Red-Line

[Rotary Junkie]

Besides, if it was me driving......

It would still be sitting on the grid with some bloke in the passenger seat making engine noises and moving the shifter around.

(Bad poke at wrong-side-drive that every Brit, Aussie, and Asian suffers from)

 

[waggles]

Poor, there. Really poor.

I thought you knew better. ;(

Anyway, absolutely loving the series, mate.

 

[Rotary Junkie]

Poor, there. Really poor.

I thought you knew better. ;(

I do. But sometimes I can't help myself from being completely unfunny.

 

[waggles]

Ah, but you see, some believe that it is best to keep these to yourself.

Because we could do the exact same thing back to you.

 

[Rotary Junkie]

Eh, fair enough.

 

[mustangGT90210]

As far as Chapter 17 goes, the pix show the M3 winning =/

 

[bergauk]

Look again, the rear shot shows the Lancer in front.

 

[mustangGT90210]

Since when did rear shots determine outcome? And I think the M3 is a longer overall car

Keep up the good work D24/7! 👍

 

[bergauk]

They really don't determine it. But what if the final speed of the Lancer was faster than the final speed of the M3, wouldn't that shoot it over the line just in time to become the winner, even if just by .003 seconds.

 

[willis555]

what lancer?
do you mean civic?

 

[Skygrasper550]

what lancer?
do you mean civic?

The Lancer. please read over Chapter 17 again carefully..,

 

[willis555]

The Lancer. please read over Chapter 17 again carefully..,

oops, i thought they were talking about the infineon race lol, my bad

 

[Skygrasper550]

Chapter 20 : Club TVR​

I can't wait for Kyosuke to race, it looks like he's been looking forward to this.


Kairi had some news from the office. The configuration of the track has just been changed. The long sweeper has been blocked and is replaced by a straight section, meaning there will be more emphasis on speed for the next races. We hastily adjusted the settings on Kyosuke's Evo V to make it suitable for the new section.

Kyosuke's going to need his energy for the race, so Kairi asked me instead to help out on the tuning. While doing so, Kyosuke went around the tents to look at some other cars.

"Let's see, I wonder if there's anything interesting around here..."

"Whoa.." Kyosuke laid his upon an exotic-looking car.

"A TVR, nice. I always see these cars in pictures, but to see one in personal? They look a lot more gorgeous, almost on par to Jaguars'." He touched the car gently with his fingertips.

"HEY! What the hell?!" Someone shouted nearby.

Kyosuke, a bit startled from that loud voice, looked around to see where it was coming from. A man approached him, "What do you think you're doing to my ride??" He saw Kyosuke's fingerprint left behind when he touched the car. "Aw, dammit!! I just paid for a new car wash an hour ago and look at what you did!" The man wipes off the fingerprint with a handkerchief.
-"Sorry about that man, I was just admiring your car, that's all."
"You can just simply take a look at it. I don't want anyone I don't know touching my car. *sigh* Maybe I should've put a "Hands Off" sign on the window..."
-"All right, all right, geez... you don't have to be such a jerk."
"What did you say?!"


Three other people went over to them.


"What's all the commotion about?"
-"This Japanese dude here was touching my car. He left a fingerprint on it, right after I had a car wash. And he called me a jerk!"
One of the guys talked to Kyosuke, "Hey man, are you looking for some trouble? You better not mess with us and our cars."
-"I was just looking around, that's all. (What a bunch of a-holes...)"
"Well for your information, this isn't the place for innocent kids to roam around. Unless your intention of coming here is to race."
-"Actually, you're right about that."
"Whatcha drivin'?"
-"A Lancer Evo." Kyosuke points at his Evo.

*chuckles, then laughter* "My Griffith can smoke that hunk of import junk on the quarter mile AND on the race track. Hahaha!"
Kyosuke smiles, -"We'll see about that."
"...Boy, are you challenging us? Don't you know who we are? This is Club TVR you're talking to."

"Our specialty is taking down import tuners, just talk to the other guys around here and you'll know more about our reputation. Hah, racing with you will just be a waste of our time."
-"Apparently, touching that Cerbera and talking to you guys has just been a waste of MY time."
"You know what guys, let's just go and leave him. He's not worth our time." They walked away.

-"Haha, what a bunch of jerks.......and cowards."

