Page 41 of Crash Course

The drinks are flowing trackside. It feels good to blow off steam. Everyone is dressed in their best streetwear, except for the drivers, who are already in their fire suits at the garage.

My friends and I line up along the railing as Metallica rips from the speakers.

The cars roll onto the track. The F2 chassis are the same ones I’ve been repairing in the garage.

“Everyone gets one lap. Winner gets bragging rights and the parking spot,” Megan calls over the noise. “Still can’t believe all three of my brothers went to law school instead of this.”

I cock my head. “Seriously?”

“My mom says this is a phase. I can’t wait to prove her wrong.”

The song changes. “Sweet Dreams.”

Heavy synth and ’80s beats shake the place, giving it a nostalgic feel. It’s before my time but it’s timeless.

My hands grip the railing.

The first driver out is a third year, Mateo Ferreira. He looks fast, and the lap times appearing on the screen overhead confirm it.

Next up is Ren Nakamura, a second year. He stumbles in the first corner but recovers.

Then it’s Jameson’s turn.

My fingers dig into the metal as if I’m holding on to the car. Or the bike, sitting behind him again.

The F2 car rolls out of the pits and onto the track, getting ready for its flying lap. When he crosses the start in front of us, my heart lodges in my throat.

I can practically read his mind as he drives. Every inch, every turn.

He’s so skilled, so cool. Controlled but lethal.

“God, he’s good,” Megan says.

His time gets posted and I gasp.

Two seconds faster in the same car.

“He drives so clean. Practically a machine.” I frown.

It doesn’t look fun for him. It looks necessary.

“You say that like it’s a bad thing,” Zane offers.

The music changes to a K-pop song as Knox gets ready to start his lap.

Megan crows, both hands in the air as she sings along despite my blank look.

“BLACKPINK?” Raj laughs, delighted. “Tell me you hacked the playlist without telling me you hacked the playlist.”

“Lisa is such a bias-wrecker,” Zane says.

Knox finishes his lap, catching a wheel in the dirt. We all gasp as he nearly spins out.

Theo is up last.

He’s fun, a little reckless. Cutting corners and braking late. It’s almost like if he spins out, he’ll just laugh and try again.

“He’s faster!” I grab Megan’s arm and point.