.

1st Cpt. Angela Stella Trista Josephine Natalie Rv. E. Tps. “The Eternal Explorer” Bethany Alyssa Valeska Payton. Mikayla Gosling Josie Rowan Serenity Chelsea Lynette Hannah Tan Fang Ling was greeted by delight of it all when she checked her email at that one particular afternoon. From her estimate, it was not even one day yet, and DING went her message box. The message was from one Dr. William Emerson, who introduces himself as Team Manager of Cygnus. For her, it seems like Fate has looked up brightly to her, with not only the opportunity, but in many more aspects. First and foremost, she appreciated and was grateful with the fact that the good Dr. mentioned about her FTL experience in the Valentian Space Program, one that used a combination of tachyons that are generated on-demand in Valentine Z, as well as the space-warping abilities. So he read up more on her, and she got a genuine joy from it. Secondly, it was the simple offer that touched her. Typically, for someone of her experience that has not even went for a single WGPC and instead has only one WGP2 season under her belt, the fact that she was able to be skipped through the trial runs and given the seat right away. She thought to herself on if she will be able to live up to the expectations. "That's for another time, for now…" she trailed off, typing the email message in reply to good folks at Cygnus University. "Greetings Dr. William Emerson, I would like to thank you so much for the offer. On top of that, I would like to also take this opportunity to thank you not just for the offer, but also for looking at my CV, and showing interest in the non-motorsports aspects of my career. Without delay and hesitation, I would like to confirm and accept your offer into your team. Best Regards, Angela Stella Tan Fang Ling." Her future begins today.

by **Mertagne** » Wed May 10, 2023 9:48 am

Bryce Yannec accepts the offer from Pressley Racing Engineering.
Sivaleinen shows interest in the following drivers:

Kingston Walcott
Aaron Deering
Cocoabo #23
Ji So-Yeong
Ricardo "Richie" Schmidt
Lillý Náttmörðsdóttir

and invites each of them to a test day. Other interested parties in the test day are welcome to request an invite.

Sivaleinen LCR Origas Racing Team Headquarters
Acerglade, Plitterland, Mertagne

“So, if we take a look at this sixteen point talent matrix, we can evaluate on the fly who our ‘best fit’ drivers would be, based on historic performance. I had to digitise some of these data from archive footage, but the results should speak for themselves.”

A sleek slide deck was being sifted through in the boardroom of the Sivaleinen Complex.

Vitaliy Aaltonen was among the series of faces staring at the deck intently. His head of recruitment was sitting to his side, and the data analyst that had prepared the deck was sweating up at the front. The drawn in silver blinds cast a noir-filter over the entire room, and if a single person was allowed to smoke in the building, you could have squinted and imagined a woman entering the office that needed help with her husband’s murder.

“And, based on the data, what are our best options?”

“Erm, well that depends on how we want the drivers to approach the car. We’ve done well to focus on the front wing and try some new developments in the underfloor this season, so hopefully that will help us achieve the required downforce to be competitive in the corners, even if we may be less than competitive in the drag department.” The more technically minded drivers are likely to suit a car such as this, but getting a driver that is a bit more aggressive in their cornering might allow us to even out the possible time loss we’ll see due to potentially being a bit slower on the straights.”

“So, assuming we want a driver that plays to the car’s strengths, who is looking like a good fit for us?” asked Aaltonen.

“Well, Cocoabo #23 from CEEP is by now a veteran of the sport, who has seen a variety of high place finishes and appears to outdrive the car they’re placed in often. They’ve registered their interest in driving for the team.” the data analyst marched the slide deck onwards. “Furthermore, we’ve identified that Aaron Deering could potentially be a good fit for the car. They’re a more balanced choice, and have shown promise in WGP2 with a third place finish last season. His ties to the oil and gas industry would also likely play well with our commercial partners. Speaking of commercial partners -” another *click* from the slide deck “- Kingston Walcott has come highly recommended. Twenty-three years old, son of fashion magnate Sidney Walcott -”

“Fashion magnate?” interrupted Viltaliy. “We already have one of those in this business. Do we need another?”

