Chapter 22 – After the Flag
Sunday, May 3rd, 2009 – Afternoon | Apeldoorn Kart Circuit
The paddock had begun to thin out. Tents came down. Karts were rolled into vans. Engines cooled in silence after a long day of noise and pressure.
Alex sat on a folding chair beside the academy van, half-zipped out of his suit, a bottle of water resting loosely in his hand. His eyes were on the track, but his mind was still somewhere in those final laps.
He hadn't spoken much since the podium. No need. The trophy rested on the table next to him. A gold top, polished and tall.
Victor stood nearby, talking to someone on the phone. His voice was quiet but serious. Alex didn't listen at first — until he heard his name.
"…Yes, Alex Vermeer. Full points. Clean win. Front to back from lap three. It wasn't even close."
A pause.
"No, he doesn't know yet. I'll tell him when we're back at the academy."
Victor ended the call, slipped his phone into his pocket, and looked over. "You okay?"
Alex nodded. "Just tired."
Victor stepped closer, leaned on the table. "That was the most complete race I've seen you drive. You didn't just win — you owned it."
Alex didn't smile. But his eyes lifted. "Thanks."
Victor studied him for a moment, then sat down too. "You've got people watching you now. Not just parents or teammates. Real scouts. From DRDA. From sponsors. From teams."
Alex glanced sideways. "I don't know what that means."
Victor nodded slowly. "It means they're interested. It means the phone's been ringing. It also means… you've got a choice to make, eventually."
Alex looked down at his hands. "Do I have to decide now?"
"No. But I'll say this." Victor's voice lowered. "They'll all want a piece of you. But we want to help you grow. KWM believes in you. And we're ready to prove it."
Alex frowned slightly. "How?"
Victor leaned in. "They just signed off on a full scholarship. Kart. Gear. Travel. Coaching. Covered. As long as you keep training with us."
Alex blinked.
He didn't say anything. But he didn't need to.
Victor gave a half-smile. "Welcome to the next step, Alex."
Later That Night – Vermeer Household
The house had gone quiet.
Upstairs, Alex was already asleep — still in half of his pajamas, race photos spread on the floor beside his bed. His breathing was steady. Peaceful.
Downstairs, Miriam and Willem sat together on the couch. The television was on, but muted — background light more than anything else. Willem checked his phone, scrolling lazily.
Then a notification came in.
Subject: DRDA – Regarding Alex Vermeer
He opened it and read aloud.
> "Following today's final at the Apeldoorn regional championship, we would like to express continued interest in Alex Vermeer's development. His performance was noted by our scouting division.
At this point, we are not offering any official programs, but we would like to stay informed of his progress and remain open to contact in the future."
— Dutch Race Driver Academy (DRDA)
Miriam leaned in, then sat back.
"So they're watching," she said.
Willem nodded. "Yeah. But no offer. No pressure."
She sipped her tea. "He has Victor. And KWM. That's enough for now."
Willem marked the mail as read and set the phone down. Neither of them said anything else.
They didn't need to.
Same Night – Moments Later
Willem hadn't even set his phone down when a second notification appeared.
Subject: Full Scholarship Offer – KWM Racing Academy
He opened it right away. Miriam leaned in closer, her expression shifting from curiosity to quiet disbelief.
> Dear Mr. and Mrs. Vermeer,
On behalf of the entire KWM Racing Academy staff, we would like to officially congratulate Alex on his outstanding performance during today's regional final in Apeldoorn.
Over the past weeks, Alex has consistently demonstrated not only exceptional race instincts and adaptability, but also the kind of focus, humility, and resilience we believe is essential for long-term development in motorsport.
It is with great pleasure that we offer him a full scholarship position in our structured talent program, starting immediately. This includes:
– Full access to our training facilities and race support
– Entry fees and tires for all upcoming regional and national-level events
– Dedicated coaching and development under Victor van Daalen
– Use of an academy-prepared kart and equipment
There are no financial obligations required from your side.
Please confirm your interest within the coming week so we can finalize arrangements before the next phase of training begins.
With kind regards,
KWM Racing Academy – Talent Development Team
Lelystad
Willem read the email again. And again.
Miriam sat quietly beside him.
"They're serious," he said softly. "No catch. No conditions. This is real."
She looked toward the ceiling, as if trying to see through it to where their son was already asleep.
"Then we're doing this," she said. "All of us."
Later That Night – Victor's Apartment, Lelystad
Victor stood by the window, a cup of tea cooling in his hands.
His phone lay on the table behind him — screen still lit with the forwarded email from KWM's talent board. Full scholarship granted. Signed. Locked in.
He hadn't needed to push for it. The results had spoken loud enough.
But that didn't mean the work was done.
Victor watched the night settle over the quiet city. His own reflection stared back at him in the glass: sharp eyes, tired shoulders, a trainer who had once dreamed of this level — and now shaped others for it.
Alex wasn't just a quick kid. He was… different. Not flashy. Not loud. But pure. And purer drivers were rare.
Victor took a sip, grimaced at the cold taste, then set the cup down.
"You earned this, Alex," he murmured.
Then, half-smiling:
"Now let's see if you can handle what comes next."