Champion (2017)

[bunniefuu]

JACK: It's funny the things
that stick with you.

Ever since I was a kid, I've
been fascinated with lists.

Specifically top 10 lists.

Top 10 restaurants, top 10 island
getaways, top 10 stock investments.

Recently,
I read a list of things

most people regret at
the end of their lives.

At the top, "Not spending enough
time with family and friends."

Based on last year's
numbers, we're up 19%.

This is due primarily to increased
assets across the board.

Mr. Reed.

MAN: Costs remain flat,
pretty much...

JACK: That's when
I got the message.

It feels loose
getting in the corners.

Might need to change that right rear
spring or maybe take out some wedge.

While you're at it, check the brakes.
Calipers seem to be sticking.

Got it.

You know, Sam's gonna
make those adjustments,

but if you don't
slow your entry,

you're never getting off that corner.
[SCOFFS]

I slow down any more,
I won't even make the show.

Sean.

It takes guts to
crawl through that window,

but it takes brains
to win a race.

Look, man, if you just wanna muscle
your way around this track...

Rex!

[CLEARS THROAT]

With, uh, arms like these, I could
drive this thing with one finger.

Look at that.
[CHUCKLES] Number one.

Relax.

Fix her up, Sam.

The gates
open at 5:00.

I texted you the directions.

Got it.

I don't know what to
say when I see him.

"Hi," would be a good start.

He reached out to you,
so take the next step.

Hey, Daddy.

[ENGINE REVVING IN VIDEO GAME]

Wanna play?

Bet I can take ya.

[SCOFFS]

You think you can
take down a pro?

Sit down. You might
learn something.

Okay. All right.
Challenge accepted.

Just promise me not to, like, get all
misty-eyed when I totally smoke you.

If you're scared, just say so.

"Scared"? Are you?

[LAUGHING]

Now I can show you how
the big-timers do it.

Hey.
Hand it over.

You got a pen and paper handy?

'Cause class is about to begin.

[CHUCKLES]

[STAMMERS] Which one's
the go button again?

[CHUCKLES]

Time to suit up.
[SIGHS]

To be continued.

[BOTH CHUCKLE]

JOHNNY OVER PA: Good
glorious evening, race fans.

This is your announcer,
Johnny Clark,

and it's my pure pleasure
to welcome you all

to what should be
a fantastic day of racing.

One please.

All right, one.

JOHNNY: And Scott Hallop easily
takes the checkered flag

in the Crate Late Model beacher.

Followed by Dave Cravett and
John Field in two and three.

Hey, you made it.

Hey, Ray.
Glad you invited me.

I figured it's about time
you saw me in action, right?

Yes, yes.

Thanks for inviting me.
Yeah.

Uh, listen, Ray, I just
wanted to say that...

Hey, relax, Dad.

It means a lot you're here.
Really does.

Hey, look who made it.

Dad, this is Logan. One of my
friends from up in Jasper.

Logan.
Whoo. Mr. Reed.

Jack. [LAUGHS] Well, good
to finally meet you.

Um...

First time?
[LAUGHING] Yeah.Yeah.

Well, you are in for a treat.

And you, my friend, uh, you got a jumbo
pretzel coming at the finish line.

Yeah, extra mustard too. All right.
[LAUGHS] Yeah.

I bet him you'd wear a tie.

[LAUGHING]

Hey, Ray, you gotta go.
All right.

Hey, show time. Um...

Grab some food,
find a place by the fence.

You're gonna love it.
[CHUCKLING] Okay.

You get her running right?

I think she's good now.

I stuck a 250 on the right rear,

raised the J bar,
and I bled the brakes.

And don't worry,
I watched a how-to video.

Perfect, I feel much better about this.
[LAUGHS]

Go get 'em.

All right, now listen, that track is
a lot slicker right now, all right?

So watch your right foot, you don't
wanna be slipping all over the place.

Drive smart.
[ENGINE REVVING]

Say what?
I said drive...

Go get 'em.

He's gonna break my car, isn't he?
[SCOFFS]

Yeah.

Hey. Hey, mister.

A little help, please?

Sure.

Dad doesn't let me wear
my good shoes to the track.

[CHUCKLES] He sounds
like a smart man.

I like sitting
close to the action.

But there's a lot of dirt

so you have to scrub a
little bit more in the bath.

That's good to know.

Oh, I'm Gracie.

Gracie, I'm Jack.

Pleased to meet you.
You too.

My daddy's Number 16.

That's how old I have to be
before I can start driving.

Your daddy's a racer?

Well, maybe he knows
my son, Number 73?

JOHNNY: We're just moments
away from race time, folks.

The field is stacked with talent
with our own Sean Weathers

sitting in the first position.

But he's gotta feel the breath
of Michael Barrett,

Andrew Radbridge, and Ray
Reed, in the blue 73 car,

your current points leader.

Are the gauges good?

RAY: Getting ready to go green.
CREW CHIEF: Copy that.

JOHNNY: And there it is, folks, the
green flag flies, and it's game on.

Did you bring your earmuffs?

Uh, no.

You're a rookie, aren't you?

[LAUGHING] Yeah.

JOHNNY: Fifty-five laps,
$10, 000 to the winner,

at 650 horsepower,
these cars are...

Sean Weathers in the 16 car
surges ahead of the pack.

That's it.

[OVER RADIO] Whoa, Reed's
right on your tail now.

SEAN: Look who's
making it a race.

You got plenty of room, use it.

Twenty-five to go.

He's eating your lunch
getting off the comer.

JOHNNY: Here comes
phenom Ray Reed,

who already has three
huge wins in this series.

Looking for a fourth here today.

Top's really fast right now.

RAY: Hey,
I got him this time.

SEAN: Oh, no,
you don't, not here.

Sean, you got to run
the high line, all right?

That way you don't have to
back the car in as hard.

You'll get your
speed off the corner.

SEAN: Get it settled down,
Rex, I got this.

He's got this.
He's got this.

JOHNNY: Ten laps to go and
there's a battle for first.

That's it.

Hold that line.

Coming up on the white flag.

Got a good spot,
let's don't give it up.

JOHNNY: Final lap here, and Sean
Weathers still clinging to a slim lead.

Here they come out
of the first tum

heading down the final stretch.

Stiff anybody's race.

No, no, no, no, no, no, no!

REX: That's it! That's it!

