Neon Pit Stop

Dusk settled over the pavement, and the bright neon fascia above flashed alive in crisp green, orange, and white bands! Right beside the outdoor drink crates, a tall beverage vending machine hummed with warm exhaust. At its base lay an illuminated plastic kickplate, casting a clean amber strip straight across the level concrete. Perfect pit lane. I dropped into gear, surged out from behind the metal crate base, and cut a sharp ninety-degree drift right into the warm draft of the lower refrigeration vent. My rubber tires squealed to a halt flush against the machine's recessed metal foot. Warm breeze washing my chassis, bathed in store livery colors—prime spot to refuel for the night.