The data analyst bristled a little before responding. “It’s good optics for the business side of things, Ms. Sivaleinen requested that we ensure that some of the data points included ‘marketability’ and ‘networking potential’, and both Deering and Walcott scored highly on those, while maintaining solid statistics on their driving skill…”

“Are we running a racing team or a catwalk here? It’s bad enough she’s trying to force Yannec down my throat. Will the drivers have to get out of the car during a pitstop and change their racing suits? Is that good for ‘marketability’?”

“Mr. Aaltonen, I…” gibbered the data analyst, seemingly frozen in place.

“Look. We’ll run a testing day. Get all the drivers we can in, rig them up in the sim for a bit, filter out some of the chaff, get the wheat in the car and see how they do with it. We’ll develop from there and try and get a good deal on some top talent.” Viltaliy looked towards his head of recruitment with a flat mouth and a furrowed brow.

“Very well. Let’s get out of this stuffy room before I fall asleep.”

The data analyst clicked through the remaining slide deck with gusto, as the faces of Ji So-Yeong, Ricardo Schmidt, and Lillý Náttmörðsdóttir flashed up in quick succession.

Dannin

The 5th floor office in Dannin’s ‘Brewer’s’ district looked like a greenhouse, from what Bryce could tell. A wrought iron structure with several panes of glass embedded in arched clunkily over his head, and the expansive space on this floor was partitioned off into several sections. After navigating through the first one, which appeared to be some sort of waiting room, here he stood in the second - a large office space with talent agent Cleo Knight’s imposing mahogany desk at the end. For all the light the glass let in, the place seemed dark and brooding, likely due to its furniture choices.

“Thanks for coming in again, Bryce. Can you believe this is where I’m working out of now? Much better than dodgy lean-to at that airfield. I suppose when you’re the agent of an international sporting superstar, these things just come with the job. I’ve booked lunch at The Tumbran* in an hour, which gives me just enough time to brief you in person regarding the events of the last few days. It’s moving quite fast regarding your possible entry into the WGPC.” said Cleo, scribbling away in a silver planner with a sticky note that read “Yannec, B.”

“Fire away. Thanks for getting my name out there, I’m glad to have not been forgotten. Interesting to see the latest news from Sivaleinen - have we heard from them about an offer outside of the usual sponsorship obligations?” asked Bryce.

“No. You’ve been doing a splendid job on the testing circuit for them in this offseason, but contract negotiations have been a bit of a sticking point. They don’t want to pay much for you - in their eyes, they’ve been paying for you already in their support.” said Cleo.

“Interesting. But they do want me?” replied Bryce.

Cleo made a scale tipping motion with her hand. “Sort of. You’ve made the shortlist with several other drivers who are vying for a seat. There’s a test day. You’re familiar with the car so you should perform well. But, there’s an alternate route that I really want you to consider for me.”

“What is it?” Bryce asked.

“I received word from Stephen Cheung yesterday, and Pressley Racing Engineering are interested in offering you their second seat. They felt that you had potential beyond your WGP2 result, and would be willing to work with you.”

“Pressley Racing Engineering? The Tumbran outfit?”

Cleo raised her eyebrows. “The very same. Also a team that was expecting to compete in WGP2 before pivoting to a more open field in WGPC, just like Sivaleinen. However, they’re a bit more developed on the engineering side, and aren’t just a fashion house trying to generate a bit of extra cash. Seems like they’re more involved in the sport, if that makes sense to you.” She handed Bryce a folder containing a variety of promotional material. “There are pros and cons of each choice, however.”

“Lay it on me, I hire you to tell me what you think, Cleo.” laughed Yannec.

Cleo laughed. “Your contract as a brand ambassador for Sivaleinen is, to my credit, quite ironclad in your favour. You will remain an ambassador even if you sign for another team. However, the team is certain to be engaging in higher profile marketing to coincide with the introduction of their team to the WGPC grid, and if you’re not driving for them, you’ll likely be sidelined in favour of whoever they get to represent them. Less money from them that way if you go to Pressley, but also less dependence. Sticking with Sivaleinen also keeps your good relationship with Annikki, and it’s also likely they’ll listen to your input on the development of the car. Pressley want you as a number two driver to support their new Tumbran talent, Sophie McCreary. She’s apparently the hot shit in the team now that Pressley had a falling out with his son. I know you’re not looking for a WGPC Driver’s Championship this season, but if you were to go with Pressley, it’s all but guaranteed you won’t be getting it.”

