WGP2 :: World Grand Prix 2 Season 5

[United Adaikes]

Days after accepting VSK-Maarukana’s offer

Aaron got out of his suite room, met Jamie in the corridor, and headed towards the elevator. This hotel has been his home whenever he returns to Sterlennau. In the elevator, Jamie called Ignacio that they were already heading towards the basement car park. Ignacio Chavez is the personal driver of Jamie and the security detail hired by Aaron’s father for Aaron’s public events. When the elevator doors opened, a black Cadillac XTS Limousine was already outside the exit passageway of the basement car park.

“Logan?” Aaron heard Jamie from the car when he was about to get in.

“Why are you surprised?” asked Logan, raising his head when Aaron got in the car and shook his hand, “Aaron, how are you?”

“Fantastic, Logan,” Aaron replied, “I get to become an official race driver for international open-wheel racing!”

“And I do not want to miss the chance to see you sign on the dotted lines of your first international professional contract.” Aaron beamed upon hearing that. He thought more of Logan as the fatherly figure than his biological father, which he rarely sees, even back in his childhood and adolescence years. “Well, being a test driver for Viska’s WGPC team is one thing, but having an official seat for a team competing in WGP2? Still feels surreal, Logan,” Aaron said.

Logan then introduced the person beside him. “Jamie, Aaron, this is Osbourne Danniell, one of our best legal representatives at the company.” Osbourne shook Jamie’s and Aaron’s hands. “He’ll check the contents of the contract - but it’s just for formality’s sake,” Logan interjected when Aaron raised an eyebrow. “After you sign your contract, he’ll continue to talk with their legal team. So, we proceed to another room where we’ll get to talk about you driving for the joint team of Viska and White Unicorns.”

Logan and Jamie talked for a long time during the travel to Viska’s WGP2 headquarters. Aaron only asked Logan about his family members in the United Adaikes but was silent for the whole duration of the trip. They did not even realize they had already arrived.

“So you must be Tomaš Nakkoinna,” Logan said, reaching out his hand to a man in casual attire with Viska colors when they got out of the car.

“Mr. Gibb,” Tomaš replied, shaking Logan’s hand.

“Eh, call me Logan. This is Osbourne, Jamie, and you know who this is,” with Tomaš shaking their hands.

“Aaron, we’re excited to have you in WGP2.”

“Pleasure’s all mine, Mr. Nakkoinna,” Aaron replied.

“Please, just Tomaš,” Tomaš said, ushering them inside the headquarters.

“Aaron,” Logan starts, “Tomaš will be your race engineer throughout this season. He’ll be the voice that you’ll hear in your head when you get to drive.”

“Looking forward to it,” Aaron smiled.

Aaron and Jamie know the way to some offices and places in the headquarters, but they didn’t know where the WGP2 section was. So, the route they took going to the WGP2 section was entirely new to them. However, Aaron and Jamie always get that hospitality when they arrive at the headquarters is still there. Everyone they met, they were greeted. They stopped outside a translucent glass-walled conference room. “First stop,” Tomaš said.

Aaron saw three other people wearing the same attire Tomaš was wearing and two others in business attire when they entered. Osbourne then proceeded to walk towards the ones in business attire, shaking their hands, introducing himself, and whispering with them. One of those wearing the Viska casuals stood up and extended his hand to Aaron.

“Aaron, I’m Raiko Meirokana, Team Principal of Viska Maarukana. Finally, we have met!” Aaron shook his hand. “Mr. Gibb, Ms. Giffard,” Raiko also shook their hands.

“As the head of this project, I’m pleased to introduce you to other key members of the team. This is Martjen Kronin, Head of Driver Development and Scouting. And Orel Narinko, the Technical Director. And they are members of the legal team of Viska,” pointing to those in business attire.

Right after Raiko introduced them to the Adaikesians, Osbourne stood up, bringing a copy of the contract, and went to Logan and spoke softly, “I find no legal infirmity in the provisions of the contract, Sir, Aaron can sign it.”

“Aaron,” Logan called, holding out a fountain pen. Aaron grabbed the pen and signed to all lines in the document Osbourne points to be signed.

After signing them, Osbourne and the members of Viska’s legal team stayed in the conference room. As to what they might talk about, Aaron doesn’t care. He’s an official international open-wheel racer now. He needs to get focused on getting points for the Viska-White Unicorns team in WGP2 and think of nothing else.

Raiko ushered them to another door. When they got inside, the Adaikesians did not realize the enormity of the room. But what shocked them was the round of applause that met them when they entered. Around 30-40 people are already in there. Some are wearing the same attire Raiko and Tomaš were wearing; some are in coveralls, while others are in semi-formal attires.

Raiko ushered the visitors to sit down in the unoccupied chairs. Raiko started, “I won’t introduce them to you today, Aaron,” opening his left hand, panning them to where the others are. “You’ll get to meet them slowly but surely.”

“We also have representatives from the White Unicorns team,” Raiko continued, pointing to those in white polo shirts, “though I still need to talk to them about the division of management. But the reason we’re here right now is that we want to ask something from you, Aaron. Where do you plan to bring this team this season?”

Race day
Practice stage

Tomaš already has his headphones worn, walking Aaron to the car. “Three hours are enough. Feel the track, the car, everything. You got this, Aaron.”

After driving for ten laps, Aaron got his fastest time in practice, clocking at 00:01:38.599. Though, Tomaš did not care where they were on the leaderboard. This is Aaron’s first official practice session as a WGP2 driver. He just wanted Aaron to feel what needs to be felt on the track, and most importantly, while they can still do it, have fun. The practice session ended with Aaron at 11th place. Not bad, Tomaš thought.

Qualifying stage
1st qualifying round

“Can I start late?” Aaron asked. What do you plan on doing, Tomaš wanted to ask. “I’ll let the other 22 cars start first, then I’ll get out,” Aaron continued. “If that’s what you wish,” Tomaš replied.

After just one lap, Aaron got the fastest time in the first qualifying round. “You’re the fastest this round, Aaron. Well done,” Tomaš said over the radio.

2nd qualifying round

“Can I start late for this round, too?” Aaron asked upon returning to the pit. “No problem, Aaron,” Tomaš replied.

“Slightly slower than the first, but still the fastest in this round, Aaron. Keep it up!” Tomaš now knows Aaron knows what he’s doing. A little guidance is all that is needed for Aaron to get those points.

3rd qualifying round

“Can I start early for this one?”

“Go ahead,” Tomaš replied.

Passing turn 14, Aaron was blinded by something. Was that light? If that was just him, or the sunlight, or something else, he’s not quite sure. He indeed slowed down at that part but continued, nonetheless. Tomaš also thought it was strange for Aaron to decelerate at that point. “Er, Tomaš, I, er, was blinded by something. Did anyone see it in-camera? Was it just me?” “I’ll let someone check on it,” Tomas replied, “but do you want to get in here first or get another lap?”

“I’ll go for one more, see if I’ll get to experience again what happened back there,” Aaron responded.

“No problem, Aaron.”

Just before passing turn 13, Aaron heard Tomaš over the radio. “We can’t see anything strange in the recording, Aaron. However, we will be monitoring closely. Do tell us if you experience it again.” But there was no blinding light when he passed turn 14 again. “Hm, odd,” Aaron said over the radio.

He clocked faster than his time in the 1st qualifying round for that round, finishing at 1:31.514. However, that resulted in being 7th at the 3rd qualifying round. That means he’ll start at the 4th row of the grid for the race.

Race
Lap 26

“Aaron, heads up, Kyidawa’s behind you now,” Aaron heard Tomaš over the radio. “Wow, from 17? Very nice!” Aaron replied. “Nice indeed,” Tomaš answered back.

“But I can’t find them Nexus guys. I don’t want to risk driving aggressively to catch up with them, but then lose this lead if it goes bad,” Aaron shared.

“No worries, Aaron,” Tomaš replied, “it’s still the first race, but we’re liking it now that you’re currently both 3rd and 4th.”

Lap 37

“Er, Tomaš, I’m feeling something funny coming from the right part of the front wing,” Aaron said over the radio.

“Okay, Aaron, box as soon as you can,” Aaron hears Tomaš from the radio.

“But I think I can still push it for a few more laps,” Aaron contended.

“No, Aaron, box,” Tomaš was resolute.

“But-” Aaron tried to reason out.

“Box, Aaron,” Aaron heard both Tomaš and Jamie’s voice over the radio. Tomaš gave Jamie a death stare, though he’s still grateful that Jamie had the same idea that Aaron needs to get to the pit immediately.

However, with the seconds lost in the pit stop, Aaron dropped to 9th when he returned to the track. He did not recover any places until the end of the race.

[Aji No Moto]

Crossbay Circuit
During the race

Kousuke Kasai was sitting in the one of the race engineers' boxes during the race at Crossbay. It is painful to see from the Ajian fans' perspective that the team is running off the pace in its first official race in the WGP2. It is even more painful to see the communication gap between Alvis Kalvin Lacsamana, one of the installed drivers to the team by a partnership forged by Badai Angin Drivers' Academy, and one of the Ajian race engineers. "Say it again!" was the most common phrase Kasai has heard from Yugo Kumasaka, the Filindo driver's race engineer. Lacsamana's heavy Filis accent would be hardly understood by Kumasaka, causing Lacsamana to miss a pit stop box cue that would cost him more time and would cause him to lose a lap very quickly to the leaders.

Kasai was also thinking, "Did we made an incorrect decision by not offering Rousseau a driver's contract for the team?" Rousseau had been outdriving the Equipo Telebuenas-Badai Angin chassis last season, putting in a race victory in one of the WGP2's sprint races last season, but that was the only flashes of brilliance the Ethanian driver had, as he would wound up even behind Rod Gozum in the other ETBA car in the drivers' standings despite not putting any race wins. It was not an easy decision not offering the contract to him as initially expected. But having impressed by Licentian hotshot Daniel Rae, plus the sponsors he was able to pitch in to alleviate any potential financial impact ANMARA may encounter was too good for Kasai to pass up on. On the other hand, the Licentian was ahead of the Filindo driver in the timesheets, keeping himself within the lead lap, but well off the point scoring positions.

He started to talk to one of his trusted engineers, and asked, "Toshi, Do you think our car is shit this season?" Toshikatsu Ogata, one of the senior engineers in the team, who has an open mind and would say whatever he wants, said, "Yeah, we cannot deny that. We just bought the assets of that Filindo entry at the tail end of last season. Did we think we'd spend a season trying to create a B-spec of the chassis improve the aeros of the car in time for the start of next season with Badai Angin's insistence they will not supply the engines for this season? All they did is shove their drivers into our team and basically strip our team the freedom to choose the driver of our own liking."

"I recall that, I was able to do a bargain on that by telling them that they require our endorsement for the second seat." Kousuke continued to listen to Toshi as the engineer kept ranting, "It was tough nights at the facility, trying to fit in the WGP spec engine from Preston. The Hapiloppian rep tried his best to provide us technical assistance but the Ajian counterparts were struggling to understand how the components of the hand-me-over chassis fitted in a Badai Angin engine. We had three chassis destroyed at the back during dyno runs, and we had to reconstitute the back end of that chassis just for the Preston engine to fit. No time left for the aerodynamic improvements. It's probably a mess of a car the two are driving right now."

Kousuke interrupted Toshi and asked him a question. "If you are in my position, would you blame the drivers for the performance they are showing right now, or blame the car?" "Well, Kasai-san, given we're aware of the state of the car, I'd rather encourage them now, this is starting to be a lost season already for this team, and I'd be Sugiyama-san is aware of it as well."

"I'd do the same, I think. Would you do the same thing I did not offering Rousseau the second seat at ANMARA?"

Before Toshi could answer the second question, Ajian media came into the facets of the pit garage of the ANMARA team once the checkered flag and went straight into Kasai. "What do you think of the drivers' performance at the track", was the very first question they threw to the ANMARA team principal.

"I'd rather not comment on this." He only answered one question as he hastily walked at the back of the garage to avoid further questioning from the Ajian media.

[Valentine Z]

The Valentians - Chapter 6 - A Brave Frontier.

Angela was on time to catch a photo opportunity with Adriana and Annelise. Perhaps it's a bit of a coincidence that as of now, the drivers in Emnient, and in Fireline, have names that all start with A. Maybe it might mean something down the line, like placing top in the races just like the alphabets. For that moment, however, with the suit and her own casual outfit tailored for her, Angela quickly got into the changing room and get dressed up for size measurements and fitting, along with the aforementioned photo opportunity. "Heyyyy, Angela!" Adriana chimed in with her smile, already wearing the Emnient sweater together with Annelise, "I'm so happy you are here with us on Fireline. Well, technically Emnient for me and Anne here, but still." And with that set, along with the reference materials and a few other stuff that were given to Angela for her time with the team, they went about their separate ways - Angela back to her ship, and Adriana back to hers. The two were more or less going through the same road course for the next session - Yakumicha Circuit, Hodori. The only difference was that Angela (and by extension, WGP2), was going for it a day earlier, and it was part of the non-points test, to help ease her onto the car a little better. This race would mark the second practice run for her, with the first being Circuit Volpara.

"Don't be too nervous," a few of the staff and the crew would tell her, "This season and WGP2 is a little bit more relaxed than the Championship, and it's great for starters. You will get the hang of it!" The words definitely helped, and for a while, Angela was more than fine with the fact that she got into the middle once again. It would seem that Adriana got the same thing when she talked to her, but they would rather take the middle than bottoming out. On top of that, non-scoring race, so there is nothing to lose as long as she did not total the car that belongs to Fireline. Miraculously, she didn't. Angela might have a bit of trouble controlling the car, but coming from the line of work that is astronomy, she knows all about not taking unnecessary risks and doing what she does best. She placed in the middle, perhaps maybe a few placements short of getting points if it was an actual race.

Then came the real deal - the very first race at Crossbay Circuit, Nimbus Bay. The first race with points and stakes involved. It was time for Angela to start training as hard as she could, on top of that one phone call that she got from Adriana. "Angela, I have to tell you something," she started off the call, the voice cheerful as ever, albeit a little cautious and serious, "Try your best but be very careful for the race in Crossbay Circuit. It's not exactly that bad, I don't want to intimidate and discourage you, but well, I have had a bit of mixed history with it. You will want to be careful of the first few turns of the course. The rest should be more or less fine."

Angela nodded, fully acknowledging the gravity of the situation, and what Adriana have been saying to her. It is not that often that she would get something this serious from Adriana. On top of that, Adriana raced in this track before, so she might as well listen to her.

The qualification was okay - 8th. Then the race came in, and it was a disappointing 12th. It was not that bad compared to the rest of the crowd, since Angela placed in the middle. It was more of the fact that she was 2 positions away from getting a single point. Still, there has to be a hope spot, Angela thought. After all, Adriana also told her that she too has not been getting a single point as far as she was concerned. The two friends ended up talking on the instant messenger for a few minutes after the race, to which then Angela wished Adriana the best of luck as she would be the one going for the race very soon. Angela, on the other hand, had to go to the next destination for the race, earlier the better. After all, not only she wanted to practice earlier and have a bit of a discussion here and there with the team.

"Figured I could go for a bit of window shopping. No, it's not just a women's thing. Valentians love to shop a lot, hehe," Angela remarked to the Fireline team, reassuring them that she definitely will try her best amidst all of the R&R that she is doing now and then.

