Chapter 34 - Dave Vs. Shin
TJ: 3!
Dave: If he makes a mistake behind me, he’s done.
TJ: 2!
Shin: I’ll overtake him on one of the straights. My tyres aren’t holding up but my motor sure is.
TJ: 1!
TJ: Go!
Dave launched the Atenza as hard as he could, momentarily building a small lead on the wheel spinning Mustang before it found traction and charged right up to the Atenza’s bumper.
They tore around the first corner once again. This time, both drivers knew what to do. Dave held the inside line around the corner. Shin took to the outside, now struggling with lower grip.
Shin: Damn, not good.
Dave continued on with newfound confidence, keeping Shin firmly behind him through the corners.
They were now approaching the first of the dreaded blind corners once more.
Dave: Easy does it.
Shin: Here’s my chance to catch him.
Dave went wide on the corner exit.
Shin: Now’s my chance!
Dave: Crap!
Shin floored it and attempted to take Dave from the inside.
The attempt failed as the Mustang refused to stop burning rubber. Dave held the lead around the next corner with the Atenza’s tyres still providing traction.
Shin: Ugh!
The fast and winding section was now coming up. If there was anywhere Shin could make a move, it would be here. Shin used the Mustang’s brute power to draw alongside the Atenza.
Shin: You’re mine!
Dave: No! No way!
Dave jumped into Shin’s lane, attempting to cut off his pass.
Shin: What the?! Are you after revenge now?! I’m not being forced off road like this!
Shin braked to avoid being rammed through the fence. Dave kept on the throttle and flew round the next corner.
Shin: That little punk!
Dave: How do you like it?!
Shin got back on the throttle and began to chase Dave down. They passed through the final corner and raced down the final straight.
Shin: Come ‘ere!
Shin started reeling in Dave quickly, but it wasn’t enough to make a move on the speedy Atenza. Dave passed the line with Shin only mere lengths behind.
Shin: Damn! That was my chance and he cut me off!
Dave: Yes! We did it!
Shin quickly turned around and drove back to the start line to line up for the third round.
Shin: Enough is enough! I’m taking you out this time!
Dave made his way back and parked up behind Shin. TJ approached Dave once more.
TJ: He wasn’t even 0.2 seconds behind you. Are you okay?
Dave: I might’ve pissed him off. He tried to overtake and I cut him up. I cant afford to lose TJ.
TJ: Yeah he’s steaming. Listen, he’s going to be relentless now so don’t back off at all.
Dave: I’m getting the hang of the track. You can count on me TJ.
TJ: I’m going to talk to Shin then count down. You’ve made it this far, don’t lose now.
Dave: Mm.
TJ walked over to Shin’s window.
TJ: Hey there champ.
Shin: Your friend is done this round.
TJ: Uh huh. How are your tyres holding up? Apparently you’re quite the drift king.
Shin: Shut up. Go start the countdown already.
TJ: Sure. Oh and the Vitz’s bill comes out to about 1,000,000 Yen. I’m sure you can afford that.
Shin: Assuming your friend can beat me.
TJ: Oh he will. He will.
TJ walked ahead and began the count.
TJ: Ready? Alright! 3! 2! 1! Go!
Meanwhile, in the skies above England…
Yuka: Ah, so this is England?
Hitomi: Yup. It’s like America but they drive on the Japanese side of the road.
Yuka: Really? That makes a change from all these backwards roads we’ve been driving on.
Hitomi: Backwards? It’s you who’s backwards.
Yuka: Left hand drive is backwards to me.
Hitomi: I’m not having a left versus right debate on a plane.
Yuka: Okay then… So is our hotel in London or somewhere between London and the Top Gear track?
Hitomi: We’ve got a hotel in London and we’re going back onto a plane straight after the race at the Top Gear track anyway.
Yuka: So soon? Aw. Can’t we stay for a taping of an episode of Top Gear?
Hitomi: The German leagues are after this, you know they won’t tolerate delays and stuff.
Yuka: True. Oh well. Anyway I can’t wait to see what car we’re getting to use.
Hitomi: Probably some British roadster.
Yuka: I’ve never driven a roadster before. Have you?
Hitomi: A couple. They’re fun with the top down.
Yuka: Yeah I bet. Mm… I miss my Civic…
Hitomi: Yeah I miss my ‘Vette too.
Special thanks to Rotary Junkie for being Dave!