Starting over is never easy.

[Fit4aking]

‘Who knew the ride back from the train depot would be this long.’ Spanky thought to himself as he sat at the last stop light before entering town.  The last car, the one he had held onto the longest, had just been delivered to its new owner and was already loaded onto the Autotrain for a two day trip west.  The light changed and the empty hauler chugged toward the shop one last time.  It took a little less than twenty minutes to make the trip from the interstate to the industrial park.  As he turned into the empty front lot the lights skimmed across the barred land that used to be the storage lot.  All that remained was the grid of dead grass kept from the sun by rows of cars.  Spanky sighed at the sight of it.  A quick glance at the front door sign reminded him that he was in the right place but also that he had forgotten to turn out his office light. 

“Damn it.” He said aloud as he set the brake and allowed the diesel to sputter to a stop.  Spanky spun the lock and pushed the door open expecting to hear the alarm pad beeping.  Surely he hadn’t forgotten to arm the alarm.  Switching on the lights in the showroom a single car gleamed on the cement floor.  He shook his head and spun to the glowing door of his office.  “You’ve been gone too long to just pop in like this.” His voice was half agitation but part relief.  Pushing the door open his assumption was confirmed.  Fit was sitting in his chair looking over the shops eBay account. 

“Sold ‘em all I see.” Fit said as he looked at the last auction, his prized Sagaris.  “I guess you had the right when I stopped sending the winnings back home.  Glad to see the sign on the front door still has my name in it.”  He stood to greet his old friend who was just standing in the door frame.  The look on his face was stern and serious.  Spanky didn’t say a word.  His crossed arms and furrowed eyebrows were getting his point across.  “Look, I could get into the how’s and why’s of my time away but honestly it won’t make anything different.  I’m back now.  The shop is still standing so we can start back to work on Monday.” 

Spanky pushed himself off the frame and walked into the shop.  Fit was just behind him as he flicked the light switches on one by one.  The place was completely empty.  In the back was a hanging sheet and a couple of shop lights.  It seemed more like a studio than a shop. 

“This is all that’s left.  The backdrop to an eBay auction house that saw all 287 of the cars you left behind parade in here and then leave to the highest bidder.  Johnny left when the work got too difficult for him to keep up with.  Chet took over for a few weeks but we both know he’s a piece of shit.  I tried everything to keep us in good standings with the sponsors but even they took what was theirs and left.  You really left me in a predicament.”  Spanky lectured Fit.  “So no, we won’t be starting back to work on Monday.”

Fit placed his briefcase up on the banister and flipped it open.  Inside were several stacks of receipts and a couple of IOU’s.  “It seems I wore out my welcome in the land of the rising sun.  There’s nothing left for me there, or here I guess.”  He closed the case with a thud and headed toward the door.  Pushing it open with his back Fit looked one last time over at Spanky.  “I know the lease is paid up until the end of the year.  There’s a new series starting on the 27th, no entry fee, no car required, just show up and drive.  Who knows if it will take off like the last one, but I’m giving it a shot.  It would be real nice if I didn’t have to do it alone.  Keep the car, gets better mileage than the hauler.”  With that he tossed the key and spun out the door into the night. 

[Open2nd]

Very nice Fit.  I've missed these stories.

[TopBoost]

Love it. 

[bimmerlovere39]

Very nice Fit.  I've missed these stories.

This.

[Blooze]

Heh, clearing the decks...

$

[Fit4aking]

After a long day in a cramped motel, Fit finally takes a minute to sit back.  As he boots up his trusty laptop the tone from his inbox rings out of the speakers.  A few clicks later and the confirmation email pops up on his screen.

“Dear Fit4aking

Your request to join the third annual Forza Motorsport challenge has been accepted.  The dedication and success you have had in the past were a welcome addition to the series and we look forward to continued success within our organization.

You will only need to be present at drivers meeting Tuesday October 27th, 2009.  Please be prepared to show your drivers license, racing license, and proof of recent physical examination from a physician.  You must have all 2009 required safety equipment as you will be asked to drive before your entrance into the series can be finalized.

We understand that this is last minute but our Asian, Australian, and European counterparts have taken quite a bit of the organizations resources in order to meet the promised opening date.  

Good Luck,
Dan Greenwalt
Organization President”

A smile crept across his face as he looked over his documents and found that the required paperwork was the one redeeming thing he had brought home from the Orient.  The safety equipment would be another matter all together.  Without enough money or time to scrounge together the items he would have to find them or retrieve his spare set of gear from the old paintshop.  As much as things were coming together it seemed that there was always something to throw a wrench in the works.  

