Page 36 of Overtake
“Fourth,” I correct gently.
Lena nods. “Maria Teresa de Filippis was first. Lella Lombardi was second.”
“You know your history.” I grin, remembering my own teenage dreams. “C’mon then. Let’s work on that racing line.”
As I demonstrate the correct approach, I catch Nico watching again. He’s working with two boys who’re asking about top speeds, but his attention keeps drifting our way.
Graham approaches, camera crew in tow. “Let’s get some footage of you both instructing together. Show how rivals can work together for the sport’s future?”
Because nothing says genuine instruction like Graham’s PR bollocks.
Nico straightens. “We’re more effective working separately. Different techniques for different driving styles. It maximizes the time for the students.”
He’s probably as fed up with these bloody cameras as I am.
“Of course, of course.” Graham’s fake smile doesn’t waver. “Though the sponsors were hoping?—”
A snap oversteer into the barriers at the far end of the circuit interrupts whatever corporate bullshit he was about to spout. It’s just a spin into the barriers, but every adult head turns automatically.
“I’ve got it.” I’m already moving. This I know how to handle. This has nothing to do with politics or protection or power games.
This is racing.
The driver is Thomas, the boy who’d asked about Wyn. He sits in his kart, looking stunned. A classic snap oversteer caught him out. I reach him first with Nico close behind.
“You alright there, mate?” I’m already assessing the situation. No damage to him, minimal to the kart. The kind of lesson every driver needs. The earlier in their career, the better.
“I... I didn’t...” His voice shakes.
“First crash in a racing kart?” I keep my tone light. “Welcome to motorsport.”
“But I was doing everything right!” The words burst out. He’s definitely frustrated and embarrassed. “I followed the line and?—”
“May I?” Nico asks quietly. When I nod, he crouches beside the kart. “Show me your hands.”
Thomas holds them out. They’re trembling.
“Ah.” Nico sounds understanding rather than judgy. “You tensed up. When you sensed the slide starting, you gripped harder, right?”
The boy nods. Poor kid looks miserable. And, bloody hell, I remember that feeling so clearly.
“That barrier looked real hard,” he admits.
I hold back a smile. No one forgets their first crash. “Barriers usually do. But fighting the slide only makes it worse. You have to work with the car.”
“I know, but...” Thomas shrugs.
“Knowing and doing are very different things.” I demonstrate the correct hand position. “Especially when everything happens so fast.”
Graham’s camera crew starts moving in, probably sensing a perfect PR moment. Before they can get too close, Nico stands, deliberately blocking their shot. He’s protecting Thomas while the boy’s feeling vulnerable.
“This is a good time for all students to learn about recovery techniques.” He looks dead on at Graham. “Without cameras on them.”
Did he just cock blockPaddock Access? Yes, he absolutely did. Even Graham backs off, though his expression says he won’t forgive or forget.
Which clearly doesn’t worry Nico Belmonte one damn bit.
“Right then.” I help Thomas restart the kart. “Let’s talk about how to handle snap oversteer.” I raise my voice to include the other students who’ve gathered. “You’ll all face this sometime. You need to know what to do and, just as important, whatnotto do.”
