As he revved the engine, John sped off. With the new racing motorcycle, how long would John take to arrive at the tournament venue with the new racing Honda 1000RR-R5–SP?
After John arrived at the venue where the tournament had to take place. Actually, the hand managed to use only 30 minutes despite the busy highway and the usual time he always takes.
Just as he was wondering about the time he had used to travel from Greenland to Golden City, his phone rang for an incoming call. "Ohh... It's Karen again!" John said as he swiped on the screen to pick up the call.
"Hello madam? Okay, I'm just around. Give me one minute," John said in a hurry, as Karen kept talking at the same time from the other side.
"John... Nah! You hear me? Nah! Can't you listen? We are meeting all racers in the briefing room. Don't come to the office where you picked your ticket. You hear me?" Karen insisted over the call.
"Okay, okay, Karen, I hear you. But where exactly is the briefing room?" John asked, slightly exasperated but amused by Karen's urgency.
"It's in Building B, the one with the big blue banner. You can't miss it. And John, make sure you bring your motorcycle with you for the checks. We need to ensure it's in top condition for racing," Karen replied, her tone serious but with a hint of a smile that John could almost hear.
"Got it, Building B with the big blue banner. I'll be there in the next 2 mins," John confirmed.
"Great! And John, remember, punctuality is key. Missing the briefing or being late could lead to disqualification. So, don't be your usual tardy self!" Karen added with a chuckle.
"Disqualification? Seriously?" John feigned shock, but he knew Karen was right. "Alright, I promise to be there on time. See you soon!" He hung up and revved the engine once more.
As John rode towards the briefing room, he could feel the excitement and anticipation in the air. Fans were already gathering, sharing stories and expressing their hopes for their favorite racers. He overheard snippets of conversations about the two legends of the track: Nicko and Ramjar.
"Did you hear about Nicko's new bike? It's supposed to be unbeatable!" one fan said enthusiastically.
"Yeah, but Ramjar's skills are unmatched. He's won this tournament three times in a row!" another replied.
John smiled to himself, feeling a mix of excitement and pressure. He knew he had big shoes to fill and legends to compete against.
As he approached Building B, he was struck by its imposing structure. The building was large and impressive, with a modern architectural design that exuded both grandeur and functionality.
The exterior was adorned with vibrant paintings of racers and motorcycles, capturing moments of high-speed glory. There were also depictions of sleek cars and a prominently displayed logo of a kangaroo, symbolizing agility and speed.
The floor was made of reinforced concrete, designed to withstand the weight and potential impact of vehicles. Inside, the hall was vast, with a huge glass table at the front, surrounded by a few chairs that seemed to be reserved for officials.
The table itself was a work of art, featuring intricate paintings of trophies and golden cups, a constant reminder of the ultimate prize awaiting the victor. John proceeded inside and remained on his motorcycle guessing the next move.
Right away from the hall, racers were already mingling and chatting. Some of them had known each other for some time and therefore they were sharing stories and catching up.
"Hey, John! Long time no see! Which club are you representing this time?" a familiar face asked. " You used to be my customer in the street, do you remember me? Are you here for the tournament?"
"Oh, I'm just here for fun," John replied with a grin, eliciting laughter from those around him. He didn't want to take the story long, his mind was throttling with a lot of thoughts from the system. How did the system know that there would be a tournament like this?
As the conversations continued, he could find himself listening about the background of the racers, the club they were representing, and their racing experiences. They managed to keep the mood light, cracking jokes and making everyone laugh.
Suddenly, the announcer's voice boomed over the speakers, calling everyone to take their positions. John realized he hadn't seen the drawings on the floor, indicating the assigned positions based on registration order.
He quickly found his spot, marked as number 20. As he looked around, he noticed that while there were a few Honda motorcycles, the majority of racers were using Yamaha brand motorcycles.
The announcer welcomed everyone to the tournament and introduced the tournament facilitator, Mr. Jack. The man rose from his seat behind the golden glass table, his blond hair neatly combed, a mustache framing his round face, and his green eyes sparkling with authority. He cleared his throat and held a stack of documents in his hands.
"Good afternoon, racers. Welcome to the final tournament of the year," Mr. Jack began, his voice commanding yet warm. "This is the ultimate challenge, and the champion will receive the mega reward, much greater than any previous tournament."
He went on to introduce the officials, each of whom stood and waved at the racers. The announcer interrupted to inform everyone that the briefing was being broadcast live on Sky News Television, adding an extra layer of excitement to the proceedings.
Mr. Jack acknowledged the presence of guests and officials from various countries, thanking them for their support and participation. He then proceeded to read the instructions from different officers in charge, starting with the rules and regulations.
"Let's begin with the speeds and overtaking rules," Mr. Jack said, scanning the room. "Overtaking is allowed only in designated areas. Penalties will be imposed for any infractions, which could range from time penalties to disqualification. We must ensure a fair and safe race for everyone."
He continued with the technical regulations, emphasizing tire specifications and allowable modifications to the motorcycles. "All modifications must be pre-approved. Any unauthorized changes will lead to penalties."
Furthermore, Mr. Jack discussed the safety protocols. "Our medical team is fully equipped and ready to respond to any emergencies. If you are injured, report it immediately. Safety gear, including helmets, suits, and gloves, must meet the required standards. Random checks will be conducted to ensure compliance."
He then explained the track layout and conditions. "The track has several dangerous corners where caution is needed. There are potential hazards that have been marked. Pay attention to these areas and race smartly."
Mr. Jack confirmed the weather forecast, noting that the conditions were favorable for racing. "According to our weather officers, we expect clear skies and mild temperatures. Perfect racing weather!"
Moving on to race procedures, he detailed the starting process as follows;"The race will start with a formation lap, followed by the starting lights. In case of a false start, the race will be restarted. Pit stops will follow strict entry and exit protocols, with speed limits in the pit lane. Each team's pit box has been clearly marked."
Finally, he discussed the flag signals. "Yellow flags indicate caution, red flags will stop the race, and green flags signal the start. Familiarize yourselves with these signals to avoid any confusion during the race."
Mr. Jack concluded his briefing with final reminders and words of encouragement. "Remember, this is not just about winning but about racing with honor and integrity. Give it your best, and enjoy the race."
He then introduced an official from the patrol department to give a motivational speech. The officer, a tall, muscular man with a kind smile and piercing blue eyes, stepped forward.
"Ladies and gentlemen, racers from all over the world, it's an honor to be here today," the officer began. "You are all here because you have a passion for racing, a drive that sets you apart. Today, I want to remind you of the journey that brought you here. Each of you has faced challenges, overcome obstacles, and shown resilience."
He paused, looking around the room. "This race is not just about speed; it's about strategy, endurance, and mental strength. Remember to stay focused, keep your cool under pressure, and most importantly, race safely. Your skill and determination have brought you this far, and I have no doubt that you will give it your all on the track."
The officer's words resonated with the racers, filling them with a renewed sense of purpose. "You are not just competing against each other; you are competing against yourselves, pushing your limits, and striving to be the best version of yourselves. Embrace the challenge, enjoy the thrill, and may the best racer win."
The director confirmed that the briefing was over after consulting the patrolling officers who were checking the motorcycles. John smiled a little knowing that anything could happen.
Either to lose or win for this was his first time in racing despite him operating alongside the system. Would John emerge the winner?