Bryce looked at Cleo with a thoughtful look on his face.

“I also did some market research. Sivaleinen have poached staff aggressively, but the chemistry seems like it’s all over the place. Rumour has it some tensions are brewing between what Sivaleinen wants as a business, and what the team wants as a racing unit. Pressley’s not necessarily in it for the money - they want to win. So, from a career standpoint, you have more to gain in the more stable Pressley unit than in the slightly more dramatic Sivaleinen line-up. A season in Pressley could bring with it a lot of experience, which could carry you to a drive in a more experienced team such as Preston Autos, Carvenlo, or Kaylan. Sivaleinen would treat you well, but you’d have to drive the pants off of the car to really get noticed outside of the sphere. They’ve paved your way into this sport, and a drive with them looks a bit like a ‘Daddy’s Cash’ situation. If you can prove your talent, however, it’ll be an easier path to the top because they’ll make you look good if you are good.”

“You’ve really thought about this, haven’t you?” smiled Bryce.

“Your talent bought me this office, Bryce. You look good in a car and you look good in a suit. A winning combination. It’s my job to think about this.” smirked Cleo.

“So in summary, it’s a choice between playing second-fiddle for a season and learning as much as I can about the WGPO, or being overdoted on by a team that only wants me there to make a quick ducat?” said Bryce.

“Yes. I’ll let you think about it over lunch. I hope they've got the salmon on the specials today, I could eat one of those with my bare hands like a bear right now...”

YANNEC SNUBS SPONSOR WITH SHOCK SIGNING TO PRESSLEY
Mertagnian WGPC driver cites ‘proving himself’ as main reason for signing

The Tumbran is a restaurant in Dannin’s ‘Brewer’s’ Quarter that is extremely popular with celebrities. It’s almost impossible to get a table there unless you’re in the know. Furthermore, the location contains a very exclusive club in its upper levels that is so secret, the entrance is concealed within a false jewellery shop.

by **Hapilopper** » Wed May 10, 2023 1:13 pm

PRESTON PAYS ARCHER
By Sandy Peters, the Hapiloppian Television Network

HAPILOPPER CITY – Preston Autos has announced that it has signed William Archer to a contract extension for this World Grand Prix Championship.

Archer, a native of Abanhfleft, will reportedly receive a massive bump in salary with the contract extension as part of his extension, according to sources, and as part of the extension, Archer will return to Preston Autos for the third consecutive season.

“We are delighted to announce that Mr. Archer will stay with us this season,” said Marty Lewis, team principal of Preston Autos Grand Prix Racing. “We are very fortunate to have had Mr. Archer as a member of Preston Grand Prix since its inception. Without him, it’s hard to say where we would be now – as an organization and as a race team. We are a race-winning organization because of his presence – in fact, I’ve long said that we are still around as a racing organization because of his presence.”

While Lewis declined to get into specifics, he did confirm that Archer’s retainer for this season is “significantly higher” than it was last year, something corroborated by Preston Autos head Jim Preston.

“Essentially, we feel he is more than worth his weight in gold,” Lewis said. “We feel William Archer can win the World Grand Prix Championship. He almost did last season. He can do it this year and we know he can. I’m not going to tell you what we paid him, but we paid him a lot more than before.”

“I’ll just be straight to the point,” Preston said. “William Archer was in demand from a number of teams. A driver of that caliber is going to be noticed. It was our highest priority to make sure we kept him, because plain and simple, he’s the kind of driver that can win a World Grand Prix Championship.”

Preston said that as part of negotiations, Archer asked for a guarantee that the team would support him in the event of a championship run, something Preston explicitly guaranteed.

“I want to make sure you get this, and I want to make sure you understand every word I say here,” Preston said. “William Archer will have the guaranteed support of not just this race team, but of our entire company. We are committed to backing him every step of the way. He wasn’t just our first choice for that seat, he was our only choice. And this company is going to throw its weight and support behind this team. Behind William, behind Rudy.”

Lewis expanded on that point, stating that Preston Autos will have no set number one or number two driver.

