Takuma Gaiden II: Road to America (Pt. 2) - Page 31: LFA's Song

[RCKakashi14]

FT1 is evolving...! FT1 has evolved into Racer's FT1! That's one way to introduce a VGT car, good idea.

Also, Rob just keeps on getting even more bada:censored: as times goes by, eh? He pummels a whole field of LM Prototypes with a KTM and then just puffs one cigar like it was another day for him. Monday, that is.

*Rob takes a puff on his cigarette*



Just another typical day for Rob.

 

[Niku Driver HC]

View attachment 267884

*Rob takes a puff on his cigarette*



Just another typical day for Rob.

Rob Haitch, MI6 agent by day. LMP killer and cigar user by, well, pretty much every other part of the day.

 

[RCKakashi14]

I'm sure you're all waiting for this...



Rob's KTM X-Bow R Tune

 

[KazaMR2]

I'm sure you're all waiting for this...



Rob's KTM X-Bow R Tune

Ooooh! Gimme gimme gimme!

 

[MrUnknown]

I'm sure you're all waiting for this...



Rob's KTM X-Bow R Tune

The Legend of 69 has appeared...

 

[Niku Driver HC]

I'm sure you're all waiting for this...



Rob's KTM X-Bow R Tune

"Enjoyed the adventures of MI6 agent Rob Haitch and his LMP killing KTM? Now @RCKakashi14 offers you the chance to imitate his feats with the new and improved KTM X-Bow R tune! Go to your nearest tuning shop for more details."

 

[RCKakashi14]

Brands Hatch - fanfic racing cars lap time shootout:

 

[AudiMan2011]

Looks like nothing can stop that X-Bow R of Rob's at the moment.

 

[RCKakashi14]

About the team's expansion:

I finally have the new members confirmed. There are three of them:

- Another British, going by the guise of Rob's protege.

- A Portuguese woman, who aims to take down Kazunori Yamauchi.

- And then an American guy who's into big block and muscle. Dream Alliance needs a representative for races in the USA, and as well as him holding some knowledge on Kaz's Vision GT Project.


Each of them will have their respective story, of course. The first one being of Rob's protege, as Rob volunteers to look for potential racers in Europe.

 

[Niku Driver HC]

-A Portuguese woman, who aims to take down Kazunori Yamauchi.

Portugal is actually going to be represented in your story!? That's... wow, that is really great. Also, damm she is an ambitious one, vowing to take down the Kaz himself. I'll need to pay even more attention to this whole act, things just got real.

 

[MrUnknown]

- A Portuguese woman, who aims to take down Kazunori Yamauchi.

 

[RCKakashi14]

Originally, I thought of a Brazilian female character. But then I just had to shift to Portuguese, since Brazil has been represented in various media already, when it comes to actresses having a role, so I decided to shift to Portugal, after having a bit of chat with a reader here.

Besides, in my draft, she speaks Portuguese, so it didn't really matter if she's Brazilian nor Portuguese. It had to be either one of those nationalities.

 

[Niku Driver HC]

Originally, I thought of a Brazilian female character. But then I just had to shift to Portuguese, since Brazil has been represented in various media already, when it comes to actresses having a role, so I decided to shift to Portugal, after having a bit of chat with a reader here.

Besides, in my draft, she speaks Portuguese, so it didn't really matter if she's Brazilian nor Portuguese. It had to be either one of those nationalities.

Actually, it does matter a bit if the nationality is Portuguese or Brazilian, because if you're planning to use local language there are some minor differences between Brazil's Portuguese and Portugal's Portuguese. But then again, I might be a bit picky about this...

Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see how these figures will insert themselves in Rob's quest for a protegé and how will they influence the lives of Dream Alliance.

 

[MrUnknown]

There's always a difference between "Oi cara" and "Boas malta".

 

[RCKakashi14]

The Portuguese woman will play a bigger role than the other two. Her motives go deep, as it turns out that Kaz has something to do with her father's disappearance.

 

[RCKakashi14]

The next title would be:

New Wave



​

Which would be split into three parts. This is all about the Dream Alliance's expansion.

 

[Niku Driver HC]

The next title would be:

New Wave



​

Which would be split into three parts. This is all about the Dream Alliance's expansion.

