Another friend , fed up with Dewitt and Heather's antics , let out a mocking laugh . " Eunice is here celebrating the end of her SATs , not gawking at your little sideshow race ! " The sarcasm wasn't subtle . " What's that supposed to mean ? " Heather's eyes widened , her voice sharp . " Witt just took first place , and you call it a sideshow ? " she snapped . Dewitt's face clouded over . Dewitt's jaw tightened . Fresh off the high of victory , the jab stung his pride . " Mr. Benton , " he said , ignoring everyone else , " we don't run into each other often . That last race wasn't much of a challenge . How about you and I go head - to - head ? " Derek frowned , ready to step forward , but I caught his sleeve and shook my head . I had no interest in getting tangled up with Dewitt . Dewitt smirked , his voice dripping with provocation . " If you're scared , just say so . " The air grew thick with tension . Our friends ' faces darkened , but no one dared accept the challenge on Derek's behalf . Everyone knew Derek hadn't touched a race car in years . I let go of his arm . Derek reached out , ruffling my hair gently . " Want to see me win ? " I nodded , flashing a grin . " Go get ' em ! " Without so much as a glance at Dewitt , Derek strode toward the track . Dewitt , unaccustomed to being ignored , looked like a storm cloud ready to burst . " Show - off ! " he hissed through gritted teeth , stalking to his car . 0.0 % 15:09 Chapter 8 288 Wouchers On the track , the starting gun fired , and Dewitt's signature red racecar shot forward , leaving Derek's sleek black car in the dust . The roar of engines was deafening " Shouldn't drive if you can't handle it . Being a nerd doesn't mean you can win on the track ! " Heather sneered , her voice smug as she glanced at me . " It's only the start . What's there to gloat about ? " I replied . " Starting behind means he'll never catch up , " Heather's allies chimed in , echoing her taunt . Our friends fumed but had no comeback . I kept my eyes on the track , silent . At a high - speed turn , Derek's black car executed a flawless late brake , surging past the red car and crossing the finish line first . The crowd fell silent . Even Heather shut her mouth . Someone in the audience murmured hesitantly , " That comering technique ... It's like last year's mystery champion from the Triple Crown . Could it be DB - Hurricane ? " The voice was faint , almost disbelieving . I stayed quiet , my face calm . Derek had clinched the international junior cup at eleven , earning the title of prodigy racer . Even after a long hiatus from racing, he'd returned to dominate , claiming all three major titles last year . He kept a low profile , rarely showing his face , so few knew the real DB - Hurricane . Derek pushed open his car door and walked straight to me , extending a hand. " Eunice , let's head home . " " Sure . " I smiled , slipping my arm through his . Behind us came Heather's flustered murmurs and Dewitt's angry shouts . 48.1 %