“We’re not going to play favorites,” Lewis said. “We’ve got two top-caliber drivers, and to tell one to play second to the other would be unfair. Whoever goes for the championship, whoever goes for race wins, we’ve got them every step of the way. I hope it’s both, we’ll support them equally. But William has the assurance that we will be there for him. Whatever he wants, he’s got it.”

PRESTON AUTOS GRAND PRIX RACING ✓

@PrestonGP
When you got William Archer, you got the best! And we got William Archer!

#WGPC

by **Former Citizens of the Nimbus System** » Wed May 10, 2023 4:48 pm

Crossbay Circuit, Nimbus Bay, the Nexus Wardship of Former Citizens of the Nimbus System
31st of October

“YES! HAHAHAHA!”

Olivia Stone, driver for Viska Racing since her entry into WGP2 those formative two seasons ago, grinned with delight as she wandered back to the Viska Racing motorhome. Her body buzzed with energy; it felt in some moments as if she had absorbed the thrumming of her combustion-engined powered car beneath her as it crossed the line. In a time past, she might have cared about that.

Not today.

I’VE DONE IT! I’ve done it, I’ve done it, I’ve done it… The rhythmic pulsing of the party music that had echoed through Viska’s garage seemed to sound around her once again and, unashamed and unabated, she began to sway to it, her arms pumping from side to side.

Finally, she reached the door, swung it open, and, as a last flourish on the concluding beat, pulled herself through and used the momentum to shut it behind her. To her imagined audience, she took a bow.

Then she collapsed on her front, laughing riotously. The laughter continued as she rolled onto her back, eyes shut against the bright light of the ceiling.

She was euphoria itself. For in that moment she had crossed the line on the race’s last lap, unlike the two times before when she had done so at her native Crossbay Circuit, she had been first. The memories of coming so, so close twice before, once such a source of heartache, had been rewritten in an instant. For all that Olivia had failed before, she was now victorious.

She was also exhausted. Even now, she felt the energy of the joy and the triumph and the subsequent celebration slipping away from her, giving way to a deep, deep weariness. Sleep called to her.

That was okay. Because, as Olivia Stone slipped towards darkness and for the first time reflected properly on the victory, she realised that this could be a stepping stone. With Baxen still alongside her and now this book of disasters in her home country brought to a glorious epilogue, two of her greatest demons were conquered. And, as she had screamed within her head in those divine minutes leading up to the podium, now the world might see her for who she was, rather than merely the shape of her body, as she had been confronted with in her first season. Perhaps she might even challenge for the Drivers’ Championship – certainly, the team had the car for it this season…

None of those thoughts mattered now. The warm embrace of nothingness called to her. It was made yet more seductive by her sheer contentment and so much somethingness in the hours before. She could plan in the morning.

???
???

Olivia’s eyes open to a ceiling that oughtn’t be familiar.

She blinks. White, unpatterned plaster. Only Nimban houses look like this, never homes. Any place with a self-respecting occupant would have left any number of personal touches – those that pass from hand to hand a few times typically become riots of colour, ideas building upon one another. She would never live in a place like this.

So why is my mind telling me that I do?

Olivia Stone sits bolt upright, pushing aside a purple cover to set her feet on the floor. The room – her room – is furnished after a fashion, if a fashion that’s the favourite of an entity with nothing even approaching comprehension of aesthetics. Cabinets and chests sit at angles, floating away from the wall; half-unpacked boxes rest on top of them, filled with a handful of books, framed photos covered in protective wrapping, mementos of all kinds… This isn’t a liveable situation, of course, that’s clear – but then it obviously is, since she’s been living there. And doesn’t she know the routes to get whatever it is she needs in all of this. Anything she needs is in reach. That’s fine. Right?

Olivia trembles. “Baxen?” Nothing. “BAXEN!”

The door slams against a bizarre arrangement of shelves. Through strides an uncharacteristically yet clearly frazzled Baxen Aurora, his eyes wide. “I trust you’re experiencing roughly what I am.”

“You too.” Olivia sucks in a breath, then releases it. “I’d ask if you know where we are, but –”

“We know.” Baxen nods slowly. “A ways across from the Baker Lodgings.”

“We wanted to move away from there. Why haven’t we?” She shakes her head. “More importantly – why don’t I remember any of this? I… I was just…”

Olivia stills. Her head turns to an essentially blank calendar dangling from a wardrobe door post. Following her gaze, Baxen starts, before launching himself backwards with a pulse of Imagination and rushing to his own room. When he returns, carrying his own, slightly more annotated copy, he is shaking.

