Over time he had mostly become an advisor, our coach, to the crew and to me. Allowing me to go from “lollipop man” just holding the signs for the drive to find his stall all the way to his successor as crew chief. It was definitely an honor that I took absolutely pride. It squashed all the dumb jokes from the guys and the offers to pose half-nude in calendars because everyone knew that I worked hard and I loved the race. And to top it off I was the only female mechanic and crew chief in the business. I knew my stuff. I had worked every position on the crew. And I always kept my body in shape. I couldn’t have some jerk saying I couldn’t lift the parks or change a tire in 10 seconds. When it came down to removing brake rotors and sanding them down, I had the touch. When it came to knowing just how much fuel to use to keep us running fast and light, my knack for the pit strategy couldn‘t be denied regardless of who my father was. Under my leadership, we had pit stops close to ten seconds and that was faster than most.

“Yeah”, I shouted back sarcastically.

“Didn’t I tell you that you need to get a life kid? Too much of this grease work is just not good for you. Look baby girl don’t you want a family, a nice husband, and kids someday. You aren’t going to find them under that hood you know,” Genito touted.

“Genito ..no..no..no..… not the family speech again. You know I’ve got a girflfriend. I have a—” I say smiling because I know he loves this.

“—yeah another weird one. I was so surprised that your dad took on a lady driver’, Genito cuts me off.

“Whatever! He saw Kyla‘s stats and couldn‘t resist. You know him .. Win.. Win.. Win… And you know I will have kids later. After I race,” I explain for the millionth time.

“You know you’re dad’s never gonna let you behind the wheel. Not with your mother knowing. He needs you in the pit where the real work is. That’s what I tell him all the time. You’re the best crew chief I’ve seen in a long time, even if you are the only one I know that can look great in heels too,” Genito laughs.