The Race (Championship Romance #1)

Chapter 1

JESSICA

I stare at the list in front of me.

This list will determine my next year in many ways.

This list contains the answers for me and my fellow sports journalism students, revealing to us where we will go for our final project in our studies.

If you land an internship in a sport you know well, the final assignment will be a breeze.

If you’re unlucky and get assigned to something outside your expertise and knowledge, it will be trickier. All students submitted their applications with their preferred three sports. There are no guarantees you’ll be chosen, so I can only hope.

My dream is to cover Formula 1, and I’ve worked hard on my application to hopefully secure a spot. Late nights in front of my computer, endless research, and input seminars for writing proposals to positively increase my chances.

I grew up in a family that was interested in all kinds of sports, but F1 has always been the main event.

Race Sundays were an established tradition in the Edwards family, and we try to get together as often as possible to this day.

We will gather in front of the TV, watching the excitement play out on the track. It’s easier for my older brother and parents to get together, as they all live closer to each other.

I, on the other hand, am off to college in the big city of Chicago. Luckily, Tinley Park is only a short train or car ride away, so I try to make the trip out there when I get the chance.

Therefore, if I were able to make it into F1, it would not only make my own dream a reality, but also my family’s.

As I dive into the list, my heart races at the thought of who has been assigned what.

The NFL and American football take a prominent spot, and I can’t help but breathe a sigh of relief when I realize my name isn’t among them.

American football has never been my passion, which has sometimes made my studies feel daunting, especially since most of my peers are deeply invested in it.

Scanning further, I see the variety of team sports unfold before me. I focus intently, hoping not to find my name hidden there, yet I can’t resist checking each line.

The hockey section draws me in, and I can’t help but smile when I spot a familiar name: my best friend, Sarah Parker, has landed an internship covering hockey.

I can already picture her joy; she’s been dreaming of this since her dad played in the NHL. We’ve both shared this aspiration of covering the sports we grew up loving, and I’m looking forward to calling her later to chat about where we will be going.

Moving on to the individual sports section, my pulse quickens with anticipation.

As I navigate to the motorsports category, my heart pounds louder. Please let me get my first choice. The thought of spending nearly a year working on something I’m not passionate about sends a shiver down my spine. Yet, I remind myself to stay optimistic; I’ll make the best of whatever I get.

And then I see it: “Formula 1: One spot. The student will work with Star News to report on the Formula 1 season. Student: Jessica Edwards.”

A tiny squeal escapes my lips as a wave of exhilaration washes over me. I did it! I’m covering the Formula 1 season. Even better, I’ll be the only intern from my program. Given the competitive nature of this industry, having that breathing space feels amazing. Like a dream come true.

The reality of landing this coveted position is still sinking in. I know several classmates had their sights set on this spot, which is precisely why I poured my heart into crafting a stellar proposal.

Now, as pride swells within me, I can hardly believe I’ll be working in my dream field over the next ten months.

I quickly pull up Star News on my computer, and my excitement reaches new heights. They’re a powerhouse in motorsports, renowned for their top-notch reporters and journalists.

This opportunity is nothing short of incredible.

◆◆◆

I’m sitting in the library when a group of journalism students walks in. I sink into my seat, hoping they won’t notice me, but no such luck.

“Hey Jessica! Did you see the list?” asks Seth, one of the top students in our program, or at least that’s how he presents himself whenever he speaks. He has the attitude of someone who thinks they’re better than everyone else.

“Yeah, it seems like most people got what they wished for,” I reply, sensing his irritation as he walks over to my spot.

“Everyone except me. I can’t believe you got the Formula 1 spot.

But I’m not worried; my dad will help me get an internship, probably a paid one, when the season starts.

” I wish what Seth says wasn’t true, but unfortunately, many career opportunities in journalism, TV, radio, and similar fields depend on what is professionally labelled as networking.

Or, as I like to call it, being born into the right family or having the right connections based on your name or your family’s status in the industry.