So, each part of the next arc would be dedicated to one of the new characters, right?

 

[RCKakashi14]

So, each part of the next arc would be dedicated to one of the new characters, right?

Yes. As a matter of fact, you can already see the Bio of one of them in the OP. Just click the spoiler tag underneath the title - New Wave.

 

[Niku Driver HC]

Yes. As a matter of fact, you can already see the Bio of one of them in the OP. Just click the spoiler tag underneath the title - New Wave.

Yup, just saw it. Looks like we will have some interesting personalites in this arc... Eager to see the result of Rob's search for a driver.

 

[RCKakashi14]

NEW WAVE


Foreseeing a much tougher challenge, and as well as the opening of the new chapter of their conquest, Hiroyuki Hiramoto decides to expand his team, as this would answer the lack of manpower especially in races abroad.

Split into three parts, would these new breed of racers prove themselves worthy of membership in the Dream Alliance?




Part 1: The Barista


​

Page 1: Opportunity



Location: Hiroyuki's Mansion, Roppongi Hills, Tokyo
Time: 8 pm




Everything is back to normal, after that brief storm that is the duel in Suzuka. Everyone is still talking about it, even at work.


The day went by as usual, studio taping, processing applications, and I did just one road test today in the morning.


But now, all drivers in Dream Alliance are called in a meeting, to be held at Hiroyuki-san's mansion as usual.




Hiroyuki: "Thank you all for coming. And as for Rob Hatch, pardon me for cutting your vacation short."


Rob: "It's all right. It's much better than doing nothing. I volunteered, remember?"



Takanori: "So what's the agenda for tonight?"


Hiroyuki: "We are about to face a new chapter in our conquest, and to prepare ourselves for this, we need to expand the team.

As we see, we are sometimes having conflict in schedules, especially the fact that most of our races are in Europe, and I am very aware that all of you have other jobs. I can't just risk your other means of living just for us to participate.

This is why, we have to search for new members. At least three would do."



Rob: "Three. Got it."


Takuma: "So, do you have any country-specific requirements? Since this is a global task you're talking about."


Hiroyuki: "I have already put a lot of thought into this. All of you will be given the tasks of searching. Nobuyuki and Takanori will search in USA, and we need a representative for USA races badly. Then Rob and Takuma will scout in Europe. Nobuhiko and I will stay here for other preparations."



Nobuyuki: "Sounds like a nice plan. So, let's prepare, shall we?"



Hiroyuki: "After a race in Spa, then it's time for you to search, Rob. Do you even want to join the Hot Hatch League?"



Rob: "Sir, frankly speaking, I don't think neither both of us will race in the Hot Hatch League. However, I shall use it... as a test."


Hiroyuki: "Test?"



Rob: "Of course we need to see his or her potential. We can't just pick someone and welcome that person in the team."



Hiroyuki: "Ah, brilliant thought."



Rob: "I have everything planned out, that is why I'm volunteering."

***************************************************************

​

Location: Circuit De Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium
Time: 8 pm, a week later




We arrived in Europe a week later, first thing to do is to take care of the race that we participated. Rob is once again at it...

Rob: "Hey! Maybe that fan is blowing away all your brain functions! Turn it off!"



And just like that, he overtakes a Peugeot LMP in the first hairpin. Damn, he's just wicked!

I just wonder how he manages to control a heavily-tuned, lightweight car.

Rob: "Wa-a-a-ve, Goodbye!"

And in the next lap, Rob sets a gap of over 20 seconds from the 2nd place car. I can't express further shock from this.

Gotta prepare his pack of cigarettes. He needs them.

The privateer teams who have LMPs in their disposal just look at that little KTM that is arriving at our pit garage. There is a saying - SMALL, BUT TERRIBLE. Deal with it, folks.

I toss the pack of cigarettes at him. He catches it and takes one stick. He puffs out smoke rings this time, like an utter badass.



Rob: "Let's go home. I'm rather disappointed in those Group C crybabies."





Group C crybabies? Yeah right...

**************************************************************


​

Location: Latte Night Coffee Shop, London, England
Time: 9 pm, the next day



For Rob, that race last night was nothing. For me though, I'm just amazed at how he can hold his own against Le Mans Prototypes.


