MicroStory: Pass

 
In his element, he relaxed in his seat, allowing his instincts to control his body.  The less had to think about things the better chance he wouldn't over think.  That could be costly.  He already knew what he had to do, already knew how to do it.  It was just a matter of getting there.  His fine tuned skills from years of experience were already leading down the path to where he needed to be. 
 
His hands moved deftly to the shifter.  Throw it down, take the line inside, blast past him in the rebound.  His mind computing the best approach line automatically.  Surely his immediate opponent would see him coming and attempt a cutback.  Which was what he was counting on.  His eyes gazed at his speed, counting down time remaining time till untill the corner.  Steady.  Steady.   
 
The opening to the left shone light a giant neon sign saying, "Step right this way!"  He slammed in the clutch seizing his opportunity.  Predictable.  He turned slightly to catch the reaction from other driver.  They exchanged glances for all but a second as he rocketed his car past him coming out of the turn.  Too slow I'm afraid he thought to himself.  Leaving that one in his dust, ti was time to focus on the next one, already coming into view going into the next bank.   
 
He checked his readings.  Tires still good, fuel is nominal, everything is working soundly.  His machine was at peak performance, he knew this because he was the one who made sure of it time and time again.  The advantage of knoing more about how the inner workings work instead of just knowing how to drive, that is what gave him more of an edge then anything else.  Alot of these other driers, they just know how to move their vehicles.  He knew how to drive. 
 
Cutting a better angle into the next bank allowed him to gain on his next foe.  This one was more aggressive, he noted.  It was giong to take a little more effort this time around,.  No hand outs here.  Thats okay though, because no one can stop me, he thought to himself.  
 
He managed to close the gap to just a few feet.  A workable distance for him.  The two cars zoomed single file through the straightaway, trees and varios other enviromental things blzing bast them, producing a literal tunnel of greens, browns, greys.  Only the sound of two mighty engines prevailed in his world of focus.  Both sounded tuned to perfection.  Truly a worthy opponent. 
 
Another turn, this one a lazy left that cuts back into a sharp right.  He would have to make a move here.  He knew that the other driver would most likely attempt to hug the left and switch back to the right to maximize his speed coming out of the turn.  He would have to try and pull up next to him off the left and gave the advantage in the right.  Sounded simple enough, he has done this dozens of times, he just hoped he successfully out thought his opponent. 
 
THe other driver began his approach to the S-turn and as predicted he went low in the left.  Anticipation swelled in him as he down shifted and slowed to take the outside.  It would be close.  His tires sqealing attempting to skid off the track.  He dug down hard attemting to still them with sheer determination alone.  He started to come up on the other car.  His front left corner all but touching the rear right .  It was really all the advantage he would need going into the right turn.  If the other driver was fool enough to make contact, it was a simple PIT maneuver and they would both be out.  The turn came and he held his breath as he slowed to take his inside line. 
 
The look of shock that crossed his face next was not triumphant smile he had prepared for the occasion.  The two cars were litterally side by side when they began their speed out of that turn.  He had the advantage, the inside line.  Yet his opponent was able to gain some precious acceleration and the driver started to pinch him out of his corner.  Unfortunatly, he had to yeld his advantage and it was back to riding right behind his opponent.  He had been close to taking the lead.  So close.  His brain desperately trying to disect the event, trying desperately to figure out how he had lost what was a sure pass.