Debutant. Chapter 3. New hope. Part 2

This novel is fictional; there is no need to look for intersections with historical events. This is a continuation of “Debutant” by Nikita Savelyev, the first readers of which were readers of F1News.ru…

Debutant. Chapter 3. New hope. Part two

The weak point of their car is the brakes; Henry, as an experienced person, noted this after the first day of getting acquainted with the technology. Try holding a ton of metal for twelve hours at a speed of almost one hundred and eighty miles per hour in each of the fifteen turns. Imagine how hot the brake discs get? And with Baker’s car they are far from perfect anyway.

Edward eagerly took a drag on his cigarette and described his adventures:

“Imagine: the headlights are blinding, I’m focused so I can let the leaders get to the circle, but I also don’t lose any time.” But the turning boundary is not visible. You’re racing through memory. And then the rear wheel of the “Arch” bounces on the curb. I think that’s it. I’m about to crash. Miraculously came out of the slip! I would never forgive myself if I had to leave the race because of me.

Henry was simply amazed. Among the racers are many wealthy enthusiasts, and a fair share of lunatics, but Baker combined both categories perfectly. He seems like a middle-aged man, he doesn’t feel like a crazy rich man throwing coins everywhere. Although there are no beggars in motorsport at all – it’s not that kind of sport, Edward probably has some money. But how much energy does a person have, and he does not care that he is at the very end of the battle, and the prize money for participation will not cover even a small part of his expenses. Overall it’s for the best: where else can Henry find an eccentric like him to latch on to?

The familiar sound of the engine. Georges is definitely not coming back. What is wrong?

“The brake pedal has completely failed, you have to keep pumping it every turn,” Georges got out of the car with a gloomy expression. – Almost flew away.

– Should I continue like this? – Edward suggested worriedly. – Less than an hour to the finish.

– Losing a lot of time and still finishing last, and risking your own life? – snapped the furious Georges. – Thank you humbly.

“Henry…” Baker turned to him helplessly.

What can be done here? You cannot quickly solve this problem alone. Georges is right – for what? And honestly, I don’t want to get dirty with oil and dirt.

Henry spread his hands:

“I’ll just follow you to the end.”

“Then I’ll do it myself,” Mr. Baker walked resolutely to the car. – Where are my glasses? We must end.

Henry stepped aside – it was none of his business. Although it would be a shame if he were killed – at least he was out of this world, but he was a good guy, a real racing fan.

He expected the imperious Sandra to break in, but she did not move, and Georges, on the contrary, stood in the director’s way.

– Do not act so stupid. This isn’t a car, this is a piece of crap. It’s a wonder they lasted so long. It is better to leave the race than to finish in last place. Come on and off, big deal.

Frankly, their little car, painted in British patriotic bright green colors exactly like a lawn, didn’t deserve such rude words. It would be better to prepare it better, properly adjust the gearbox and suspension, and also hire a few mechanics who are well acquainted with this type of equipment. Look, the result would have been different. But Henry was already convinced among his short-term acquaintances that planning was not his strong point. But isn’t it time to pack your things and leave the race track? And then goodbye is just around the corner. Maybe we can do it without tears.

“We are unfortunately returning to the plate, but failure is also a useful experience,” Mr. Baker exaggeratedly cheerfully summarized the dismal results. – Next time I don’t save money, I’ll take the car from Europe and my boys too. Henry, do you think this is our entire team? Whatever it is! I have so many great guys, you should see them! But they are still preparing the car for the start of the first stage of the open wheel championship, which takes place in less than two weeks. All the real stars are there. Henry, no offense, but no one knows Americans here, and our racers are world celebrities. And I expect that Georges will be able to pat the leaders on the back while he remembers the past.

Edward patted the infamous Georges sensitively on the shoulder, causing him to wince in pain.

“I’ve done a lot of open wheel racing myself, but mostly on ovals,” Henry told them.

– Oh, those ovals of yours. “We have real circuits – many miles long, dangerous, with steep turns,” Baker passionately described, as if he had built the infamous circuits with his own hands.

Why does Henry absolutely have to renounce these simple people? Otherwise, he will return to where he started – he doesn’t even have a car, he has to run to an unknown place, and maybe Manuel’s people are already sneaking around.

– Mr. Baker, will you take me with you? – Henry asked, swallowing saliva and stuttering.

– Where? Bakker was surprised.

– To Europe. I always dreamed about her,” Henry tried to be as natural as possible. – What should I do here? Our car is hopelessly destroyed. There will be no quick return to competition. If you want, I will work for you as a mechanic, or as a possible assistant. If you don’t like it, pay it off. And watching European races has been my dream for a long time.

“I don’t know,” Edward was confused. “You are of course a capable guy, but just like that… And the mechanics at home are fine.”

Baker looked perplexed to his companions for support.

– Isn’t this too drastic a change in fate, young man? – Sandra asked venomously. “They just wanted to participate in a local race, but they are already ready to rush to the end of the world.”

“My ancestors once sailed abroad in search of fortune, so why don’t I go back,” Henry said bravely. It went almost as written.

– Are you sure that everything is in order with your documents? – Georges narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

– How else? – Henry drawled offendedly. – Both a passport and a car club ID. I am your colleague. Maybe not the happiest. Give me a chance to try something new, change my life. If I’m not useful to you, I’ll look for a job elsewhere.

It turned out very sad. Henry was proud of himself. Well, come on, make a decision, he mentally urged his interlocutors. Manuel’s hairy paws will not reach Europe, but such a tenacious guy like Henry, who knows how to work with his hands, will be useful everywhere. Yes, and there is some starting capital – it pleasantly warms the inner pocket. And you can go back in a year.

“I like risky people,” Edward smiled. – That’s how I am. Honestly, I’m happy with your decision. And a specialist in American cars will be useful to us, we will come back to this later. Forgive me, I can’t pay twenty or fifteen dollars. But if you want, spend the night in our caravan for the first time, the boys and I are always on the road, pure conquistadors. Agreement?

“I’m used to a Spartan environment,” Henry squeezed the outstretched hand. – Thank you for your trust.

At these words Sandra let out a long sigh.

“Well, welcome to Baker Racing.” I hope the cooperation will be fruitful.

== To be continued…