[CHEERING]

Whoo!
Yeah!

[ALL WHOOPING]

Yeah, I knew it.

JOHNNY: And the winner of
Saturday's main event,

finally making his way back
to the winners' circle...

Whoo! Yeah! ...Sean
Weathers in the Capital 16.

Ray Reed is second.

[GRUNTS]

[CHEERING AND APPLAUDING]

LOGAN: What'd you think?

Oh, man, this was fun. Are you kidding?
[CHUCKLES]

Head up, kid. That
could've gone either way.

Yeah, I'll take a rain check on
the pretzel, though. [CHUCKLES]

You guys take it easy.
All right.

Hey, good to meet you.
Good meeting you.

We'll get it next week.

I gotta hit the road though.

Thanks again for coming.
Yeah. This...

This was great. You...
You're really good.

Thanks, Dad, for coming out.

I'll give you a call
this week, okay?

Yeah. Okay.

All right.
Okay.

But I won today, Owen.

What more do you need?

You won one at your home track.

Big deal.
[SIGHS]

We're still fifth in points, and
you barely pulled this one out.

We gotta start running better.

Our fans are expecting
another championship.

What do you think
we're trying to do?

Look, I've always supported you,

but if you don't
keep on winning,

I may have to find a new name
to put on the side of that car.

I can't keep this team
together without a sponsor.

I'm gonna go celebrate.

We won, Owen.

Hey, Rex, hand me the


Yeah.

[SIGHS]

Coming right up, babe.

Here you go.

No, the 5/8th's.

Oh, right.
[LAUGHS] I'm sorry.

It's a smaller one right?

Rex.

The 5/8th's.

Oh! [LAUGHING]

The wrench. Sorry about that.
Here you go.

Are you kidding me? [GROANS]

Okay. Uh...

[SIGHS]
[LAUGHING]

I'm sorry, babe, was...
Was that not the right tool?

I was...
I was looking for it.

Come on, babe.

Give me a little love peck.

You think you're so adorable.

You know you love me.

Hey.

You raced great today, Daddy.

Thank you, sweetheart.

I gotta go check on the car before Ms.
Sam and Mr. Rex go home.

We got a lot of work to do.

You should be asleep
by now, young lady.

Can I help?

Good night.

You know, that sweet
little girl of yours

is gonna outgrow that couch
before you know it.

You're getting old, man.

Yeah, you and me both.

Can I give you a hand with the car?
No. [LAUGHS]

You know how Sam feels
about touching her car.

Let's go home.

We'll pick it up in the morning.

Got an earful from Owen.

Again?

Hmm.

I've been doing
this way too long

for some rookie to
come out of nowhere

and take the championship from me.
We've worked too hard.

We're working hard.

Look, Sean, I need you to get
your head straight, buddy.

I need you to stop worrying about
the things you can't control

and start worrying
about the ones you can.

Look, take her home.

You're all she's got.

All right. [CHUCKLES]

I'll head out soon.

[SIGHS]

Hey, Rex,

kind of tough to
take you seriously

with all that
stuff on your face.

RAY OVER PHONE: Yeah, the cabin,
Dad, why don't you come up tomorrow?

I'm gonna have some downtime
after I get done in Rome.

We could hang out,
maybe do some fishing.

Sure. I think
I could do that.

Um...

Actually, I could
head up there tonight.

I can stock up on food and bait
while you finish up in Rome.

Yeah. That sounds good.

Um, do you remember where
we used to keep the key?

Yeah, yeah.
I think so.

I'm, uh...

I'm working on something special. I
can't wait to share it with you.

Sounds good, Ray. Looking forward
to spending some time together.

Me too, Dad, Can't
wait to finally catch up.

Well, uh...

Good luck in your race.
And see you soon.

Love you, Dad.

See you soon.

TV ANNOUNCER: We're here at
Rome Motor Speedway

where Ray Reed, a relative
newcomer clearly making his mark,

and Sean Weathers,
last year's points champion

who's had a less
than stellar year,

are going head to head
again tonight. Hey.

Weathers just
b*at Reed at Dixie.

Reed was right on his tail
at the checkered flag.

Reed's lucky he got
as close as he did.

Nice to see you, Sam, thanks for k*lling
yourself getting the car ready.

I gonna put that rookie in his
place tonight. If even tries to...

Sean!

[TV PLAYS INDISTINCTLY]

Hey, sweetie, Rex said he needs
your help outside real quick.

Is sure to involve
these two competitors.

With Reed leading in points, Weathers
is gonna be looking to show him

who's boss out
there on the track,

and that's definitely going
to lead to some fireworks.

We spoke to crews from
Weathers' and Reed's teams

and they say
the cars are ready...

Look, I know this is important,

but maybe it's just
a little too important?

Last I checked it's our job
to be winning races.

What?
Right.

So why are you
making it personal?

It's just a good old-fashioned rivalry.
That's all.

It's healthy.

Sean, we've known
you a long time.

And we've had
a lot of rivalries.

But Rex is starting
to notice it, too.

You've got some sort of
vendetta against this guy.

Weathers had the points
to be champ last year,

but Reed is the talk
of the track this year.

They talk him up like
he's the next big thing.

He needs to be
taken down a notch.

That's what I intend to do.

Sean, you can't...
Look, Sam,

worry about the car.

Let me worry about Reed.

[SIGHS]

This is a big event tonight.
With the points race heating up,

this race is primed to be one of the
best of the season. [DOOR CLOSES]

And the winner will surely take
his place in local racing...

Oh, hush.
[TV TURNS OFF]

[CHUCKLES]

Hey, June Bug, just in time
for our good luck ritual.

[GIGGLES]

Okay, Millie,
you ready for this?

Your whole life has brought
you to this very moment.

So run fast and don't
let us down tonight.

She won't.
[GIGGLES]

That's right.

[BOTH LAUGH]

[OVER RADIO]
Five to go, bro.

H' you don't do anything
stupid, you might win.

SEAN: Thanks for
the confidence, Rex.

Keeping you humble.

Come on, come on.

You got him.
You got him.

Car's loose.
Straighten out the back.

He's gaining on you.
Block the inside on the tum.

SEAN: No,
I'm staying outside.

No, inside. Inside.

That was stupid.

SEAN: But it worked.

JOHNNY: With four remaining, Sean
Weathers out in front in the Number 16,

Ray Reed holding
down that second spot.