[Fit4aking]

Parked in front of the building with the street address that matched the one on the invitation was a screaming red Audi R8.  The doors were open and a small crowd was leaned over admiring the details of the beast.  The curves of the car cast a sexy silhouette on the pavement and it was difficult for Fit to not act as giddy as the onlookers.  Passing it up for now he opened the door and headed in to find suite 114.  

He pulled the door open and set his duffle bag under a seat with his name on the backrest.  Several other drivers were already looking through the binder that were layed out on the desks.  Rossi, Davis, Bergmeister, lots of familiar names, lots of familiar faces.  The only one that bothered him more than any other was the chair in the front row marked "Montgomery".  Fit had been gone for nearly a year and yet here was his nemesis, the obvious teachers pet, Chet, set up in the front row.  With a sigh he slid into his chair, flipped open the binder and read over the guidlines of the series.

"Helmets, gloves, and driving shoes guys."  The sound of the voice interupted the silence and the few drivers that were already inside quickly made their way to the front door.  Outside the R8 was idling and a disturbing glance peered from the drivers seat.  "Mr. Montgomery will take the first heat and each of you will have a shot on the track after he's done."  The instructor confirmed the pair of eyes belonged to the local hot head and Fit sulked into the excited crowd of drivers quietly.  "This is a time trial, position counts but overall time counts as well.  No one is grandfathered in to this series and no sponsors can pay your way, you each have to earn a spot so don't go easy."  

The instructor barked names and the rest lined up behind Rossi until Fit was called to his place.  One at a time they strapped into the car and sped off.  The excitement was building along with the nerves of most drivers, Fit included.  With his borrowed helmet in hand he slid into the cockpit and settled into the seat, tugging the straps tight on his lap belt.  The instructor leaned in to inspect his restraints and then pointed to Chets spot on the roster.  "Only two others have bested his time.  Only the top 8 get to move on.  Good luck."  The door popped closed and after one deep breath the red lights flashed the impending green.  

Less than 5 minutes, and two laps later Fit pulled the R8 into the paddock and was instructed to shut it down.  He was the last one to race.  The instructor lead everyone back to the front door and stood infront of the crowd.  "As I read your names off you can head inside.  Please walk straigh to the back of the building and into the garage area.  Rossi, Davis, Montgomery, Fit....."  He stopped paying attention to the drone of the voice and followed the smirk on Chets face to the garage.  Everyone was eerily quiet, except for the matter-of-fact instructor.  In the garage sat 8 cars.  Eight small, economy, crappy cars.

"Gentleman!" the instructor boasted fron behind them.  The door clicked closed as the man continued, "you are the fastest 8 drivers of the new season of Forza Motorsports.  Congratuations.  Behind you are the cars that you will use to start your new series.  Take a good look.  As I call your name you will be asked to pick which car you want and drive it out and back to your respective shops where a representative is already on his way to instruct you farther.  Alright, in the order of fastest overall time....."  Everyone held their breath as they silently picked which chariot would suit them the best.  "Fit, please take your pick and head to your home shop.  You were the fastest qualifier."  As Chet looked over to try and have a peek at the instructors clipboard and lodge his complaint Fit flopped into a brand new Honda Fit and tossed his things on the passenger seat.

He could see Chets bloodpressure rising as he churned the car quietly to life and eased out the clutch.  The ride back to Spanky's speedshop was just over an hour and he feared that he wouldn't be welcome.  Having used that address on his application there was a good chance that it would be over before it even began.  All Spanky had to do was turn the rep away.  

In the parking lot sat an Audi Q7 with a large FM logo on the drivers door and a blue Honda Civic Si, the very car he had left for Spanky.  The showroom door was rolled up and with a nervous gulp Fit pulled his newest aquisition inside and yanked up on the emergency brake.  Two men emerged from Spanky's office, both with puzzled looks on their face.  Fit opened the door and stepped out of the car with half a smile.  "Guess I have some explaining to do..."

[TopBoost]

Wow, Fit.

[Fit4aking]

Shop Note: After much negotiation Spanky's Speedshop has secured a manufacturer sponsorship for the opening season of the Forza series. Their generosity in the shops rebuilding endeavor are unexpected but very welcome.

[Fit4aking]

The heat of the newly arrived Honda had barely dissipated when the ambassador from Forza interjected.  “I can see that the two of you have plenty to talk about.”  Fit stopped mid-sentence and the tension between him and Spanky was put on hold. 

