He didn’t need Benny to tell him the strategy. In a short-track war like Martinsville, there were no pit strategies left. It was just steel, will, and the narrow, winding ribbon of asphalt that had broken better men than him.
The reporters swarmed, the cameras flashed, and the trophy was handed over. But as Jake Reilly hoisted that grandfather clock—the iconic Martinsville timepiece—over his head, he wasn’t looking at the crowd.
Benny came back. “NASCAR says one to go to green. A shootout. Twelve laps. All or nothing.”
He was looking at the 99 car, at Mateo Flores, who was already taking notes from his crew chief.
I taught you that move, kid, Jake thought. Time for your final exam.
He didn’t hesitate. He threw the #42 into the void. The spot on his left rear tire kissed the concrete wall. Sparks flew like fireworks. The car shuddered violently, the steering wheel trying to rip itself from his hands.
But not today.
Jake followed, picking off cars one by one. He passed the 5 car on the inside of a dogleg. He rode the high line around the 17. With five to go, it was just him, the leader, and Mateo.
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