[WGP2]

Hessington Island Grand Prix Course, Buckhaven, The Licentian Isles

Grand Prix 2 of the Licentian Isles
Grand Prix 2 van de Licentische Eilanden

Hessington is known in the Isles as the home of Licentian racing. This course, near the town of Buckhaven in the south, was built for open-wheel single seater racing on the bones of the old rally course once it was replaced. You can see the influence of the history of rally in the Isles on this course. It is built into the hills, with a number of elevation changes and rally-style bends throughout the lap. The course begins to climb fairly quickly after the start line, with the first four turns taking the form of a complex series of hairpins that continue to climb onto the hillside. The section from Turn 5 to Turn 7 forms the first section of sweeping ’esse’s leading into the chicane formed by Turn 8 and 9, forcing drivers to quickly slow. This has been the site of a number of overzealous drivers hitting the wall after misjudging the braking zone. After that comes the iconic long sweeping bend of Turn 10, where drivers can really build up some speed before the course starts to climb again at Turn 11, with another set of ‘esse’s following as the course reaches its apex. At Turn 15, the course begins to descend on its way to the back straight, presenting another unique challenge as drivers must negotiate a number of tight corners and the downhill camber. After Turn 22, the track flattens out as drivers meet the back straight, with the pit entry coming on that straight before the final curve leading into the start/finish straight. Hessington is part of St Bart’s Parish, which is made up of the outer islands of the Licentian Isles. It is one of the islands where both English and Dutch are commonly spoken. It is a rather hilly island, though Buckhaven is known for a number of beaches and tourist sites, and will be the site of most festivities surrounding the grand prix.

Week 2: Practice

Conditions:      	Dry
Session Length:	180 minutes
Nation:         	TLI
Circuit:        	Hessington Island Grand Prix Course

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

POS # ▍DRIVER                                	FASTEST LAP	GAP TO LEADER
 1 53 ▍Shalmaneser Kalhu                     	00:01:32.924	00:00:00.000
 2 19 ▍Daniel Rae                            	00:01:32.984	00:00:00.061
 3 74 ▍Adonis Fitzpatrick                    	00:01:33.010	00:00:00.087
 4 18 ▍Haru Jukkenna                         	00:01:33.087	00:00:00.164
 5 27 ▍Jordan Crowe                          	00:01:33.103	00:00:00.180
 6 84 ▍Angela Stella Tan Fang Ling           	00:01:33.135	00:00:00.212
 7 21 ▍Chiruno Hakusoe                       	00:01:33.194	00:00:00.270
 8 88 ▍Ilya Tsunopin                         	00:01:33.195	00:00:00.271
 9 47 ▍Alvis Kalvin Lacsamana                	00:01:33.215	00:00:00.291
10 25 ▍Pande Putu Raka Ganesha               	00:01:33.257	00:00:00.334
11  4 ▍Athan Lille                           	00:01:33.327	00:00:00.403
12 13 ▍David Findlay                         	00:01:33.366	00:00:00.443
13 31 ▍Sullivan Joyner                       	00:01:33.409	00:00:00.486
14 28 ▍Aaron Deering                         	00:01:33.410	00:00:00.486
15 45 ▍Parveen Kulkarni                      	00:01:33.436	00:00:00.513
16 12 ▍Darian Vilau                          	00:01:33.590	00:00:00.667
17 13 ▍Sam Blaatschapen                      	00:01:33.691	00:00:00.768
18  9 ▍Batu Tüvshinbayar                     	00:01:33.708	00:00:00.784
19 14 ▍Skiia Vialiv                          	00:01:33.913	00:00:00.990
20 87 ▍Bryce Yannec                          	00:01:33.933	00:00:01.009
21 37 ▍Nikhil Pillai                         	00:01:34.094	00:00:01.170
22 41 ▍Edward Rousseau                       	00:01:34.255	00:00:01.332
23 69 ▍Ryden Solow                           	00:01:34.303	00:00:01.379
24 39 ▍Ahmad Syaqirin Rahman                 	00:01:34.578	00:00:01.655
25 30 ▍Kyidawa Sherpa                        	00:01:35.055	00:00:02.132
26  0 ▍Vaccinia Poxvirus                     	00:01:37.580	00:00:04.656

Week 2: Qualifying

Conditions:      	Torrential Rain
Qualifying Type:	Elimination
Nation:         	TLI
Circuit:        	Hessington Island Grand Prix Course

POS # ▍DRIVER                                	FASTEST Q1	GAP TO LEADER	FASTEST Q2	GAP TO LEADER	FASTEST Q3	GAP TO LEADER	FASTEST Q4	GAP TO LEADER	
 1  9 ▍Batu Tüvshinbayar                     	00:02:03.873	00:00:00.393	00:02:03.803	00:00:00.001	00:02:03.568	FASTEST : Q3	00:02:03.373	FASTEST : Q4	
 2 69 ▍Ryden Solow                           	00:02:03.538	00:00:00.059	00:02:03.857	00:00:00.055	00:02:03.625	00:00:00.058	00:02:03.387	00:00:00.014	
 3 14 ▍Skiia Vialiv                          	00:02:03.480	FASTEST : Q1	00:02:03.802	FASTEST : Q2	00:02:03.581	00:00:00.014	00:02:03.393	00:00:00.020	
 4  4 ▍Athan Lille                           	00:02:03.782	00:00:00.302	00:02:03.975	00:00:00.173	00:02:03.613	00:00:00.045	00:02:03.394	00:00:00.021	
 5 13 ▍Sam Blaatschapen                      	00:02:03.612	00:00:00.132	00:02:03.865	00:00:00.063	00:02:03.638	00:00:00.071	00:02:03.433	00:00:00.060	
 6 28 ▍Aaron Deering                         	00:02:03.634	00:00:00.154	00:02:03.897	00:00:00.095	00:02:03.684	00:00:00.117	00:02:03.484	00:00:00.111	
 7 88 ▍Ilya Tsunopin                         	00:02:04.141	00:00:00.661	00:02:04.056	00:00:00.254	00:02:03.705	00:00:00.138			
 8 19 ▍Daniel Rae                            	00:02:03.808	00:00:00.328	00:02:04.020	00:00:00.218	00:02:03.754	00:00:00.186			
 9 47 ▍Alvis Kalvin Lacsamana                	00:02:03.681	00:00:00.201	00:02:04.025	00:00:00.223	00:02:03.784	00:00:00.217			
10 25 ▍Pande Putu Raka Ganesha               	00:02:04.030	00:00:00.551	00:02:04.178	00:00:00.376	00:02:03.872	00:00:00.305			
11 27 ▍Jordan Crowe                          	00:02:03.905	00:00:00.425	00:02:04.165	00:00:00.363	00:02:03.874	00:00:00.306			
12 18 ▍Haru Jukkenna                         	00:02:03.818	00:00:00.338	00:02:04.133	00:00:00.331	00:02:03.905	00:00:00.337			
13 21 ▍Chiruno Hakusoe                       	00:02:03.934	00:00:00.454	00:02:04.211	00:00:00.409	00:02:03.919	00:00:00.351			
14 41 ▍Edward Rousseau                       	00:02:04.160	00:00:00.681	00:02:04.230	00:00:00.428					
15 74 ▍Adonis Fitzpatrick                    	00:02:04.208	00:00:00.728	00:02:04.332	00:00:00.530					
16 37 ▍Nikhil Pillai                         	00:02:04.107	00:00:00.627	00:02:04.408	00:00:00.606					
17 53 ▍Shalmaneser Kalhu                     	00:02:04.317	00:00:00.838	00:02:04.426	00:00:00.624					
18 31 ▍Sullivan Joyner                       	00:02:04.194	00:00:00.714	00:02:04.497	00:00:00.695					
19 87 ▍Bryce Yannec                          	00:02:04.421	00:00:00.942	00:02:04.713	00:00:00.911					
20 12 ▍Darian Vilau                          	00:02:04.429	00:00:00.949							
21  0 ▍Vaccinia Poxvirus                     	00:02:04.464	00:00:00.984							
22 30 ▍Kyidawa Sherpa                        	00:02:04.559	00:00:01.079							
23 13 ▍David Findlay                         	00:02:04.592	00:00:01.112							
24 84 ▍Angela Stella Tan Fang Ling           	00:02:04.714	00:00:01.235							
25 39 ▍Ahmad Syaqirin Rahman                 	00:02:04.724	00:00:01.245							
26 45 ▍Parveen Kulkarni                      	00:02:04.792	00:00:01.312

Week 2: Race

Conditions:      	Dry	
Laps:              	50	
Nation:         	TLI
Circuit:        	Hessington Island Grand Prix Course
Event:	Grand Prix 2 van de Licentische Eilanden

POS  # ▍DRV Name                     Team                     	Time      	Pts	Fastest Lap	
  1 69 ▍SLO Ryden Solow                   Tropicorp VilBev GP2          	01:20:17.153	25		
  2  4 ▍LIL Athan Lille                   Bitten Heroes Academy         	00:00:10.922	18		
  3 19 ▍RAE Daniel Rae                    ANMARA                        	00:00:13.091	15		
  4  9 ▍TUV Batu Tüvshinbayar             Scuderia Orange Cow           	00:00:14.858	12		
  5 14 ▍VIA Skiia Vialiv                  Tropicorp VilBev GP2          	00:00:23.151	10		
  6 88 ▍TNP Ilya Tsunopin                 Bitten Heroes Academy         	00:00:27.205	8		
  7 13 ▍BLA Sam Blaatschapen              ENSADRINK TDDP                	00:00:42.062	6		
  8 18 ▍JKN Haru Jukkenna                 Nexus Racing                  	00:00:43.469	4		
  9 47 ▍AKL Alvis Kalvin Lacsamana        ANMARA                        	00:00:56.610	2		
 10 27 ▍CRO Jordan Crowe                  Scuderia Orange Cow           	00:01:02.868	1		
 11 31 ▍JOY Sullivan Joyner               Fireline Academy              	00:01:03.643	 + 1	1:32.265	
 12 12 ▍VIL Darian Vilau                  Kaylan Junior Team            	00:01:03.734			
 13 28 ▍DEE Aaron Deering                 Viska White Unicorns          	00:01:08.383			
 14 84 ▍ANG Angela Stella Tan Fang Ling   Fireline Academy              	00:01:11.683			
 15 30 ▍SHE Kyidawa Sherpa                Viska White Unicorns          	00:01:13.622			
 16 25 ▍RGA Pande Putu Raka Ganesha       Gajamina Racing Team          	00:01:16.750			
 17 37 ▍PIL Nikhil Pillai                 Gajamina Racing Team          	00:01:27.019			
 18 53 ▍KLH Shalmaneser Kalhu             UrGa Motorsports              	00:01:27.794			
 19 45 ▍KUL Parveen Kulkarni              EHF Motospiel                 	Laps Down: 1			
 20 87 ▍YAN Bryce Yannec                  WGP2 Motorworks               	Laps Down: 1			
 21 21 ▍HKS Chiruno Hakusoe               ENSADRINK TDDP                	Laps Down: 1			
 22 74 ▍FIT Adonis Fitzpatrick            UrGa Motorsports              	Laps Down: 1			
 23 13 ▍FIN David Findlay                 Kaylan Junior Team            	Ret. lap 33		
 24 41 ▍ROU Edward Rousseau               Nexus Racing                  	Ret. lap 19		
 25  0 ▍POX Vaccinia Poxvirus             WGP2 Motorworks               	Ret. lap 17
 26 39 ▍SYQ Ahmad Syaqirin Rahman         EHF Motospiel                 	Ret. lap 1

Pos # ▍DRV Name                           Team                          Pts
 1 69 ▍SLO Ryden Solow                    Tropicorp VilBev GP2          37
 2 41 ▍ROU Edward Rousseau                Nexus Racing                  25
 3 18 ▍JKN Haru Jukkenna                  Nexus Racing                  22
 4 14 ▍VIA Skiia Vialiv                   Tropicorp VilBev GP2          19
 5  4 ▍LIL Athan Lille                    Bitten Heroes Academy         18
 6 19 ▍RAE Daniel Rae                     ANMARA                        15
 6 30 ▍SHE Kyidawa Sherpa                 Viska White Unicorns          15
 8  9 ▍TUV Batu Tüvshinbayar              Scuderia Orange Cow           13
 9 74 ▍FIT Adonis Fitzpatrick             UrGa Motorsports              10
10 88 ▍TNP Ilya Tsunopin                  Bitten Heroes Academy         8
11 13 ▍BLA Sam Blaatschapen               ENSADRINK TDDP                6
11 53 ▍KLH Shalmaneser Kalhu              UrGa Motorsports              6
13 12 ▍VIL Darian Vilau                   Kaylan Junior Team            4
14 47 ▍AKL Alvis Kalvin Lacsamana         ANMARA                        2
14 28 ▍DEE Aaron Deering                  Viska White Unicorns          2
16 31 ▍JOY Sullivan Joyner                Fireline Academy              1
16 27 ▍CRO Jordan Crowe                   Scuderia Orange Cow           1

Pos NAT ▍Team                          Pts
  1 V&T ▍Tropicorp VilBev GP2                                  56
  2 NIM ▍Nexus Racing                                          47
  3 LIS ▍Bitten Heroes Academy                                 26
  4 ANM ▍ANMARA                                                17
  5 A+D ▍Viska White Unicorns                                  17
  6 PDN ▍UrGa Motorsports                                      16
  7 CBP ▍Scuderia Orange Cow                                   14
  8 HDR ▍ENSADRINK TDDP                                        6
  9 TGN ▍Kaylan Junior Team                                    4
 10 ETN ▍Fireline Academy                                      1

Next Race [-Time & Date-]. :: Elbej Historic Site, Diarcesia - (Late Evening Friday Nov. 12th into Overnight)

[Diarcesia]

VSK-White Unicorns
Grand Prix 2 van de Licentische Eilanden - Executive Summary
Prepared By: Louis Meissner

Practice
Aaron Deering and Kyidawa Sherpa both struggled to find a configuration that would fit them for the track. However, it proved to be very unwieldy to handle. Need more time and training to get them settled to the car's intricacies. If previous race is an indicator, experience can be a great teacher.

Pain point in the track: Turn 15. It was a rough corner and it took some getting used to in the first half of the practice session. Here, the most opportunities to improve lap time was discovered.

Challenges ahead: Pin down each driver's driving style with finality. The team is still trying to get used to the dynamics between their preferences, the car's capabilities, the requirements in the track, and the weather conditions.

Qualifying
Kyidawa Sherpa's struggles continued. In theory, he knows the ideal approach and braking point for Turn 15, but telemetry showed that his reflexes prevailed. It cost him precious lap time and was eliminated in Q1.

In contrast, we successfully hit the sweet spot in Aaron Deering's car and was able to enter Q4 and start the race at P6.

Spirits were high in the team, Kyidawa included. He had a plan for a recovery drive during the race. Post-qualifying briefing was mostly about the telemetry and identifying what we did right and what we did wrong.

Race
In lap 4, Deering was pushed off the road and spun. No damage, but emerged at P23. With a crowded field, difficulty of reaching P10 is high.

Sherpa noted that the race is strange. Said in radio that overtaking those in front of him is easier than expected. His post-qualifying adjustments are returning dividends. Overall, he is happy and relaxed. Deering is frustrated, feeling that he was robbed of points.