You don't wanna tum,
put your rear brake in it.

JOHNNY: Into the turn, it's Reed
coming up quick on the top side...

Look out, we've got contact!

Come on, man, don't
let him run you over.

JOHNNY: There's the
white flag. One to go.

The front five, Weathers, Reed,

Bradford, Highland and Barrett.

Put the smoke on him.

Oh, he's sliding.
Ease up, ease up, ease up!

Ray!

KEVIN ON RADIO: We're back with
Kevin and Taylor in the Morning,

we've been talking
about what happened

at Rome Motor
Speedway last night.

TAYLOR: It's hard to find words,
I think we're all just in shock,

especially the racing community.

I mean, it's not
only a horrible tragedy,

but our own local champion
Sean Weathers was involved.

I think everybody's
still confused and upset.

It's kind of like,
you just want some answers.

KEVIN: Right. But, I... I think you'll
agree the fast thing we wanna do

is start pointing fingers.

TAYLOR: Hmm. KEVIN: We just wanna
be praying for everyone involved.

TAYLOR: Yeah, man, especially the family.
I can't imagine the pain...

[RADIO TURNS OFF]

I've been trying to
reach you all night.

Your office said
I could find you here.

It's, uh...

It's Ray.

PASTOR: As Ray's
closest friends,

we're thankful for his
intense passion for racing,

but also his love
for Jesus Christ.

And that's why we
gather here today.

Would you please
bow with me in prayer?

And we thank you, Lord, for the
time you gave us with Ray.

Please comfort his family,
friends, and loved ones,

as we mourn the loss
of this young man.

Though we grieve in his passing,
we're thankful he is with you.

And as believers we celebrate that
one day we will see him again,

in Jesus' name, amen.

RAY: Pastor, thank you.
You're welcome.

Be praying for you.
Thank you.

He try to talk to you?

[TRUCK ENGINE STARTING]

I haven't been taking any calls.
I...

I don't feel like talking to family
I haven't heard from in years,

and I don't feel like
talking to any lawyers,

and he's the last
person I wanna talk to.

I understand.

I imagine you're aware I...

I didn't really know
my son all that well.

We hadn't spoken to
each other for years.

And then, when we're trying to be
in each other's lives, this...

Just know you're not alone.

A father should know his son.

Ray loved you, Jack.

He always did.

We... We may not be able
to understand it now,

but God has a plan
through the pain.

[SOBS] I appreciate it, I do,

but I... I need
more time.

Let me give you my number.

Thanks. Sure.
If you ever want to talk.

There's not much I can do but
just come right out with it.

Our biggest sponsor is
pulling their support.

And as much as I'd like
to keep this team together,

I just can't do it
without a major sponsor.

Just tell them you'll
find another driver.

I know that's
what you're thinking.

No one's blaming
you for this, Sean.

Oh, they're not?

Really? [SCOFFS]

I see their faces, Owen.
I hear what they're saying.

Of course they blame me. Sean...

No, I get it.
I get it. [CHUCKLES]

Never mind the problems
with the car.

Never mind that
he messed up, too.

Never mind that
it was an accident.

But I'm a m*rder*r, right,

because I'm out of
control behind the wheel?

I just don't know
when to slow down.

I'm not saying that.

Yeah, you've been
real supportive.

You've been looking for an
excuse to get rid of me,

and now you've got one.

You have no right to
talk to me like that.

No right, whatsoever.

I've been putting up with your
headstrong attitude for years.

You get to keep on racing
like nothing ever happened.

I'm the one taking
the fall for this

and you're not gonna do a
thing about it, are you?

Sean, I wasn't the one driving the car.
You could've slowed...

You need help.

Sean, you know we're
here for you, right?

[GROANS SOFTLY]

[SIGHS]

[KNOCK ON DOOR]

Oh.

Hi, Mr. Rex.

Hey, June Bug.

Is your daddy home?
Yeah. Yeah, he's, um...

Go to your room, Gracie.

Sean.

[DOOR CLOSES]

SEAN: Ten years, Rex.

Ten years I've
been with this team.

I'm dropped like it's nothing?

Without a sponsor
you can't have a team.

What about me, huh?

What am I supposed to do?

I don't know, Sean.

It doesn't have to be
a bad thing, though.

I mean, maybe you can get
your priorities straight.

Look, there's a little girl in
there that loves her daddy.

And she loves saying that
he's a hot sh*t driver,

but you know what,
she needs more than that.

More?

Angie walked out on us. I've
been doing the best I can.

I'm a good father to her.

Yeah, sometimes.

It's a good thing she's young and that
she can't even tell when you're not.

I didn't mean it
like that, all right?

Look, I'm just saying you
should think about your future.

Maybe a good driver,

he wouldn't hang it up,

but a good dad...

Remember those field day races
we had when we were kids?

[CHUCKLES]

Yeah.

It was just a mile,
but I ran so fast,

felt like my heart was gonna
burst out of my chest.

And I won.

First place.

First time I ever won anything.

When I got home, I was so
excited to tell my parents.

And my mom, she...

She gave me this big hug.

My dad, he just...

Sat there.

I was pretty much always a
disappointment to him, I think.

But that night,

[SIGHS]

he calls me over to him and he
tells me to put out my hand,

and he takes the bottle
cap from his beer,

places it right here.

[SCOFFS]

He looks at me in
the eye and he says,

"Son, most days I
am fed up with you,

"but I am proud of you today.

"That's more than just
a bottle cap right there,

"that's a medal.

"So you appreciate that."

[CHUCKLES]

To me, that bottle
cap was like gold.

I put a nail through it, wore
it around my neck on a string.

Spent years trying to
get as many as I could.

How many did you get?

Four.

I got four.

It's over, Rex.

Just go home.

REX: Look, Sean, I'm just
trying to help, all right?

I mean, we're still
on the same team...

No, we're not.

Not anymore.
[CHUCKLES]

Sean... You know
where the door is.

Go!

[DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES]

[SIGHS]

Dad, we need more bread.

It's only end pieces.

Can you go and get some?

Dad...

I'll get some later.

[SIGHS]

[CEREAL CRUNCHING]

Daddy, my ballet
recital is tonight.

Miss Jenny says I
can still be in it

even though I've missed a lot.

I'm sure you'll do great, honey.

