Act I: An Offer He Can't Refuse
The last two years had been pretty rough on the OldSchool Speedshop Crew. When Mario Rossi’s brother Paulo was sent off to prison for his antics at Road Atlanta Dirt was warned to stay off the track. That meant him and anyone racing under the OldSchool flag. Dirt isn’t exactly the kind of guy who takes being warned in a friendly light. The last two years were a blur of bent metal and broken glass all around the globe. And it came at a high price.
Dirt’s Cabin, at the kitchen table one Saturday morning…
Trixie: We don’t have a choice. The revenue just isn’t there, Dirt. The Solstice contract went when GM dropped Pontiac. Bert’s only bringing in oil changes and brake jobs. And then there are the races. We’re spending five dollars for every dollar we win.
Dirt: How long?
Trixie: 30 days. Then we are bankrupt. Way I figure it we could be out of business by October 11.
Dirt: And we can’t just close up the shop and let her sit? Why not?
Trixie: Bert and Betsy, that’s why not! They took out a second mortgage to keep the garage open about three months ago. We have to sell, Dirt.
Dirt: Three months ago? And you were gonna tell me about this when?
Trixie: You aren’t exactly the chatty type these days. Hell, we can’t find you half the time. The rest of the time you might as well not be around.
Dirt: Alright, can’t argue that. What about the team?
Trixie: Skunk’s been getting offers ever since he made it to the Asian Worlds. He keeps turning them down. Says he intends to finish what we started. They wrecked him in the pits at the Suzuka enduro.
Victor’s qualified for the North American, but they have gone to sabotaging his operation off-track since they can’t catch him on the tarmac. Broke into his hauler at the last race and cut every damned tire. He had to withdraw.
Dirt: What about you?
Trixie: I survived long enough to run the European World’s but I can’t get a car. All my contacts have dried up over there. Just completely shut me off.
Dirt: Can’t beat us on the track so they’re gonna break us in the pocket book.
Trixie: DID break us, Dirt. It’s done. Rossi’s operation is bigger than we could have known. He beat us.
Dirt: Not yet, they haven’t. Let me think.
Trixie: About WHAT!!! What’re you gonna do? You gonna put this place up to save a dead shop?
Dirt: I already did, Trix. Three months ago.
To be continued...