Aside from Deering, the top six of much of the race was relatively stable. Position changes were among themselves. Both VSK-WU drivers' mission was to recover as many positions as possible. Mode push was engaged.

Deering pushed the tire to the limits. He had great pace, but the falloff once the rubber wore out was steep. The winding sections of the track demand a lot from the tires. Once he was dropping positions again, a call to box was made.

Situation at the pits was nominal. Time spent was average and the crew took a risk-averse approach.

Assessment: Total laps left for the race was not enough for either driver to finish P10 or higher. Commendations are due to the effort, despite the team finishing with zero additional championship points.

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

The season to date had been hard on the drivers from an emotional standpoint; Jordan Crowe was frustrated by his most recent performance in the Nimbus Wardship at Crossbay Circuit relative to Batu Tüvshinbayar, who'd gotten P4 on the grid thanks to the confidence he had due to his success there in WGP2 IV.
Meanwhile on the other side of the factory area, both Sammi Carter and Nick Unger were feeling less than confident as they had been unable to translate their good qualifying pace into race results in the first two AOGP races.

Both teams--not necessarily the in-car duos--were heading into their third race weekends with a glimmer of optimism based on circumstances; the junior Cows would be taking on the first oval race of the campaign, with Nick & Sammi having faired well in the AOMC on oval tracks, and the straight line tests at the Peril track in low downforce trim were promising.
As for the Scuderia, their previous visit to The Licentian Isles was the team's greatest weekend, as they conquered the Hessington Island Course, Jordan coming home 7th to compliment Saki Kuyara's (and the team's) maiden victory in the non-championship event. The data based on the setups from last year showed the newer iteration cars would be equally as competitive.

Free practice allowed Crowe to shine, as he posted the fifth fastest time, just a bit under 0.2 sec behind the best mark, while Batu ran the race distance test, finishing well off the pace. The drivers had agreed to alternate between quali and race setup from one week to the next, with both utilizing the info gathered.
The weather threw up a bit of an obstacle, as another monsoon-like storm during elimination qualifying made all of the numbers obsolete, but just as in Hodori both cars looked stable under the conditions, and Batu brought SOC their third Pole, with Jordan just missing out on the top 10.
Race day brought clear skies, and a pair of point scoring finishes, Tüvshinbayar just missing out on a podium and Crowe picking the final point in 10th.

In Vilita, Sammi Carter made it a clean sweep of qualifying wins as she took her first Pole at the Lopinka National Speedway, although Nick Unger finished a disappointing 16th; she converted that into her first ever AOGP win in a down to the wire finish.

Monday morning back at the PRL was filled with much positive energy from the respective mechanic crews as they went about the business of disassembly of the four machines.

[Beepee]

Ryden came around surrounded by his pit crew.  Adam looked a little concerned as he  told everyone to stand back.  It took Ryden a moment to remember where he was and then the giant grin spread once again over his face...

"Fourth!" He said.

...

The WGP2 juggernaut doesn't stay long in one place, and almost as soon as the race had finished the crews began packing their bags and heading on to the next location.  Leaving behind Nimbus Bay, Ryden Solow couldn't help but hope he could return one day to explore the intriguing city, but the juggernaut rolled on.

Onwards to Buckhaven in The Licentian Isles and the Hessington Island Grand Prix. Buckhaven (or in the Beepean vernacular, Buckhind), was a nice little town, famous mostly for the racing circuit nearby. 

Ryden, Adam and the rest of the VilBev Tropicorp GP2 arrived at the circuit.  The shock of the fourth place finish at the Nimban Circuit was still present, but Adam had told Ryden not to dwell on the past rather to keep an eye on the next race and the challenges that lie ahead.  It was sage advice. 

Skiia Vialiv, the Vilitan superstar teammate of Ryden had finished 6th in the last race and also had the fastest lap, and Ryden was stoked to be able call Skiia teammate.  Skiia approached Ryden...

"Feeling better?"

"Yes", Ryden replied sheepishly.

"You gave us all a bit of a fright last week, I wanted to say congratulations fourth is a good result".

"I... I... " Ryden stammered, "uhm, thank you"... he blushed.

"Well, good luck this week", Skiia turned and walked away.

"I think you're GREAT!" yelled Ryden just a little too late and a little too loudly towards Skiia.  Unsure if they heard.   He blushed again.

...

The practice day did not go well for Ryden.  Adam tried his best to tweak the aerodynamics, lowering the downforce to allow Ryden more grip into the technical turns and to allow the car to handle the elevation changes of the demanding course.  But despite his best efforts, Ryden couldn't match the speed of the others.   Towards the end of the session, Adam was frustrated that he couldn't get more form the car, and threw his spanner down in frustration. 

Ryden watched on and instinctually knew that this series meant so much for Adam and all of his Vilitan and Turorian crew.  Ryden sat and quietly, determined to really push it this weekend to try and repay Adam for all his work.  What had happened last week was already forgotten fourth was great and better than anyone really expected, but Adam deserved more, so much more.

...

Qualifying Day came and so did the rain.  Heavy soaking rain.   The Hessington track turned into a skating rink and the wet tyres did what they could, but each of the cars had to tiptoe around the circuit.    It was a great leveller, and Ryden hoped that his careful style would help him. 

The first qualifying session was about thirty seconds slower that the practice times and Skiia had pushed out to the fastest lap.  Ryden went out on the course which rose quickly from the start line. waves of water ran down the hill.  Ryden gingerly entered the hairpin complex as the course made its way up hill.  After the first session the Ryden sat behind his teammate in the standings and made it through to the second session.

The rain contiuned to come down in sheets.

Skiia Vialiv once again showed the way and Ryden dutifully followed.  This time finishing third.  Ryden was happy, the rain had meant he was able to stay with his teammate.  This would be his best qualifying result so far.

The rain continued.

Ryden held on and had made it to the final session.  Adam was pleased and gave Ryden a little pat on the helmet before heading our for the last time.   All the racers had held on until late in the session, hoping that the rain would ease, but it hadn't.  Now there was rush to get the time in. 

Ryden pushed it.  His time flicked up, his best time of the day, would it be enough?

Lille crossed the line.  Skiia's engine roared as he flew over the line.   The big names of Blaatschapen, Deering and Tüvshinbayar all finished their flying laps.  Ryden looked on anxiously  before turning to the computer screen.  He saw Scuderia Orange Cow earn their third pole, reading along to see Batu   Tüvshinbayar sit on pole.  Then, Ryden read his name.  He'd be on the front row.    He looked at Adam who just patted his helmet in pride.

...

The next day was race day.    The weather had improved. 

Being on the front row meant there were extra pre-race interviews and additional commitments prior to the race.  It was all a new experience and Ryden felt a little overwhelmed.   A nice local reporter asked Ryden how he was feeling, and Ryden smiled his big smile and said nervous but excited in some broken Dutch.  The reporter smiled and nodded, at least at the attempt if not the uninspiring response.

Adam gave Ryden a reminder to break early at the chicanes...

"Don't go wide there!", he ordered, "and don't worry if you get overtaken in turn 1, you can pull in back in 2".

Ryden nodded that he understood.

The grid cleared, Ryden looked over to on Pole was Batu Tüvshinbayar in third Skiia Vialiv.    It was reassuring to see the team colours beside him.  Even if Ryden expected Skiia to overtake and lead the way.

The lights turned green and they were off.

Adams words rang in Ryden's ears.  Ryden saw Vialiv nip ahead at the first right hander, but Ryden held the inside line and held on in turn 2.  Racing uphill the field spread slightly before bunching again at turn 3. 

It was an experience to be racing and challenging for first.  Sometimes he would take a place or lose a place or two.  But the

Something happened just behind him on lap 4, Ryden couldn't see clearly but it looked like someone came together just behind him.  There was a spray of gravel and grass as dirt was thrown up by whatever happened.   He focused once more and made a push to get  ahead of Tüvshinbayar, Ryden didn't want to get pushed off the track.

Tüvshinbayar ducked into the pits.  Ryden carried on.  Over the radio, Ryden heard Vialiv get called in for the next lap.  Vialiv turned off. Ryden stayed out.

A few laps later, Ryden was called in.  As second seat, he expected that Vialiv would have got the preferred  positioning.

The difference in the pit strategy made it hard to know exactly where he was in the 50 lap race.  Adam spoke to him throughout the race on the headset, but never gave him a position update. 

The pit refuelling and tyre change went smoothly and he roared back out for hr pits onto the track.  Fairly sure that he could see the others behind him.  Caught in traffic maybe?   He carried on.

The chequered flag was out, fluttering in the wind as Ryden headed onto the start finish straight.  The course director waved the flag as Ryden drove by.  In his headset, he could hear Adam whoop and yell...

"You did it... by heck you did it!  You won Ryden!  You won!"

Ryden was agog.  Zooming round the track almost as quick as the race itself so he could get back and celebrate with his team.   Driving into the pit lane, he climbed out his his car as quickly as he could and threw his arms around Adam...

"Thank you Adam.  Thank you so much!  I'm not going to faint his time!".

[TJUN-ia]

WGP2 S5
Round 2
Grand Prix 2 of the Licentian Isles (Grand Prix 2 van de Licentische Eilanden)
Hessington Island Grand Prix Course, Buckhaven, The Licentian Isles
Post Race

This weekend was brilliant for all of TJUN-ia and he knew that for a fact. He had just gotten the news from Turori that his compatriot, the one named Lane Carter, had won his and TJUN-ia's first WGPO race ever. It certainly was historic for TJUN-ian Motorsports in general, a sign that the International Community can indeed do very well in the open-wheel scene like the stock car before it. What Batu did this weekend was just shot out of the water by a Galarian shotgun and, to be honest, he didn't mind that at all.

He entered Round 2 here in Buckhaven with only a point after his efforts in the opener in Crossbay, but Batu's biggest gift he received was confidence. He felt as if he controlled his destiny for the very first time in his career and that was a powerful feeling in the right set of hands. Hessington Island was a place and a track unknown to the Mongolian from Shinebaishin and so, he spent all of Practice focusing on learning the track and getting race pace sims into full flow within the 2 hours he had. That contributed to him finishing in 18th on Friday, only 7 tenths off the pace but still way down from where Jordan Crowe was in 5th. Shalmaneser Kalhu led another session, this time over Daniel Rae and Adonis Fitzpatrick.

Qualifying was where things got pretty interesting pretty quickly. The rain hammered down onto the track and as such, extra care was mandatory on one of the most important days of the whole weekend. Batu struggled a little bit in Q1 but once the dry lines came into effect, there was no going back. While Crew managed to make Q3 and would start in 11th, Batu turned into a rare qualifying machine as he won out both in Q3 and Q4 itself to take the first-ever pole position of his career. Not even in the NRDAS did he manage that and he was very happy with himself after that. Everyone got the hugs, he posed for the photo with P2 Ryden Solow and P3 Skiia Vialiv and now, he joined Carter in getting pole in the 2nd Tier.

The weather dried up in time for Sunday's race and this race would certainly be interesting. Everything was very tight indeed and everyone was battling it out for those precious points but in the end, it was the pitstops that chanced fates. Batu was up there and his pitstop was good but some were better than others and some were just flying up the grid faster than others. In the end, Ryden Solow won this race by 10 seconds over Athan Lille with Daniel Rae of all people beating Batu to the podium this time around. Vialiv, Tsunopin, Blaatschapen, Jukkenna, Lacsamana and Crowe completed the Top 10 with 11th-placed Sullivan Joyner getting the fastest lap. Batu is now 18th in the standings with Crowe's solo point making it 17 drivers out of 26 with points. SOC are now 7th in the points standings with 10 teams out of 13 on the board.

It could've been a lot better but for the first time in a long while, Batu was happy with how he did across the entire weekend. This season was looking like a good one already and he knew that he had a chance to do something magical for all the folks at SOC. But as he was preparing to leave for Baker Park to prepare for Round 3 in Diarcesia, he remembered two things. Firstly, Kyidawa Sherpa was actually at the Burnam Bros. Classic like Batu...and maybe even the Rumble as well. That was something he could use to potentially make a new friend...but he didn't know where to start. But second was Adonis Fitzpatrick, who Batu observed to be a bit...unhappy after finishing last of the finishers and Batu could understand somewhat why. He was supposed to be the replacement for the great Taras Matvyenko at UrGa, the guy who was supposed William Archer in bringing success to Fleftic Motorsports. That's a lot of weight on one driver's shoulders to bear and so, with that in mind, Batu decided to do something he had never done before in his shielded life: reach out. It may backfire but to Batu, even failure was a big step for a guy whose parents shielded him from school to "focus on becoming a god".

---

A Note, stuck to the UrGa garage at some point after the race.

To Adonis,

Are You OK?

- B

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

Engineering Department Meeting, Tuesday Morning post-Week 3, Conference Room B

The usual suspects were seated around the table for the planning session ahead of the busiest stretch of the season for both the WGP2 and the AOGP teams: a stand alone race in Diacresia for the main team followed by a pair of joint weekends in Aboveland and then at Drummond Vale, where the first WGP2 Feature/Sprint round would take place.

It didn't need to be said that the home race meeting would be a huge event, especially in light of the most recent results, as the promoters were already at work trying to figure out ways to squeeze even more fans into the circuit.

But the immediate attention was on the upcoming event at the 2 and 3/4 mile road course at the Elbej Historic Site, where Sakiteno Kuyara followed up her win at Hessington Island with the team's second ever pole.

That race weekend was another example of the mixed luck that SOC had in their debut season, as Saki was forced to retire due to a mechanical problem in the feature, but Pedro Carballal returned from his hiatus during the non-championship break to bring his PRL01-2 home in 7th after a struggle in practice & qualifying. The following days' sprint event was another disappointment, although the entire SOC team were still upbeat about the final four races.

Paul Valentini and Len Clopham, the Chief Engineers for SOC and Orange Cow Racing respectively, with the race engineers for the four drivers--Vaughn Estes (Batu), Sunil Choudhary (Jason), Ray McFadden (Nick Unger) and Tim Prendergast (Sammi Carter)--were joined by Ed O'Malley, Chief Aerodynamicist and Designer and the data analysis engineers, as usual.

"Ed, I don't even know where we start on setup. It still seems like we just were throwing anything against the wall to see what would stick--I guess that also applied to the track as well--before our 'Junker' pulled out probably the best lap anyone drove there that weekend."

[Paul of course was referring to Kuyara, whose unflattering nickname from her Hidori Air Force days was Junker, which was banned completely by Team Principal Mike Lambert from being spoken by anyone at SOC; at the conclusion of the season, Lambert praised her performance by saying she was "Our Junker", which was accepted by her in the spirit it was offered.]

O'Malley was ready with his "mini" wind tunnel data, the effect of the Tropicorp Racing tires the team were running versus the Deyoze tire they'd used previously, and some of the extraneous data from Carballal's practice runs.
"The guys & gals (the aforementioned data people) simmed all of PC's free runs changing only the grip numbers from this year's rubber into the equation. The Deyoze were a spec control tire, but for some reason these TRS tire compounds on those older chassis' ran around a second and a half faster within a range of downforce changes and fuel loads."

[Choudhary had been Kuyara's race engineer and wondered about particular change he'd made just prior to her pole winning lap. "Could I see some data based on Saki's quali laps with the revised grip numbers factored in? I mean after the meeting if it hasn't been simmed." Sunil had asked for a change to the front wing downforce before sending Kuyara on her final run--she was not as comfortable with a lot of front end grip.]