Thanks.

Dad, you have to take me.

What time?

[SIGHS] I need to
be there at 5:00.

I don't want to be late,

'cause if you're late Miss
Jenny puts you in the back

and I want to be in the
front so you can see me.

Sure.

We're gonna have to leave early.

For real.

Okay.

We'll leave at 5:00.

No, Dad, I need to
be there at 5:00.

We'll leave
at 4:30 then.

Okay, but...
But promise...

I promise.

I mean, really promise.

Gracie!

Go on,

you'll miss the bus.

Okay, well, the first thing
we're gonna need to do is

to try to make this
place feel bigger.

So all this clutter
and personal items,

like family photos,
will need to be removed.

It looks like you've
had some water damage,

so the roof is gonna need to be
fixed, and the ceilings patched.

And the floors are not
in very good shape either.

The market for lake property
is very valuable,

but like I said,
there's still an extensive

amount of repairs that
still need to be done.

Now, I'd be happy to recommend
some contractors for you.

Oh, I'm gonna do it myself.

Oh.

I'll call you when I'm done.

Okay. Whatever you want.

And curb appeal.

A little cleanup of all this
might not be a bad idea either.

[SING-SONG]
And landscaping.

[SIGHS]

Thanks.

Doug, you... You know
me, man, I mean...

You're telling me you can't
find something? Anything.

I'll see what I can do, but
I can't make any promises.

[SIGHS]

[ENGINE STARTS]

[THUNDER RUMBLING]

[DIALING]

[LINE RINGING]

[CELL PHONE RINGING]

[OVER ANSWERING MACHINE] This
is Sean Weathers... Dad!

Leave a message and
I'll call you back.

[THUNDER RUMBLING]

SEAN OVER MICROPHONE: Those
practice laps have been completed.

Those engines finely tuned.

Number 16, Sean Weathers,
takes the track

for what is sure to be
another landslide victory.

[AUDIENCE APPLAUDING]

[THUNDERCLAP]

Hey, um, which way
is the dance studio?

Um, I think it's that way.

Thanks.

[TIRES SCREECH]
[YELPS]

Wait! ls anybody with you?

[LOCK RATTLES]
[SOBBING]

Miss Jenny!

Miss Jenny, I'm here!

[CRYING]

I'm here.

SEAN: It's time to finish those com dogs.
Hold on to those little ones.

It's time for
the big dance to begin.

Dance...

[DOOR OPENS]

It's a mess.

But I did find out they dropped
the child endangerment charges.

That's a good thing.

When can I have her back?

Mmm.

Mr. Weathers...

[SIGHS] This is by far
the worst incident,

but it's not the first time
we've had cause for concern.

We're aware that she goes
home to an empty house,

and sometimes she
can't get in at all.

It's been a tough year for us.

Okay.

So let's work together
so it doesn't get worse.

You and I will go
over the steps necessary

to be reunited
with your daughter.

I can assure you that Gracie is
in a safe home with good people.

She'll stay there until we feel

that you're ready
to take care of her.

I'll do whatever it takes.

And so will I.

A girl?

Yes, a girl.

And she's been through a lot so we're
all gonna be very sweet to her.

Do we have to share our toys?

What do you think?

Where are you going?
To hide my army men!

[FRONT DOOR OPENS]

WESLEY: We're home!

Just right through here.

Hello, everybody.

This is Gracie.

Gracie, this is
my wife, Christine.

It's nice to meet you.

And this is Jeffrey.

And we've got another one named
Aaron around here somewhere.

You know, Jeffrey's eight.

Almost nine.

And you're nine, right?

Almost ten.

Oh, wow.

Practically a young lady, huh?

And this is your room.

You know, we can fix
it up anyway you'd like.

So, the closet's right here.

And the bathroom is
at the end of the hall.

It... It's very nice.

Hey, why don't you put your stuff
down on the desk over there?

I could help you put your
clothes away if you'd like.

Thank you, but that's okay.

I'm not staying long.

GRACIE: No, you have
to go slow to go fast.

JEFFREY: That doesn't
make any sense.

AARON: Ready, set, go!

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

CHRISTINE: Hey, guys.

Lunch.

Where are your priorities?

[SCOFFS]

[DOORBELL RINGS]

All right.

Prayers first.

And sandwiches before pudding.
[LAUGHING]

[CHUCKLES]

Hi. Come on in.

Hi. Um, I'm a little early.

It's okay. The kids
just sat down for lunch.

Can I get you something?
No, I'm fine.

How are things?
Better, I think.

Good.

More eating, less laughing.
[KIDS LAUGHING]

[SIGHS]

You know, she really
is a sweet girl.

You know, she still won't let me

take the clothes
out of her suitcase,

but I think she's settling in.

That's good.

Now, I was curious
about something.

She's been asking to
go down to the track.

So Wesley and I
were thinking that

we could take her
to the church service

that they have
there before the race.

It may actually be good for her
to go places she's used to.

SHEILA: First, he has to find a
full-time job. Hey, can I keep that?

SHEILA: And that won't be easy
in this town... JEFFREY: Yes.

SHEILA: Given everything
that's happened.

Thanks.

[SIGHS] The reality is that

it may be some time before we're
able to send her back home.

What?

CHRISTINE: Oh, Gracie, honey...
No.

My dad is taking me home soon!

[GRACIE HUFFS]

Very soon!

[DOOR SLAMS]

Hey, Jack, how are you doing?

Hey, Jack, how are you?
Fine. You?

I was just out for
lunch with Anabelle.

Heard you were up here.

I'm glad I caught you.
Yeah.

I have a box of Ray's things I've
been wanting to bring to you.

Oh, yeah,
thanks. Thanks.

You, uh, heading towards town?

Yeah, I'm dropping this stuff
off at the donation center.

You want some company?

Sure, why not.

Um, let me put this in
the cabin and I'll lock up.

Okay, great.

Hey, babe.

I'm gonna ride with Jack.

I'll see you back at the house?
Okay.

I love you.
Love you.

[ENGINE STARTS]

JACK: All right.
This is it.

Thanks.
Thank you.

[SIGHS]

You know, fixing up this cabin's

turning out to be more work than I
thought it would be. [CHUCKLES]

Well, if you can use a hand,

I know some guys
who need the work.

Well, I was gonna do it all myself,
but to tell you the truth,

I could use some extra help.