The guys with the Griffith turns around, "THAT'S IT!!"He rushes in and is about to punch Kyosuke in the face.

"Whoa, hey there, take it easy." One of his friends tries to stop him. "There's only one way to settle this fight." He turns to Kyosuke. "Do you really want to challenge us? If so, we accept. I'll say this again, you're going up against Club TVR, the group that's known around here for taking down import tuners."
-"And I'm known for taking down exotics."
"So you say. To add some spice to our little 'competition', let's say we race for pink slips."
-"Now we're talking."
"This is serious, boy. If you lose, we'll just sell that Evo of yours because we don't fancy Japanese imports, because they're not fast. There's not turning back once you agree to the deal. Are you sure you want to bet your car on the line?"
-"Why not??"
"Okay. Since we have your approval, we'll all participate on the next race. Agreed?"
-"Agreed."

"I'm Paul Turner, I'm driving a TVR Tamora. This is Benjamin Foreman, he's the one with the Griffith."
"James Stevenson, that's my green Tuscan over there. And this fellow over here is Eddie Price, the owner of the Cerbera."

-"Nice to meet all of you. I'm Kyosuke Maiyuki. Now if you'll excuse, I would want to go back now to check out on my Evo."
"Sure." Kyosuke leaves.


"Are you sure about accepting that boy's challenge?"
-"Yes. Listen, I've been roaming around here just like him. I keep hearing about a team called "MUGEN" from Japan, said they're after some serious racing. Rumor has it, that boy is part of that team, and he just trashed a grid full of exotic sports cars on a high-speed circuit, including a Lotus Esprit and a BMW M3 GTR."
"He beat an M3 GTR??" That's impossible, considering what he drives. Are you sure about this?"
-"I just keep hearing about these things. I'd really like to find out if he's the guy on the rumors."
"And you said we'll be racing for pink slips. Are you nuts?!"
-"No. I'm sure we'll win. I guarantee that. His Evo doesn't stand a chance against us."


"Kyosuke, where have you been? It's time for the next race. By the way, have you found someone to race against?"
-"I just have, Kairi-san. And we all agreed to race for pink slips."

Yamato and I were shocked at what Kyosuke said.
"SAY WHAT?!?!"
"SAY WHAT?!?!"
-"We all agreed to race for pink slips."

The second time we heard it, we were just stunned.

"Luckily, I brought them along with me. They should be somewhere in my briefcase in the van."
-"Yosh."

"Tori, Kairi just got Kyosuke infected with his 'disease'. I just hope you don't turn into one of them."
-"Definitely no way, Yamato-san."

"Kyosuke, the track is now open for your practice run. Are you ready?"
-"I don't need a practice run. I just want to get this race over with."
"Are you sure about that?"
-"I've raced on this track on my favorite video game. I can still remember how I got around on this course, so I'll just familiarize myself when the race gets going."
"Okay, I'll bet on that. It's all up to you now."
-"Hai."

1st: TVR Cerbera Speed 6

2nd: TVR Tamora

3rd: TVR Griffith 500

4th: RUF BTR

5th: TVR Tuscan Speed 6

6th: Mitsubishi Lancer Evo V GSR

Kyosuke's race is up next. As rolled out from our tent, I can feel he's getting a bit nervous. His car's on the line here. But no, I have faith in Kyosuke, he can do this. Race 12, begin!

[POV Shift]


"All right guys, same as last race. We just have to keep our positions as is. James, we put you in a strategic position so that the Japanese boy stays in last place."
-"Okay, let's all do our part."

"I'm not gonna waste any more time. These guys are gonna pay for underestimating me and my Lancer."

"Looks like you forgot to check your rear view mirrors."
"Damn, where'd he come from?!"

"James, what the heck happened?"
-"I didn't see him coming, dammit!"
"You have to reclaim your position."
-"I'm on it."

"One down, three to go."

"Excuse me, you're in my way."
-"No way, that Lancer's just as fast as my BTR!"

"You're next."
"He's right behind me already? How could he have caught up this fast?"

"No overtaking in this section, the line's too tight."

"Aaagghh! I'm too fast!"
"??What the hell are they doing??"

"Don't tell me these guys rely on pure speed to win?? ...Whoops, nearly missed that cone."