I am staying in his home in London, which is actually nearby MI6 Headquarters in River Thames.


We decided to eat out, and after a lovely steak dinner - I will never forget that restaurant, and recommend it to my friends - Rob tags me along in a coffee shop where he frequents. Latte Night... pun intended?



I see two employees behind the bar, one is a waitress and the other is a barista. The latter has exceptional skill in that espresso machine! Look how quick he is!


I have my coffee, but I am waiting for Rob to have his. He is looking at the barista.



Rob: "Hey Owen, speed is of the essence."



Owen: "No need to tell me twice, sir! Coming right up."



I'm sure this Owen guy knows what Rob wants, and how it must be done, considering Rob's frequent visits here.



Owen: "One Cafe Macchiato... for Frank Martin!"



Takuma: "Frank Martin?"


Rob: "Ah... he would call me by the characters portrayed by Jason Statham. Yesterday, he called me Ian Shaw."


The waitress then serves Rob's coffee.



Takuma: "You know, you could get a job as Jason Statham's stunt double. Ha!"



Rob: "Nah... my missions are much tougher than being a stunt double. I have jumped from one building to the next, shot multiple goons, and broke some bones. I say they're all worthwhile."



And then Rob looks outside. What's he looking at? Something happening?

Rob: "Owen, you told me once that you entered in a race track. Is that Volvo yours?"


Owen: "Yes sir. But I'm afraid you might laugh at it, considering the cars you drive."


Rob: "I don't drive black Audi sedans either, but I do want to drive one someday. Listen, it does not matter if you drive a Volvo nor a Dacia Sandero. You've got a hot hatch."


Owen: "What are you implying, sir? I only did that once, and almost crashed it. Plus, I spent the bulk of my salary for modifications."



Rob: "There's a Hot Hatch race event around the city this Saturday. And I will register you there."



Takuma: "But he's not..."



Rob: "Well, let's see then. If you can handle a hot hatch, then the upcoming race should not be a problem for you, Owen.


I'll ride along with you, to evaluate."



Owen: "Are you serious, sir? I'd rather be..."



Rob: "Be stuck here and seen scalding yourself? Once you get in the world of speed, you'll never be able to escape from it. And your Volvo deserves to run at its best. Plus, you earn extra cash.


You know how to heel-and-toe, and that's already a basic racing technique."



ARE YOU SERIOUS, CRYSTAL BALL HEAD?!? Wait... so that must be the test Rob is talking about.




Rob: "Don't get pressured just because I'll sit beside you. Just drive, and that's the only thing you will do.


I am expecting you on Saturday morning with that Volvo."



Owen could do nothing but take a big gulp. Don't worry, I'm sure Rob will be a good tutor.






End of Page 1

 

[Niku Driver HC]

Wow, Rob sure is a head-first kind of guy, isn't he?

"Do you own a hot-hatch?"

"Yes, but..."

"Ok, then race time it is."

"But...

"I said: RACE. TIME. Now go!"

You should make "Rob the LMP killer" a side story too, can't get enough of seeing him own everything with only a KTM and his trusty cigars.

 

[RCKakashi14]

You should make "Rob the LMP killer" a side story too, can't get enough of seeing him own everything with only a KTM and his trusty cigars.

Rob made his debut in my GT5 fanfics, but I recommend reading "The Hatch" (link is in the OP) as that story brought out the best in him. He didn't do much in the GT5 era.

 

[MrUnknown]

[Polestar Intensefies]

 

[RCKakashi14]

Page 2 - Driving Style





Okay Rob, let's sit this one out. How can you be so sure that Owen guy will guarantee us a win? You could have picked an easier race for him to test. The FIA is the one that organized that, and only reputable teams are invited!


We are in his home, in his room, sitting down on his bed. Rob is just watching the evening news. But... I trust Rob's decisions. I'm sure he had experienced that kind of recruitment, for him to invite Owen just like that.


And... on to the next news.



Rob: "Interesting. Takuma, check this out."

"Another incident of an abduction of a car engineer happened in Subaru's headquarters in Tokyo. Just last night, the family members of Haru Nakamura have contacted the city's police department as their patriarch has not yet arrived home 2 days ago. Haru, 50 years old, serves as Subaru's chief engineer and is responsible for the company's strong-selling cars in the global market as of late.

