Chapter 56:

The high-end stabilizing system failed under the pressure of the hail. Her car spun hard, rotating like a toy top.

“No! No!” she yelled, slamming the brakes, but it only made things worse. The vehicle slipped sideways toward the edge. Her rear tires lifted, hanging over nothing.

At the last second, a rescue hook fired from beneath the track and snagged her car by the frame.

“Phillip’s Team Car No. 6 — rescue complete! The race continues!”

The crowd jumped to their feet. “Unbelievable save!”

Rylie’s car shot down the track like a bullet and vanished into the storm.

Back in the pit, Phillip stared at the monitor. He didn’t move. He didn’t speak.

Just one thought ran through his head — it was over.

By now, Rylie was fifteen seconds ahead. But the real threat hadn’t hit yet.

A brutal crosswind tore across the peak of the mountain.

“Boss! Wind speeds have passed the safety threshold!” Britton called through the communicator. “You should ease off—”

“Shut it.” Rylie cut the line.

Her car pushed through the wind like a missile. The tachometer was already deep in the red. The engine roared, ready to blow.

Up ahead, something worse appeared. A jagged crack split open across the track.

The commentator’s voice trembled. “The road’s breaking apart from the cold! Officials just issued a red flag warning!” Rylie didn’t ease up.

Fifty yards before the crack, Rylie yanked the steering wheel upward.

The car lifted off the ground. With the help of the crosswind, it cleared a full 200 yards through the air.

All four shock absorbers blew out on impact, but she gripped the wheel tight and kept control without a hitch.

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The crowd broke into roaring applause. The commentator, watching the clock, shouted, “If Britton’s team sets a record tonight, it’s all because of No. 6! She’s tearing down the track like a rocket! Let’s hope she makes it!”

“Fantastic!” said Brock, flashing a fist pump. He turned to Brad, who never took his eyes off the screen. “Dr. Kirk’s skills are on another level.”

Brad’s tense expression softened. His gaze followed the car with pride. He stood. “Let’s go meet her.”

While Rylie crossed the finish line cleanly, Stacey’s car was just being hauled back onto the track. The final times appeared on screen. For Phillip’s team, it was painful to see — one minute and twenty-eight seconds behind. This wasn’t just a gap: it was a chasm!

The commentator’s voice took on a somber tone. “Who would’ve guessed the defending champions would drop all the way to eighth? A single mistake by No. 6, and their title slipped away. Tough break for the team.”

Back in the pit, Stacey returned with her head down. She didn’t dare look at anyone.

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