12th Round Finale. 2

Luca half-expected to see a priest and a few nuns in the garage for this prayer. After all, this was Italy, a country deeply rooted in Roman Catholicism. But that was a bit of an overreach for his thoughts.

The pre-race prayer turned out to be a simple but meaningful tradition within Trampos. Every crew member, from the seasoned Mr. Grant to the youngest little Sam, gathered in the haul room to the left of the garage.

There, they'd bow their heads together, each saying a short, silent prayer according to their own faith or beliefs. Afterward, Mr. Grant and Mr. Ruben would rally them with a series of booming motivational statements, each one met with a resounding "JA!" that shook the very walls of the garage.

Luca had no doubt that nearly every other team was doing something similar at this very moment. It made him wonder which team's prayers would be answered today.

"We own this track today!"

"JA!"

"Victory is ours—no excuses!"

"JA!"