Ryoko is now 34. The past few years have been filled with much good for her. During her visit too Japan in the off-season, she would meet a Army Ranger and form a relationship with him (whom was the same age as her at the time 30). He was still on active duty at the time so he would go off too service when her season would start. Her season at 30 years of age was good, winning 3 races (all her home track races of Atlanta and Phonix) and finishing 5th in points. At 31 she would have another good year, 4 wins and another 5th place points finish. At 32 she would win 2 races and finish 3rd points based on her consistency. At 33 she would have only her second chance at a championship, with 6 wins going into the final race however she was far enough behind that the only way she won the championship was too lead a lap, the most laps and win the race. Doing anything else didn't matter. In her pre-race interview she answered as best she could...
Ry: If that is what it takes then that is what it takes. Past performance doesn't mean a whole lot too me at this track. A whole new game here. There are 3 of us with a chance. That is all I can hope for.
She has been here before, 7 years prior she was the point leader going into the last race. But got caught up in a crash not of her own making. People were talking about (like last time) that if she wins the championship she'll be the first women too be champion in series history and in any of the major pro sports. The track was sold out with 125,000 people in attendance. Heart, Saki, Scharlachrot, Weiss and Kamui were there too. The race itself was mostly between 5 drivers (Ryoko included), trading the lead back and forth between them. But after halfway Ryoko had amassed more laps lead then anyone else and was leading the race. As the laps counted down people began too realize that they were witnessing history. Even after a few restarts Ryoko would go back out front. Ryoko would lead 170 out of 267 laps. Winning the race and taking the down the championship.
During her racing career Ryoko was known for being a clean but hard racer. And for not causing any controversies, except for one instance. And that was because she was going too win a race in the 2nd tier (racing for a team on just a hand shake agreement, after her rookie she cut back on minor league race greatly) and was about taken out by someone who had a problem and the powers that be didn't throw the caution which would have ended the race. She showed her displeasure on the cool down lap then also on pit road by throwing said driver too the ground. Her post race interview would go down in infamy.
Q: What happened?
Ry: The son of bitch tried take me out. That's what! I ain't standing for that shit! He has a history of acting like an ass! Well he showed it right there! Big fucking cry baby! Anyone trying too do that too me i'll bust their ass!
Q: Will you two talk about it?
Ry: Fuck no! I ain't talking too him about shit!
Q: And if he wrecked you?
Ry: It wouldn't have ended well for that boy, i'll tell you that. I ain't going too need my crew too beat his ass. Just because i'm a girl doesn't mean I know how too fight.
Other a some disagreements with fellow drivers, nothing got far or near it in scale. She also known for not being an excessive celebrator. Most of the time she would take the US and Japanese flags around for a victory lap too salute the fans. She would do donuts/burnouts but not often. Her most heartfelt celebration was when she won the Memorial Day 600 mile race. She toke the US Army flag around on a victory lap in honor of her father. She is also very caring too her fans, especially the young ones. Many a young boy and girl has taken around a track in the pace car.
Her post race interview was humble and thankful.
Ry: I've never dreamed this big. All I ever wanted too do was just too make it here. So i'm surprised for sure but very thankful. My crew chief has been doing this for 30 years and it is his first championship. It hasn't sunk in yet but i'm sure it will soon. Thank you too everyone who supports me. This is amazing.
She would take pictures with her crew and team. But then would take pictures with Heart, Saki, Scharlachrot, Weiss, Kamui and her mother. She would get the too experience what is like being champion during the award banquet. Being champion she would be last too talk and well she have a lot too talk about.
Ry: Oh my where too begin. Well this started a long time ago. I was 8 and me and my dad went too a go-kart race. I remember saying "Daddy I want too do what they do." He wasn't sure but being the stubborn southern girl I got what I wanted. He bought me a go-kart and we entered the next race. I did well, didn't win but did well. 5 races later I won my first race, beat kids older then me. My daddy figured out quickly that I was good. 25 years later, I guess I was good after all. I have a great support group with me here tonight.
Heart, Saki. I first met you guys at your schools Home Ec. class. Heart could cook the lights out... Saki couldn't cook anything. Well times change and now Saki is a great chef and Heart owns a world famous business.
Miss Maori..... your the sister I've never had. Met you while hanging with Heart and Saki. Needless too say we have been sisters ever since and one of the few people who can tell me off and I can't get mad at you doing so... even when I deserve it.