"There are so many quick change of direction corners, if we can get the balance right, there's no reason why we can't go fast here." O'Malley didn't talk with such confidence on a regular basis, but he was very optimistic about the sim results being generated; the track in Aboveland for the next round was also a source of optimism owing to the length and the technical nature of the layout.

"We're going to have one day at Vale before we go to Diacresia, then nothing until after the GP." Valentini knew with a compressed schedule and few options for getting a lot of running in, it was going to be important that the sim team and what was called the "backroom engineering' group would play a huge role in the next couple of weeks.
"We need to make sure we have a committed program ready before we load up, and anything we can get done outside (on the PeRiL test track) we need to identify. Len, congrats to all of you, but I know that you're gonna want to figure out how to get Nick out of his rut." With that, the discussion turned towards the Orange Cow Racing program.

[Trans-Dniesters]

The Crossbay Circuit had by now become a familiar sight for the personnel involved with the WGP2 operations of the Urotovsky-Gatutin Motorsports Division. It should be, considering that they had been coming here for three seasons now. By now, UrGa had impressive track data on the circuit, enough for them to create a near-perfect replica of the track and its surroundings for use in their simulators. The Pridnestrovians (more specifically, the government and the armed forces) were also keenly interested in the Imagination technology used in the circuit to control the emission of pollutants as well as aid and assist in vehicle recovery operations, especially for those cars that encountered trouble in the section of the track above the bay, but so far, despite three years of trying, Pridnestrovian operatives and assets were unable to get anything useful or substantive with regards to the Imagination technology.

At the moment, Vasily Semyonovich Gatutin could hardly care about Pridnestrovia’s espionage efforts. He was more concerned about finding and establishing his cars’ true race pace. This was the first official race of the fifth season of WGP2, meaning that full points were now on offer for the top ten drivers at the end of the race. Vasily had reason to be optimistic, but he also had reason to be pessimistic as well. The young Adabian Shalmaneser Kalhu was giving him much of the optimism that he was feeling at the moment. Sal Kalhu had dominated all but one session at the previous race weekend (or third test weekend) at the Yakumicha Circuit, acing the rain-soaked practice session then taking pole on a drenched track before finally winning the “race” with a ten-second gap to second to boot. On the other hand, UrGa’s “first” driver, Adonis Fitzpatrick, had done well in the rain at all, qualifying dead last for the test “race”. At least he didn’t finish the “race” dead last as well, gaining a few positions through both overtakes and a well-executed pit stop. Not the most auspicious of starts, but at least the fact that no points were awarded for the “race” in Yakumicha meant that some of the pressure was off of Donny Fitzpatrick’s back. Then again, his “victory’ meant that the pressure was now all on Sal Kalhu’s shoulders.

The changes in the schedule meant that the official start of the fifth season of WGP2 was now going to happen at the Crossbay Circuit, which as said before was a circuit that was now as familiar to UrGa as the back of their hand. But that didn’t necessarily mean that the team had fond memories of the track. In the two times that UrGa had paid Crossbay Circuit a visit, both times their “first” driver (at the time, Taras Gavrilovich Matviyenko) finished outside of the points while their “second” driver (Lane Carter in Season 3 and Major Harry Zoomtwat in Season 4) drove well enough to get into or stay in the top 10. Vasily Gatutin privately wished that this scenario would not happen for a third straight time.

If practice was anything to go by, history was about to repeat itself. Sal Kalhu continued his streak of being the fastest out of the rapidly growing field while Donny Fitzpatrick languished in the midfield. But luckily (for some in UrGa at least), practice was nothing to go by. Donny Fitzpatrick was getting a better handle on the car as time went on in qualifying, even going so far as to put himself in Q4 with the five other fastest drivers on the circuit. But for Sal Kalhu, the streak of being first in all sessions was going to come to an end. The Adabian’s Q3 time, while it was only nine=hundredths of a second away from the fastest lap, was surprisingly not enough to carry him through to the shootout for pole position, but that was simply because of how close the remaining field in Q3 was. Pole itself would go to a most unexpected recipient, Ahmad Syaqirin Rahman of Sharktail and EHF-Motospiel, but it was unexpected only in the fact that Rahman had flown under the radar for most of testing and had not even participated in the Yakumicha “race” before stamping his name firmly onto the WGP2 scene here.

Sadly for the Sharktail native, he wouldn’t be able to take advantage of his pole position, and Rahman slid down the order to P14. Meanwhile, Nexus Racing took full advantage of the fact that this was their home circuit and claimed a 1-2 finish, with Edward Rousseau winning over his teammate Haru Jukkenna. Kyidawa Sherpa, a driver whom UrGa had considered signing and even invited to their test sessions, took the final step on the podium, while the point for fastest lap went to another prospective UrGa driver, Skiia Vialiv. As for UrGa itself, they would finally be able to claim their first double points finish at this circuit with Donny Fitzpatrick finishing in P5 and Sal Kalhu P7. There was a bit of a hairy moment for the team though on lap 46 when, for whatever reason, Kalhu began reminiscing about a childhood visit to a beach.

“I need him to keep his focus,” Vasily Gatutin said. “Illarion, tell him to keep his focus and remind him that he’s in the points.”

“Yes, sir,” Illarion Arkhipovich Osipov, Kalhu’s race engineer, nodded. He then turned back to his console and called to his driver in accented English, “All right, Sal, we need you to stay focused on the race. There are only two laps left and we have both cars in the points. Stay focused on the race, please.”

“That seems a bit harsh, don’t you think?” Konstantin Zakharovich Rezansov, UrGa’s chief engineering officer, asked Gatutin once Osipov had made the call to Kalhu. “The kid just wants to talk, I think.”

“And he will have more than enough time to talk about it later,” Gatutin replied. “Right now, he needs to focus on bringing the car home intact for the last two laps. Is it harsh on him? Maybe it is. But right now, I have two cars in the points, and I do not want to waste that opportunity at all. You never know, this might be the last time that this happens to us this season.”

Gatutin’s words would soon sound eerily prophetic when UrGa and the rest of WGP2 arrived at the Licentian Isles for the second race of the season at the Hessington Island Course. Now this was an entirely new track for the team; the only data they had been able to gather about this place was its layout and history, as well as satellite imagery for which the team’s “financial advisor” Yakov Dmitriyevich Yurievsky had to pull considerable strings just to get even one satellite retasked to the Licentian Isles. But the compiled data still paled in comparison to actually going out onto the track and driving on it. Which is exactly what Donny and Sal did, and once again Kalhu was the fastest driver of all in practice, while Fitzpatrick finished third. Sandwiched in between the UrGa boys was the local driver, Daniel Rae, who had also been in the running to become UrGa’s second driver this season before the Pridnestrovian team decided to go for Kalhu instead.

But sadly for UrGa, this was the closest that their drivers were going to get to the top of the standings this particular weekend. A sudden downpour (and downpour really fitted the context as the heavens opened up over Hessington at the time) during qualifying caught almost everyone by surprise, and UrGa were one of the slower teams to adapt to the conditions. This cost the team dearly, as both drivers would get knocked out of qualifying after Q2. And then, with the forecast telling them to expect similar rainfall by the time of the race, the team decided to go for a setup prioritizing downforce over speed, a decision that would end up costing them big time. No rain fell on Hessington on race day. In fact, not a single cloud appeared in the skies above the track, and because of that, both Kalhu and Fitzpatrick were swallowed up by the rest of the grid once the five red lights had gone out. Sal at least managed to stay on the lead lap, even though Ryden Solow (yet another driver whom UrGa had eyes on in the preseason) threatened to do it in the final laps. Donny was the last car to cross the line and physically finish the race. From the relative success of a double points finish in the Nexus Wardship, Urotovsky-Gatutin would walk away from the Licentian Isles with nothing at all.

[Adab]

Life on the Edge
An Adabian tries to make it in the racing world

Chapter 7: The Manager

WGP2 Season 5
Grand Prix 2 of the Licentian Isles (Race 2)
Hessington Island Grand Prix Course, Buckhaven

Saturday

If one word could accurately describe Shalmaneser Kalhu’s experience at this qualifying session, it would be “dismal”. The Friday ecstasy of being the fastest at practice had given way to the Saturday disappointment of being knocked out at Q2 as torrential rain swept across the course, leaving him to start the race at 17th and his teammate Adonis Fitzpatrick at 15th. There were mixed reactions in the camp; race engineer Illarion Osipov – bless his heart – was calm and encouraging in a paternal way, stepfather and sponsor Mustafa al-Taghlibi blathered on over the phone about the disaster of “socialist engineering”, and manager Aida Kaykali… well she hadn’t reached out to him yet, which was rather unusual. “Financial matters” had kept her back at the hotel; Sal had a hunch she was busy dealing with companies back in Adab. Maybe soon they would be putting him in ads or making him promote their products on twii.tur and Instantgram. But usually, even when she was unable to attend the qualifying session, she would immediately call him after the session, or at least text him. But for now there was nothing, just radio silence.

As much as he tried to put on a brave face, there were always doubts inside. Was he really good enough for WGP2? Would he even be able to make it to WGPC? If only there were points on offer at that race. Sal Kalhu was a race winner, and for his efforts he received… nothing! At least the first points-giving race saw him finish a respectable seventh, even if that was still a bit of a downgrade from first. Now he couldn’t even make it out of Q3. It’s just getting worse and worse.

Back in the garage he talked with Donny Fitzpatrick. Nice dude, good, proper guy. The two had warmed to each other, though Sal wasn’t sure if they were friends. Donny was certainly kind to him, and he reciprocated. Even shared a few laughs from time to time. If this weren’t a friendship, then at least it was cordial. He seemed happy and comfortable, though Sal would wonder from time to time if there was something that Donny was keeping to himself. He had seen him staring pensively at the rain back at the Yakumicha Circuit in Hodori. Was there something more to it? Maybe not. Maybe he just liked looking at the rain. Sal liked looking at the rain, too.

Returning to his hotel, he finally heard from the manager. A short text message popped up on the screen: Hey, I’ve seen the qualifying results. Don’t worry too much about it, things will get better : )

As he strode past the receptionist and towards the elevator, his downcast eyes were glued on the screen, fingers dancing on the virtual keyboard. well I sure hope they will. maybe tomorrow, maybe next race, idk

Don’t worry, they will. Anyway have you talked to Mustafa?

Entering the elevator, his eyes were still on the screen, barely changing directions even as he nearly bumped on the guy next to him, who briefly cast a side eye as if recognizing him from somewhere, but then looked away. yeah. he wasn’t too pleased at the team, talking about socialist engines and all that.

Everything’s gonna be alright Sal. Mustafa is worrying too much. He knows nothing about racing or engineering. Don’t tell him I said that though!

And she followed it up with a laughing emoji, which managed to bring out a little giggle from Sal as he exited the elevator and headed for his room. Alright, you have my word he replied with his own laughing emoji.

The truth was that Sal was growing much more comfortable with Aida than he ever had been with Mustafa. Mustafa might be his stepfather and sponsor, but the emphasis, he felt, was always on the sponsor part; their relationship wasn’t so much that of a stepfather and a stepson but of an investor and his product, although in this case the product was a living human being who shared the investor’s house. Mustafa certainly did his part as a stepfather, providing him a big house, education, and opportunities that he could only dream of as a kid, but there was always a distance between them. He was kind and caring, a good man, but did not care to show it very often. Often busy with his work, at home Sal sometimes thought he appeared haunted by himself, but did not dare ask him why. Everyone had their secrets.

On the other hand, Aida had… what was it called, motherly vibes? She was warm, openly affectionate, and was always ready with words of advice and passionate encouragement. She was casual, even laid back, around Sal, and in turn he began to loosen up around her. It helped that she was some years younger than Mustafa, which naturally made Sal more comfortable around her. She was caring and attentive, maybe – Sal thought – because she didn’t have children herself and so poured all her attention on him. Of course, there was that relationship, subject of an unspoken agreement between them and Mustafa not to talk about it. On one of the few occasions where she did let her guard down, she admitted to him and Mustafa that one reason she enjoyed being Sal’s manager was that she could travel abroad very often and escape the public’s judgement.

Oh, to be able to go somewhere without people looking at you. A sensation that was rapidly slipping away from Sal.

He was sitting in his room now, laptop in front of him, guitar beside his right arm. The guitar was the one thing that he insisted on bringing with him anywhere he went. Music was his companion after his parents passed away. In his grief he had drowned himself in the chords of his favorite songs, voices of his favorite singers playing in his head, his love for them inherited from his parents. He took the guitar from his stand and raised it onto his lap, holding it there as he logged into Instantgram and chose the Live option. Tonight, in his disappointment at his dismal qualification, he would be broadcasting to his rapidly-growing number of his fans.

“Hi everyone who’s listening to this,” he began. “If you’ve seen my qualifying results, it’s, uh.. not too good. I’m starting from 17th. My teammate Adonis is starting from 15th. But don’t worry too much about it. We’re going to keep on fighting to get the best results, because that’s what we do.”

He brought his left arm under the neck of the guitar, placing his fingers on the strings and curling them to form a chord, his right hand sliding gently across the strings over the body of the guitar. “This song, uh, I dedicate to all of you, my fans, as well as my team, my family, my manager, my teammate Donny, everyone who supports me.”

“So, uh,” he continued, strumming, his voice tentatively assuming a musical tone, “keep smiling, keep shining, knowing you can always count on me, for sure.

That’s what friends are for.”

[The Sherpa Empire]

Their last night in Nimbus Bay, Kyidawa had a rather awkward conversation with Tsamji. She was telling him about her plans for the future, specifically surgeries she was saving up for because they were not covered by the IHS.

"You know you are beautiful the way you are?" said Kyidawa. "You don't need surgery to be pretty." He reached out to hug her, but she shoved him away. He plopped on the edge of the bed with a startled look on his face. He had never seen someone so offended at being told (sincerely) that they were beautiful the way they were -- and he was obtuse enough not to immediately understand why.

"I'm not gay!" Tsamji cried.

"I didn't say you were?"

"And you don't think it's gay for us to sleep together when I've still got all this???" Tsamji gestured down at the lower part of her body.

Kyidawa shrugged. "It's not important to me. We are all human."

"Yeah, well it's important to me!" Tsamji snapped. "Are you gay?"

"Of course not," said Kyidawa. "I wouldn't have picked you up if I only dated men." He tried to pull Tsamji onto the bed with him, but she yanked her hand away.

She sat on the bed a couple of feet away from Kyidawa and broke down in tears. "Do you really not understand what's wrong with you telling me I don't need surgery?"

Kyidawa stammered incoherently, unsure what to say. Finally he said, "I wasn't trying to hurt your feelings. I really do think you're beautiful the way you are."

He rubbed Tsamji on the back, trying to comfort her. She calmed down and wiped her tears, but there was still a tension in the air. They both thought it would be best for Tsamji not to come to Buckhaven, so that they could each have some space to focus on their own life.

---

For the last several years, Kyidawa had been racing in the Sherpa Empire and visiting the same tracks each year with only a few changes in the schedule. Moving to WGP2 and visiting new tracks made him feel a little like an old dog learning new tricks. In practice, it took him a while to get comfortable with his unfamiliar surroundings.

Like last week, he underperformed in qualifying and tried to make up for it on race day.