We are told in our studies that the right opportunity will present itself if you work hard enough, and I’d like to think that’s why I was chosen for the F1 spot instead of Seth.

Still, it leaves a sour taste in my mouth knowing that Seth likely will be able to get a grid pass because of his surname and his dad’s connections in the sports world.

His father owns one of the most prominent sports magazines in the US, making it easier for him to get ahead, while everyone else must fight their way forward.

“Maybe I’ll see you there, or maybe not.

I didn’t know your dad’s paper even covered Formula 1,” I say, knowing full well that they don’t.

They have strict rules about covering Formula 1 and which news outlets are permitted to do so.

At least when it comes to the on-track action, interviews, and close coverage of the sport.

The tension is rolling off Seth, and our classmates stand awkwardly waiting for his response.

It’s a tiny bit sad how they all hover around him, waiting for their opportunity in his father’s media empire. Our student group was naturally divided into smaller groups at the start of our studies, as is common in any university program.

When people realized the connections surrounding Seth, he quickly became popular amongst the students. Sarah and I may be cynical, but we think it’s quite clear that they all hope to get close enough to him to land an opportunity within his father’s company.

Sarah and I never jumped on the Seth bandwagon, and ever since, he’s been irritating us. We mostly keep to ourselves and avoid getting involved with him and his crew.

“I’m sure he’ll come up with something. See you around,” he says as they continue down the library, leaving me alone again.

Hopefully, the internships are governed by strict regulations, and even Seth’s father won’t be able to manipulate the system to move his son to the front of the line.

A girl can only hope.

I go back to my computer to search for flight tickets when I receive an email from Star News. I feel my heart sprinting as I open it.

To: Jessica Edwards

Subject: Formula 1 Internship

Hello Jessica,

We are delighted to welcome you to our team here at Star News. You will be working with our F1-division, which follows Formula 1 and all the excitement associated with the upcoming season.

We would like to schedule an online meeting with you to get you set up for the upcoming internship and discuss what you can expect.

Please let us know if February tenth at 9.00 AM is a suitable time for you.

Kind regards

Anne Grier

Receiving Anne’s email makes it even more real, and I quickly write a reply confirming that Thursday is perfect for a meeting.

Today is Tuesday, which means I have some time to prepare before our talk. The F1 season is just around the corner, with pre-season testing already underway. That means the teams are testing their new cars ahead of the season, examining how their car set-up performs on track.

We often refer to the entire event as the F1 circus, characterized by lots of action, drama, and intrigue in the paddock. The grid consists of ten teams, each with two drivers.

Most teams are connected to traditional car brands and factories, which develop cars using advanced aerodynamic technology.

Other teams are linked to popular brands, such as Red Bull. The sport has significant commercial value, and the performance of the drivers and their teams determines how much money they’ll win for the next season.

The championship is held worldwide, with races on every continent. My internship will therefore involve a lot of traveling, which I’m looking forward to.

Not only do I get to experience and learn in the incredible atmosphere and world of F1, I can also travel the world and explore new places.

When I get back to my dorm, the first thing I do is call my parents to share the good news. They have always been my biggest supporters, constantly reminding me that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. Their support means the world to me.

As usual, Dad answers and puts me on speaker right away.

“Hey, guys!” I barely get out my greeting.

“Hey, Jessica! Please let us out of our misery. What’s the verdict?” they ask immediately. Patience isn’t their strongest suit.

“Drum roll, please.” I can hear them tapping on the table at the other end of the call before I announce my news.

“I made the Formula 1 spot!” Cheers erupt on their side of the line, making me smile wider.

“Oh, that’s fantastic, honey! We knew you would make it!” my mom exclaims over the phone. Their confidence in me truly warms my heart.

“Yeah, and Sarah made the NHL, so we both got our first choices.” Growing up together, we spent so much time at each other’s houses that Sarah feels like extended family to both me and my parents. We would always be at each other’s homes, driving our parents’ crazy with our antics.

We continue talking, planning for me to move some things back home before I hit the road in about two weeks to join the Formula 1 circus.