"Grr, that boy's picking us one by one! James, why are you getting left behind? That Tuscan of yours is just as fast as mine!"
-"I just can't catch up to him!"

*Paul looks at rear view mirror* " Ben, don't tell me you just got passed by that Lancer."
"I just did! Don't worry, I'll catch up."

"I can match their speed on the straight. This is going to be a great race."

"Jack, where are you?! This boy's got some serious speed, we need to box him quickly."

"Hey, I remember this scenario!"

"My favorite move..."
-"Huh? Where'd he go?"

"Hehe, I now have the inside line. Fooled ya."
-"Dammit!"

"Eddie, be careful, the Lancer is now right behind you!"
-"!! What did you say?!"

"Gaah, great timing on that news, Paul. You just got me off track!"
-"Sorry!"

"Yup, these guys don't even have a license."

"I can't believe that Lancer is faster than my Cerbera! Okay, let's re-think our strategy. Paul, that's good, you're right behind me. Ben, hurry up. Your plan is to box him, right? Let's do that."

"I'm driving as fast as I can."
"This race is mine."

"Don't think you just won. We, Club TVR, can't lose and will never lose over any Japanese import."

"That's perfect Ben, you caught up. Paul, time to proceed with the plan. Let's go!"
-"Roger that."
-"Roger."

"What the, they just rushed from out of nowhere!"

"Oh great, I came from 1st to 4th in an instant. No more fooling around, time to get serious."

"That Japanese boy's tough, he's sure putting up a good fight."
-"We'll just have to go faster, that's all." (floors on the gas)

"There's that cone again."

"Oh no, Eddie..."
-"What is it?"

"You came in too hot on that sweeper!"
-"Thanks for the update, I appreciate it!"

"This is not good."
"You're all mine!"

"I'll just turn this into a drag race after this hairpin."

"Damn! I forgot, that Lancer's AWD, he can blast out of corners with ease!"

-"We.....lost....to a Lancer...."
-"We.....lost....to a Lancer...."
-"We.....lost....to a Lancer...."
-"We.....lost....to a Lancer...."
"Hah! That's what you get for messing around with my Evo!"

"Uh, Ben..."
-"?"
"Can I borrow 30 grand?"


[POV Shift]


"Hmmm, let's see, what would I do with 1, 2, 3, 4 TVR's..." Kyosuke counts the pink slips and the car keys. He won against Club TVR, the group known around here for beating Japanese import sports car. And he got their cars as his prize!

"Whoohoo! Look at me, I just won 4 prize cars!" He slaps the pink slips on Paul's face, "What's that? I can't hear you, I thought you said you were going to sell my car. Could you repeat that, please?"
-"..........."

He toys around with the keys, "After I sell all of them, I'm gonna be stinkin' rich!! Mwahahaha!!"


"Paul, after this we'll have a coffin ready for you."
-".................."


"Congratulations, Kyosuke. you did a wonderful job."
-"Arigato, Kairi-san."
"I'm speechless, you're definitely a way better racer than I am. Congratulations!"
-"Thanks, Tori. Come on, don't say that. I too, think that you're a better driver than I am."


Kyosuke was still rejoicing when we heard a clapping sound. "Excellent, just wonderful. You've impressed me yet again, 'Team MUGEN'."

We turned around to see who said that.

"!! It can't be!"
-"What is it, Tori!"
"No, it just can't be..."

-"Yes it is, Mr. Tori Akawa."

"Hey, how did you Tori's name? Tori, do you know this guy?"
"That's the Impreza I saw back on Capri! So, you're the driver of that car?"

"Yes I am. You can call me 'Roj'. At last, I finaly got to meet you."

Why is he after me? Does he want to challenge me on a race? But, of all people, why me?

next on Red-Line: Chapter 21 - Kairi and The Civic


don't miss it!!

 

[VTiRoj]

Whats Kyosuke going to do with 4 TVR's? I'll take a couple of them off his hands.

Nicely written chapter as always, the comedy value was alot higher this time round, although with AI driving like that, its impossible not to take advantage with some smart comments.

Look, it's me!

 

[Paulie]

Great chapter as ever d24/7! Now the bread van is here too, oh man, this story is just too awesome.

 

[mafia_boy]

Just skip to Chapter 24 d24/7, it's no competition racing roj.