Then I know a guy in particular
that you ought to consider.

Who's that?
Sean Weathers.

Is this some sort of joke?

No. Not at all.

I'm just thinking
you're hurting,

he's probably hurting, too.

And nobody is risking putting
him back in a race car.

You need help.
He needs work.

Seems like a golden
opportunity to me. Right.

Look, Jack, I'm just saying...

Forgiveness,
it doesn't erase our past,

but it can help
rewrite our future.

Forgiveness?

Look, maybe you're
not there yet,

but the two of you, maybe you can
find some closure, I don't know.

Just... Logan, I
know you mean well,

but that's never gonna happen.

Never. Let's go.

[ENGINE STARTS]

Thanks for the ride.

No problem.

Hey, um...

I'm speaking at the Race
Track Church this weekend.

They're honoring Ray
to start off the new season.

I think it'd be
great if you came.

Maybe I will.

All right.

Did you tell him?

Hey, Dad.

Longtime no see.

It really has been a long time.

Nine years now,
! think?

Look, when you left, Dad, I know you
didn't mean everything you said.

We both kind of
lashed out at each other.

I was just a dumb kid, and I
want to tell you I'm sorry.

You know, after Mom d*ed,
I, uh, I needed you,

and you weren't there for me.

I figured it was
only gonna get worse.

I promised myself I'd never
forgive you for that.

But, um...

A few years ago, something
amazing happened. It's...

I don't know, I want to tell you about
it in person, if you'll let me.

But first, I wanted to
send you this message

to let you know I don't hold
a grudge against you anymore.

Forgive you, completely.

I hope someday you
can forgive me, too.

The details are all
in the e-mail,

but! hope you can make it
to the race this weekend.

We've got a lot of
catching up to do.

[SINGING]
Jesus, you're the word

And the word is living

Jesus, you' re the word

And the word is life

Jesus, you' re the word

And the word is living

Jesus, you' re the word

And the word is life

[VOCALIZING]

Where else would I go

If you and you alone

Hold the words to life

And Lord

Where else would I run?

I'm alive because

Jesus Christ

Your word is my life

Your word is my life

Your word is my life

GRACIE: Hey, mister.

A little help, please?

Look who it is.
[CHUCKLES]

Hi, Mr. Jack.

Look at you all dressed up.

I'm wearing my good shoes today.

Today is for praying, not for racing.
So it's okay.

[BOTH CHUCKLE]

I've never been in an outside
service like this before.

I wonder if God
likes it outside best.

I hope he does.

It's very important
I catch him today.

Good.

Good morning, everyone.

ALL: Good morning.

My name is Logan Evans.

And, uh, as you all know,
last season,

the racing community lost

a very promising young driver.

But! lost a very
dear friend, Ray Reed.

Today we honor his life

as we celebrate the start
of a new racing season.

Let us pray.

If you don't mind,
I'm going to pray out loud.

I wanna make sure God hears me.

LOGAN: Heavenly Father,
we come to you grateful...

My dad's very busy
being a race car driver,

but when he's not, he takes
care of me pretty good.

I know how to skip
a rock six times in a row

and I know how to
put air in my tires.

He taught me that.

To protect each driver...

The bad thing is,
he hurt someone.

And I know he's sorry.

LOGAN: We ask you
to be with all of us.

If you could forgive him,

I know he wouldn't be
so sad all the time.

LOGAN: Help us.

His name is Sean Weathers.

W-E-A-T-H-E-R-S.
[SIGHS]

That's my dad.

Amen.

Amen.

I have to go.

Hi, I'm Jack Reed,
Ray Reed's father.

I'd like to talk to you.

May I come in?

[SIGHS]

Sorry about the mess.

I was wondering if
you could use a job.

It'd be temporary,
but I'd pay a fair wage.

Uh...

[CLEARS THROAT]
Maybe.

What kind of work?

I'm fixing up
Ray's and my estate,

I'm putting it up for sale soon.

It would need some repairs
done, some stuff moved out.

It'd probably be a couple
of weeks' worth of work.

It's too much for me
to handle alone. So...

And you want me to help you?

Why?
[CHUCKLES]

To be honest,
I really don't know.

[CHUCKLES]

Understand this, Sean.

I don't think I like you,
I don't know if I trust you,

but the offer stands.

Here's the address.

You don't want to help out, fine,
I'll call someone who will.

Okay.

I'll think about it.

Okay.

[KNOCK ON DOOR]

I, uh...
I could use the work.

But I can't afford the gas

to get back and forth from
here to my place, so...

I'll need someplace around
here to stay in my truck.

Um...

I think we can
figure out something.

Is there a truck stop nearby with a
shower where I can get cleaned up?

Uh...

I have a room down the hall.
You can stay here.

No. [CHUCKLES]
No, no.

I can't stay here.

It... It would be weird...

And wrong.

Do you want the job or not?

Come on in,
I'll show you the room.

[SIGHS]

[SIGHS]

Well, I guess we
ought to get to it.

Do you want to... You want to
start on the yard or the roof?

I'll take the roof.

Okay, guess I'll take the yard.

All the tools you need, supplies,
they're in the bucket.

Let me know if you
need anything else.

[EXHALES]

[CHUCKLES]

[CLEARS THROAT]

Just, uh, needed to
get some more nails.

What's this about?

The nails are on the shelf,
not under the tarp.

Come on now.
She's beautiful!

Does she run?

What's the problem, man?
I was just...

Just do your job
and leave it alone!

[EXHALES DEEPLY]

Listen, uh...

About yesterday...

I'm going to swim to the other
end of the lake and back.

Aren't you
a little old for that?

I think it's farther
than it looks.

It is farther than it looks.

[CHUCKLES]

It's a good thing you followed.

You know, I question
your sanity, man.

[CHUCKLES] Well, sometimes you gotta do
something outside your normal routine.

Like swim across a lake?

When Ray was young it was something
he wanted to do every summer.

Made me promise I would.

He did it tons of times.
I... I never did.

I left before I even tried.

So as it turns out,
I can't even do it now.

[CHUCKLES]

You laugh?

No, no.

Not at you.

You just got me thinking
about my father.

His broken promises
were a little more, uh...

Never mind.

No, what?

A man who swears he won't hit
you when he comes home drunk,

and broke that
promise everytime.

That kind of promise.

