Filthy Casual for Life

Episode 3: How Many Kilometers to the Winner’s Podium

Haru (Haruka) runs a personal best on a practice run. While everyone is celebrating his improvement, Haru stays humble. There is a new sponsorship shown on his car. When he asks Madoka how he got the sponsorship, they all seem panicked trying to change the subject. Then, a female approaches and tells Haru she looks forward to shooting his commercial.

Standing outside the tent, Madoka tries to figure out a way to tell Haru that the beverage company saw the picture of Haru crying, and they liked the way he looked. They begin shooting the commercial and Haru quickly gives in and tries his best to look natural.

The ad team asks Haru some questions. When compared to Team Belsorriso’s responses, it is obvious that Haru has some PR work to do.

The next day, Haru beats his personal best again and qualifies in the 8th spot. Trouble is brewing on Team Belsorriso as its number two driver, Tokumaru, asks to be lead driver in the race. It is decided that he has 20 minutes to pass the pole position. If he does not, he is to back off and let the number one driver, Harunaga, pass. Pissed off, Tokumaru goes to the bathroom to vent. Haru walks in the bathroom and becomes Tokumaru’s target.

During the race, Haru is quickly making his way up the ranks. However, there is contention in Team Besorriso. Tokumaru refuses to allow Harunaga to pass. Instead, he gets greedy causing his brakes to give out and run him into the sand.

In the final lap, Haru and Tokumaru go head-to-head. As Tokumaru refuses to be beaten by Haru, Haru creates a slipstream to slingshot around. Haru manages to pass Tokumaru, however, it isn’t enough. Team Besorriso wins the race and Haru places a personal best of fourth.

THOUGHTS

I am so glad that Haru didn’t win. I know that sounds horrible, but I didn’t want him to get one sponsor and all of a sudden win. I like the building of character here. Haru’s been so used to driving alone. Now, he has this crazy photographer making sure that he is enjoying the small things, including coming in fourth.

Previous Episodes

Episode 1: The Man Who Races
Episode 2: Enthusiasm and Spirit