Weiss, Schar... you two are a pairing that are weird in just about every way possible. But that is why I guess we get along so well. We have helped each other too grow. You are among the few people that I know personally too try my life style. You both gave up but you know more then anyone else that it isn't easy.
I know Miss Kamui couldn't be here tonight but you are a great friend too me. You are more wise then myself. Heart, Saki, Weiss, Schar, Maori, Kamui.... you guys are my second family. And Alex..... i'll see you soon. What? Yeah i'm seeing someone.... you didn't know? Then your ass better call somebody. *smirk*
Ryoko has too pause. She is about too talk about her own family and usually is a emotional topic for her.
Ry: *sniffle* Mom..... you cared for me, taught me your culture, gave me your work ethic, your drive, your smarts.... but take after dad in looks though. *razz* Daddy.... *sniffle* you gave me your fighting sprite, taught me how too disciplined and..... *tears* encouraged me too pursue my dreams... even when you were at deaths door step.... I... wouldn't be the women I am today.... with you. I love you Mom...... Dad. I know you are proud of me.
Everyone would stand up and applaud. Her mom, Heart, Saki, Schar, Weiss and Maori would join her on stage. But she isn't done yet.
Ry: Heeeeeeey y'all. I got something else too say. I'm also here too announce my retirement from full-time driving.
*silence and hushed whispers*
Ry: Y'all know this isn't a funeral right? I'll explain myself. When I got here I wanted too give myself 15 years. There are other things I wish too do in life. Racing has given me so much but I want too see the world through my own eyes and not through a visor. I want too travel the country, enjoy myself. Visit places I've never visited and just enjoy life. Now come on y'all cheer up. I'll still be around, it is what social media is for. You'll get updates.
Ryoko would honor her obligations too the sport, media and sponsers. But after that she would one day, pack up some clothes, get in her truck and just drive. Her friends, family and fans would receive a note via social media saying "i'm off. catch y'all later." During her travels she would live out of her truck (stay in hotels sometimes for showers, a place too cook and a comfy bed), visiting many towns big and small. Staying for 2-3 days in each. She would met many people, taste different foods and visit known and little known famous spots giving updates along the way.
Recent years have also treated everyone else well too. Heart and Saki are still together. Saki is a teacher and Heart runs Café Aino, now internationally. It is a famous business full yummy treats, sweets and other Japanese/American food.
Maori works for Heart helping with marketing using her great artists skills for create colorful and eye catching signs, TV ads and other creative marketing things.
Weiss and Schar are famous internet stars. Schar would take Ryokos advice and get an degree in automotive journalism. She post a video online giving a review of Ryokos 2014 Dodge Ram pickup truck (during said video Ryoko would show up and just sign it over too her. Schar now owns it and drives it everywhere in Japan. Though it isn't made Japanese roads. Ryoko would buy a 2016 Dodge Ram too replace it.) A producer saw it and signed her too a deal along with Weiss. They are very popular, giving comedy, seriousness and overall helpful advice about cars past and present. The show is called "Overdrive."
Kamui is awake now and help keeping the world in balance.
Her mother is now a manager of her own parts factory and is enjoying being a 'grandma' (Alexs family has lots of young nieces and nephews) and is just turned 59 years old. Alex and Ryoko became life partners after Alex retired from the Rangers, he now works for the CIA in a high level position. He waits for her too finish her travels across America.
Ryokos racing career lasted 9 years, she never missed a start (324 consecutive starts), 34 wins (2 Brickyards, 1 Daytona 500, 7 road course wins, 1 600 Memorial Day race, 11 oval wins, 5 restrictor plate wins (non Daytona 500) and 6 short track wins. Including her championship, she will one day be inducted into the Hall of Fame and go down as one of the greatest women drivers of all-time. During her travels she would visit Arizona and be inducted into the Arizona State University Sports Hall of Fame, Georgia Sports Hall of Fame (when visiting Georgia). She would travel too Japan for Christmas for a planned party but instead she would met the Japanese PM and be awarded The Order of the Rising Sun (3rd class, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon). Everyone would be there for her ceremony (including Petra). It is keep in her home in Athens next too her trophy from her first big win in Japan along with a picture of her father.
She is still traveling the country though her most recent social media post would indicate that she will return home. "Such a wonderful country I have seen. But I think it is time I return home.... soon."
.
No comments:
Post a Comment