[SCOFFS]

[SIGHS]

As bad as Ray may have had it,

some people had it worse.

[GRUNTS]

[PANTING]

It is farther than it looks.

[CHUCKLES SOFTLY]

I'm a big list person.

It must have rubbed off on him.

I was... I was just...

I guess he thought that we
could make up for lost time.

Sean.

I think we've both been
guilty of behaving poorly.

It is what it is.

[SCOFFS] Don't say that.

That's my least favorite phrase
ever, "It is what it is."

I mean, what does that mean?

Sounds like admitting defeat.

That's what people
say when they're not

willing to make
something better.

Under the circumstances, we both
have every right to be upset.

I think we can do better.

So I think we
ought to make a pact.

A pact?
Yeah. An oath.

To treat each
other with respect.

We've both got our
problems to work on.

Might as well
help each other out

rather than tear
each other down.

'Cause we're both pretty talented
at doing that to ourselves.

Deal?

Deal.

Okay.

You know, uh, technically,
you did one of these.

You swam across that lake.

I swam back, but, uh...

I suppose it probably counts.

Hmm.

I suppose you're right.

Yeah. [CHUCKLES]

Who knows, uh,

maybe I could help you knock out

a couple more of
those while I'm here.

Yeah.

Uh, let's try getting
the work done first.

All right?
Okay.

[SIGHS]

[IGNITION TURNING]

[IGNITION TURNING]

[SIGHS]

I bought this car off a widow.

Said her husband
worshiped it. [CHUCKLES]

When he d*ed,
it just sat rusting.

It took her a lot of years

to get up
the courage to sell it.

Painful memories, I guess.

Ray and I spent an entire
summer up here fixing it up.

We pulled the engine,
replaced all the seals.

Dropped it back in.

[CHUCKLES]

Good father/son bonding...

When I made the time.

It sure gave Ray
a love of cars, though.

When Ray's mother passed...

Well, I just sort of drowned
myself deeper into my work.

Every time he asked me to get my hands
dirty with him, I made excuses.

Finally just stopped asking.

And when he started
talking about racing,

[LAUGHING] I told him in no uncertain
terms I thought it was foolish,

stupid,

dangerous.

It ended up being just one more
thing he could challenge me on.

He did everything he could
to just do the opposite.

It just kind of
fell apart after that.

When he turned 18, he moved
up here and I moved out.

It's funny,

the thing I bought
for us to do together

ended up being just the
thing to tear us apart.

[CHUCKLES]

Hit me.

[LAUGHS]

Come on, man.

You do realize you go bust
every single time?

No, I don't.

Okay, maybe I do.

[LAUGHING]

It's the unknown that kills me.

Ooh, deep.

Or maybe I'm just
not that good at cards.

Just ask Gracie how many times she's
whooped me at Go Fish. [BOTH CHUCKLE]

Yeah.

You've got treasure
in that little girl.

Yeah, I messed up.

It's not easy raising a kid by
yourself, especially a little girl.

Hmm.

I mean, racing, it's a full-time
commitment by itself.

Man to man,

don't ever let your ambition

become more important
than raising your kid.

Trust me on this.

[HOWLING]

You hear that?

Sounds like a pack of coyotes.

Hope they're not hungry.

I don't know, but I'm not
sticking around to find out.

We went camping? Yes, that
definitely counts as camping!

You like eggs?

Hit me.

Hey, I got you a job
interview next week.

Really? Yeah, a client
owes me a favor.

I'll tell you about it later.

Eat. We got lots
to do today.

So which one is this?

"Do something crazy
just for the thrill of it."

[LAUGHS]

Don't think I like
the sound of that.

I don't like the
looks of it, either.

It's on the list,
we gotta do it.

Butch and Sundance?

Batman and Robin?

Thelma and Louise?

Why'd you ruin it, man?

One...

Two...
Two...

Three!
Three!

[MUSIC PLAYING]

[INAUDIBLE]

[INAUDIBLE]

Gracie. Phone.

It's your dad.

Hello.
Hi, honey.

Hi, Daddy.

[LAUGHS] Uh-huh.

Yes.

Can I go home now?

I wish you could, darling.

Why can't I?

Well, there's... There's some things I
need to do before I can take you home.

Like what?

Well, like get a job,
for one thing.

Isn't your job racing?

It's complicated, sweetheart.

But I promise you this,
I'm working on it.

We'll be back together
before you know it.

Okay.

I love you, Daddy.

I love you, too.
[CHUCKLES]

[SIGHS]

Hey. [CHUCKLES]

Hey, not funny.

JACK: I'll bring it back...

[LAUGHING]

Someday.

Jack!

Jack?

Let's see. Okay.

Hey, Sundance.

Set your clock
to 5:00 a.m.

[sum-nus] Whoa.

Don't make me
drag you out of bed.

Wouldn't you rather do
this one by yourself?

Uh, no.

Don't be a wuss.
[CHUCKLES]

I'll see you bright and early.

You mean, uh,

dark and groggy?

[BEEPING]

[GROANS]

[BEEPING STOPS]

JACK: Come on, now. Up and at 'em.
SEAN: Easy.

JACK: There we go.

No, no, not there.

Come on. Trust me,
you're gonna like this.

SEAN: You like mornings.
[JACK LAUGHS]

JACK: "I like mornings."
You're gonna like them, too.

You're gonna like this, come on.
All right, I'm up, I'm here.

Come on, Sundance. Here.
Okay.

We're just
in time. Okay.

Here. You stay
right there.

[EXHALES]

Here. Here.

Thanks for breakfast.

My pleasure.

[INHALES SHARPLY]

Well,

here goes nothin'.
[CHUCKLES]

Just relax.
You'll do fine.

[PHONE RINGING]

Okay, Mr. Weathers,
sounds like everything

has been cleared
with my supervisor.

And I have your start
paperwork right here.

You'll be driving
as one of our locals.

That's what you're
looking for, right?

Yeah, that'd be great.

Good. Well, once the
forms are completed,

we'll just do
a routine drug test

and get you started right away.

Today?

[CAR DOOR SLAMS]

How'd it go?

What, you didn't get the job?

No.

Why? What was the issue?

Look, I, uh... [CLEARS THROAT] I appreciate
all you've done for me, I really do.

Okay, let's, uh...

Listen, we'll just keep
trying something else.

They didn't hire me for...

