Page 68 of Full Throttle 2

Head nods went around their small group.

Everyone understood the assignment and went to get into their positions. However, before Colby could get into her car, Cyrus touched her elbow. He knew she was going through an emotional time and wanted to check once more that she was ready.

Colby held his penetrating gaze. It was as if her father was looking deep into her soul. “Are you sure you’re ready?”

Her expression radiated a strong sense of purpose as she returned his gaze with a steely one of her own. “I’m always ready.” Colby had prepared too long and hard for this moment. Too much had been sacrificed for her to be here, so she wouldn’t leave room for anything else.

She was more than ready.

Cyrus could see the competitor in her eyes. Colby was fired up. He smiled at her, cupping her shoulder. “You’ve got this.”

Gonzo handed Colby her headgear. His focused gaze reflected that same determination and said more than words could.

She pulled on her helmet before sliding into the window of her car. There was nothing like sitting in the driver’s side right before a race. She felt a flutter in her stomach, and Colby smiled. Colby knew they would come. Her butterflies had returned. Not from nerves but joy and excitement.

Colby turned on the ignition. The rumble of her engine and its vibration made her feel powerful. Colby smiled for the first time over the past week.

Gonzo held his balled-up fist out to her. “You know what to do. Rev that engine...”

Colby proceeded to do exactly that, then bumped his fist with hers. “Drop that pedal.”

Ben’s voice came loud and clear through her headset. “Let’s go get this win.”

Colby’s wheels screeched as she exited the garage to take her place on the Atlanta Motor Speedway.

The green flag waved, and the cars roared to life. Colby gained ground quickly from the back—another bogus penalty after her last race—to the front of the pack, showcasing her extraordinary skills.

Team IHG tried to pull the same stunts in the early part of the race, but Abby and several other teams blocked them. Abby’s defensive driving was on point.

Colby was impressed that Brian’s political skills in the world of racing were starting to pay dividends big time.

However, after lap 180, Team IHG caused a multi-car pileup, bringing out the yellow flag and giving a blow to Team Lockwood as Jordan was out. Tensions were high among the teams that wanted a clean race and those that were trying to stop Colby by any means necessary. Everyone wanted to win, but most weren’t with the bullshit.

After the restart, it quickly became a two-person race between Colby and Watson. Her instincts were right on the money when she told her team to focus on him and his Steward-Haas Racing team.

Coming out of inside curve number three, Colby was in the lead. However, not for long. She exchanged the top spot several times with Watson.

Tensions were building as Lockwood and Steward-Haas pit strategies were tested.

Colby could see that he was headed for the pit. She spoke into her headset. “My tires on the right feel shaky. Coming in.”

Steward-Haas opted to change all four tires, while Lockwood went for the two-tire strategy, aiming to get her out faster. The decision set the stage for the drama to come.

Watson tried to outsmart her with a risky move, attempting to draft off Colby’s rear bumper. The crowd was on the edge of their seats as they saw the two drivers inches apart.

Suddenly, a tire blew out on another car, causing a second caution. Coming out of the caution, Watson’s crew realized they had miscalculated fuel. They had to make another pit, risking losing their shot at victory.

Cyrus spoke into Colby’s headset. “Bring her in for the other tires.”

“Nuh-uh. They can make it.” Colby stayed out, gaining valuable track position.

With only ten laps to go, Watson was now in fifth place after his pit stop, while Colby was leading. The announcers speculated whether he could catch up, given his skills and the speed of his car. The crowd erupted as Watson pushed hard, slicing through the field.

As they entered the final laps, Watson was in third and gaining, but Colby still leading. The pressure mounted with every turn. Watson attempted to work with another driver, hoping to use the draft to propel himself forward. Again, they were thwarted by the extraordinary talents of Abby.

On the last lap, Watson managed to break free and catch up to Colby.

The two were side by side, battling for the lead. The atmosphere was electric, and the fans were screaming. Colby still had a few tricks in her bag. She expertly blocked Watson’s attempt to pass, but he was relentless.