He managed to gain positions here and there, but he wasn't climbing as dramatically as last week. Just navigating the track's twists and turns and slopes kept him busy for much of the race. He got as high as 9th, but he hadn't pitted yet. After pitting, he was back out of the points.

Deering had the opposite problem: great qualifying, but things went wrong during the race.

Back home in the Sherpa Empire, racing fans were joking about it on social media, saying VSK-WU ought to try having Deering qualify a car and Kyidawa take over for the main race. Kyidawa didn't worry too much about the chatter. He thought he and VSK-WU still had plenty of potential for the season. He just needed to get his act together and qualify higher than P17.

He had heard there was a nice beach not too far from the track. He decided to go relax by the water and do a little people-watching. If he was lucky, maybe he'd find some good-looking Licentians and he could ask one of them out for drinks.

[Abanhfleft]

When Adonis Fitzpatrick told his father Rolando that he wanted to drive in a go-kart, it was all Rolando could do to not tear his hair out. The elder Fitzpatrick thought that this was just another one of Donny’s numerous phases, this having happened right in the middle of the time that Donny started dressing up in women’s clothes. Even Rolando was getting confused by what appeared to be the utter confusion that was going on in Donny’s mind. What was Donny really? Rolando had asked that particular question to his son numerous times already, and always Donny’s answer had been that he considered himself to be a girl. But even as Donny was breaking masculine norms in his childhood, the fact that he had said that he wanted to drive a kart got Rolando to think that this was breaking feminine norms. Besides, who had ever seen a crossdresser drive a kart?

On one hand, Rolando Fitzpatrick was finally happy that his wayward son had decided to pick up something so manly as kart racing as a hobby. On the other hand, he certainly didn’t want to reward what he saw as rebellious behavior in the form of Donny’s crossdressing. So Rolando held off on deciding one way or another until word got to his sister (and Donny’s aunt) Maryam. Maryam Fitzpatrick had married a man who was the owner of a chain of gas stations in the Capital Islands, and when the man died, all of his money went to her thanks to his will and because the man had no children of his own. When Maryam heard about Donny’s desire to become a kart racer, she offered to pay for everything from the kart rental to the fuel and repair costs. Rolando accepted, albeit with great reluctance and only after a great deal of time. By the time Rolando allowed Maryam to pay for Donny’s entry into karting, Donny had moved on from dressing up in girls’ clothes. But he still wanted to race karts.

And that was exactly what he was doing on this cloudy afternoon. Donny Fitzpatrick was blazing through the Effelenendro Karting Plaza as easily as if he was just breathing. When he first got into a kart and drove it, he was absolutely floored by the speed that he was able to attain in it. But once he had had a few laps to get used to it, Donny was able to go even faster. Aunt Maryam, upon seeing this, immediately registered Donny for the next karting race on the track. Donny qualified on pole for that race, and he would stay in the lead for the whole race, never falling down to even just second place. It would be the first of three consecutive races at the park that he would win.

Donny was now in his fourth race at the Plaza, and once again he was in first place, having started the race from pole. Once again, Donny had left his competition in the dust. Or actually, he had left most of his competition in the dust. There was one kart which had managed to stick itself close to Donny's. The kart itself, numbered 8, was familiar to Donny, but the rider behind the wheel certainly wasn't. Donny could tell because he had never seen the rider's helmet before. It was a plain white helmet with only the Fleftic tricolor (blue, orange, and green) serving as its decoration. The rider also looked smaller, like an actual child instead of the preteens that Donny had been used to racing. But while the rider of Kart 8 today was younger than usual, he (or maybe she?) was faster than the other riders of Kart 8, proof of that being the mere fact that they had been able to get this close to Donny.

They were now on the final sector of the track, a right-handed hairpin followed by a handful of esses leading up to the main straight. Donny took the inside of the hairpin while Kart 8 went outside and, either by some miracle or through sheer force of will on the driver's side, it was actually pulling alongside Donny. And then as the two karts turned left to enter the esses, they made contact. There wasn't a lot of force behind the contact; it would have been more appropriate to say that they touched. But instead of disengaging, Kart 8 remained stuck on the left side of Donny's kart. Donny raised his left arm at the driver of 8 to tell them "What the hell was that for?" But the rider either didn't seem to understand or didn't care at all. The two of them remained stuck together as they went through the esses before Donny finally got enough traction out of the final turn to disengage from his opponent and pull away. The checkered flag was now out and within sight, and all Donny needed to do was hold steady in order to claim his fourth win at the Effelenendro Karting Plaza.

As the participants drove their karts back out of the track, Donny could see that his father was looking at him with his arms crossed. It was a sight that Donny had gotten used to seeing. He couldn't ever remember seeing Rolando Fitzpatrick celebrate one of his wins. Rolando didn't celebrate when Donny won his first race, and he didn't celebrate when Donny won this race, his fourth at this particular track. He always stood there just outside the kart garage with his lips pursed and arms crossed. In contrast, Aunt Maryam was jumping with joy, seemingly never getting tired of celebrating even though this was now Donny's fourth consecutive win. Donny sighed as he noted the contradictions between his father and his aunt, and he waved his hand at them before he proceeded to remove his own helmet.

And then, just as Donny placed his helmet on his lap, he saw with surprise that his father had jumped the wall and was now walking towards him. Donny braced himself for what he thought was going to be another tirade from his father, but to even more surprise, Rolando walked past Donny's kart and went straight for the kart behind his. Donny turned around and saw that it was his competitor, the bane of his fourth race, Kart Number 8. Rolando Fitzpatrick walked up to the driver of Kart 8 and pointed a finger right at the visor of the white helmet with the Fleftic flag on it. "Just what in the world do you think you're doing, you little shit?" Rolando asked with heated venom. "Are you trying to force my son off the track, huh?"

"Hey! Hey!" another male voice shouted, and Donny turned around just in time to see another man jump the barrier and chase after Donny's dad. "That's my kid you're threatening, you son of a bitch!" the other man shouted. He then got up close and personal to Rolando and asked, "You got a problem with my son, asshole?"

"I think you should spend more time teaching your son some basic manners," Rolando said. "Didn't you teach your kid that there's no shoving around in karting, unlike your racing trucks?"

"Putang ina, dahil lang doon, papatol ka na sa bata?" The other man asked. "Ikaw yata ang hindi tinuruan ng magandang asal!" (Son of a bitch! Just because of that, you're going to pick on the kid? I think you're the one who wasn't taught good manners!")

"Ang sinasabi ko lang sa anak mo ay hindi niya kailangang bumangga at makipag-gitgitan sa kapwa niyang tsuper para lang makalampas at mauna!" Rolando retorted. (All I'm saying to your kid is that he doesn't need to bump and scrape with his fellow driver just to pass and overtake!)

By this time, track security and marshals had arrived at the scene to pull the two belligerent adults apart. Both men seemed like they were willing to walk away without incident, at least until the other man said something that made Rolando lunge at him. The other man also broke free from the marshals holding him back and began fighting with Rolando in earnest, and it would take some time for the marshals and security guards to pull them apart once again. Meanwhile, through all the chaos and fighting, Donny and the kid driving Kart 8 had hopped out of their karts and made their way outside. The kid removed his white helmet, revealing himself to be a small boy with unruly black hair and a mischievous grin on his mouth. He was probably only seven or eight years old. "Sorry about my dad," he said to Donny. "Dad doesn't like it when other people get mad at me."

"That's okay," Donny assured him. "I think that's the first time my dad actually defended me against someone else."

"Really? That's sad," the kid muttered. There was an innocence in his voice that suggested to Donny that this kid had been loved and sheltered by his father, a far cry from how Donny's father had been treating him in recent years.

"Well, you know what? Forget about anything my dad or yours has said," Donny said. "I think that was some fine racing you did out there. You really made me work for that win. I think if you work on your racing a little more, you've got what it takes to race me better, maybe even beat me."

"Really? My dad told me the same thing too!" the kid noted with pride.

Donny held out his hand. "I'm Donny," he introduced himself. "Donny Fitzpatrick. My real name is Adonis, but I like Donny for short. What's your name?"

The kid reached out and shook Donny's hand. "My name is William Jessper P. Archer," he said.

---

Who would have thought that a fight between their fathers would lead to a lasting friendship between their sons? Certainly not Donny. But he was also certainly glad that it happened, the circumstances of it happening notwithstanding, because William Archer was a very fine fellow indeed. He was a great friend, and he was also a great driver. Donny felt like there was a reason why he and William met on that cloudy afternoon in Effelenendro, and it had to do with the fact that he was the first one to recognize William's talent in the karts. Who knows where William would be now had it been someone else whom he was fighting for the lead in his very first kart race? Probably nowhere near the WGPC. One thing was for sure though: Adonis would never forget that afternoon in Effelenendro.

One afternoon he would love to forget about was the one he had just experienced (or more accurately suffered through) at the Hessington Island Course in the Licentian Isles. It had started off so well for him and UrGa, being first and third in the practice session despite having little valuable data on the track at all. Teammate Shalmaneser Kalhu continued his streak of leading the grid for every practice session, while local lad Daniel Rae was the meat in the UrGa 1-3 sandwich. Then just as everyone was preparing for qualifying, the rain poured down on the track, and once again Donny thought back to those times when he had sat in the rain wondering if maybe he was actually adopted, because there was just no way that his real father would try to drown him for something that he couldn't control. The suddenness of the rain hadn't given Donny a lot of time to shrug off the emotions that he felt from the memories that falling rain gave him, and thus he was unable to give good or accurate data when it came to changing his setup for the rain. Both Donny and Sal Kalhu were knocked out in Q2 at that race, and because of a prediction that a similar torrent would fall on the track on race day, the team decided to go for a setup that sacrificed straight-line speed for added downforce. It was a big mistake, and one that could possibly set the tone of the rest of the season for the Pridnestrovian team.

The sooner that we could leave the Licentian Isles, the better, Donny Fitzpatrick thought as the rest of the team packed up their gear in preparation for the long flight back to Myrilsk. Adonis really wanted nothing more to do with Hessington this season, or maybe even the rest of his life. His race was more accurately described as a parade of misery as he watched car after car overtake him and his draggy GP2-5-3. This was a race that nobody affiliated with Urotovsky-Gatutin would want to remember and relive if they could help it.

Donny was just about to leave his garage and head back to his mobile home to pack up his own things when one of the cleaners stopped him. "Mr. Fitzpatrick, we found this in your garage," he said, handing over a small piece of paper with some tape attached to the top. "I think it's for you. It's got your name on it."

"Thanks, man," Donny said as he took the paper. It was indeed addressed to him. To Adonis, Are You Ok? - B, it said. Now this was a first for Donny. This was the first time that someone had left a note addressed to him in the garage at any of the open-wheel series he had raced in. It was obvious from the contents of the note that there was someone out there who seemingly was concerned about him, but who? Was it just a fan who somehow managed to sneak their way into the paddock without anyone noticing?

Or maybe it was someone already in the paddock. But again, who? The note left Adonis with one important clue: an initial. B. But who was B? Was B a mechanic, an engineer, or maybe even a driver? If B was indeed a driver, then there were only two choices: Sam Blaatschapen and Batu Tüvshinbayar. But who between the two of them left the note? Surely someone must have seen the party responsible for putting the note in his garage. UrGa took garage security very seriously, stopping just shy of actually posting armed guards around their garages to protect their trade secrets. And Donny knew that the team also brought along their own network of security cameras for 24/7 coverage of the team's assigned areas even though it was supposed to be a secret to the drivers. Maybe Donny could get Taras Matviyenko to put him in touch with the person (or persons) responsible for the cameras so that they could both see who had put that note in Donny's garage.

[Mertagne]

Practice
"So Bryce, that's a 01:34.566. You're currently 14th on the grid." squawked the tinny radio as Yannec hammered the car around Hessington Island.

"How many have come out?" replied Bryce, as he pulled right on the hairpin turn that made up turn 3.

"Sixteen cars have set a laptime. One six."

Bryce had known his radio operator, Soishic, for just a few days. The two had hit it off fairly well in the little time they had had to practice their patter, but out here on the track it was a bit of a different story. Yannec, typically cool and collected, was feeling hot under the collar as he tried to get used to the car. His experience in a WGP2 car was certainly lacking, but he was frustrated that he wasn't getting to grips with the car as fast as he had hoped.

"Basically last? Tell me when I've improved." Bryce spat over the radio.

He cruised through the slower section of the track at turns 8 and 9, making sure not to make the mistake he'd heard other drivers often made on this course, but his sudden braking shuddered the car and locked the back wheels.

Bryce swore as he pulled the wheel to guide the car back on track.

Later in the lap, he pulled onto the back straight, and managed to get the car up to speed once again. The stands whizzed past him as he sped past in the white-and-red car, defly taking the long, sweeping turn of turn 23 and crossing the line.

Progress, Bryce thought, as he contined with the practice session.

---

Qualifying
The rain pored down as the qualifying session at Hessington Island came to a start. Bryce, throwing a tennis ball between himself and a race mechanic, was shocked to see Cleo enter the pit garage. He'd been told she wouldn't be allowed on site until after the race the day after.

"What are you doing here?" asked Bryce, so curious that he didn't even react when the race mechanic threw a tennis ball just past his ear and sent it clattering into a storage unit of spanners, some of which toppled to the floor as other members of the pit crew scrambled to pick them up.

Cleo Blachach, Bryce's agent, shrugged. "They just let me in. It's a miracle the weight your name brings. Although apparently if I get kicked out it reflects badly on you. I'll do my best to not break anything." She leaned on a stack of tyres, heated by blankets, before wincing slightly due to the heat and standing to attention.

Bryce developed a wry smile as he stepped closer. "Did you need anything?"

"Just came to see how you were doing. And to get out of the rain. It's tipping it down out there."

"I know. We're on the super wets. It'll be like driving in the Calanian Marsh. That back straight's going to become like a slip 'n slide for the faster cars." Bryce sighed.

"So, how are you going to set yourself apart from everyone else?" Cleo raised an eyebrow.

Bryce smiled. "Well, it'll be how you enter and exit the corners that'll set you apart at this stage. Technical skill will set us apart here this quali, for sure."

"Seems like you know what you're doing. Have you made any friends yet?"

Bryce stared Cleo down and flicked his tongue out at her. "You know me. They'll come over and have a chat if they want to. They might want to if I can get into the top half of the pack. I was 20th in Free Practice. Not exactly Ilya Tsunopin right now, am I?"

"I'm not a racer, but I think you'll come up when you've had more time in the car. I also meant if you've made friends in the team." she darted a quick look at Soishic, his radio operator, who was engaged in talks with a pit crew member that was making aggressive gestures towards a clipboard.

"Oh. Him. Yeah, we'll see."

---

"Bryce, you're currently about a second off the pace. You're looking off around turn fifteen, watch the understeer please."

Bryce could watch barely anything in the torrential rain that hammered the track. With the White Unicorns car of Kyidawa Sherpa ahead of him contrasting nicely against the tumultiously grey clouds and asphalt of the track, he was able to have a decent pace marker, but was overly aggressive at too many opportunities in the few laps he'd shaken out on the track so far.

"I'm doing my best, mate." he replied, wiping down the visor again at the nearest opportunity, before diving down into the tricky steering around the back of the circuit.

THe cars plodded around the track, with little room for error present. Bryce could feel himself learning the limits of the car slightly better, but now really wasn't the time, regardless of what Cleo had said earlier. Plus, the weather had conjured a strange feeling in his knee, an ethereal hollowness that felt cold and a bit rusty. This made braking difficult at the best of times, but here he winced slightly coming into every corner towards the end of the first qualifying session.

