Episode 8 of "Overtake" begins with Haruka Asahina, the driver for Komaki Motors, impressing everyone with his lap times during his first run in a new car. This performance leads to an unexpected offer from Belsorriso, a rival team, who invites Haruka to join as their number two driver.
Then, Koya Madoka comes into play—the team photographer who has been missing from home for some time. Worried, Haruka visits Koya’s apartment, only to find it empty. The disappearance is tied to Koya’s troubled past, particularly a controversial photo he took ten years ago during an earthquake, which severely impacted his career.
Meanwhile, Haruka struggles with the decision to join Belsorriso. Despite his loyalty to Komaki Motors, he knows he needs better opportunities to advance his career. Futoshi Komaki, the owner of Komaki Motors, encourages Haruka to at least consider the offer, emphasizing the importance of gaining experience and achieving results to progress in professional racing.
Haruka visits Belsorriso and is unexpectedly put to the test in one of their cars. This episode delves into the technical aspects of racing, such as vehicle tuning and track conditions, highlighting the meticulous nature of the sport. Haruka’s performance impresses the team, leading to further discussions about his potential role.
The recovery of Harunaga Satsuki from Belsorriso, who was injured in a previous race, is also explored. His struggle with rehabilitation and the fear of being replaced illustrate the physical and mental pressures faced by professional racers.
As Haruka contemplates his future, the episode explores themes of teamwork, rivalry, and the personal challenges each individual faces in the world of racing.
This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical support and editorially reviewed before publication.