No distractions. None. Every minute of every day would be focused on getting better. Progress.
Sunday brought a festival atmosphere to Washington County. The race was the Phil Carney Memorial, named in honor of an area racer who lost his life out east in a crash 20-some years ago.
A big crowd arrived early, and the promoter set up some food tents and had a band playing in the area behind the grandstand. The drivers were assembled for a meet-and-greet session, and Renee treated Jimmy to an excellent steak sandwich she found at one of the tents.
The officials opened the gates across the track and allowed fans to wander through the pits, getting a good look at the cars. As he and Renee walked across the track Jimmy heard a familiar voice, and he turned. Lou Warren grinned as he hurried to catch up with them.
“Hey Lou,” Jimmy said, immediately excited to see the man who headed up the Meteor Foods Indy car team. “I didn‘t expect to see you down here!”
“I needed to hear some good sprint cars,” Lou replied.
Jimmy motioned toward Renee. “Have you met Renee Johnson?”
“She was a little girl with pigtails last time I remember,” Lou smiled, “stealing Cokes out of our cooler!”
“Yes,” Renee laughed. “When Lou still had his sprint car, after the races I‘d always hurry to their pit because they opened their cooler and offered a Coke to all the kids.”
“Good times,” Lou nodded, then he looked at Jimmy. “You got a minute?”
Jimmy‘s heart was pounding, but he kept his voice even. “Sure.”
Renee excused herself and went on, and Lou and Jimmy walked into the infield for some privacy.
“Are you still interested in driving our Indy car next season?” Lou began.
Jimmy paused and looked at him, and started to laugh. “Lou,” he said, “you know I am.”
“Well, I didn‘t know…maybe you signed with Skaggs or somebody. It‘s possible, you know.”
“Nope. I‘m still a free agent.”
“OK, good. So here‘s the deal,” Lou continued. “We‘d like to have you in our car for next year. We‘ll offer a one-year deal, with a monthly salary of $1,500 plus percentage. That work?”
Jimmy mulled it over. He was very nervous, but he felt like he knew Lou well enough to have a little latitude with the conversation.
“Actually, I was thinking a two-year deal, with two grand a month in salary,” he said. “Would that work for you guys?”
Lou studied him, and Jimmy could almost see the gears turning in Lou‘s mind. Had Jimmy heard from Skaggs? Were they also negotiating a deal? Was this just Jimmy fishing for more dough, or was there something else on the table?
After a moment Lou smiled, and shook his head.
“All right, we‘ll make it two years. But I don‘t know about two grand…you‘re a rookie, Jimmy. An unknown in our cars. We‘re taking a chance on you.”
Jimmy returned the smile, and looked Lou in the eye.