The radio buzzed into life again. "Not much of a pace improvement so far, about the same as the other drivers. You're currently 17th."

Better than practice, at least. Bryce took past the line ready for one more lap before the end of the session. Sadly, it wasn't much of an improvement, and he pulled back into the garage at the end of Q1, his helmet sodden. Wiped down by a couple of pit crew, he scowled as he saw the Q1 result roll in. 19th. A full tenth of a secon behind, Shalmaneser Kalhu in 18th.

Q2 wasn't much better. The knee was plaguing him now in the weather, causing him to brake late and come out of corners badly. On several laps he had to slow and shake the feeling out. The session came to a head for Yannec about two thirds of the way through, as he was bringing the car up the hill to turn three. An efferent twitch in the leg caused a quick tap on the brakes going into the turn, and the surprise in his body culimated in a sharp twitch of the wheel to the right. In the downpour, the sillouhette of the white-and-red car went spinning off the turn and into the gravel.

Bryce stopped the car, and sighed deeply. A punctuated silence hung in the air before the radio squawked to life again.

"Are you alright, Bryce?"

"No."

---

Race
"Great start Bryce, you've made three places in the first two turns. Excellent work, keep it up!"

This feels much better, Bryce thought as he climbed the same hill that had spoiled his qualifying. Spying Joyner in front of him, who had also pulled away with an excellent start, he took to keeping close behind as the cars moved along the first lap.

By the time his first pit stop came along, he'd managed to pull his way up a fair few places to 14th position. A tactically late first pit stop meant that Bryce was on much older tyres than those around him, and as he pulled into the pit lane he hoped that the stop would go quickly and that he'd come back out in a decent position. Dropping out in 18th was reasonable, but less reasonable than he had hoped. However, it wasn't all doom and gloom, as Soishic informed him that David Findlay, who had previously been hot on his heels, had retired from the race.

The race started to get away from him a bit in the latter half, as tyre management seemed to get the better of him, and a difficult overtake from the front of the pack due to blue flags caused Yannec to struggle to make much of a push up the pack. The final few laps saw an intense battle between himself and Chiruno Hakusoe, who'd slid down much further from their qualifying position and was fighting hard to claw their way back. The pressures in the defence made it difficult to mount much of an attack on the field, and Bryce crossed the line exasperated, but happy he'd at least completed his first WGP2 race.

Nowhere to go but up, he thought, clutching his helmet as he sat down and watched the podium ceremony.

[Sharktail]

A bad week for Syaqirin when he had to retire as early as the first lap of the race at Licentian Isles. Syaqirin who was driving the EHF Motorsports had faced an accidents.

In this week's action, Syaqirin started the training session with a bland action when he recorded the fastest lap record in the bottom 3 position. This disappointing action continued in the qualifying session. In the first race last week, Syaqirin managed to get the pole position, but in this week's action, Syaqirin will have to start the race in the second lowest position, 25 out of 26.

As the race had just started, Syaqirin fastly to be overtaken by Parveen Kulkarni. Entering turn 8, where the rider had to slow down the vehicle, Syaqirin's car had a slight brake problem and caused it to skid and hit the wall. The accident did not appear to be serious but due to safety measures, Syaqirin was taken to hospital for immediate treatment.

Shortly afterwards, Syaqirin uploaded a post with a picture of himself in the treatment room with the caption '"Feeling okay, see next race."

This week's race is clearly not a good week for Syaqirin. After two races, Syaqirin still failed to collect any points. By the third race coming up, Syaqirin was a bit in tight position. Syaqirin will put himself in a less favorable position if he fails again. So, the homework for Syaqirin until the third race will be more than the second race.

[Sixty-ninE X]

Ilya Vadimovich Tsunopin knew he was lucky almost everything had worked out for him. A solid practice session two days ago, where he placed eighth, had given him just about enough confidence, and he did not break and fall when the torrental rain drove the exciting atmosphere of the weekend's successive qualifying and the race. The rain, which made the tracks all slippery and wet, excited him like a high schooler in middle of a nightclub trip, and the reliability and experience of this Bitten Heroes team that had seen everything from heaven to hell helped him guide through the emotions without being overwhelmed by it all.

And to make it better, it was a successful team effort. Both Ilya and his teammate Athan Lille, who he assumed was not as sure about his career, started off slow with an above-average start, finishing eighth and eleventh on the practice round, but both of them knew the familiarity to this course, where lots of hilly climbs and gradual bends, mattered first and foremost. And their judgement was right, as a couple of nods they left after the practice were translated to something bigger, with phenomenal practice and the actual race to show up for it. Athan with a podium finish at second place, and Ilya sixth place - not a podium finish but solid start.

But the race engineer and the Team Tsunopin, a group of those who he had known for half his life on this craft of racing, chose to say little and not celebrate a minor victory made by the 69X-driver. All weekend long Amy Graad, the hardworking technical director of the Bitten Heroes program with her expertise on open wheel racing, kept herself busy, with only one smile only happening at the very end of the race. Then there was his manager. 120-year old Dr. Balthazar Grey, a longtime family friend of his parents, grandparents and great-grandparents, stayed even more serene this weekend, preferring to almost completely disappear from the public.
Somewhere out in the distance Dr. Grey was sipping a glass of Whiskey, just enjoying the pitches employed by the 69Xer and Quebecois companies who were interested in sponsoring this enigmatic racer who, at age 18, had all the star potential set up for him. A topless driver with great sense of street fashion, swear words and nightlife that rivals the Gaelic Club footballer Leif Tannenbaum, was a captivating product for both countries, and while the money's never been the issue for who many had originally assumed to be a pay driver, Ilya's professionalism to driving gave the current and future sponsors confidence that they would not fail. So he knew that Dr. Grey was discussing deals.

Now, sitting back on the penthouse pool of the MacKay Hotel in middle of Buckhaven, Ilya was just doing his best to rest, not thinking too much about the race that could have gone better. Could it have gone better? Absolutely yes. But Ilya knew better than to panic over it, having experienced long calendars in the Sonnelian circuits, and that enjoying the process, and the fun that comes with it, is what really differentiates between a rookie and a vet. He may be eighteen and a rookie, but he felt eighty-one and a vet instead.

Still, the fact that there was nobody else swimming, in the fanciest hotel of the town, didn't comfort him. While he liked solitude, he too was very much a man of fraternity and crazy fun. He knew there were a couple of intriguing racers with odd tempers and/or interesting personalities - Daniel Rae, Bryce Yannec and Shalmaneser Kalhu were the ones he had in mind. Without a doubt, he chose to message all three of them, starting with Shalmaneser. Whether they would respond to his offer of a night out in the clubs would remain to be seen, but at least worth the shot...

[Diarcesia]

Typical scenery in the Odrioyan desert

Elbej Historic Site Circuit

The famous Elbej Historic Site in the Odrioyan desert was host to one of the pivotal battles of the Alm-Alessian Civil War, and has been accorded a good deal of historical and cultural value. The circuit was established in 1975 near the city of Almur, and since then has held many Diarcesian WGP3 races. As a result of special arrangements to allow such a track to be built here, the course alters little of its surroundings. This ensured the place's technical nature with an emphasis on challenging corners as well as the breathtaking scenery of its rugged terrain.

Drivers start the race with two of its harder corners, Vicious V and Nasty Right. The latter set the stage to one of the most memorable battles between Sara Luna and Aldauren Ginintella in the WGP3. After a breather in Turn Four, the track narrows and snakes through the outcrops of the desert.

Hither and Thither, Turns 11 and 12, poise another challenge to the driver. Enter or exit wrong, then you run the risk of being overtaken with a hard time regaining what you lost. The track then hugs the edge of one of the well-preserved natural craters in Diarcesia, bounded by the wide Turn 12 and the 90-degree Turn 13.

The narrow Turn 14 gives way to a banked Turn 15. Despite what the turning angle suggests, Turn 15 allows for a generous entry speed for the driver to build momentum for the gentle Sword-Singer's Rest and quickly attain top speed at the final straight.

Other information
- The race will be a daylight race
- One of the closest major cities is Buclatrachys. Direct highway access from Buclatrachys to Almur and the circuit is available
- Almur has high-speed rail connections to Chiyginia City (West), Buclatrachys (NW), Boreamylum (NE), and Ramngardia (SW)
- While rain is very rare, sandstorms can occur
- Typical temperatures run between 25-40°C, but humidity is low

---

Almur, Diarcesia

A new generation of drivers were now threatening to shake up the Diarcesian WGP3 scene. At the forefront, Samantha Odenatha Blaatschapen experienced her share of successes, and some of her peers were already making waves in the domestic series. Even though her father, Sarjun Wahb-Akhat Blaatschapen (Sergius Uabachatus Blatscapenus) had a rough time raising his family, he managed to play a big part in helping his daughter chase her dreams to be one of the best drivers in the multiverse. At the upcoming (and unexpected) WGP2 race in Diarcesia, Sam returned to Almur to race in the Elbej Historic Site and pay a visit to her father.

"Pa, I'm home!" the feminine voice rang out from the front door of her family home, well within her father's earshot. Inside, Sarjun turned around, in surprise. He didn't expect Sam to be here this early. A few seconds later, the door opened, and Sam went straight for her father, ready to hug him. Sarjun grit his teeth, hoping against hope that he could withstand the force of Sam's tight hugs. The music from the radio across the room was enough to keep the two fulfilled for the duration of the hug.

"How was the trip, Sam?" he asked her, his anxiousness masking his excitement.

Sam smiled, nodded, and played along with her father. "Good. It went well, nothing horrible, just wish it could be better," she shrugged. "Well, I can deal with the racing part later." She turned around and closed the house's front door.

"I can't believe it," Sarjun exclaimed as he clasped both of his hands. "You are the best, you know that?"

"Please, pa. There's a long way to go. I think it's all positive spin," she babbled. "Anyway, I have race tickets. It'll be a clear view of the track," she made a wide gesture, "remember when you bring me to Elbej after school to karting? Time flies fast. Now, we're going there to see me do WGP2, along with some of the future WGPC drivers. I hope I can win this and make you proud."

[The Grearish Union]

Part 7: Introspection

"Keep your chin up, kid."

Those words were probably the most important words anybody ever said to David, that too, as he was being dusted down by this rather old steward at the national U-13 karting championship. It was the first-ever national level race for David, and he knew that he had blown it once he was in the gravel pit that was at least 50 metres away from the track in the runoff area.

Even then, it stayed with him. After that, he had a couple more crashes in his racing career, but that was about it. The scare, for him, didn't come from the fact that he may crash and burn — he could rely on himself enough to say that he won't crash the damn car. What really bothered him, was that perhaps he wouldn't be able to push the car enough to get results. He would mostly attribute this to the fact that he grew up in a moto-business household, where cars were almost revered as people of the family. The handmade element of such Findlay cars also added to the fact that they were so passionately loved by both who sold and bought them. Vanity in such scenarios was not an option.

Therefore, scenarios in which he had to take inexplicable risks to get results, were not his favourite. Perhaps he wasn't made to be a champion, really, and his DNA is built up of prowess in selling luxury cars and not racing them. He didn't really have a leash that he could pull on these thoughts, and they lived rent-free in his head. There was enough reason for these thoughts to occur, too, you would think, given that botht he Nimban DP and the Licentian GP2 race was dismal for the young rookie. The Kaylan team had been struggling throughout the season, this time, barely getting in any points, really, but most of it could be traced back to David's terrible performances.

There was rarely a word spoken about how dismal his form looked, after the Nimban and Licentian races. Especially in Buckhaven, David looked even further out of steam, crashing out in the first stage of qualifying. Disappointingly, it was seeming as if David is consistently one of the better drivers on the grid in practice sessions, but he just cannot cut it when it comes to the actual feature race. This may be pointing to the fact that perhaps David isn't able to learn as much from the track as is expected of him, and thus while he does improve on his performances slightly — it is not nearly enough to sustain a good points finish. Recurrence of this same pattern is a point of concern for the young driver, who will need to make a mark on WGP2 reasonably quickly to ensure that he gets a seat at least in the same series next year — let alone a promotion to WGPC. All is hanging by a slender thread that can only be supported by a string of good performances.

David knew this, and understood it too. It is a kind of confidence that he had for himself after coming 5th in the non-championship, which changed into a pure-bred hate after completely bottling two very important races. One would wonder if this was worth thinking about, and if it would be better to focus on the future which could give better returns. Unfortunately, Findlays remember. Findlays remember everything.

So when the race takes the WGP2 grid to the Elbej Historical Circuit, tensions would be running on high. What better venue could there have been for the young driver to redeem himself than the very site of the Alm-Alessian Civil War? It is now essentially Findlay v. Findlay, and we know that one would come out victorious. Question is, would it be for the better or worse?

Would he be able to keep that chin up, if defeat befalls him again?

[Lisander]

You've been looking like trash since Mor break up with you. Are you sure Bitten Heroes still want you? Dude, your hair was hilarious at the podium. You looked like one of those guys in those pornog... I mean, erotic games, whose hair cover the eyes to give that relatable feeling. Don't tell me you're playing that... You're too old to succumb to this world, come back to us, Lille!

"That was the future of therapy", or at least that was what some shady and unreliable article said. Verbal Abuse Therapy would allow people to vent out their stresses cursing and criticizing other people while pointing to them where it could improve. As long as it was consensual and people kept respect the others, it should be "nice". Athan Lille and Anneliese Devereux were throwing some metaphoric punches.

"Hah, that's much fun to hear from a closeted dyke like you. Why shouldn't you go and buy a home with Miss Siebler? Look at you, Anneliese, putting all that act of a perfect girl, but in fact, you love to li..."

"Hey, stop. We agreed we should not involve these kinds of things in our weekly session of verbal abuse therapy. It's not like I'm attracted to people that way." - Devereux didn't like that kind of conversation. Eve she would joke about introverts, she was still one. She wasn't interested in having relationships as well, so Lille had stepped on a landmine. However, otherwise than that, Athan felt she was going nice with the new team. She was smiling more and worrying less about money. Now that was responsible financial independence? Athan wasn't sure. The money he had earned before was still earning enough to live on without stress, and with the money he was earning in WGP2, he could even start his own business soon. What he did know, or thought he knew, was that Anneliese Devereux was succeeding.

"Well, sorry. I just didn't know what to say this time. I mean, you're going nice with the WGPC. The team loves you, I have seen how you're getting even more popular. You're making it well, Anneliese. I'm not that good."

Oh, well, you piece of crap! Are you kidding me? While I'm seconds behind the points, you're reaching the podium, your team is top three and you yet doesn't feel good? C'mon, man up! You got this seat for free and isn't enjoying the ride? Should I tell you how much I endured before reaching WGPC? - the redhead looked at him with a grin.

"OH NO, NOT THAT STORY AGAIN! I lost! I quit! You told me this story of having to wear a rented frilly dress in order to secure a spot in WGPC a lot of times before. Come on, I was on that party... I was drinking orange soda and eating those salty mini-pretzels when you arrived. You looked like one of those gas cylinders. Or at least that fluo green dress looked like a cylinder. You was a bit chubby that time, woman."

Anneliese gave a smile at the other side of the screen.