For good reason.

I, uh...

I failed the test.

Test? What test?

The, uh, drug test.

Drug test, what?
What in the world...

They're just pain pills.

It's gotten a little out
of control, that's all.

[EXHALES]

You've got so much
on the line right now.

What are you gonna
tell Gracie, man?

That... That's not...

You knew I was a mess
when you knocked on my door.

You invited me up here!

I never asked for anyone's help.

You see potential in me?

I'm not your son.

I screwed up.

I can't be someone I'm not.

Sean.

Man, we're all broken,
we're human.

God's been showing me
that in the last week.

Stop it!

Just stop. Okay?

Enough of the God talk.

Even if he does exist, he's more
disappointed in me than you.

Oh, come on.

Let's not make
this more than it is.

You just met me!

You think you know me?

I'm nothing.

No, no, I...

I'm less than nothing,

and I'm sick of pretending

like everything's gonna be
fine because it's not.

[SCOFFS]

It's all my fault.

I have failed everyone.

You, Gracie.

Ray.

Ray?

No, that was an accident, I don't
blame you for that anymore.

You sure it was an accident?

What?

I meant to hit him.

[VOICE BREAKING]
I was mad, I was jealous,

and I meant to hit Ray.

I just didn't...
I didn't...

[STAMMERS]

Your son is gone
because I'm selfish.

[CHUCKLING] Stupid.

My God.

I know it's stupid.

No, I'm stupid!

For thinking this
would ever work out,

for trying to forgive you.

I had my son back and
you stole that from me!

Get your stuff
and get out of here.

Now!

Jack...

It is what it is.

[EXHALES DEEPLY]

I tried.

I really did.

I thought I was finally doing
something that Ray wanted,

something that you wanted.

[SNIFFLES]

[SOBBING] But not this.

Not this.

I can't.

I just can't.

[SIGHS]

[GARBAGE DISPOSAL RATTLING]

[CELL PHONE RINGING]

[GARBAGE DISPOSAL POWERS OFF]

[CHUCKLES]

Hello?

Oh, hey there, June Bug.

How's my girl?

[CHUCKLES]

That's what I like to hear.

No, I, uh...

I didn't get the job.

But you know what, it's okay,

because I'm gonna find
something even better.

ANABELLE: I'm back here.

Oh, hey, Jack, how are you?

I'm all right.

I... I know it's early,
but is Logan around?

He's out running errands, should
be back in a few minutes.

You're welcome to
come in and wait.

Oh, I... I don't
want to be a bother.

Oh, don't be silly.
Come on in.

Thank you, it's very good.

So, how's the cabin coming?

It's almost finished.

Did you just have
surgery recently, or...

Uh...

I'm sorry, I...
I'm being rude.

No, no, that...
That's okay.

I think Logan
wanted to tell you.

He just didn't know how.

What do you mean?

Well, I was in an
accident a few years ago.

It was very
traumatic at the time,

but God has used
it in so many ways.

Was Logan driving?

No, not that kind of accident.

We were, uh, out to
dinner late one night,

and on the way back to the car,

this guy moved in
on us with a g*n.

[EXHALES]
He looked so scared.

And Logan went
into protective mode.

It all happened so quickly.

He was able to get the g*n,
but not before it went off.

You got sh*t?

It could've been a lot worse.

[EXHALES] Wow.

Well, I hope
the low-life who did it

is rotting in a jail somewhere.

No.

He isn't.

No... What?

Don't tell me they let him go.

No. It didn't
quite go down that way.

Logan and I, we actually plead with the
judge to get him a shorter sentence.

You what?

I know it doesn't make
sense on the surface,

but we got to know the boy.

God moved us to use
this horrible circumstance

as an opportunity
to invest in a life.

Oh, wow. Uh...

I don't think I'd be able to
even look at him. [CHUCKLES]

I didn't say it was easy.

Logan even took a bit longer
to come around,

but we eventually
grew to love him.

And he started
coming to church with us,

he even served his community hours
at the rehab center I was at.

Wow.

Here.

Let me show you something.

LOGAN ON VIDEO: All right,
honey, this is the big day.

[EXHALES DEEPLY]

One small step for Anabelle,
one giant leap for mankind.

[LOGAN CHUCKLES]

There you go.

That's a step, babe!

That's a whole step.

I've got you. It's okay.
It's okay.

I've got her, Logan.

Hey, I got you.
It's all right.

ANABELLE:
Thank you, Ray.

RAY: Just keep stepping.
You're doing great.

LOGAN: You're doing good, babe.
You're doing good.

RAY: Awesome.

Careful. It's all right.
[PANTING]

LOGAN: Yeah.

You good? You wanna tum around?
Yes.

All right. You're doing good.
Yes...

He didn't get a chance
to tell you how we met.

RAY: Nice and easy. Nice and easy.
You're doing great.

That's Ray.

That's my son.

RAY: A few more.

He sh*t you?

He did that?

LOGAN: Yeah.
RAY: Just take your time.

But if that's the part of the
story you're focusing on,

you're missing the point.

Don't you see the beauty
of what's happened?

When we forgave Ray,

God used it for good.

RAY: [got you.

That a girl.

RAY: Just a few more. Just a few more.
ANABELLE: Okay.

RAY: Almost there.

He didn't deserve it.

RAY: Just a couple.

Well, neither did we
when Christ d*ed for us.

Please, just be real for me!

This is my son
you're talking about.

So, that's not real?

There you go. There you go.
There we go.

You made it. [PANTING] Yes.
[LAUGHS]

LOGAN: Ray didn't
deserve our forgiveness.

You didn't deserve
his forgiveness.

And we didn't deserve
God's forgiveness.

Are you starting to
see a pattern here?

I couldn't do that.

I... I could never do that.

We're sinners separated
from a Holy God,

and there's nothing we can
do by ourselves to fix that.

And yet, he provided a way for
us through his son on the cross.

That's right.

Not because we deserve it,
not because we're good,

but because he loves us.

It's tough,

but when you understand
what you've been forgiven of,

you can't help but
follow his example.

We reached out to Ray,

and God turned around
and gave us a best friend.

And that let Ray
know that he was

holding unforgiveness
against his father.

[SOBS]

Forgiveness
didn't erase his past,

but it helped us
rewrite our future.

[CRYING]

Thank you, Ray.