“My name is Franklin St.Clair and here is all of the information about your entry into the latest championship.”  He placed a large manilla folder on the railing and motioned toward the shop office.  He continued to speak as he made his way into the confines of Spankys lair.  “The first section outlines the overall rules and regulations.  The second lists specifically the available upgrades and all qualifying cars.  I suggest you read over the entire thing.  Each subsequent section will answer any question you may have.  From payouts to travel arrangements almost all of your needs can be met within the organization.”  Spanky slid into his chair and flipped open the folder reading the cover letter carefully and skimming the first section quickly.  Fit took a place next to Mr St.Clair and was stretching his neck to have a glance at the new information.  Franklin turned to face him directly and pulled two large legal folders from his briefcase.

“As fastest qualifier you are going to be presented with an extraordinary opportunity.  Here are two different offers from two very different manufacturers.  I represent neither but have plenty of details about each.”  He placed the two envelopes on the desk and Spanky quickly reached for them.  Franklin held them in place all the while looking over at Fit.  “You have a decision to make and I’m sure you will have plenty to talk about.  Unfortunately you only have until the end of the first race to make your decision.”  He then slid the packets toward fit.  One was embossed with the four rings representative of Audi, the second, bright red, was adorned with the crest of Alfa Romeo.

“Read the offers more carefully than the rules.  You’ll have more to gain from them than you will stand to lose with an early infraction.”  Franklin seemed more like a businessman than an ambassador as he spoke, and this choice of car may have influenced his change in demeanor.  “Alfa stands ready to offer you four cars, one of each of their models eligible for the series.  They only ask that you run one of them in a complete series during each of the months of the championship.   That is until they are outclassed.  You see they cannot help you later in the season as they do not have any of the race class vehicle that will be required.  It will be up to you to procure those on your own.  Audi, on the other hand, makes no offer in the lesser class races.  You have free reign to pick your own vehicles until one of theirs fits the series requirements.  Keep in mind they will allow you near unlimited access to the parts warehouse as well as any dealership.  Volkswagens would be offered to you at deep discounts and the parts supply would transfer over easily.”  A smile came over his face as he stood from his chair overlooking Fit and Spanky.  “One will help you now, the other later, you need to figure out where you need the most help.  After the first race I’ll expect you to have filled out and signed one of the contracts.  Good luck in the opening events, and welcome to Forza Motorsports.”

With that Mr. St.Clair walked out of the shop and left the pair to stare at each other from across the office desk.  There was still plenty to discuss between them but the business of racing was bound to be the hot topic.  Their personal differences would have to wait, for now.

[Fit4aking]

“Get out.” He said calmly but still with an all too familiar firmness.  “We’ll talk about this soon but not here.  Take your new car and get out.  I’ll be in touch.”  Spanky then pointed to the door with a raised brow and a nod.  Fit stood out of habit and scooped up the two offers in a jumbled mess.  “We can work this out…..” Again he was interrupted.  “Boy, I said you can’t be here, no go!”  Spanky hit the button on the wall to open the door to the showroom and then closed his office door slowly as soon as Fit was on the other side.

Fit slugged himself into the front seat of his prize Honda and cranked the engine over as he buckled his lap belt.  As he checked his mirror to back up the light to the showroom turned off and the open door was the only light he could see.  The sound of the gears echoed in the empty space and with a disappointed smirk Fit watched the Speedshop logo reappear from the rolling door as soon as the bumper was clear.  He eased the car into first and eased out the clutch.  Too many thoughts raced in his head for him to make any sense of what had just happened but he still had the entry forms and the car so he could race the opener, if only just the opener.  He crept up passed the building and as soon as he was next to the office window he leaned on the throttle and sped off toward town. 

Not even a quarter mile up the road and just at the top of third gear he could see the flash of a chrome bumper heading his way, crooked across both lanes of traffic.  A familiar Chevelle was angrily approaching bellowing burnt oil and tire smoke along the country road.  “Shit!” Fit thought, “just what I need, more problems.”  He held his lane and hoped beyond hope that ole Chet wouldn’t recognize his new wheels.  Shifting into fourth he kept the hammer down knowing full well that no Honda was going to get away from that Chevy on the straight stretch into town.  Chet didn’t even glance over as he screamed past, music blaring, engine screaming and with a beet red face.  Fit let his foot off of the throttle and stared into the rearview mirror.  “No way, there’s no freakin….”   Before he could finish the thought the brake lights lit up on the heavy metal monster and it was sliding into the Speedshop parking lot.  “Spanky you old dog.”