 

[Paulie]

Just skip to Chapter 24 d24/7, it's no competition racing roj.

Especially in that grocery getter.

 

[mafia_boy]

Just skip to Chapter 24 d24/7, it's no competition racing roj.

Especially in that grocery getter.

But unlike you in the last placed GTO, the Bread Van will atleast get a podium.

 

[Paulie]

But unlike you in the last placed GTO, the Bread Van will atleast get a podium.

Keep telling yourself that Mafs, keep telling yourself that. You're forgetting that GTO Tori raced was not me, and it was stock. If they're allowed to modify cars so am I.

 

[Skygrasper550]

Just skip to Chapter 24 d24/7, it's no competition racing roj.

Especially in that grocery getter.

yeah yeah, whatever..,

@ Mafs - how the hell were you able to guess the race chapter??? you and VTiRoj have got to stop making the correct guesses..,

now if someone would kindly reply on this thread.., I don't want to get any more doubles because I'm going to post the next chapter, RIGHT NOW..,

 

[phase3]

Great story so far. I love your use of pictures it just gives the whole thing alot more meaning rather than just having boring words

 

[Skygrasper550]

Chapter 21: Kairi and the Civic​

Why is he after me? Does he want to challenge me on a race? But, of all people, why me?


"I've seen you drive on my home turf over at Capri, and I can tell you attack those corners in the same way that I do: fast and aggresive."

"I presume you may know someone named 'Harald Konig', am I not correct?"
-"Yes, we do."
"He is a friend of mine. Knowing you beat Harald twice back in Germany and in Capri really made up my mind to challenge you to a race. But don't worry, I know now is not the time for that. We'll race on another day."

He faces Kairi, "You must be the manager of the team. Pleased to meet you."
-"Pleased to meet you too, I'm Kairi Kagiyama."
"If you may allow me, I'd like to propose on a track where I and Tori will race."
-"Where do you want to hold it?"
"Laguna Seca."

Kyosuke and Yamato were a bit surprised by what "Roj" said.

"Good enough. It will only be a short trip from here, but we need to make arrangements quickly."
-"Taken care of."
"....Well that was fast."
-"I've been looking forward to this. Now, if you all may allow me, I'd like to go now, I have to see somebody to finalize the arrangements."
"You may." Kairi and Roj shook hands.


When Roj left, Kyosuke couldn't help but ask a question, "Laguna Seca Raceway... Kairi-san, isn't that the place where the..."
-"Yes it is."
"Where the cor--"
-"Yes."
"Oh boy... we need to pack up in a hurry. The sooner we can get there, the more time Tori can practice."
-"Exactly. By the way Kyosuke, you don't mind if you hand over the pink slips and the keys of the cars you won to me. I'll find some dealer or auction where you can sell them. Don't worry, the money's going to be all yours."
"Hai. But, uhm....I'd like to...keep one of those..."
-"Sure, go ahead. Whice one do you like?"

Kyosuke first takes a look at the cars. He pops up the hood on one. I can see he's delighted at that car. He looks at the pink slips, "Here, I'll take this one." He gives the other 3 to Kairi.
-"Fine choice."

So, before we left for our next destination, Kairi had found some dealers and auctioneers where they agreed to sell the other 3 TVR's. Now we just have to wait for the money to come.



(telephone rings)

"Moshi moshi? This is K's Racing School, Secretary's Office. How may I help you?"
-"It's me."
"!! Sir, it's you! How's the team doing??"
-"We're doing great. Where's Hitomi?"
"He's just wandering around the garage, he said he's got nothing much to do."
-"Perfect. Listen, I want you to tell him that I need a certain 'package' delivered right now. Don't worry, he knows what that 'package' is."
"Hai."
-"Once you tell him, call me back so that I can give him further details."
"Hai, Kagiyama-san."





The plane took off, and when got to a steady fligh path and altitude I went over to the cargo bay to check on my Civic. Once there, I saw Kyosuke inspecting the TVR he chose. He opens up the hood again.

"Nice, the owner sure knows how to take good care of his car. His upgrades didn't mess with the engine's overall performance. I can tell the engine response is still very smooth."
-"Do you like it, Kyosuke?"
"Oh, it's you Tori. I don't like this car. I love it. Once I get the money from the other 3 TVR's, I'll tune the heck out of this baby. Yeah!"
-"Haha, you sure are very excited about it. I'm happy for you."


