I said nothing.
I was embarrassed. I was humiliated. I was too proud to come forward.
I realize now I was part of the problem. I enabled them. Nothing I did was my fault. I didn’t ask for any of it, and I never retaliated. But I never spoke up.
Here I was, this “badass” female driver, breaking down walls, trying to gain equality for women in the world of racing, and fighting against stereotyping. But I wasn’t really.
I realized later I was hiding behind the stereotype.
I should have been fighting against them, making everyone aware of what women face in male-dominated fields. I didn’t want to be seen as weak. Or as someone who couldn’t handle what was thrown at me. So I kept quiet.
Let me tell you what something like hazing does to a person. It degrades them. It makes them feel vulnerable and alone. I looked over my shoulder every single day, and sometimes I didn’t want to go to work. But I didn’t quit. It’s what they wanted. They wanted me gone. They didn’t want to race beside a female. And when I won?
The harassment was worse.
This is one of the reasons I decided to cross over. I wanted away from the situation I knew wasn’t going to change, but I didn’t want to give up my passion.
Drew Forrester is a close friend of mine, and so is his manager, Trent Mask. Could you really blame a girl for wanting to go to work and see people who accepted her? Who she called friends?
I love the NRR. The whole revolution. This division is for the underdog—that’s what I felt like in the pro division. I hoped the NRR would be more accepting of a female driver, and honestly, who doesn’t want to race without rules?
My crossover was seen as a betrayal in the pro world. The men who tormented me for years were even angrier I would turn my back on a sanctioned division for one they view as less. That’s right. A lot of the pro drivers see the NRR as fake. They were embarrassed I would leave a legit world and go to the NRR. Again, they thought my actions reflected on them, as if I were saying they weren’t good enough.
Let me make it clear: I don’t think they’re good enough. As men. Not as drivers. I have deep respect for the pro racing division. Maybe if I had been more readily accepted there, I wouldn’t want to cross over, but that’s not how it is, and I feel in my heart I belong in the NRR.
Suffice it to say, it was that “embarrassment” that led to my car being modified during a pit stop at my final pro race. Upon a mandatory inspection after I placed second, the change was discovered, and I was made to look like a cheater. I was also disqualified on the spot.
It has since been publicized that ex-driver Dean Cannon was behind the modification. I’ve also gone on record that it was Dean Cannon who spearheaded the hazing I experienced.
Besides him being removed from the pro driving division, legal action is being pursued at this time, and I am advised by my lawyer not to say anything further. My father, Ron Gamble, has pulled his sponsorship from all those involved in the hazing, and so have many other sponsors.
This letter isn’t about Dean Cannon. It isn’t about any of the other men who participated in humiliating me. This letter is about me wanting to make it known to all the girls out there—hell, to anyone who’s ever felt like less—that you don’t have to take it. You don’t have to suffer in silence because you think that’s what makes you strong.
I’m speaking out to say what they did was wrong. It hurt me. But it didn’t ruin me.
If you’re going through anything remotely similar to what I’ve experienced or you’re just struggling with demons you can’t seem to control, know you aren’t alone. There is strength in numbers. Even just two.
Jace Lorhaven helped me see this. He helped me realize strength comes in a lot of forms.
If you don’t have a Jace in your life, then you can call the new hotline Gamble Enterprises has started. It’s my passion project outside of racing. Someone will answer, someone will be there, and you don’t have to feel alone.
As for me? I’ll be starting up with the NRR in the new season, and you’re going to see me as you haven’t before. That’s a promise.
And for all the “would you like to comment on the rumors of your and Lorhaven’s relationship” questions… Yes, I would like to comment.
He asked me out. I had a great time. He kisses really good.
And I’m in love with him. We’re in a relationship. And no, I’m not worried about driving against him this coming season. The best driver will win, and it won’t matter which one of us it is.
Drive fast,
Joey G.
* * *
See? Joey G. has #swag. We at GearShark want to thank her for speaking out and for the founding of STRENGTH IN NUMBERS. With everything going on in her world, I feel pretty confident ending this article by saying this will definitely not be the last time you see her in the pages of GearShark.
Lorhaven
Joey
You know what I learned through everything? Sometimes in order to shine on your own, you need the support of someone else.
In my case, that someone was Jace.
And sometimes, real strength is being able to admit you can’t do everything alone.
