As Lin Yan set off, the Aprilia rider next door also emerged from the pit. It was unfortunate that with Ducati's rise, they, also using V4 engines, became the tail-enders. The Aprilia RSV4, one of the most suitable superbikes for track racing, unexpectedly found itself at the bottom in endurance races.
The two riders exchanged glances, a silent greeting. The Aprilia rider very courteously let Lin Yan pass him.
The bike sped past. Lin Yan's body was slightly crouched, his entire form tucked behind the racing windshield. With a flick of his foot, he shifted gears rapidly, twisted the throttle wide open, and the engine roared.
Compared to the others, Lin Yan's riding posture was more standard. Coupled with sufficient rest, the Suzuki rider and Kawasaki's Dos were no match for him.
Another inside line and late braking maneuver allowed him to easily overtake Dos. Beneath his helmet, Dos's eyelids twitched wildly, clearly his stamina was also pushed to its limit. However, his gaze remained filled with admiration for the rider in front, a true god of racing.
MotoGP, that was the aspiration of countless riders.
To ride a factory bike was like an ancient great general obtaining a divine weapon.
In the blink of an eye, the race entered its final hour.
After Ren Fei dismounted, he went straight to rest, utterly unable to continue. The final stint was Lin Yan's. However, shortly after Lin Yan took to the track, an unexpected incident occurred.
Dos, in a clumsy move, took out Lin Yan, who was attempting to overtake him.
Lin Yan was on the inside line, in a blind spot, and was immediately brought down by Dos. The two tilted racing bikes instantly slammed onto the ground, sliding towards the run-off area outside the track.
Lin Yan's body tumbled several times in the air before landing with a thud in the run-off area, his helmet visor dislodged.
The incident greatly startled the fans present. Many Chinese fans jumped to their feet from their seats. Fortunately, after lying on the ground for a few minutes, Lin Yan slowly got up.
Shaking his dizzy head, the first thing Lin Yan did after getting up was to help Dos up. Dos had fallen near the edge of the run-off area and was clearly lacking the strength to get up, struggling on the ground.
Lin Yan went over and pulled him up. After helping Dos to his feet, Lin Yan pushed his racing bike towards the pit.
They were currently twenty laps ahead of Suzuki, and time-wise, they were well within the limit. Even the spectators on the track could generally guess that Ducati would be the champion this year; it was a sure thing.
Returning quickly to the pit, in less than twenty minutes, Zhang Mingzhi and his team had repaired the racing bike.
Time flew by. At precisely twelve o'clock, Lin Yan's racing bike crossed the finish line smoothly. Besides Lin Yan, the other eight riders also crossed the finish line in succession. They were clearly exhausted, the twelve hours of high-frequency riding leaving them with no strength even to dismount.
Finally, with a record of 901 laps, Lin Yan's team set the longest distance record in the history of twenty-four-hour endurance races and clinched the championship.
"Lin Shen, congratulations!"
As soon as the race ended, the director was the first to offer his congratulations, having waited nearby for a long time.
"You are?"
Wiping the sweat from his brow, Lin Yan, having just removed his leather suit, looked suspiciously at the middle-aged foreign man in a suit standing before him. His gaze then shifted to Quinn beside him, as if understanding something.
How could he almost forget this matter?
Seeing Lin Yan's shifting expression, Taylor chuckled.
"I presume you've guessed my identity."
Lin Yan's status and background were far superior to his, so addressing him with "you" was entirely appropriate.
"Lin Shen, this is the biggest director of our race circuit in France, Taylor. He's here specifically for what you informed me about last night."
Quinn, standing beside them, introduced him.
"So, it's Mr. Taylor. Please, both of you, come inside."
Lin Yan had already guessed the purpose of their visit and gestured for them to enter the pit.
"Lin Shen, I won't beat around the bush and will get straight to the point. I hope you don't mind."
"No need for formalities, Mr. Taylor. I prefer directness as well."
The two settled in a small compartment within the pit. Taylor directly presented the contract that had been drafted the previous day.
Taylor was a middle-aged man around forty, with blue eyes and a full beard. At his age and holding such a high position, he should have had a stern demeanor, but at this moment, his face was full of smiles and a hint of amiability towards Lin Yan.
Forty percent. Glancing briefly at the contract upon receiving it, Lin Yan was slightly surprised. This profit-sharing arrangement exceeded his expectations, and it was likely influenced by his own status.
He knew his proposal would be accepted, otherwise, he wouldn't have left with such confidence yesterday. However, he hadn't expected the profit-sharing to be so high.
Lin Yan's initial expectation was between thirty to thirty-five percent, and he was pleasantly surprised by the other party's sincerity.
"Are you satisfied?"
Seeing that Lin Yan had been looking at the contract for a long time without responding, Taylor asked, a hint of caution in his brows. If Lin Yan did not agree this time, he would have to consult with the board members, as Lin Yan's platform was extremely enticing to them.
"I am satisfied. I must say, Mr. Taylor, your visit this time is indeed very sincere."
Given the favorable terms, Lin Yan did not haggle. After discussing the specific details, Lin Yan signed the contract and had Su Mojin print and send it back to the company.
"Pleasure working with you, Mr. Lin."
"Pleasure working with you."
The two stood up and shook hands.
"I never expected the renowned Lin Shen to be so young upon meeting him today. It seems I am growing old, and the future belongs to the youth."
Looking at the signature on the contract, Taylor put it into the briefcase held by Quinn and then smiled at Lin Yan, his face beaming with satisfaction now that his task was complete.
With business concluded, the conversation turned to polite pleasantries.
"Mr. Taylor, you jest. You are still very young. I think your physical condition is almost comparable to these riders on the track."
Lin Yan offered a polite compliment. Without lingering, after a few exchanges, Taylor prepared to leave.
However, just as Taylor was about to depart, he leaned in and shared a somewhat troublesome piece of news with Lin Yan.
Upon hearing the other party's words, Lin Yan frowned slightly.
"I am aware of this matter. Even if they intend to help, I do not fear them. Nevertheless, I thank you for the reminder, Mr. Taylor."
"Haha, since Mr. Lin is so confident, I shall say no more. Mr. Lin, to use a Chinese saying, you are a young hero. It is natural that you do not fear them."
Before leaving, Taylor couldn't resist offering Lin Yan some flattery.
...
"Young Master, is Suzuki planning to assist Reusner and the others at the East Tooth Station?"
After Taylor turned and left, Zhang Mingzhi, with his keen senses, approached.
Standing at the doorway, Lin Yan nodded calmly. According to Taylor's conjecture, this was likely the case.