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Monty Vs Ray Pt.2 & S12

05.01.2015 - In a well documented, season long battle, the final piece of silverware was awarded to a familiar face as British driver Ray Striver once again carved his name on the bronze trophy after taking third away from good friend Monty Semprini in the penultimate round of F2NA, and successfully holding off the advances of in-form Russian driver Damon Novikov.

"I'm not disappointed to have to sit in third..." said Striver at the prize ceremony in Austin.
"It was evident early on that this season was a battle for best of the rest, Grosjean was unstoppable and Da Costa had 2nd all to himself. Monty brought the fight to my door... and my sidepod... and we duked it out for a fair conclusion, we got a little caught up in our own search for glory that Damon sneaked in to claim 4th, and credit to him, but that must hurt for Monty to drop to 5th. I know he'll a take it on the chin though, that is if he can still feel his chin after going garage to garage, piggybacking on the teams champagne celebrations".

Ray's pit wall was a hive of activity as world renowned mathematicians were drafted in to keep on top of an ever - evolving points situation, but in the end, 4th was sufficient to cushion the blow caused by Novikov's podium and take 3rd by just three points!"

Speaking of teams, the sudden and unexpected departure of Biguel Maines left a sizable question mark over the operations of the British duo's team Crazy Torque Racing who were now running just a single pilot. This doubt can now be nullified as Striver's entry for Season 12 is under the title of Crazy Torque Racing who may, and will likely resume their sportsman's rivalry with the international RAGE Motorsport.

"I've got a lot of time for RAGE. I've been speaking a lot this season with Lyn Vos, she's a class act and a fellow stato so we're closely following each others progress. It looks as though she is set to occupy my vacated garage in the F2NA paddock, i hope she finds a way of carving her own name on one of those trophies. That and the ill fortunes befalling Nick Wheeler this season, i was fortunate enough to race him at his home track earlier this season as many thought he was due to retire, I'm glad he's stuck around!".

"I was quite surprised by Bennett announcing his departure earlier today, but I can sympathise, age is key in this sport and frankly I feel old at 23. Good luck to his younger brother!"

Crazy Torque's own reporter Mike Raffone pitched in with one final question:

"So what now?"

"Monty and I have spoke a lot about Season 12. This time more than ever we are undecided about where and how to proceed. You need to keep climbing, you need to keep edging up that rankings ladder, but we all want to stay competitive and earn the big bucks. I don't fancy another season of staring at Grosjean on the horizon, he is yet to declare his entry, if he leaves I might be persuaded to stay on for a third season in North America, but for now I'm set to catch up with some old adversaries as we converge on Indy Jr USA. This is pending mind and subject to change. But naturally, I expect Semprini to put me up in the house that racing built. I'd invite him over to the UK... but it's January, and stupidly cold..."

Striver was effectively pushed from the stage by the events organisers as he was talking excessively and the conference hall was only booked until 1 am. So as the cleaners stepped in Striver took the chicken platter and a patisserie box and made for the exit. Semprini was found in the lobby, surrounded by revellers, dancers and staff bathing in the fountain he'd filled with dollar bills as he exchanged his prize money for singles at the casino, won it back threefold and blown it all on the night.

And with that, Season 11 draws to a close. A record breaking year for Striver and the British record books. Narrowly missing out on Trophy of Champions couldn't deny Ray his best season yet.

Here's to a great Season 12!