Subaru will soon issue a statement regarding this incident.

Incidents of disappearances of chief car engineers are becoming more rampant. Just last week, Infiniti - Nissan's luxury arm - has also reported that its chief engineer is missing. And last month, Mercedes-Benz's CEO released an official statement to the press that their chief engineer in AMG has been abducted.

As of this moment, no leads have found and the police are finding it hard to acquire even the smallest of evidence to find those captors."


​

Eh??? Why chief car engineers are being abducted? What for?



Takuma: "What for? Why are they being abducted?"




Rob: "Pretty sure, this will escalate. MI6 will surely step in."



Takuma: "And they'll definitely choose you."



Rob: "Good god..."



Takuma: "But enough of that. Are you sure about inviting Owen?"



Rob: "It won't hurt observing his potential, am I right? Win or lose, it does not impact much in our team."




Takuma: "You have a point there. To be honest, we can even skip on that event. But for the purposes of recruitment..."




Rob: "...we have to join. But I'm sure at the end of the day, it will be a surprise."

***************************************************************


​

Location: London Street Circuit
Time: 10 am, Saturday





Here we are, and Owen had actually arrived ahead of us. We are inspecting his car, and Rob does his job of briefing him.


And I gotta say, those are tasteful mods for your Volvo C30. And I rarely see souped-up Volvos.




Owen: "I'm really nervous. This is my first time to actually participate in a race, not a casual track day."


Rob: "Relax. Just drive. Your car will do the rest, if you believe so."



Owen: "Definitely not a supercar."



Rob: "Supercars are only super, when the drivers are super. Let's get in, as the race is about to start."




Takuma: "Guys! The race will start! It's a rolling formation. Get ready!"



Inside the car...






Rob: "Like what I said, just drive. I will observe your every movement. I won't bite even if we lose."

Owen: "Okay."



The C30 picks up power immediately upon stepping on the pedal. Rob then starts his observation, as Owen steps on the brakes for the first corner.



Rob: "He braked too early. But he immediately overtakes upon seeing that opening. A basic attack, I must say."

Rob: "Typical for front-wheel drive. This car understeers. And looking at his arms, he struggles to control the torque steer."

Rob: "He's gentle on the brakes. And I can already deduce his driving style. He waits for an opening."



Owen: "This Volvo has 340 horsepower."


Rob: "I see."

Rob: "No wonder it has lots of torque steer. You'll never ever move up in the world if you keep driving an overpowered front wheel drive car."

Rob: "There he goes again, he just waited for that Clio to move out of his way."

Owen: "I can't believe this. I'm actually winning!"



Rob: "Takuma's right, we can simply skip on this after all. The opponents are a bunch of idiots."

Rob: "But... for such a big gap from his opponents, Owen has the potential. It's just that... it needs to be nurtured. I'm sure he had gained something from that previous track day experience of his. He's afraid of mistakes, and that's just typical for a neophyte."

Owen: "Is this a dream? I won..."



Rob: "It's not. You're not Sleeping Beauty. You did a great job today. Congratulations on your first blood."





After receiving a small trophy for his win, Owen gleefully returns to Rob.




Owen: "A trophy... something I never had in my life. Plus a large cheque."



Rob: "Well, then cherish them. Oh, here's a canned coffee for your trouble."



Owen: "Thanks... even though I don't like processed drinks."



Rob: "Picky, aren't we?"



Owen: "Never mind that, sir. So, how did I fare?"



Rob: "You have the skill. But it needs to be nurtured. You know, if you are in an open track, you'll be eaten alive."



Owen: "I'd expect you to say that. I was just too soft behind the wheel."



Rob: "That's right. In touring car racing...




...you should not show mercy. Throw away your angelic side. And all of the drivers in this team are demons."



Owen: "Well, at least this is a good experience. I could never be as good as you."




Rob: "Who said that? You know, I'll turn you into a demon. A demon that will be forever feared on the racetrack.



Next weekend, let's meet again. Somewhere nearby where you live. You live in Essex, right?"



Owen: "Yes."