Kairi suddenly appeared, "Oh, there you are Tori. I was looking all over for you."
-"What is it, Kagiyama-san?"
"I have something to tell you."
-"What is it?"

Kyosuke backed off a bit. It seems he knows what Kairi is about to say.

"But first, I have something to ask of you. Do you like watching TV?"
-"Uh, yes I do, Kairi-san."
"What do you frequently watch on TV?"
-"Motorsports, especially car racing. When I was a bit younger, I always anticipate that championship in the afternoon, wherein that yellow Civic always manages to win every race."

"I always liked watching those races. That's where I got my passion for Honda's. And boy, was the driver of the Civic very impressive!! One time, he was on the middle of the grid at the start of the race, but still he claimed 1st place! Come to think of it, that yellow Civic which he drives looks exactly....just....like..........mine............"

I looked at the Civic, then at Kairi. Kairi and Kyosuke looked at each other, Kyosuke smiled.

"Better continue while you're at it, Kairi-san." Kyosuke said while smiling.
-"All right, all right. Tori, you may not believe me, but 5 years ago, I am the driver of the yellow Honda Civic you've been watching on TV."

I was stunned for a second. "Really?? No way!"

-"And that Civic that you're driving is the exact same car I have driven back then. Yes, this Civic belonged to me."

The moment he said this, flashbacks instantly burst into my mind.

*Chapter 1 - Salesman : "I don't know why the original owner of this car sold it to me. I mean, this is a fine piece of machinery."

*Chapter 2 - Tori's Dad : You remember that yellow car that makes you jump for joy every time it crosses the finish line first?? He's the one driving that car!!"
* " - I saw the security guard stare ay my direction, then realize he was staring at the car, a bit jaw-dropped.

*Chapter 9 - Yamato : "Say Tori, you and your car remind me of those days when Kairi was still active in motorsports racing." "You know that yellow car he drove to victory in most races? That car is the exact same model as yours."

*Chapter 14 - Zinaida : "This car......the car you're driving.....I remember my father used to tell me his experiences when he was still racing. He seldom mentions about a racer who drives a car exactly the same as yours, yes, this yellow Honda I'm talking about." "Yeah, hehe....hmm, as far as I can remember, that driver Father was talking about was, i think he was Japanese, same as you. I forgot his name, i think it was K---"


"This....Civic......is yours??"
-"Yes."
"But........why?"

The two of them can understand how I feel just by looking at my face: Very Confused.

"You liked this car so much, probably more than I do...but why? Why sell it? Why didn't you keep it?"
Kairi took a deep breath, -"You already said it yourself. The reason why I didn't keep it is because I liked it so much. I wanted other people to appreciate this car. Sure, there are other cars out there like Mazda FD's, Skyline R34's, Lancer Evo's...I admit they're all great cars."

He places his hand on the Civic as if it was his own, not mine. "But those cars overshadowed others like this lil' Honda here. I want them to realize the potential that lies inside this Honda."

"For years I have waited someone to buy it and see what it's capable of. Once I found out who the new owner of this car is, that is you, a street racer, I did not hesitate to recruit you to my team. Thanks to you, you were able to bring out that full potential. Many people have realized and appreciated it, especially those whom you have raced and won against."
-"I see, I get, it all makes sense now!"
"I give my thanks to you, Tori."
-"Uh, ehehe, no sweat!"
"No, really, you have my deepest gratitude. This car is all yours."
-"Arigato. You're welcome, Kairi-san!"

(short silence) Kyosuke just had to break the mood, "(fake cry, fake sniff) Man, that was so dramatic, I think I'm gonna cry, ahuhuhu!"

Ugh....Kyosuke, you're so anti-climatic.

"All of us here have been keeping it a secret, but I just got the feeling now is the time to say it to you."
Kyosuke added, -"I was just wondering when Kairi-san is going to say it to you. But lo and behold."

"Thanks for telling me this. I just got more determined to race!"

Kyosuke replied, "Haha, that's the spirit!"


We finally got to our destination. The premier North American circuit as they say, Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway. I looked forward to this race more than ever, now that I know Kairi's past with his, no, my Civic.