"So, see? I was exactly like you. A little abdominal fat, no future defined, no contract. But I grabbed the opportunity, and look at the damn photos, look if I even have fat in my belly! I could even pose for bikini photos! Not that I would... Tracksuit life is my life. I got this love for training more... While you... Ridiculous. I believe you're still filling yourself in soda and pretzels, huh? Dude, 70% of fitness is about what you eat. Get an appointment with a nutritionist. It will get you a nice diet. And stop skipping the gym! Hey, need to go now. We're flying to Aboveland in two hours, need to pack. Good luck in Diarcesia. And seriously. Cut these fringes."

[Commonwealth of Baker Park]

There was a good deal of tension in the air in the Scuderia Orange Cow garage and paddock areas upon the team's arrival in Diacresia.

Despite the best laid plans for the test run at Drummond Vale, the entire day couldn't have gone worse--JC's engine unexpectedly suffered a blown cylinder during a 20 lap race sim, while Batu had a right front suspension failure coming through the chicane--and the mechanics took any sort of problem with the car especially hard, even if the issue was one of QC rather than actual nuts & bolts.

It was largely a self-imposed atmosphere among the 18 senior mechanics, 8 juniors and 6 'garage runners'--who did much of the grunt work on fly away trips, but were highly valued by the mechanics and the "back of the garage" personnel (data engineers/analysists)--which Chief Mechanic Kevin Ammaker tried to temper on a weekly basis; Ammaker was very much a pro-active, empowering boss to his crew, making sure that everyone got their share of praise and credit.

Pedro Carballal and Saki Kuyara had been very much attuned to mood of the mechanics during race weekends in the previous season, and made sure that anything positive that came to the team was emphasized to the credit of the mechanics and garage staff; as a complete novice, Kuyara never put herself above the team for anything she earned on the track.

Here at the Elbej Circuit, Jordan Crowe and Batu Tüvshinbayar were in their cars awaiting the beginning of free practice; they'd agreed after the Hodori weekend to have breakfast together ahead of FP with no race talk, along with anyone else they chose to invite. They were in agreement that they worked for the team, but also were in competition with one another, which would be clean and fair.

On the basis of the previous results for the BP team, which had been part of a triple header TV coverage day on CommSport2 (with ratings that were 400% higher than normal for a single WGPC broadcast), the long four day weekend for Commonwealth Day (Nov 11) is expected to bring major numbers again, alongside several other top shelf sporting events--college football/pro football/CFU Challenge Cup 2nd Round/IBC 33.

For Marley Davis, one of the runners who are new to the team for this season, the heavy atmosphere around garage was not enough for her to forget her enthusiasm at being a part of SOC, or the meaning of the nation's most important holiday. In a rare moment without the engines fired up, the wheel guns chattering or most other noise, she spontaneously shouted out from the back:

LETTTTTTSSSSS GOOOOOOOOOOO COOOWWSSSSSSS!!!

Immediately, the spell was broken. There was laughter and buzz and a palpable sense of feeling.

[WGP2]

Elbej Historic Site Circuit, Almur, Diarcesia]

Odrioyan Desert Circuit Masters GP2

The famous Elbej Historic Site in the Odrioyan desert was host to one of the pivotal battles of the Alm-Alessian Civil War, and has been accorded a good deal of historical and cultural value. The circuit was established in 1975 near the city of Almur, and since then has held many Diarcesian WGP3 races. As a result of special arrangements to allow such a track to be built here, the course alters little of its surroundings. This ensured the place's technical nature with an emphasis on challenging corners as well as the breathtaking scenery of its rugged terrain. It began to earn a reputation in international motorsport when PB-Viska's Laura Haukanna won in front of the team's home crowd during WGP2 Season 4.

Week 3: Practice

Conditions:      	Dry
Session Length:	120 minutes
Nation:         	DCS
Circuit:        	Elbej Historic Site Circuit

Drivers have 120 minutes to complete as many laps of the track as they like

POS # ▍DRIVER                                	FASTEST LAP	GAP TO LEADER
 1 41 ▍Edward Rousseau                       	00:01:18.803	00:00:00.000
 2 53 ▍Shalmaneser Kalhu                     	00:01:18.840	00:00:00.037
 3 69 ▍Ryden Solow                           	00:01:18.865	00:00:00.062
 4 47 ▍Alvis Kalvin Lacsamana                	00:01:18.867	00:00:00.064
 5 39 ▍Ahmad Syaqirin Rahman                 	00:01:18.888	00:00:00.085
 6 87 ▍Bryce Yannec                          	00:01:18.927	00:00:00.124
 7 31 ▍Sullivan Joyner                       	00:01:19.064	00:00:00.261
 8 30 ▍Kyidawa Sherpa                        	00:01:19.077	00:00:00.274
 9 13 ▍David Findlay                         	00:01:19.078	00:00:00.275
10  9 ▍Batu Tüvshinbayar                     	00:01:19.079	00:00:00.276
11 12 ▍Darian Vilau                          	00:01:19.106	00:00:00.303
12 14 ▍Skiia Vialiv                          	00:01:19.125	00:00:00.322
13 84 ▍Angela Stella Tan Fang Ling           	00:01:19.163	00:00:00.360
14 25 ▍Pande Putu Raka Ganesha               	00:01:19.169	00:00:00.366
15 13 ▍Sam Blaatschapen                      	00:01:19.176	00:00:00.373
16 37 ▍Nikhil Pillai                         	00:01:19.201	00:00:00.398
17 18 ▍Haru Jukkenna                         	00:01:19.235	00:00:00.432
18 45 ▍Parveen Kulkarni                      	00:01:19.277	00:00:00.474
19 21 ▍Chiruno Hakusoe                       	00:01:19.381	00:00:00.578
20 27 ▍Jordan Crowe                          	00:01:19.521	00:00:00.718
21 19 ▍Daniel Rae                            	00:01:19.682	00:00:00.879
22 74 ▍Adonis Fitzpatrick                    	00:01:19.704	00:00:00.901
23 28 ▍Aaron Deering                         	00:01:19.852	00:00:01.049
24  0 ▍Vaccinia Poxvirus                     	00:01:19.968	00:00:01.165
25  4 ▍Athan Lille                           	00:01:20.230	00:00:01.427
26 88 ▍Ilya Tsunopin                         	00:01:20.304	00:00:01.501

Week 3: Qualifying

Conditions:      	Dry
Qualifying Type:	One Shot
Nation:         	DCS
Circuit:        	Elbej Historic Site Circuit

POS # ▍DRIVER                                	FASTEST LAP	GAP TO LEADER
 1 12 ▍Darian Vilau                          	00:01:14.558	00:00:00.000
 2 18 ▍Haru Jukkenna                         	00:01:14.563	00:00:00.006
 3 41 ▍Edward Rousseau                       	00:01:14.592	00:00:00.034
 4 13 ▍David Findlay                         	00:01:14.650	00:00:00.092
 5 25 ▍Pande Putu Raka Ganesha               	00:01:14.654	00:00:00.097
 6 47 ▍Alvis Kalvin Lacsamana                	00:01:14.759	00:00:00.201
 7 74 ▍Adonis Fitzpatrick                    	00:01:14.788	00:00:00.230
 8 53 ▍Shalmaneser Kalhu                     	00:01:14.855	00:00:00.297
 9 28 ▍Aaron Deering                         	00:01:14.859	00:00:00.301
10 14 ▍Skiia Vialiv                          	00:01:14.877	00:00:00.319
11  4 ▍Athan Lille                           	00:01:14.910	00:00:00.352
12 30 ▍Kyidawa Sherpa                        	00:01:14.946	00:00:00.389
13 37 ▍Nikhil Pillai                         	00:01:15.014	00:00:00.456
14 13 ▍Sam Blaatschapen                      	00:01:15.027	00:00:00.469
15 27 ▍Jordan Crowe                          	00:01:15.104	00:00:00.546
16 45 ▍Parveen Kulkarni                      	00:01:15.109	00:00:00.551
17 69 ▍Ryden Solow                           	00:01:15.114	00:00:00.556
18 21 ▍Chiruno Hakusoe                       	00:01:15.201	00:00:00.643
19 19 ▍Daniel Rae                            	00:01:15.219	00:00:00.661
20 39 ▍Ahmad Syaqirin Rahman                 	00:01:15.228	00:00:00.670
21  9 ▍Batu Tüvshinbayar                     	00:01:15.333	00:00:00.776
22 88 ▍Ilya Tsunopin                         	00:01:15.387	00:00:00.829
23 84 ▍Angela Stella Tan Fang Ling           	00:01:15.400	00:00:00.842
24 31 ▍Sullivan Joyner                       	00:01:15.737	00:00:01.179
25 87 ▍Bryce Yannec                          	00:01:15.858	00:00:01.300
26  0 ▍Vaccinia Poxvirus                     	00:01:16.083	00:00:01.526

Week 3: Race

Conditions:      	Dry	
Laps:              	55	
Nation:         	DCS	
Circuit:        	Elbej Historic Site Circuit	
Event:	Odrioyan Desert Circuit Masters GP	
Safety Car Deployed on Laps:	3, 4, 11, 12

POS  # ▍DRV Name                     Team                     	Time      	Pts	Fastest Lap	
  1 47 ▍AKL Alvis Kalvin Lacsamana        ANMARA                        	01:13:20.497	25 + 1	1:16.240	
  2 12 ▍VIL Darian Vilau                  Kaylan Junior Team            	00:00:00.986	18		
  3 28 ▍DEE Aaron Deering                 Viska White Unicorns          	00:00:13.483	15		
  4 41 ▍ROU Edward Rousseau               Nexus Racing                  	00:00:26.142	12		
  5 25 ▍RGA Pande Putu Raka Ganesha       Gajamina Racing Team          	00:00:26.468	10		
  6 53 ▍KLH Shalmaneser Kalhu             UrGa Motorsports              	00:00:27.025	8		
  7  4 ▍LIL Athan Lille                   Bitten Heroes Academy         	00:00:37.272	6		
  8 13 ▍FIN David Findlay                 Kaylan Junior Team            	00:00:42.070	4		
  9 30 ▍SHE Kyidawa Sherpa                Viska White Unicorns          	00:00:45.443	2		
 10 18 ▍JKN Haru Jukkenna                 Nexus Racing                  	00:00:47.002	1		
 11 74 ▍FIT Adonis Fitzpatrick            UrGa Motorsports              	00:00:50.886			
 12 14 ▍VIA Skiia Vialiv                  Tropicorp VilBev GP2          	00:00:52.613			
 13 27 ▍CRO Jordan Crowe                  Scuderia Orange Cow           	00:00:56.486			
 14 13 ▍BLA Sam Blaatschapen              ENSADRINK TDDP                	00:01:17.144			
 15 31 ▍JOY Sullivan Joyner               Fireline Academy              	Laps Down: 1			
 16 37 ▍PIL Nikhil Pillai                 Gajamina Racing Team          	Laps Down: 1			
 17 19 ▍RAE Daniel Rae                    ANMARA                        	Laps Down: 1			
 18 45 ▍KUL Parveen Kulkarni              EHF Motospiel                 	Laps Down: 1			
 19 69 ▍SLO Ryden Solow                   Tropicorp VilBev GP2          	Laps Down: 1			
 20  9 ▍TUV Batu Tüvshinbayar             Scuderia Orange Cow           	Laps Down: 1			
 21 21 ▍HKS Chiruno Hakusoe               ENSADRINK TDDP                	Laps Down: 1			
 22  0 ▍POX Vaccinia Poxvirus             WGP2 Motorworks               	Laps Down: 1			
 -- 84 ▍ANG Angela Stella Tan Fang Ling   Fireline Academy              	Ret. lap 30		
 -- 87 ▍YAN Bryce Yannec                  WGP2 Motorworks               	Ret. lap 12		
 -- 88 ▍TNP Ilya Tsunopin                 Bitten Heroes Academy         	Ret. lap 11		
 -- 39 ▍SYQ Ahmad Syaqirin Rahman         EHF Motospiel                 	Ret. lap 3

Pos # ▍DRV Name                           Team                          Pts
 1 41 ▍ROU Edward Rousseau                Nexus Racing                  37
 1 69 ▍SLO Ryden Solow                    Tropicorp VilBev GP2          37
 3 47 ▍AKL Alvis Kalvin Lacsamana         ANMARA                        28
 4  4 ▍LIL Athan Lille                    Bitten Heroes Academy         24
 5 18 ▍JKN Haru Jukkenna                  Nexus Racing                  23
 6 12 ▍VIL Darian Vilau                   Kaylan Junior Team            22
 7 14 ▍VIA Skiia Vialiv                   Tropicorp VilBev GP2          19
 8 28 ▍DEE Aaron Deering                  Viska White Unicorns          17
 8 30 ▍SHE Kyidawa Sherpa                 Viska White Unicorns          17
10 19 ▍RAE Daniel Rae                     ANMARA                        15
11 53 ▍KLH Shalmaneser Kalhu              UrGa Motorsports              14
12  9 ▍TUV Batu Tüvshinbayar              Scuderia Orange Cow           13
13 25 ▍RGA Pande Putu Raka Ganesha        Gajamina Racing Team          10
13 74 ▍FIT Adonis Fitzpatrick             UrGa Motorsports              10
15 88 ▍TNP Ilya Tsunopin                  Bitten Heroes Academy         8
16 13 ▍BLA Sam Blaatschapen               ENSADRINK TDDP                6
17 13 ▍FIN David Findlay                  Kaylan Junior Team            4
18 31 ▍JOY Sullivan Joyner                Fireline Academy              1
18 27 ▍CRO Jordan Crowe                   Scuderia Orange Cow           1

Pos NAT ▍Team                          Pts
  1 NIM ▍Nexus Racing                                          60
  2 V&T ▍Tropicorp VilBev GP2                                  56
  3 ANM ▍ANMARA                                                43
  4 A+D ▍Viska White Unicorns                                  34
  5 LIS ▍Bitten Heroes Academy                                 32
  6 TGN ▍Kaylan Junior Team                                    26
  7 PDN ▍UrGa Motorsports                                      24
  8 CBP ▍Scuderia Orange Cow                                   14
  9 PCU ▍Gajamina Racing Team                                  10
 10 HDR ▍ENSADRINK TDDP                                        6
 11 ETN ▍Fireline Academy                                      1

Next Race [-Time & Date-]. :: Vankkavalta Nøperasinkring, Aboveland

[Valentine Z]

The Valentians - Chapter 7 - Reinforcements.

The awfulness was yet to come again, with Angela simply taking off her helmet and sitting down on the bench, deaf and numb to the world around her. How was she failing so hard at this? It is one thing to be a beginner, but even amongst the group of beginners, she was not exactly doing her very best. The event at Hessington Island Grand Prix Course was an indicator that she needed to do better than that, because 14th, whilst being decent and in the middle, did not net her any points. And then today, it happened.

Elbej Historic Site Circuit, a very dry course with a challenging and windy roads and course. The practice and the qualifications were more than enough to indicate that she was on a losing end. Angela tried her best, and yet, to no avail. 30th lap, she had to retire. She fumbled at Turn 11 and simply crashed onto the wall. The world around her blurred, but it was not so much because of the impact itself; Angela had experienced and felt worse in her space missions, this was nothing much for her. What bothered was as to how careless she has gotten to the point of getting the very first DNF. She sat in the medic tent, sulking and contemplating on her next actions. Adriana must have also watched the whole thing after her qualifications, but for the time being, she was just wondering as to what Fireline must have been thinking - letting her drive without going through a tryout, only to fumble time after time and not getting a point for the team. And now with a DNF, Angela felt that she might have been on a short leash.