Rob: "Then meet me at Brands Hatch this Saturday morning. We'll have a whole day of training.


From this moment on, consider your life changed."





Rob walks away and join Takuma, with Owen showing a smile signifying his contentment.



Perhaps for Owen, this is a sign of a new chapter in his life.







End of Page 2

 

[Niku Driver HC]

Owen get! And Rob is already telling him to unleash his inner demon and drop the FF shtick... Mr. Haitch is relenteless!

And car engineers being kidnapped!? The fiends! Who could be the perpetrator behind such henious acts?

 

[RCKakashi14]

Page 3 - An Orphan's New Life





Saturday's Hot Hatch League race went pretty well. That Owen guy showed promise, and Rob is already taking him to the next level.


I'm all for improving one's life, but Rob should let Owen decide for himself. I'm just worried, that Owen is being forced into a completely different world he's unfamiliar with.



I'm hoping that Rob will take that into consideration...



It's such a sunny Sunday today... but a sunny weather has a love-hate relationship with Britain. I'm sure people will take advantage of this nice weather to go out.


Rob and I just finished hearing mass in the church. Despite his tough demeanor, he is actually a devout Catholic, and makes it a point to hear mass every Sunday.


Where to go next? That's for Rob to decide. We just hop in his white McLaren 650S - a very quick supercar that can cut the horns of the Lamborghini Aventador. It's a shame, but I have to admit it.

Takuma: "Where are we going next?"


Rob: "We'll meet Ricky today. Owen has to drive something better."



Takuma: "Can I ask you one thing? Are you really serious about Owen? I mean, he has to decide for himself."



Rob: "But we could not let such an amazing potential to go to waste. Don't worry, I'll put that in mind. But by now, he should realize that his life will be better this way. Deep inside, he's tired of being stuck behind the espresso machine."

***************************************************************​

Location: An orphanage in Essex
Time: 1 pm



Just a 10-minute walk from his home, Owen is at the orphanage where, it turned out, he grew up for most of his life. He never knew who his parents were, nor their current whereabouts.


But for him, it didn't matter. He grew up with love and understanding equivalent to that given by a parent, and he had a wonderful time with his peers.



Upon entering, he reminisces his days in the orphanage, walking slowly at the garden, and looking at the running children. Then a fat, middle-aged lady comes running at him. It turns out to be the person whom he considers as his mother, named Elizabeth Cambridge.




Elizabeth: "Ohhhh, Owen! Look at you! You've grown a lot taller! And... no hair!"



Owen: "It's really good to see you, Mrs. Cambridge! Actually, I'm about to lose hair, so I decided to trim everything that's left."


Elizabeth: "What brings you here? Oh, you must tell me your adventures!"


Owen: "Adventures? Haha!"


Elizabeth: "When you left us to start studying high school in London, you promised me to tell your adventures!"


Owen: "Oh, okay. I'm now working at a coffee shop."



Elizabeth: "That's good to hear!"



Owen: "And that's all. I'm content being a barista."




Elizabeth: "You know, an adventure would mean getting out of your comfort zone!"




Owen: "Well, there's one."



Elizabeth: "Which is?"


Owen: "I just won a race yesterday."


Elizabeth: "What kind of race?"


Owen: "It's car racing, ma'am."


Elizabeth briefly shows a serious face, but immediately returns to her smile.



Elizabeth: "If you call that an adventure, then I'm happy for you. At least you're trying something new."



Owen: "I wonder if that will make me happy. It's just a start, and I'm learning a bit about it."



Elizabeth: "The most important thing is..."



She then puts her hand on Owen's shoulder.



Elizabeth: "...that you're not regretting it. If that racing will always put a smile on your face, then you should stay there. I hear that a professional race car driver earns a lot."



Owen: "Maybe you're right. I guess I should really face a new life. This place gives me a lot of memories.

However, I won't be here for long."


Then the two hug each other.


Elizabeth: "I'm very proud of you. I hope you find your true happiness."


Owen: "I will... I will."

***************************************************************

​

Location: Ricky's Apartment
Time: 2 pm



After having a brief chat with Ricky about the team's plans, and as well letting him know of that potential new member, Ricky is just shocked as I am. But we didn't really go here to doubt on Owen, but to fetch the car he'll be driving for the next race.