I drove into the world of racing with stars in my eyes. I left the pro division with a chip on my shoulder.
I would drive into the NRR with the same chip and no more stars. I traded the stars out for friends. And for love.
Nothing in life is ever easy. Not even matters of the heart. You have to accept someone for who they are—not just the pieces and parts you like, but even the parts you don’t.
And if you’re lucky, that someone you do it for will give you the same.
And if you’re really lucky, he’ll also rock your body on a nightly basis.
Where do I see myself in five years?
Who the hell knows?
But one thing is for sure… Jace will be at my side.
And we’ll both still be driving way too fast.
The Finish Line
Author’s Note
I’m writing this note cross-eyed. And my butt is numb. No really. Cross-eyed and a numb booty is not a good look on anyone. But I’ve been tied to a chair forever! Yes, forever, staring at the screen and trying to work out the ending of this book.
I feel like this was the book that never ends… I have a feeling I’ve said that before. Whatever. Sometimes they all feel like that. Ha! Maybe it was because my personal life kept getting in the way. It’s not always easy to write with two kids, a husband, and some animals. During the process of this book, my family had to say good-bye to our fourteen-year-old retriever. It was a hard time, and the house is very quiet without her. We’re also in the process of trying to train an outdoor/indoor cat to be only indoor. It’s surprising how much he acts like a one-year old. If that cat is awake, he is into something. No, seriously. I’m exhausted. LOL. I also released another book during the writing of this one, a Take It Off novel, Taxi. It’s a romantic suspense, so different than this series, but still fun to write.
Personal update aside, I really was nervous going into this book because I really wasn’t sure where to start other than the fact they weren’t too fond of each other. And let’s be real, following up Trent and Drew is an almost insurmountable task.
Once I got into their “voices,” it went a lot faster, and I have to say, I really like the chemistry between Josie and Jace. It was different from how I thought it would be. I kinda always thought they would be hot, so that was no surprise, but the other parts they drew out of one another, the softer, sweeter sides, I found really amazing.
I always like when a story unfolds and the characters seem to develop on their own and when they push toward each other instead of away. I feel like that is what happened with these two. They started off far apart, and by the end, they were sitting
on the couch, texting each other from inches away. Not really something I ever thought Lorhaven would do, but I’m glad he did.
I also LOVED getting back with Trent and Drew. I missed them so much. The first day I wrote them, I was so happy all day. I love those boys. LOL. I also really love their friendship with Josie (and the grudging one they have with Lorhaven).
I have to say I wasn’t sure where this book would end or how. I’m still a bit surprised by the way it did. Not because it was like a super surprise or twisty end. It wasn’t even overly dramatic (which I hope the readers aren’t upset by; I know we all love our drama!). I just like where they ended up. I hope you all like it, too. Some books go out with a bang… and others seem to drift slowly to a stop like a racecar trying to cool its engine. Plus, I feel like this book had a message behind it about bullying, feeling alone, and understanding strength doesn’t mean suffering in silence. Hopefully, my writing got those things across. I know I tried to impart that.
I truly hope you enjoyed this read and you thought it was a great addition to the GearShark series. Next up (as you probably just saw) is the final installment of the GS series with issue four, which is Arrow’s book. I admit I have no idea where that book is going to go. I guess we will all find out together.
As always, thank you for reading and please consider leaving a review. Oh, and if you want to stay in the know on all the 4-1-1 in my world, sign up for my newsletter, the link is on the next page in my bio!
I genuinely appreciate the time you spend reading my books and hope they continue to give you entertainment.
Until next book…
XOXO,
Cambria
Cambria Hebert is an award winning, bestselling novelist of more than twenty books. She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair.
Besides writing, Cambria loves a caramel latte, staying up late, sleeping in, and watching movies. She considers math human torture and has an irrational fear of chickens (yes, chickens). You can often find her running on the treadmill (she’d rather be eating a donut), painting her toenails (because she bites her fingernails), or walking her chorkie (the real boss of the house).
Cambria has written within the young adult and new adult genres, penning many paranormal and contemporary titles. Her favorite genre to read and write is romantic suspense. A few of her most recognized titles are: The Hashtag Series, GearShark Series, Text, Torch, and Tattoo.
Cambria Hebert owns and operates Cambria Hebert Books, LLC.
You can find out more about Cambria and her titles by visiting and following her here:
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#Swag (GearShark #3) Page 34