She took a long time to think through it, till the day Adriana went for the Sprint Race of her own. It would have seemed like she herself was struggling, not a single point just yet. As Angela was sulking in her plane, she got a text message from Adriana. "Hey, Angela! How are you doing? Err, not sure about yourself, but I still have not gotten myself a personal trainer yet. For myself, I am asking my big sis Clarissa, along with Valentijn, to help me out, they will be coming in. Better go and get a few Valentians to help you out as well."

Angela hatched an idea. She was more or less close with everyone in The Sixty, but there are a few that she is more or less relatively closer to. Foresittend Marcus Alan Ariel Maximillian “Unendlichkeit Jäger” Swifty Felix Maverick Prometheus Revlin Lynx Artyom Lichtenstein Baptiste C. Talon Haydn Lincoln Taal Reynolds Fang Wu Ying, who has helped her with a lot of calculations, scientific details, and many more for her space missions. Vice Foresittend Jolyn Maxine Caulfield Moira “Неуловимая, Женщина-шпион” Marlene Wendy Lucille Lapis Jill Khorosheva Vin. Zolina łnt. Natasha Vasilisa Helen Ceeta Tescelyn Maximovna can also tag along, seeing how Marcus and her often work together. "You might want to be careful a tad with Jolyn. She's okay, but she quit WGP2 and didn't seem like she want to go back. Ask her nicely, of course!" And then one more person: Anastasia “De Sierlijke en Vrij High Valkyrie ov Valentine Z” Freya Valentina Ada. Jolin Annelijn Caitlin Trijntje Crystal Clarice Constance Judy Voi. D. Nexitros Annile Teresa Thida Myat Yadana Aye. A champion of NSSCRA 10, surely she must have had a few secrets here and there to doing well in a race. This was all on top of Jolyn and Marcus being NSSCRA drivers too.

After a few hours of talking and casual conversations, Anastasia, Jolyn, and Marcus have arrived on Angela's plane through teleportation. The plane was thankfully large and tall enough to accommodate all of them, with Marcus being the tallest at 10 meters in his suit of armor; Anastasia and Jolyn shrunk themselves appropriately. "Thank you for coming down and well, helping me!" Angela exclaimed, shaking their hands and giving them a hug, "Oh and Jolyn, I'm so sorry if I am roping you into this again. I know NSSCRA is more of your thing, but I was wondering if there are a few things here and there that you can look into."

"Oh, no worries! Well, I mean, I don't mind watching the sports now and then, and I do love seeing you, Adriana, and the rest succeed. It's just not for me anymore, so I don't want to get involved directly as a racer."

"Though I will have to admit," Anastasia started off, "I will try my best, but I'm not sure how far I can help. You know, with NSSCRA being different from WGP2. But I can give a few encounters."

Marcus then approached the group, his footsteps booming through the ship, "Well, I will have to say that I am just here along for the ride, but if there is a scientific endeavor in this just like with NSSCRA, you know I am down for that."

Eminent and Fireline will have to provide Adriana and Angela with their own trainers, but for the time being, the Valentians' help will surely complement them in their journey in WGPC and WGP2.

[TJUN-ia]

WGP2 Season 5
Round 3
Odrioyan Desert Circuit Masters GP2
Elbej Historic Site Circuit, Almur, Diarcesia
Post Race

The bigger the goals, the harder the struggle towards them. That can sum up Batu's feeling right now as he pondered on another weekend in this fast-progressing WGP2 season. He left Hessington Island with some actual confidence in his life after getting pole position and finishing in 4th by the end of that race. It wasn't the perfect weekend, but it certainly was a good one and Batu hoped to replicate that over in Diarcesia this weekend. But test running back home in Baker Park didn't go well and despite the best efforts of everyone, the mood was a bit iffy - until Marley Davis brought everyone back to the fun zone. Despite the pressure to succeed, his support bubble at SOC was a complete 180 to where he was at NN so he felt confident that no matter what happened this weekend, everyone there would have his back. That's gotta be worth something, right?

The Elbej Historic Site Circuit must have been built for a specific car because no matter what SOC tried this weekend, nothing seemed to work out at all. The dry practice saw Batu up in 10th and Jordan Crowe in 20th, but that would be as good as it got for the Mongolian this weekend. Edward Rousseau was fastest over Shalmaneser Kalhu and Ryden Solow with Kyidawa Sherpa in 8th and Adonis Fitzpatrick in 22nd.

Qualifying was one-shot and as such, all the pressure was on to get it right on the only chance he got. The Outcrops would be where everything fell apart, his eventual lap time within 8 tenths of pole but only good enough for 21st on Sunday. Darian Vilau took pole over the Nexus' of Haru Jukkenna and Edward Rousseau with Fitzpatrick 7th, Sherpa 12th and Crowe in 15th.

The race itself wasn't fun at all. Nothing about that was fun. 4 retirements and 2 safety cars couldn't help as all as he finished a lap down in 20th, his worst performance of the season so far by far. Jordan Crowe could only manage 13th himself while Alvis Kalvin Lacsamana came from 6th to take the flag over Vilau and...Aaron Deering?! Huh...cool.

At least had his support network to tell him that everything was OK in the world. This was just a blip, we can come back in Aboveland, everything will be fine. He hoped so too, as well as hoping that his pursuits at...an outside mate...actually went well. He wasn't sure how to tackle Sherpa at all but Adonis...that was interesting. He stuck a note up at UrGa asking if he was OK, dressed in all black to hide his identity, and while he was sure he got the message, no response came his way yet. Of course, he addressed the letter as "B" and there were 2 other drivers that have B as an initial (Bryce Yannec and San Blaatschapen), so he probably wasn't sure who was the culprit in this regard. In that case, Batu had to try and let him know who he was without walking over and embarrassing himself. So, that day, he sent another message to Adonis via a different method: an envelope addressed to Adonis placed in front of the UrGa garages, once again dressed in black. It wasn't much, but it would be a clue to someone like him...

---

The second message...

I'm here if you need me, watching from afar.

-B

[Togonistan]

Domerton Motorsports
@DomertonMotorsports

November 12th, 2021

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Darian Vilau after securing pole position for the race in Diarcesia: ''Yes! Yes! Yes! It's time to rock and roll, babyyyyyyy!'' #WGP2

Domerton Motorsports
@DomertonMotorsports

November 12th, 2021

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Darian Vilau finishes 2nd at Odrioyan Desert Circuit Masters GP following a spectacular performance! With David Findlay securing 8th, it was a great day for Kaylan Junior Team by Domerton with a double points finish! #WGP2

[Mertagne]

Thanks to Queb (69X) for a cool RP prompt.

The message rang through on Bryce's phone as he was getting changed for the evening. Bryce scowled a bit as he saw who it was from, expecting some kind of jab at his race performance earlier that day. Instead, he was surprised to see that instead of further rivalry, it was an offer at fraternity. Clubbing with Ilya Tsunopin? I could certainly use a drink...

Several hours later and Buckhaven's clubs had been thoroughly rifled through by the squad that had heeded Tsunopin's call. A shot here, a glass of sparkling wine there, and suddenly Yannec found himself sat on a burningly crisp white pleather sofa in the VIP section of an unknown Buckhaven club, saddled up between Tsunopin and a girl that Yannec had met about 15 minutes prior in the queue. The dark atmosphere of the club gave way to the flashing rave lights, as a club house music night thumped down below them. It seemed glowsticks were back in fashion in the Licentian Isles, and as Yannec knocked back a vodka and lemonade, he leaned in to join Tsunopin's discussion while wearing a pair of glowing ladder shades that someone had handed to him alongside his latest drink.

Tsunopin was regaling a tale to an intently listening group of people about his brilliant qualifying run that got him all the way to Q3 and to 7th. Yannec couldn't quite tell if he was being serious when he said how much he enjoyed the wet, and was made even more muddy when Tsunopin included the eyebrow raise and smirk. The guy could spin a good tale, though, and it seemed that people were certainly enjoying his company as another bucket of champagne was brought out for the party.

Ilya pivoted the story onto Bryce with ease, as he announced his need to go to the bathroom. Bryce laughed at his brazenness, and then tried to encapsulate his audience in the way that Tsunopin had. He stumbled a bit, and felt like he'd lost their interest, but something in the way this tall Mertagnian man had fumbled around a story of spinning out in qualifying and then having a mare of a race made the club-goers in the VIP section laugh a bit. The glowing ladder shades certainly helped.

Tsunopin came back after a while and seemed a bit wired, and the two had the opportunity to have a further chat. Yannec brought back a conversational thread that they'd talked about earlier in the night - the next raceday in Diarcesia. A desert race wasn't something that Yannec was familiar with, having only really raced in Mertagne, but Tsunopin replied and said he wasn't that worried. Apparently the worst that could happen is that it might get a bit dusty. Bryce seemed a bit relieved at this, partly because he was a little drunk, and partly because his performance in the rain left much to be desired.

The two talked for a while until an embarrassing incident occurred where a champagne bucket tipped over the VIP zone and landed square on the head of one of the club-goers. Luckily, the bucket was plastic and only had ice in at that point, but Yannec and Tsunopin swiftly backed down to the main dancefloor before any of the club staff could answer questions.

While throwing some shapes on the dancefloor, Yannec and Tsunopin shouted to each other over the club music about their teenage hobbies. For Tsunopin, they were his current hobbies, and Yannec realised that while he was a few years older than Ilya, the two weren't that different. Both embarrassingly admitted that they'd had a brief teenage stint as amateur DJs, and neither had expanded the hobby out of their respective bedrooms. Ilya, in his inebriated wisdom, suggested that tonight could be their debut...

A cocky saunter over to the club DJ, a half-shouted conversation, and the quick exchange of a bit of cash later, and Tsunopin and Yannec had made their way into the booth, which was situated above the dance floor with a window looking out onto it. Scrambling over the mixdeck and searching through the computer to see if any 69X garage could be downloaded onto the machine, Tsunopin seemed as much in his element on a DJ deck as he was in a car. Yannec briefly took over from the DJ and kept spinning the house mix as Ilya got ready, and Bryce noticed the microphone left hanging on the wall next to the decks.

Before too long, Tsunopin had hastily assembled his quick set, and an abrupt transfer threatened to stop the club vibe until Yannec scooped up the mic and tried to keep the party going. While he was usually a bit quiet, the alcohol mixed with his dragged up teenage confidence saw that he was a competent MC for the Licentian club-goers as Tsunopin slew through a set. The two did outstay their welcome a bit, and after being cajoled out of the club about 20 minutes after it closed, the two sat on the kerb of the street as Yannec used an app to grab a cab.

"It's tough, isn't it?" said Tsunopin, hunched as he was sat on the kerb with his legs splayed out in front of him.

"What is?" asked Bryce, who had squatted down next to him.

"Just... all of it. You've got to let it all out somehow, don't you? Like nights like this." he rolled slightly, before kicking himself up off of the ground and wiggling his arms as he stood up.

Bryce smiled. "Yeah, I suppose you're right. It's a lot. International competition always is, so they say. Ever more so when you're throwing yourself around a track at 300km/h."

"Have you got family, Bryce?" asked Ilya, turning to face him.

Bryce thought about his actual family, before his mind shifted to those he had chosen to consider his family. Cleo, Annikki. Not quite Soishic his radio operator just yet.

"In a sense, yeah." he replied.

Tsunopin looked slightly pensive at the ground. "Yeah, I know what you mean."

As the cab pulled up on the street, the two stepped into the back, held in their alcohol induced vomit, and gestured for the driver to drive as they spiralled off into the night.

---

Practice
"This is much better now Bryce, you're about a tenth off the pace. This should set you up well if you carry it into qualifying." barked Soishic from the other end of the radio.

It was really hot. Bryce had been teetering around the circuit for nearly an hour and a half in two separate stints, and was nearing the end of the practice session.

The track here in Diarcesia was an unforgiving one, as little of the natural landscape had been changed to accommodate it. As Bryce peeled past Crater Rim, its two sharp corners allowing him to get away with a bit of a twitch, he noticed that the scenery was very pretty, and understood why a track such as this would be the target for the WGPO. It would certainly pull in the punters.

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Qualifying
"Okay boss, we're up next. One shot on this one, so just do your best, okay?"
Soishic seemed to be in a chipper mood today, as Bryce pulled the car down the main straight to start his flying lap. Turn one seemed to pass him by without issue, and the Vicious V failed to bite him on that lap. Bringing the car up to speed on the straight before the nasty right gave him a boost of confidence, and a lack of a lock up on that turn three which had previously plagued him in the earlier stages of the practice session meant that he was on good form into the imposing and technical outcrops section. He darted through on pace, and swung by Hither 'n Tither, where he'd stopped on his track walk as he'd accidentally dropped a bottle of water and it had rolled all the way down into the gravel. Crater Rim was looking promising, but unfortunately his qualifying attempt came undone on Turn 13, as a bit too much pressure on the brake caused him to slow up a bit too much and the car began to spin from the rear, causing Yannec to understeer the sharp corner. A collected twitch of the wheel and a poke of the throttle allowed him to shoot away from the worst of it, but the maneuver had cost him time, and as he crossed the line he winced as he saw his position at the bottom of the pile.

---

Race
The lead mechanic in the morning briefing had mentioned something about power unit issues being a factor in the WGP2 Motorworks poor qualifying attempt the day before, but Yannec tried to put that to the side and focus on getting a good start in the race. As he sat waiting for the off, he noticed the car of Tsunopin a few rows ahead of him, and knew that he wanted to get some race action with the Sixty-Nine-X'er before the day was done.

His start allowed him to leapfrog Sullivan Joyner and come alongside Angela Stella Tan Fang Ling at the first corner. Going on the aggressive against the second Fireline driver let him come out ahead, but by he time he made it to the Vicious V Joyner had overtaken him and gained a fair few places by taking the inside. Bryce tried to follow, but was forced onto the outside and remained near the back of the pack alongside his teammate Vaccinia Poxvirus.

By lap 9, he'd weaselled his way up the grid a few positions, until he was fighting for 18th, held by Tsunopin. The two duelled for 18th place as if it was first, with Yannec bringing the slightly slower Motorworks car late into corners to try and pip Tsunopin and overtake. By lap 11, however, a number of close calls came to a head, as on turn 14, Tsunopin and Yannec raced a little too hard and the front wing of the latter collided with the rear of the former, sending Tsunopin rolling gently into the dust and out of the race. Yannec took a quick flash at his new found friend, who was slamming the wheel in frustration as he continued to glide off the track.

"Bryce, you've had contact. How's the car?" asked Soishic, seemingly desperate for information on the other end.

In the few turns that Bryce had made, he'd noticed a considerable slowdown on the straights, and the car seemed to have a rattle that he hadn't anticipated.

"Bryce, looks like damage to your wing is worse than we thought. Can you bring the car in this lap? Bring the car in this lap, as we're under safety car."

The car limped through the outcrops, but at Turn 9, Bryce heard a sharp sound as part of the wing dislodged itself from its usual position and clattered into the car. The car lurched forward, and Bryce peeled it to the side of the track. As he poked the throttle with his foot, it seemed that the engine had given up, and he slowly rolled to a halt before Hither.

"It's dead, I can't get it to pit. I'm sorry."