Ricky: "I'm sure you'll feel nostalgic upon seeing this, Takuma."

Whoa... he actually fixed the Golf R??? Last time I remember, it broke down during a rally practice thanks to a faulty DSG transmission, two years ago.




Ricky: "I can't just let it rot just because of a faulty gearbox. I spent close to 10,000 Pounds to fix and modify this thing."



Rob: "Perfect. Owen is struggling in his Volvo's torque steer. He will love this."



The Golf R is four-wheel drive. It will never suffer from torque steer even in high power applications. This will be easy for Owen.


Rob: "It's all good, then. Let's go, Takuma. Drive the Golf, will you?"

***************************************************************

​

Location: Brands Hatch Circuit, Kent
Time: 3 pm, a week later.



Zzzzzz....zzzzz... oh shoot! I almost fallen asleep! You know what I'm doing? I'm just waiting for those cue balls to go back.

Owen: "Amazing... just amazing! It turns very well!"


Rob: "Now, brake gently and then turn sharp at the next corner."

Owen: "This is great! No torque steer, very little understeer..."



Rob: "You have just moved up, Owen. You deserve to drive this little monster."

Rob: "Very nice entry on this corner. Get ready for the tough part, after the back straight."




Owen: "That's where I almost crashed my Volvo, at that turn after the straight."




Rob: "Don't let fear sink in. Demons know no fear!"








End of Page 3

​

 

[RCKakashi14]

Page 4 - The Next Test





I wonder if Owen enjoys this...

Rob: "This Golf has over 400 horsepower. But this will be modified further for your second test."



Owen: "Over 400 horsepower???"

Rob: "Enough of that. Now let's see if you can conquer your fear on the next corner."



Owen: "Here it comes! I'll slam the brakes!"

The 4WD Golf manages to stick to its line upon cornering. Had it been a front-wheel drive car...




Rob: "You're playing safe here. But that's okay, I'm sure you'll get around it faster."

Owen: "I'm hitting the corners before I know it! This car is way too fast."


Rob: "That's because the next race will be for real - a touring car race."

Owen: "Touring car racing???"


Rob: "That's what I call your next test. Don't be pressured by it. Here are some simple rules to live by..."

And they start another lap. Hey, cut some slack for the tires, will ya? Plus, a 4WD system should not be abused...

**************************************************************

​

Location: Latte Night Coffee Shop, London
Time: 8 pm, Tuesday




Owen is back at work as usual. And the shop is truly running, as customers stop by after to have a hot cup of coffee - all to soothe themselves after a hard day of work.

His co-worker, Alma, looks at his seemingly new car.



Alma: "I can't really get my eyes off from that Volkswagen. Is it really yours?"


Owen: "I'm telling you for the nth time, it's not. It belongs to my racing team... and I don't even know if I truly belong there."


Alma: "If they gave that to you, then it means you belong."



Owen: "I just don't want to embarrass them. I'm about to race next week against racing cars. I made research about my team's background, and all of them are... gods. The team has various wins in its belt, and I don't want to tarnish it!"



Alma: "Oh seesh... stop doubting yourself! You think you'll stay this long with them if you're not worthy? Of course you are!

I'm actually jealous. You have found another way of earning income. And it's a big one at that. I say you must stick to it."



Owen: "You do have a point. I work on weekdays and then race on weekends. Even our boss approves of it. Is this really a sign???"



Alma: "Of course! Don't even think of turning back! Your life will get better starting now."

***************************************************************

​

Location: Brands Hatch, Kent
Time: 10 am, Sunday




It's race day. And I can see that Owen is nervous. This is a big gamble, Rob. I wonder how he taught Owen about this.

Takuma: "You think Owen will do fine?"


Rob: "You keep on doubting him, aren't you? Just watch."


Takuma: "It's not that I doubt him, but you are giving him enormous amounts of pressure. You could have picked an easier race. A touring car race for him now is just too much..."



Rob: "You know, back when I was starting my racing career, I already participated in touring car races.


And because of that, I can channel that experience to Owen. He knows the tricks of the trade."




