I Can't Drive 55
Okay, not a huge fan of that song, but I have a race-y sort of post today.
It was inspired by a long-time, and very dear, friend. I grew up at the race track watching my mother and step-father race. Step-dad was not only an unbelievably good driver, but a professional race instructor as well.
Anyway, when Kevin [friend] was in his late teens (and I was about 12), step-dad took him on as an all around protege. Kevin far surpassed all expectations - he's an amazing driver still, some nearly25 years later.
He posted this video to Facebook last night, and it made me smile. It also made me remember that I really did love my first WiP (prompted entirely by my having grown up at the track). So I pulled the WiP out and read - for over an hour. After the vid, I'll post a short snip.
Driven
The crosswalk vibrated as the car flew underneath us. My fingers tightened around the railing, knuckles white, as I inhaled the sharp high-octane fumes. I closed my eyes, listening for the sound I knew would come in three, two…that shallow whistle of the turbo kicking on his acceleration in the back straight.
Finally, I exhaled.
My pulse quickened against my throat, and I opened my eyes to watch him take the hairpin, so snugly he must barely have moved the wheel. The grip my fingers held around the aluminum loosened, my hand automatically moving down against the cold metal just as he would be shifting to take that perfect line through the chicane.
I wanted so badly to be sitting beside him in that beautiful car, feeling every shift and hearing every roar as he redlined the tach.
Nobody had a chance against him on his home turf. Jess could win this one blindfolded.
It was inspired by a long-time, and very dear, friend. I grew up at the race track watching my mother and step-father race. Step-dad was not only an unbelievably good driver, but a professional race instructor as well.
Anyway, when Kevin [friend] was in his late teens (and I was about 12), step-dad took him on as an all around protege. Kevin far surpassed all expectations - he's an amazing driver still, some nearly
He posted this video to Facebook last night, and it made me smile. It also made me remember that I really did love my first WiP (prompted entirely by my having grown up at the track). So I pulled the WiP out and read - for over an hour. After the vid, I'll post a short snip.
Driven
The crosswalk vibrated as the car flew underneath us. My fingers tightened around the railing, knuckles white, as I inhaled the sharp high-octane fumes. I closed my eyes, listening for the sound I knew would come in three, two…that shallow whistle of the turbo kicking on his acceleration in the back straight.
Finally, I exhaled.
My pulse quickened against my throat, and I opened my eyes to watch him take the hairpin, so snugly he must barely have moved the wheel. The grip my fingers held around the aluminum loosened, my hand automatically moving down against the cold metal just as he would be shifting to take that perfect line through the chicane.
I wanted so badly to be sitting beside him in that beautiful car, feeling every shift and hearing every roar as he redlined the tach.
Nobody had a chance against him on his home turf. Jess could win this one blindfolded.
Comments
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It can be a lot of fun. When I watch Kevin's clips I always miss it. But, then I remember the 24 hour enduro in Daytona Beach - every year, same thing: 40 degrees and raining. Miserable!
All the best,
Suzanne :)
You and me both, Deniz! I won't get back to Driven until Roulette is finished! Just need my CP's to go back through it, and some beta readers.
Another thing we have in common...
CARS!
I love to drive, and no, I can't drive 55, either. My 3.8 Genesis Coupe just can't go that slow.
One of the characters in Watcher has a 'stable.' Tho he's a Euro-snob, he does have a Cobra nestled between the Lambo and the Ferrari. And the Audi R8? My dream car...
Loved the excerpt, btw - I could smell the rubber and feel the wind as the car ripped past. Nice writing.
Cobra...*drool*
MC from above story drives a Viper; boyfriend usually drives his Mustang Cobra & a Porsche GT2 EVO, but has landed a ride in a Porsche Prototype in this snip.
Hello! *waves*
Do you need a copy editor?
Jai
Jai - I heart cars.
Looking forward to sinking my teeth into Roulette. :D
Enjoyed your excerpt!
Jennifer - LOL! I haven't driven on the track like that, but I've ridden out there. It's less scary than the road. Everyone actually knows what they're doing ;)
Kathi - That's a huge compliment, thanks.