Arriving at the hotel, we immediately rested, because we left in such a hurry that we didn't have time to stop preparing for our trip. I couldn't sleep, I keep imagining those times when Kairi was racing with his former car, He must be delighted after every victory he clinched back then.


*the next day*

Again, we hastily prepared to set out for Laguna Seca Raceway. Once there, we saw Roj, who was waiting for us. "Ah, you finally came. Good."

"Your tent is over there." He pointed out the one near the pits, wherein we can instantly get a good view of the start/finish straight. Talk about VIP status.

Kyosuke approached me,"Tori, you'll be the one racing in here. Do you have the slightest idea what this track is?"
-"Uh, no..."
"Have you ever heard of this track before and any of its details?"
-"Not really, this is all new to me. Why are you asking me this?"
"I see, you're gonna a lot of practice here. The sooner we get your car ready, the sooner you can start. Whatever you do..."
-"What?"



"...Be careful. This track has a nasty surprise."

By nasty surprise, what did he mean?

next on Red-Line - Chapter 22 : A Different Feeling Part II

don't miss it!!

 

[Paulie]

Psycho good chapter!👍👍 Best non-racing chapter yet.

 

[VTiRoj]

The flashbacks linking back to chapters is a neat idea.

And yeah, I agree with the slow GTO driver above me, best non-racing chapter yet.

 

[Rotary Junkie]

Nasty surprise = corkscrew = sudden drop in altitude while cornering = deadly corner.

 

[Skygrasper550]

Psycho good chapter!👍👍 Best non-racing chapter yet.

The flashbacks linking back to chapters is a neat idea.

And yeah, I agree with the slow GTO driver above me, best non-racing chapter yet.

thank you..,

Nasty surprise = corkscrew = sudden drop in altitude while cornering = deadly corner.

you're 100% right about that.., 👍

*added something to Chapter 21, please do so kindly read it.

now could someone post again in this thread? i'm going to post Chapter 22 in a couple of minutes, just have to finish uploading the pictures..,

*edit : @ phase3 - why thank you, that was fast..,

 

[phase3]

This race should be good.
Tori is gonna have fun through that corkscrew

 

[Skygrasper550]

Chapter 22 : A Different Feeling Part II​

By nasty surprise, what did he mean?


Kairi was off to the airport, said he was going to pick up something. He left in quite a hurry, so Yamato took in charge of tuning my car, "I want the Civic primarily tuned for handling. We all know this track is unforgiving to newcomers. This needs to able to handle all sorts of corners here, especially 'that'."
-"Hai, we'll get to work right away."

As I was waiting for my Civic to be ready, I saw a car exit on one of the other tents.

"Wow... that car looks cool."

Someone stepped out of the car. It's Roj!! Is that his car??

"Oh, hello there. Are you all set for practice?"
-"Uh, no...not yet, my car's still being set up. Is that your car?"
"Yes, it is. It's a Honda Integra Type R DC5."
-"That's an Integra? More likely, that's a Honda?!"
"You look surprised, haha. Yes, it's a Honda. I had tuned and customized to my personal specs."
-"Amazing..." (This guy must be carrying big bucks to have his car tuned and look like that. ...Wait, don't tell me he's going to used that car against me!)


Yamato called me, "Tori, your car's ready."

"If you'll excuse me, uh, sir, I'll be going over now to my team."

I didn't waste a second. I got inside, fastened my seatbelt and turned on the ignition. "This car should be easier to drive than before. All you need to do is get a good feel for the suspension. If you don't like the setup, you can always come back to the pits."
-"Hai."

As I was about to step on the gas, Kyosuke came to me. "Tori, remember what I said to you. Be careful of that 'nasty surprise'."
-"Hai, Kyosuke-san."

I rolled out of the pits and began my practice run.

"Not bad, my Civic's handling improved."

"I wonder where this uphill leads to..."

"?? Hey, where's the road?"

"!!What the?! Is this part of the course?!"

"Gaah, it's a very steep downhill! It's like a corkscrew!"

"Whoa! I nearly lost control there!"

"I have to be careful next time I tackle that. Or else I might crash."

(Tori goes past the pit lane) Yamato noticed something, "There's a bit of dirt on the Civic's side."
-"As expected, he messed up on his first time at the corkscrew. Don't worry, that's natural."

"Second lap, here I go."

"I'm coming up to that corkscrew again..."

"There we go, nice and easy..."

