Chapter 31 - Track Time And Deep-dive
The Circuit of the Americas usually required track rentals to be booked weeks in advance, but they made an exception after learning Vince Dalton and Christian Von Koenigsegg were arriving.
The COTA track manager welcomed Vince and his group before showing them the facilities available.
COTA offered Vince and Christian assistance from a professional driver based in Austin who trains COTA customers.
"The first Formula 1 race to be held here in COTA will be next weekend. I assume both of you will attend?" The COTA manager asked.
"Yes, of course. Vince here had never been to an F1 race before, and I'm sure he'll be joining me." Christian replied.
A young professional driver arrived after the group conversed for a few minutes.
"This is Randall. He'll provide you with driving tips and can entertain any more questions about the circuit. Please enjoy your stay." The COTA manager said before leaving.
Vince had Randall take him around the track on the Agera SFV first to experience the difference between the two cars.
The Agera R was fast, and Vince already knew that. But, the Agera SFV was quicker and lighter.
Christian drove the Agera R trying to chase Vince and Randall on the Agera SFV but couldn't even get close.
After an hour of racing, the group took a break for a while.
"The Agera SFV is far and above the fastest Koenigsegg," Vince stated.
"I know. That's why I'm confident in pitching Freevalve systems to F1 manufacturers for next year." Christian replied.
"How confident are Koenigsegg in designing a Formula 1 car?" Vince asked.
"It will be challenging to beat the current top teams, but it's theoretically doable. So why do you ask?" Christian replied inquisitively.
"I was just curious," Vince replied with a smile.
[Formula 1 is an enormous property. RedBull was able to gain massive value in buying a team to promote their product. Maybe I should do the same. Owning a team sounds fun too] Vince thought.
Vince was always interested in owning a professional team in APL, but David told him it was inappropriate.
A well-built caucasian man in his semi-casual attire arrived at the COTA pitlanes.
Price came over after learning about the track day Vince had rented.
"Vince, Let me have a go in the Agera SFV," Price asked excitedly.
"Alright, alright. Go ahead and knock yourself out." Vince replied.
Price went on track with Christian and raced around for a few minutes.
Vince spoke to Randall while the adults were having fun on the track.
"Randall, You look pretty young to be a professional race driver," Vince asked.
"You look pretty young to be a self-start billionaire." Randall jokingly replied.
"Okay. You got me. But seriously though, what's your deal.". Vince asked,
"I'm an Austin local but haven't been home because most Formula 2 races are in Europe. Now that we have COTA here, F2 will be the secondary entertainment for next weekend."
"Instructing at COTA is a recent gig to earn a bit of cash. Racing is expensive as hell." Randall replied.
"You're quite lucky to have a home race. I'm sure you'll do well with all the local support." Vince replied assuringly.
"I sure hope so. One more win is all I need to get my super license. The license can help with negotiating a seat in Formula 1." Randall added.
[Tom has been doing great work remaining undefeated in the UFC. He should receive a title shot soon from all the fans and wins he'd built up.]
[Kyle, Jessica, Rick, and Sarah are slowly becoming experts in their field with access to great mentors within Future Tech, the education you can't find in any university.]
[I look at people like them and see the potential. Unlimited access to resources and support that I didn't experience much of in my previous life undoubtedly helped them become more outstanding individuals.] Vince pondered.
"I've been thinking about buying a Formula 1 team for next season to promote Future Tech and our partners. I'll give you a seat if you win your race next weekend. No pressure." Vince declared.
The 18-year-old Texan race driver was stunned to hear Vince's sudden offer.
"Don't go looking for me in the crowd. I'll be in a meeting with Christian and the FIA president on Saturday." Vince jokingly added.
Price and Christian arrived after their conversation. They switched around cars earlier, trying to chase each other.
Vince drove his new Agera SFV for half an hour with the assistance of Randall.
[This thing is sick. And, with my new special exemption driver's license, I'll be able to drive this car around town feeling like a badass.] Vince thought.
The few fun hours of rented track time were over too quickly for their group.
Vince invited Christian to stay at his Villa for the week after bidding farewell to the others.
Christian graciously accepted Vince's offer. They took the Phantom and headed to his mansion.
The house itself was very different from when Vince initially bought it more than a year ago.
The design was similar to Future Tech headquarters, and Christian found it appealing.
Vince introduced Leah to Christian before instructing the housemaids to prepare a room.
They ate some dinner while getting to know more about each other. The maids served classic Texas BBQ and sides that Christian enjoyed very much.
After dinner, Vince received a call from someone he hadn't spoken to in a long time.
"Ms. Miller, It's been a while. How are you and your son doing?" Vince asked.
"Things have been great the past year for both of us. I wanted to tell you great news about our research directly. My team had a breakthrough yesterday."
"We developed the neuron output prototype for comatose patients. The tests involved volunteers in induced deep sleep. The prototype then projects photorealistic dreams into the subject's mind." Ms. Miller explained.
"Alright. So people asleep can watch movies in the first person as if they were awake? Do I understand this correctly?" Vince asked in confusion.
"The AIM CPU and dedicated graphics processors render the world around the subject, similar to a movie, yes." Ms. Miller replied.
"I've been teaching the Future Tech AI my algorithms, and the bioengineers built the prototype, but it's currently limited to output with no input capabilities yet." Ms. Miller stated.
"The team has succeeded in our current research scope and will be wrapping up soon. However, most of the research team wondered if Future Tech could employ us directly to continue developing the input functions." Ms. Miller offered.
[Their achievement in this field is a historical landmark. They're expecting a big payday for this research.] Vince thought cynically.
[Though, this prototype is one enormous step closer to deep-dive VR.] he pondered.
"I welcome your team to Future Tech. You can contact Hudson for further negotiations." Vince ultimately replied.
Stats last time checked:
15 million BTC (currently trades at $1,000)
$75 Billion in Future Tech
3850+ employees (Future Studios, Hive Mind AI, ARM, BitCash, Future Security, FT VR)
Five company collaborators
Dozens of investments under Future Tech Holdings