[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING]

He's ready for you.

JACK: Thanks, Michelle. Go ahead
and take the rest of the day off.

Thanks for agreeing
to meet with me.

Where is everyone?

Oh, I gave them the day off,
they were due.

Look, Jack, I, uh...

I just want you to
know that I'm sorry.

About everything. I...

I had my attorneys draw up
these papers yesterday.

What's this?

It's the deed to the cabin.
It's yours now.

I figure you and Gracie
can use it more than I.

But I'm...

Why?

[STAMMERS] I mean, after
everything I've done?

That's... That's
all in the past.

We both had a pretty rough year.

And I apologize for
reacting the way I did.

You're apologizing to me?

Yes.

I hope you'll find it in
your heart to forgive me.

Are you on dr*gs?

[LAUGHING]

Not unless caffeine counts.

You know, you and I,
we're not so different.

I... I built a career taking
risks with other people's money.

Some days, I make them rich,
some days, not so much,

but that's the job.
I don't...

I don't b*at myself up
at every drop on the market.

Life wasn't meant
to be lived that way.

Sean, you've worked so hard
to become a champion,

believing that you're only as
good as your last performance.

Well, just think about what it might
be like to let go of that control,

let someone else
carry your burdens.

I found out that that's
all it took, surrender.

Just giving it up to God.

God loves you.

He will forgive you no matter
how many times you fail.

All you have to do is ask.

That's what a good father does.

[SNIFFLES]

You'll never know how
much this means to me.

You've given me a chance
to be a better man.

A better father.

Thank you, Jack.

[SEAN SNIFFLES]

You know, I was thinking,

there's still one
thing left on that list.

[BOTH CHUCKLING]

Yeah.

Yeah.

[SEAN WHOOPING]

[INAUDIBLE]

Hey, Sam, Rex.

I'm sorry.
Garage is closed.

Team members only.

Can we talk?

Uh, that's fine.

Look, just...

[CLEARS THROAT]
Just let me get this out.

I messed up.

I know you two were
just looking out for me.

I never appreciated
your hard work and I...

I definitely didn't listen to
your advice, on or off the track.

Maybe that's too little,
too late,

and if that's the case,
I wouldn't blame you.

I needed to say it
just the same.

Oh, I'm sorry. [LAUGHS]

Did you actually say anything?

'Cause, Sam, did you
hear something?

'Cause I don't think I heard what I
thought I was gonna hear, but...

Right. Right.
I, uh...

I didn't actually say it.

Um...

I'm really, really sorry.

I was a lousy friend.

Spending the last few weeks
with Ray Reed's dad

has changed my perspective
on just about everything.

Just trying to make things right
with the people I've hurt.

SAM: So, how is Gracie?

I get her back today.

Sean, that's so wonderful!
Thank you.

We're so happy for both of you.

That's... That's great, man.

Well, I guess I better take off.

It's... It's good to
see you. Both of you.

Hey, Sean!

I can't take you
seriously with all that

mushy emotional stuff
on your face, buddy.

I'll see you at
the track with June Bug?

Yeah.

Are you ready, sweetie?

Hey, what's the matter?

Just a little nervous?

No.

I'm so excited
Daddy's taking me home.

I've missed him a lot.

[SIGHS]

But now...

Now, I'm gonna miss you.

Hey, look at me.

You've just been an absolute joy

and blessing to
our whole family,

and I mean to all of us.

You know, I believe that God has
got great big plans for you.

He carved a special place just for
you, right here in our family.

So, I am not going to let you
walk out that door

without knowing just
how much we love you.

We always will.

AARON: He's here!
Gracie's dad's here!

Did you hear that?

Let's go say hey to your daddy.

Okay.

[RINGS]

Hi, Daddy.

Hey, darlin'.

These, uh... [SNIFFLES]
These flowers are for you.

Daddy?

Yes, baby?

I've been talking
with God a lot lately.

Yeah?

I asked him to help you get better,
and not be so sad anymore.

Are you still sad?

No.

No, I...

I'm really, really happy.

I'm just so thankful for you.

And I've missed my
little girl a whole bunch.

Do you think that

you could forgive me?

Yes.

I've missed you so much.

I missed you, too.

Thank you for everything.

My pleasure. She's a beautiful girl.
Thanks, man.

JACK: Thank you
for everything.

All right, have a good one.
Bye, sweetie.

Bye, sweetie.

Whatcha think, sweetheart?

You ready to go home?

Yeah.

[LAUGHS]

[ENGINE STARTS]

Wait, wait, wait, don't go yet!

Just one more little
thing before you go.

We just want to let you know
that Gracie and my family

have been praying
for you every day.

And she's also told me and
Wesley stories about you.

Oh, boy.
[BOTH LAUGHING]

So, she asked if
we would pitch in

and help deliver
a message to you.

Okay.

What message?

Now, boys!

[ALL LAUGHING]

You deserve all
the medals in the world.

I'm really proud of you, Daddy.

Thank you.

You guys are gonna help me clean
this up, right? [ALL LAUGHING]

Yes!
Yes!

Any calls?
Yes. Summers called.

The, uh, group from Argentina
will be here a week from Tuesday.

Mmm-hmm. And the new portfolio
manager called twice to remind you

that he'll be in on Monday.
Okay.

And Gracie Weathers
called seven times

to remind you you'd
better not be late.

[BOTH LAUGHING]

June Bug!

Ready for our good luck ritual?

I wouldn't call it luck,
but let's go for it.

Let them run fast,
let them run true.

Let my girl stay safe and sound.

Let me be a light
to those who watch.

Oh, and if I could win, that would
be fine by me. [ALL CHUCKLE]

SAM: Thanks, God,
for this opportunity.

ALL: Amen!

Okay.

Okay.

Okay.
All right.

Hey, Dad?
Yeah?

Are they here?
Yeah.

Everyone's here for you. Okay.

Just remember...
I know, Dad.

I'm already a champion.

That's right!
[BOTH LAUGH]

JACK: it's funny the things
that stick with you.

Ever since I was a kid, I've been
fascinated with top 10 lists.

The top 10 countries to visit,
top 10 roller coasters,

but there's one list
that changed my life forever.

Only God knew what
it would teach me.

The importance of
sacrificing for others,

that real peace is
found through surrender,

and that nothing can change a
life more than forgiveness.

[INAUDIBLE]