In the middle of the heat, Owen remembers Rob's pieces of advice he was given during last week's practice. It may seem that the practice is not enough, but, hearing that advice from a man with tremendous experience would be more than valuable enough.

"Owen, Touring Car races are not for the meek. Everyone will try to win in any means possible. Simply put, you are in shark-infested waters."


​

"And to survive, you have to be ruthless as well. Do not wait for an opening, rather you have to make one....



....by force."





​

Owen: "I'll put them into my heart, Mr. Hatch. This team has done more than enough to improve my life.


From this day on... I AM A RACER!"



With those, Owen now has mustered enough strength, and his doubts were taken away. He will carry on, walking on the new path that fate has provided him.







It seems that fate has its ways of changing one's life, isn't it?

​

End of Page 4

 

[silverman_GT]

It's back......

THE ALMIGHTY GOLF R HAS RETURNED!

 

[RCKakashi14]

Page 5 - A Racer's Pride

Owen: "Stay calm... stay calm. I know I'm racing under the Dream Alliance name, and the pressure is on. But I cannot let them down!"




I can't believe how fast that Golf R goes! No wonder it's one of a tuner's favorite toys. To think it can make racing cars sweat.


And couple that with Owen's skills. Rob is one hell of a teacher.

Rob: "What have I told you, Takuma? Satisfied already?"

Takuma: "Hiroyuki-san must be here to see this. I'm sure he'll approve of it too. By the way, what have you told him? To think he had a practice just last week."




Rob: "Simple rules to live by, along with my touring car experiences."



Takuma: "Oh... right."



Ricky: "Don't tell me that you will create another racer that will cannibalize our lap times."



Rob: "If that happens, then that's a good thing. Takuma had once said - rivalries make the two stronger. It's also one way of measuring themselves, and how will they fare against the other."

Owen: "I have only one opponent left to overtake!"


Rob: "Don't mess it up. That Alfa is a serious performer."

Rob: "The Alfa is driven by Peter Mahler - one of the pros in touring car racing... if he can be called one."



Owen: "Sounds like fun."




Upon hitting the brakes approaching the hairpin, Owen immediately swerves to the right, applying the aggressive tactics Rob taught to him.

Owen: "Let's just see how much of a pro you are!"

Mahler: "What is this? A Golf faster than this DTM machine??? Is this a joke?"




Thanks to 4WD and turbo, the Golf R squirts out of corners faster, even though the Alfa also has 4WD but with downforce.

Mahler: "The Golf just vanished. Is this a dream??? From what team does that car belong?"



And our car soldiered on bravely. Another win bagged for today! All right, then. I won't doubt Owen anymore. It's crystal clear now.

Owen: "I cannot believe this. I won again?!?"



Rob: "You won, and everyone saw it. Cherish the moment, and congratulations."

***************************************************************

​

Location: Latte Night Coffee Shop, London
Time: 8 pm, Tuesday



Owen still can't get over his victory last Sunday. No one can get over it, especially coming out as a victor among racing cars using only a hot hatchback.


Rob's advice was truly helpful for him. And now, he seriously considers taking the path of speed.




Alma: "Still can't get over it? Stop daydreaming! A customer will come in at any moment!"


Owen: "Sorry, there's just too much utopia on that. I prevailed in a race filled with skilled drivers around."



They hear a door chime, and it's Rob that entered the shop.



Rob: "Good evening. You know the usual."


Alma: "Caramel Macchiato!"


Owen: "Caramel Macchiato for Handsome Rob coming up!"



Rob grabs The Daily Telegraph newspaper and has found a table.



Rob: "So, still enjoying the moment?"


Owen: "Of course, sir."


Rob: "Spare me the formalities. We're teammates, hence we're equals. Call me Rob from now on."



Owen has finished making the coffee and then Alma proceeds to serve it to Rob. He just loves the aroma of hot caramel...




Rob: "Stay put for a while. The team has yet to receive an invitation."


Owen: "Looks like a vacation for me. But can it mean practice time?"


Rob: "It's all up to you."


They hear a loud supercar arriving at the shop. It turns out Mahler owns it. He gets in the shop.

Alma: "Welcome! How may I take your order?"


Mahler: "May I speak with Owen Watson? I heard he works here."


Owen: "Yes sir?"