[Open2nd]

Sounds like things are heating up at Spanky's!

[Fit4aking]

In a fury Fit leaned back into the throttle and powered his way to the local diner.  He had sat across from Spanky a hundred times going over set ups and parts lists but today he could have done without the reminder.  The lone waitress leaned in front of him as he slid onto a stool. “What’ll it be?” she asked as she chomped on her gum loudly.  Fit knew the menu by heart and would have settled on his usual but today was anything but usual.  “Cupa’ coffee and one of them top sirloins from the specials menu.  Medium well.”  Fit had little to celebrate but a solid dinner would keep him on the road until he decided where to crash for the night.

Fit sat mopping up the last of his gravy with his dinner roll when the bell rang over the door.  He had been enjoying the silence and lack of company so the prospect of another customer quite annoyed him.  Peering over his shoulder, he saw the familiar face that had brought about all the grief he was harboring.  As Spanky took the first steps Fit shot a nasty glare at him and turned to wipe his hands and settle the bill.  He nodded to the waitress who leaned off of the wall but stopped in her tracks as Spanky spoke up.  “You’d better think long and hard about where your gonna go with those offers, the shop name is still printed on the top and changing teams is specifically against the rules.”  He tossed the rule folder on the counter and flagged the waitress over for a cup of coffee.  Fit snapped his head and blurted out his thoughts for what he had seen.

“I bet the rules don’t have any problem with you substituting drivers though.  Hell you may even keep us both on for the sake of you own ego.  I build this racing team, I funded this venture, you’d still be in the corner hole of the local Exxon if I hadn’t even suggested we use some of MY race winnings to try to run a shop of our own.  Now you go and hire Chet!  Of all people you had to pick him and his attitude.  Between you both there’s a disaster waiting to happen.  You can count me out of that trio.”  He dug in his pocket and pulled out a crumpled wad of bills, shuffled for a twenty and tossed in on the counter.  “I’ll be seeing ya.” He said as he popped up off of the stool and started for the door. 

Spanky reached over and grabbed his arm forcefully.  “Look who has the attitude and ego problem now!” he said sternly.  Just then the waitress clanked a second coffee cup on the counter and quickly darted off.  “It’s always about you.  You didn’t want to run the front wheel drive cars. You refused to drive anything all wheel drive.  You couldn’t leave well enough alone an any car, it had to suit you!  Our business wasn’t ever supposed to be about you, it was about making us both happy now look at us.  Its not all about you and your off into the great unknown all over again with what looks like only about a hundred bucks and a shiny new car.  Fitting.”  He let go of Fit’s arm now that he had his complete attention and sat back on his stool.  “We both have a bit of growing up to do, I’ll admit that but we don’t have to end years of partnership like this.  You want to know what the rules say about substituting drivers I’ll tell you, I can’t.  Good ole Chet would have had to beat you outright to have a drivers spot at the speedshop but we both know that won’t ever happen.  He was my safety net if you didn’t pull through, it was a business decision, but you can’t blame me seeing how you ran off for the Orient midway through last season.”  He was speaking the truth and it was difficult to hear but Fit stopped to listen a bit longer.  “Why don’t we just fill up these two cups, hop in a booth, and make a few easy decisions.”  Spanky took the folder and waved the waitress to the closest booth, Fit followed closely behind. 

“Easy decisions?” Fit asked.  “There are a lot more important difficult decisions don’t ya think?”  Spanky flipped open the rules and regulations folder and slid over the entrance form and a pen.  “Yup, easy decisions, like this one.  You want to enter just sign on the bottom line.  Plain and simple.”  Fit looked up at his long time friend knowing full well that any chance to be on a track was better than rushing off into the wide world of nothing.  He picked up the pen and signed his name and added his choice of number for the series.  “See, one easy decision.”  Spanky reached over to the sponsorship folders and nodded to see them.  “Easy decision number two?”  he asked.  The pair poured over the pro’s and con’s for the next 45 minutes before they reached another decision.

“Well that’s enough for now.” Spanky interjected.  He reached in his jacket and pulled out a key ring to toss to Fit.  “All of your stuff is in the apartment above the paint shop, it’s cluttered but it’s a better night’s sleep than the front seat of a car.  We’ve got enough to do to get ready for the first series.  Go get some sleep,  we’ll talk more in the morning.  I’ll stop by to pack up the hauler at 6 so we can be at the track by 8.  Don’t tear that thing up before you get it on the asphault.”  The two parted ways with a friendship in tact but a pair of bruised ego’s.