Rex, Judy, and I spent the next week dialing in The Rocket. She had to be at her best if Judy wanted any chance of beating Ronnie...

   Rex shut the hood, dusting his hands off afterwards. "Well, I think that's about everything."

   Judy and I walked up next to him. "She's certainly running better than she ever has." She said.

   I nodded my agreement. "Ronnie's gonna need one hell of a miracle if he plans on beating you this time."

   Judy smiled, pulling me into a quick kiss. "Let's hope you're right."

Rex threw his arms around both of our shoulders. "Don't you worry about who's right, you just focus on kickin' Ronnie's ass once and for all."

   Judy nodded. "You're right, lets get this show on the road. I have a race to win."

   Rex and I smiled. "Now you're talkin'." He said before grabbing a couple toolboxes and heading over to his truck.

   I rested my hand on Judy's shoulder. "You got this, there's no way in hell he's winning again."

   She smiled, planting another soft kiss on my lips. "Thank you."

   I kissed her back. "It's my pleasure. Now, we better go help Rex get everything loaded up."

   Judy nodded, taking my hand in hers and leading me outside the barn...

   After getting the tools loaded in Rex's truck, Judy pulled The Rocket onto the trailer and helped Rex strap it down.

   We all piled into the front seat and headed out to the drag strip, determined to take home the gold...

   Rex and I made our way to the pits as Judy headed over for the qualifiers.

   As we set the tools up in our tent, we heard a low whistle from somewhere outside.

   I turned with a roll of my eyes, seeing Ronnie standing just outside our tent.

   "What do you want?" I asked.

   He placed his hands behind his back, a cocky smile on his face. "Well, I noticed the extra work you guys put into the car. So, I figured I'd pop by and wish you luck."

   Rex folded his arms over his chest. "You're the one who's gonna need it."

   Ronnie smirked. "I guess we'll see about that."

   He turned on his heel and strolled off as Judy pulled into the tent.

   "What did he want?" She asked as she stepped out of The Rocket.

   "Nothing much, just asking if we could take it easy on him." I replied.

   She chuckled. "As nice as that would be, I know him better than that."

   Rex placed a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry about him, just focus on winning."

   She nodded. "Let's get to work then."

   After putting a few finishing touches on The Rocket, Rex and I headed to the bleachers to watch the races.

   The Rocket preformed better than any of us expected, beating every other driver by at least two whole car lengths.

   And, as day finally turned to night, we came down to the last race.

   Judy lined her up car next to Ronnie's, the announcers voice cutting through the air.

   "Now, we have a race for you folks. In the left lane, driving that badass Purple Challenger, Miss 'Rockin'' Judy Moore!"

   The stands erupted into cheers.

   Rex and I shared a smile as we cheered right along with them.

   "And, in the right lane, the veteran in that beautiful cherry red Mustang, Ronnie 'Red Rider' Birch!"

   Boos and jeers rang out from the crowd as both cars lined up in front of the light.

   I felt the nerves form in my gut as we awaited to start of the race.

   "C'mon, Judy, you got this. I know you do."

   Rex patted my shoulder. "She'll win."

   I knew he was right, but those nerves wouldn't leave until I watched her cross that finish line first.

   Anticipation rose as the amber lights lit up before suddenly flashing with the green.

   Judy and Ronnie took off at the same time, both cars staying dead even until about the halfway point, when The Rocket started pulling ahead!

   "Woo! You got this Judy!" I yelled, my nerves being replaced with excitement.

   But, that quickly faded as we heard a loud bang, Ronnie's car suddenly veering into Judy's lane, smoke billowing out of the hood.

   Everything turned to slow motion as he plowed right into the side of The Rocket, burying both cars into the wall, chunks of metal and glass flying through the air.

   I stood frozen, paralyzed with fear. Everyone around me sprinted out of the bleachers towards the wreck.

   Then, I felt a hand on my arm.

   "C'mon, darlin', we gotta make sure she's ok." Rex said, leading me down the stairs and onto the drag strip.

   Everything around me faded out when my eyes landed on Judy. She laid slumped over the steering wheel.

   That's when I started running.

   I shoved through the crowd, making my way to the side of Judy's car.

   I frantically pulled on the door handle, but it wouldn't open.

   Rex ran up next to me. "It's jammed."

   I looked over, seeing that the drivers side door was pinned against the wall.

   Tears started to fill my eyes. "How do we get her out? We have to get her out, Rex."

   "I know, darlin', just relax, the medical team is on their way."

   I angrily ripped at the door handle again. "We have to get her out of there."

   Rex wrapped his arms around me as I looked over Judy's motionless frame.

   He slowly pulled me away from the car as the medical crew ran past us.

   I sunk to the pavement as more tears started flowing from my eyes. "Do you think she'll be ok?"

   Rex knelt down next to me, resting a hand on my shoulder. "She's tough, it'll take a lot more than this to stop her."

   I pulled him into a tight hug as the medical crew cut the door off and pulled Judy from the car. They quickly placed her on a stretcher and rushed her to the waiting ambulance.

   That's when I heard his voice.

   "Is she gonna be ok?" Ronnie asked one of the medical crew members.

   I slowly got to my feet as they continued to talk, making my way towards them.

   Ronnie looked over as I approached. "Listen, dear, I'm really sorry-"

   I cut him off with a hard punch to the jaw.

   He collapsed to his knees as Rex ran up, pulling me back once again.

   "This is all your fault!" I yelled before Rex pulled me out of sight.

   "C'mon, we gotta meet Judy at the hospital."

   He lead me through the grassy parking lot to his truck. We got in and floored it towards the hospital...

   My mind raced as we drove. I wasn't sure if she was ok, considering the last time I saw her she wasn't even moving. But, I had to put those thoughts behind me. I had to stay strong for Judy. No matter what...