Mahler: "You won just by luck. You are just a barista. The Golf you've driven just put me off guard."



Owen: "Rest assured sir, I did my best."



Mahler: "Let me just say, welcome to the big leagues, little man. You think your little Golf can touch my car over there? Let's see how far your luck can go.


Saturday, at Silverstone Grand Prix. I'll put you in the guest list. I'll show you the difference between a barista and a professional race car driver."




Mahler just left without further words. Owen's fist suddenly clenches.



Alma: "Talk about being popular. And that was just a sore loser there."



Rob then stands up, and places his hand on the kiosk. He leaves the McLaren key fob.



Rob: "I'll walk on my way home. This is your final test. Good luck."



Owen is visibly surprised.



Owen: "But I haven't driven a supercar before..."



Rob: "Then practice. You cannot let others destroy your pride. You know that. You have plenty of time."




Rob leaves the shop, taking his coffee with him.

Alma: "Whoa... you'll drive Rob's supercar?"


Owen: "When pride is on the line, you cannot just let it go away. Tell the boss, I'll come in at the closing shift starting tomorrow."




End of Page 5



AUTHOR'S NOTES:


- And now, time to get to work... the hard work, I mean, with installing those 650S bumpers...

 

[RCKakashi14]

Page 6 - Feel



Location: Silverstone Circuit, Northamptonshire
Time: 8 am, the next day


Having decided to take Mahler's challenge, Owen wakes up at dawn the next day (despite the rather lack of sleep), bringing Rob's McLaren 650S at Silverstone to familiarize himself.

Owen: "This is way above my reach... it's too quick!"

McLaren has made sure that the twin turbocharged 3.8 liter V8 engine is as responsive as a naturally-aspirated unit. As early as 2000 rpm, the turbos provide thrust.

Having gotten aware of the car's characteristics, Owen remembers a phone call from Rob while traveling on his way to the track.

Rob: "Listen well, the McLaren you're driving is a powerful rear wheel drive car. You'll definitely struggle to control it on the first try."



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And it has proven Rob's point, as the 650S loses control...



Owen: "Bloody hell!"

Rob: "But it has been built for performance in mind. So the car has to be precise. What you did in the Golf... forget it.

That's all I am going to say. From here on, you should find out by feel alone. That's how race car drivers control a car."


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Owen: "What kind of precise are you talking about? It's hard to control!"

It lost control for the second time.




Owen: "Oh shoot... What I did in the Golf must be forgotten. But how?


I'm not going to end like this! I have my pride to protect!"



Resolved to grab the car by the scruff of its neck, Owen hits the accelerator and resumes the practice.



(Background Music starts here)

Owen: "I have to be delicate... just like how I make coffee! I must not rush!"

Owen: "If I turn the steering wheel gently and feather the throttle, the car behaves the way it should. I don't lose control at all."

Owen: "Is this how "learning by feel" should be? Each car drives differently after all. If I was aggressive in the Golf..."

Owen: "...then I must be gentle on this car!"



He shifts his strategy - taking the turns slowly but surely - in order to get the "feel" of driving a supercar.

Then he applies full throttle at a short straight.



Owen: "Everyone is glorifying what a supercar can do. And now, having experienced it, it seems that they're not exaggerations at all."

Owen: "Stopping power is much stronger than the Golf, definitely. I can brake later approaching the turns. Maybe it can be helpful in the upcoming race."

Owen: "I won't be fast... but slowly and surely... I'll be able to tame this car!


This life has gotten more exciting than ever! To think... I only used to top up customers with my best coffee."




(Music end)

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Location: Essex Orphanage, Essex
Time: 8 am



Mrs. Cambridge has gathered every children at the dining area and then they start eating. She then goes outside, and slowly walk along the corridor.


She then stops, and looks at the framed photo of Owen when he was 6. The photo depicts a very happy Owen. But she interprets it differently.




Elizabeth: "Owen... in truth, you surprised me when you decided to take the path of racing. I was about to oppose that decision, but all I desire is your happiness. You were such a very happy child back then, unaware of where you truly came from. You easily put the past behind you.


For that, I will stay quiet. Sometimes... there are things that are better left unsaid. Truth does not always bring happiness."

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End of Page 6

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