*after a few laps* ~"Tori, come back to the pits, right now. Just hurry."
-"Hai." It's Kairi, he's back. I wonder why he called me??


"Tori, I need to show you something. Come here."


As I got back to the tents, I couldn't believe what I saw. It's Kairi's RX-7!

Yamato was a bit surprised too, "So that's the package you're talking about. When did you make arrangements for the delivery, Kairi?"
-"I just called in back on my office yesterday and contacted Hitomi."
"That was quick. But, why did you have your car delivered? What do you need it for?"
-"I don't need it. Tori's the one who's going to need it."

I got confused. "?Me? Why??" I looked at the RX-7, "....You want me....to drive this car?"
-"Exactly."
"But why?"
-"You'll find out. For now, get inside."

I got inside the FD. I don't know why, but I got a different feeling compared to when I get in on my Civic.

"Push this car to its limits. You have 5 laps." That was the advice Kairi gave me before I rolled out.

"Amazing..."

"So fast, this car's fast..."

"This car has lots of grip at corners... I can take a racing line different from that of my Spoon Civic..."

"I'm having no problems with the corkscrew. It's so addictive to drive...I can push it to the limits..."

"...Incredible...no words can describe the performance of this car, it's like it's tuned to perfection..."

(after 5 laps, I got back to the pits)

"So, how did it go?"
-"I'm speechless, your FD's incredibly fast, Kairi-san."
"Now, I want you to drive your Spoon Civic again."
-"Why?"
"You still haven't found out? Just hurry, you have 5 laps."
-"Hai."


"?? That's odd, my Civic feels different. It won't run the way I want it to."

"Turn, dammit!"

"Why won't you turn?!"

"...Hey, wait a second... *snaps his finger* I got it!! I know now what Kairi-san wants me to find out!"

"My Civic and his RX-7 are two different cars in every aspect. What he wants me to do is that I shouldn't focus on just one drivetrain. I have to drive different cars, especially if I am to hone my skills."

"There are some things one drivetrain can do that the other just simply can't. I have made two different racing lines for both of the cars. If I can just combine them..."

"I'll be able to formulate the optimum racing line!"

"So that's how to tackle that corkscrew properly... I just learned something new today!"

(at the pits, Tori zooms past the starting line) "Impressive. His previous times were reduced by a whole second. I have to say Kairi, our kid's learning at an incredible pace."
-"He wouldn't have come this far if he's not learning quickly enough."
"So you say. By the way, Tori's going to battle with that Integra over there. I sure hope he can pull this one off."
-"He can. With the new racing line he's found out for himself, I'm sure he can."

My practice session finally ended. I need to rest because we'll be starting the race in about one hour. "Any problems with the setup, Tori?"
-"None. I'd like to keep it that way."

As we were talking, Roj came to us holding a piece of paper in his hand. "If you don't mind, I brought along a few friends of mine. They were looking for some races, I thought now would be a good time. Is that OK?"
-"Sure."
"Here's the grid you'll be going up against."

He gave the paper to Kyosuke, Kyosuke gave it to me. When I saw the grid:


1st: Honda Integra Type R Touring Car

2nd: Renault Clio Sport Trophy Car

3rd: Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IV Rally Car (CN9A)

4th: Subaru Impreza Rally Car (GC8)

5th: Subaru Impreza Rally Car (GDB)

6th: Spoon Civic Type R

"Is that grid fine?"
These are full of race-spec machines! But, I know I had to accept the challenge. -"Fine with me."
"Good. We'll start right away."

"Are you sure about this, Tori? Can you handle it?"
-"I can. I believe in my Spoon Civic."


Final checks were made, and soon we lined up our cars on the starting grid. As usual, I got nervous, but I never got this much nervous before. I wonder why. Race 13, begin!!

"Okay, time to race. Let's go Spoon Civic!"

"These guys are fast."

"I can't catch up, they're too fast for me!"

"Oh no, the uphill section. I'm at a disadvantage right now. Is my loss certain?"

"Can I....."

"......not win??"

next on Red-Line - Chapter 23 : That's Enough


don't miss it!!

 

[phase3]

Not too bad 👍

It's good to see something different. It is the first time we have seen Tori struggle a bit. Good change to the story.

 

[Rotary Junkie]

Civic needs a wash.