IRC | Grand Prix of The United States

[Odinson]

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Over 115,000 Texans (including 100 proud residents of Stonewall) and fans from around the country had crowded into the Circuit of the Americas at the outskirts of Austin. The event had captured national media attention and everyone was trying to cash in on the short-lived fame that it would be bringing to the Lone Star State. Local celebrities, actors, and politicians were there, including the Mayor, a few congressmen, and even Governor Ann Richards. Texas-favorites Jack and Ed Waters were suited-up and ready for the race. They were talking things over with their manager and pit team while thousands of hopeful fans gathered for what would be the biggest event in the race track's history. The place was entirely sold out. Security for the event was provided by the Travis County Sheriff's Office and DPS. However, because the Governor was going to be there, some other special precautions were taken by the State government.

A limousine, which was escorted by a Chevrolet suburban in the front and back, as well as a DPS Trooper patrol car in the front and back, pulled up to a the front entrance of the racetrack which had temporarily been cordoned off by State Troopers. An older woman with light skin, poofy white hair, and a million-dollar smile stepped out of the limo after an officer opened the door for her. She had on a simple silver broach that was a lone star. She briefly waved to some of the onlookers who recognized her and then was quickly joined by one of her staffers.

"Please don't tell me that Aggie beat us here," she said as she continued to smile and wave to some of her constituents. She was referring to the Lieutenant Governor of Texas, Rick Perry, who she knew would be eyeing her job in the next election.
"No, Governor. We made it here first," her aide said. A couple of Texas Rangers walked ahead of the Governor as they entered into the venue. Governor Richards was swiftly escorted to her prime seating by the rangers as everyone got settled in for the event.

While there would be no deviation from the official rules or guidelines of the race, Governor Richards knew how to make a show of things. She had volunteered to the venue to officiate the race, something that the owners swiftly agreed to when they realized that property taxes would be reviewed before 1999 rolled around.

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Televisions flickered on around the state as sports fans tuned in at home and in bars to watch the race. Governor Richards stood up and waved to the crowds before she was handed a microphone. She was standing in a private section of protected seating with some officials and the press, who were kept at a reasonable distance.

"Well thank y'all so much for coming out here," she said. She had the tone of a sweat grandmother who was more than capable of kicking your ass.
"I was so excited to hear that the Grand Prix of the United States would be held here in Austin, at our very own Circuits of The Americas!"

Governor Richards briefly put her hand up above her face to block the sun and looked at the racecars that were lined up on the track. "I hope these boys can give us an exciting race," she said as she lowered her hand and smiled at the cameras and journalists before her. The crowd was cheering and rattling their seats as they waited for the race to begin.

"Gentlemen, start your engines!" she said, followed by the thunderous roar of dozens of racecar engines coming to life. The teams made their final preparations and, once it came time to start the race, she pulled a .38 Colt Revolver from her purse, pointed it upwards and, when indicated to do so, fired the gun into the air.

Let the race begin!