She stares at it.

The Second City, the Nexus Wardship of Former Citizens of the Nimbus System
22nd of April
Two years later

by **United Adaikes** » Wed May 10, 2023 5:46 pm

Aaron Deering saw Jamie Giffard going out of his closet room, bringing with her his clothes, and going back to where she was, in his bedroom.

Aaron went into his closet room and took some of his underwear.

"I know where you put them, Aaron," Jamie said when she saw Aaron what he was putting in his luggage, smiling, "it's as if I don't see them once in a while."

Aaron scoffed but continued what he was doing.

Jamie threw Aaron's socks at him, "You can still put this in."

They both heard notification pings from their phones.

"I guess we're going to Mertagne and Tropicorp," Jamie started, "they are inviting you to their tests, er, trials."

"Tests, trials, whatever they call it, we're going to them," Aaron replied, "while we wait for Viska's decision."

"You received the invitations?" Jamie asked.

"Nope."

Aaron was looking at what his mother had sent him. A tabloid magazine published an article speculating about Aaron and Jamie's relationship and paparazzi photos of Aaron and Jamie on their late-night dates in multiple locations in the United Adaikes, despite them wearing black jackets, hats, sunglasses, and masks whenever they are in public.

In summary:
Aaron Deering is going to the tests/trials of Colourworks and Sivaleinen.

World Cup 81/82/83/84

Jordan Crowe showed up at the OCR Center about 9:30 am, knowing that he'd probably need a bit of extra time just to catch up with folks he ran across on his first trip to the HQ since way back at Christmas time; he was also tasked with delivering some wedding gift thank yous which Steph had made him sit down with her and get written (once a week over the past couple of months she'd gotten him to do batches of 10-20, and they were in the home stretch of acknowledging everyone who sent something).

Jane Normandy was at her station inside the main front doors, the first to greet him as was her role; she was the receptionist, the person who welcomed everyone who visited the team just as she'd done at PRL, coming over from "across the road" where she'd been one of Mike Lambert's indispensable employees nearly from the start. "Hello Jordan, look at you...married life suits you!" Crowe was more tanned than he had been and was a bit filled out at the moment (about 5-7 pounds above where he wanted to be for the season).
A few other embraces and greetings with folks he came across in the hallways and as he dropped off the envelopes he'd brought.

He just about had enough time to make his way up to Lambert's office, where the PA Lindsay waved him straight through while she was on a call.
After the men had gotten the preliminary hellos out of the way, they sat down for the first part of the talk.
"We're bringing in three outside drivers for a test day next week. That's partly one reason why Sammi is here to run some laps, so we can get data. Now hear me out first before you start getting alarmed. I got way too far ahead of myself while we were pulling together the schedule for how we are going to approach the season. I completely forgot what we--what I stand for--with this organization. I started seeing results and progress if we brought someone experienced in to run one of the cars."

Crowe was having a huge parade of emotions going through him as his boss was relating this story. He'd never taken his place in the team for granted although he'd been told through the two seasons in WGP2 that he was an important asset.
"And then the wakeup call came. I was wrong to think we could cut corners, jump the line by undermining our strength--the people we have. You have every right to be angry. Be angry at me, be upset with me. Don't be upset with the team. I've made a commitment to this test--stupidly--but I think reflects poorly on us if we back out. One last thing, and then you can have your say. I'm ready to make this right, contractually, personally, organizationally. I won't blame you at all if you decide to choose to decline a contract negotiation. This whole thing has been about greed, but then I realized nothing I've done to this point in my life ever has been about being selfish."

Jordan listened intently, paying particular attention to Lambert's demeanor and body language--he'd done some reading about interpersonal communications, to learn to be a better partner to his wife--and could see the sincerity that this well-educated, wealthy & successful businessman who had never put his ego above the team was conveying.

