[H2][center][b]Joel Nicolosi [/b][/center][/h2]

The helicopter mounted camera panned over the assembled grid as the race commentators prepared to come back from commercial. Onlookers and teammates bustled around the cars as grid girls held up signs noting each car’s position, driver names and nationalities. Midday sunlight glinted off the polished exteriors of a variety of colors. The starting grid lineup appeared on screen along with car make and tire choice. Nissan, Lexus, Porsche, Dodge, Honda, Chevrolet, Jaguar… the list went on and was as varied as the driver nationalities. 

[i]And we’re back, taking a look at your starting grid today...[/i] The commentator went on to mention the sponsorship covering the starting lineup and pre-race summary. [i]No surprise seeing a black GT-R on pole,[/i] He continued as the frame faded away, [i]But if you’re just joining us, what’s become the story of the weekend is that red, white and blue 300ZX sitting there in P2.[/i]

[i]That’s right, Steve,[/i] A second commentator chimed in as the camera zoomed out and continued to pan over the downtown area for a broad shot all the way out to the edge of Old Harbor. The waterfront was crowded with boat traffic and the assembled grandstands were packed out with spectators all along the waterfront section of the course. Other spectators could be seen leaning out from the balconies of hotel rooms. [i]If you were watching yesterday, we really thought the Nismo GT-R’s would have the pole firmly in their grasp until the hometown favorite, Joel Nicolosi put down this absolutely blistering lap…[/i] The live shot of the racecourse transitioned into a highlight reel of Joel’s qualifying lap. The multicolored 300ZX blasted round a curve bumping along the uneven city streets in a flash of red, blue and exhaust flame. An overhead following shot and then another stationery camera tracked the car’s pass through the time traps, [i]Watch him here through the follow-through… absolutely textbook,[/i] The car blasted down a long hill as boat masts and then the harbor docks rose up into the shot as the car slowed and negotiated a chicane, [i]And through the first harbor chicane, he was actually fastest through this bit out of the tunnel, definitely impressive.[/i]

[i]Only off the pole by a few hundredths,[/i] The first announcer came back as the shot changed once again with Joel’s lap finishing and the time being displayed next to the logo of an expensive watch company. [i]As it happens, our crews have caught up with Joel out on the grid for a few moments to chat before the lights go out,[/i] The camera again changed to a live shoulder-mount following a reporter as he wound his way through the crowds out to the starting grid. He stepped past the dark, angular GT-R on pole to where a model-esque female stood in front of the 300 holding a sign reading [b]P2 Nicolosi / Lomax[/b] with an American flag underneath. Joel stood with his racing suit fully zipped and a pair of sunglasses leaning against the car. He still had Marlin’s arm tucked under his and turned his head with a smirk as the reporter approached. [i]Absolute dynamite lap yesterday Joel, how are you feeling about starting from the outside pole today?[/i]

“Well, naturally we would have preferred to have had pole,” Joel said with a shrug and his most diplomatic smile, “But we’re in a good spot for today, I’m feeling good about our chances.”

“You and Tommy Lomax are surrounded with a black GT-R in P1 and P3 and Honda is definitely looking strong with the NSX in P4,” The reporter continued, “Only a few tenths separate you. What’s going to be your strategy going into turn one?”

Joel shook his head and pretended to consider the man’s question seriously. His real plan was to take the inside line and pass the GT-R on the first turn, same as Senna had done with Prost in Suzuka, but hopefully with a different result. “We’re just gonna try and have a safe start, obviously we want to get in there and be competitive. The GT-R is strong up the hill, but I think we’ll be in there.”

“Joel, we’ve all noticed you’ve got some new sponsorship badges on the car this year, do you think that’s helped elevate you to the front of the pack?”

Joel looked back at Marlin with a genuine smile the camera could only barely see as he turned his head. She was blending in perfectly in her jacket and jeans. He gave her a playful elbow as the camera looked on and turned his head back, “It hasn’t hurt.” He said.

[@PrinceAlexus]