"This is quite a bit to deal with all at one shot, Mike." He half chuckled while deciding what emotion he wanted deal with.
"You've been so generous to me from the very start, provided things out of generosity that I would never have thought to ask for. Remembering all that, it stings in a terrible way to hear that you are just a component in a machine. I love this team, the people who work with me. I love the fact that I'm a driver for team that represents my country. This is a business, a professional organization. And the fact that you took it upon yourself to explain your thinking--you don't owe me that as someone who's an employee--says something to me. I don't know why we can't continue to do business together, and of course I will always be grateful for the confidence in me that you expressed in the past."

"Do you want to go down to the shop and see where we're at on the car? I want to have another conversation about where we stand technically this afternoon."

Scuderia Orange Cow will be using the Tropicorp Engineering powerplant for this season.

by **Aboveland** » Thu May 11, 2023 11:36 am

Kaksi Koiraa Kafe
Iskajarvi, Aboveland

^{Æ-NOPEA NEWSREEL___________________________________________________________________________________________________________}
Pekkanen: "Any Team Worth Their Money Would Choose Tropicorp"
Amid an intense, high-energy preparation period for the landmark 20th season of the World Grand Prix Championship, Tropicorp-Colourworks team principal Edvin Pekkanen congratulated Cygnus and Scuderia Orange Cow on selecting partnerships with Tropicorp, declaring the firm's engines and tyres to be "the undisputed top choice" for the championship's customer teams. "You go back three seasons and it's always Tropicorp at the top," Pekkanen sustained. "Our engines won all three of the last drivers' championships; our tyres all the constructors' titles — even Preston couldn't find it in them to forgo our tyres!" As part of the conference, the team principal also confirmed Skiia Vialiv as the tenth entrant for the Colourworks trials, and extended invitations to Julita Lérida and WSRC winner Dario Nülkeschlager. "We want to give promising drivers a chance at proving their worth, not only for us but for rival teams as well," he said. Diarcesian Sara Luna, second driver for Tropicorp Racing Ælund in season 19, was not invited to the test, suggesting that the 40-year-old will be out of a drive at the Abovian outfit.

Janne moaned softly, indulging in the creaminess of the delicate, airy foam caressing his top lip. Ahh. Flat white. Perfectly nutty, hints of caramel, oh Jesus Christ.

The mid-May, late evening sun beamed behind an impenetrable curtain of thickening black clouds; maybe a coffee past eight wasn't such a great idea today, unless the lower rays were to slice under the overcast later into the night. The wind was seeming to pick up outside, too, and from the view of the corner box overlooking Iskajärvi lake, he could see the increasing intensity of the waves lapping onto the coast, and the violence with which the gusts of wind shook the still twiggy sprigs of birch lining the boardwalk. He cupped his small bowl of coffee and brought it back up to his chapped lips, licking them first to avoid the crunchy sensation of dried skin on ceramic. Mmm, fuck! It's so good.

For the first time since WGP2 season 3, the pre-season butterflies hadn't migrated into his guts. Jean Mercer-Daly's retirement call had come, and it was all but confirmed that he'd fill the second seat at Nexus Racing. All Janne had to do was put pen to paper when the offer came through.Still, despite the lack of pensiveness his seat assurance offered, it had become almost a routine to him to stop by the corner box in Kaksi Koiraa every time a new WGPC season was on the horizon; it made him feel like he was on the intro to a TV series, or in a pilot episode for a show that never came to an end but was always rebooted. The corner box, in particular — the other box tables lining the window weren't as special — had become something of a symbol: the only comforting, reassuring constant in his long string of WGPO seasons and misadventures within. It was where he'd — oh God, so much had happened at the Kaksi Koiraa corner box.

The corner box: host venue of his first date, with that indignant, barely passable classmate who'd ghosted him for months out of the blue — he'd slipped and fallen on his bike on his way to the café all for an emotionally unavailable dimwit. It was also the site of many a meeting with Terho and Edvin, from when they'd confirmed their mentoring scheme which ultimately failed to come to fruition, to the time they'd asked him about his thoughts on a Twicetagrian fuckboy with seemingly little critical thinking behind the set-up of the meeting, or how the rest of the encounter would go about after asking their initial, intrusive, and borderline offensive question. The corner box was also his favorite place to take anyone for coffee, until he decided to bring Antti along for a mid-season debrief meeting, and the elder folkrace mechanic turned race engineer could not wrap his head around the fancy coffee names on the QR menu.

Oh, Antti Harjanne. A tear wells up in his eyes, which he collects in his cup as he brings it to his mouth again. More constant than the corner box table at Kaksi Koiraa was certainly him: he who'd brought him up from nothing on the ice tracks of Kylmajärvi, racing his two-stroke beater on the frozen rural lakes of western Aboveland; he who'd taken up the challenge of fitting the headphones and sitting on the tiny pit-wall stools to lead him into the WGPC; he who barely understood how to send and e-mail, but braved the otherworldly, extra-multiversal wisdom and technology of the Nimbans out of love and commitment to himself; Antti had been there through it all — but little did he know the Vilitan Grand Prix would be their final race together. A few months later, his health began deteriorating, and though he was placed on medication to quench the risk of anything worse happening to him, the doctors' diagnosis had been clear: Antti needed to slow down and rest, and that meant being away from the paddock and Janne's receptive, eager ears. So much time had passed since the diagnosis that the younger had learned to assimilate the reality, but it had certainly been a heavy blow to his heart.

Blows to the heart and coffee shop dates. Hmm. Perhaps christening the corner box at Kaksi Koiraa as his constant in life wasn’t the wisest of ideas. They were the same suede-lined seats he’d frequent with his… his ex. No, not Anders, the fuckshit. Sami Katjamäki.

Sami Katjamäki, Olympic champion — blonde, taller, hooded and ocean-eyed, fair-skinned, and the love of his damn life, supposedly.

Never in a million years did he imagine they would have a falling out, no less as acrimonious and nuclear as it had all been. It was a fleeting, fugacious, theatrically fantastical period of feral, unimaginable love and unhealthy, addictive obsession — yet he needn’t ask why it had all gone wrong. He could chalk it up to their age, their time apart, their personal incompatibilities, their emotional imbalances, but none of it was any excuse, neither for him nor for himself. The aftermath of the break-up, not as mutual as they both liked to outwardly declare and interiorly pretend, had certainly fallen in Janne’s favor. Sami had been left devastated, even despite his own infidelity — maybe a case could be had for the Pysyvarantän that he really, truly, had made an honest, youthful mistake.

For Janne, it helped to soften the blow of their ultimate decision — and to leech guilt out of himself. In reality, the one who’d fucked up the most had been himself — was it a product of his indulgent personality, or was he really just an evil, heartless person? No, surely not — even in spite of the fact that, every time he came across him, he’d had just kissed his boyfriend goodbye; even though the words he’d pronounced in the sauna, in a blinding surge of misjudgement, had been the same that Sami had said to him; even though he tried, and never succeeded (much the opposite), to put distance between himself and the stupid shy, irresistible Tumbran…

Maybe it was best if he didn’t dwell on it while the guilt was still catching up — but why wasn’t he immediately, profoundly guilty? Why did he… sort of… accept it? No! It’s wrong. It’s oh-so-wrong. He couldn’t let himself slip again.

Perhaps, or hopefully, the coming season would feel a bit different. He’d moved out of his lakeside loft apartment to a different one closer to the massif opposite Lintulahti, still centric but in a lovely, green-filled complex with criss-crossing bridges connecting sections of the park in which the buildings were built. The move had helped to stop his accidental run-ins with Sami in central Iskajärvi — in which their earlier, nervously avoidant reactions had slowly become melancholic and fractionally lingering — and better yet, he was likely on his way out to Malminovski or Tyynikivi in the face of the Abovian Olympic Committee’s winter sports training programs. It had also been beneficial to his mental health, present and future, that Ted had not signed with Tropicorp-Colourworks for the season: imagine if he had to run into his ex and his fling!

Perhaps, this latest pilot episode heralded the arrival of something good. The pressure of proving himself had begun to wane: he’d had a bad season, but statistically, WGPC20 was supposed to be a good one, with his good-bad-good-bad cycle due for another banger. His unavoidable change of race engineer was unfortunate, but it didn’t mean Antti wouldn’t be there to support him as much as he humanly could. His tumultuous relationship had come to a calamitous end, but so far, he felt it could very well have been for the better.

And his… thing with Ted Pressley? Hm. That would be a hard one.

At least they didn’t have to share a city, or a flat, or a team.

World Grand Prix Championship 20 [RP/Results Thread]

WGPC pt 1 - Drivers & Sponsors

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