Today was the Iacon 5000, the high-speed race filled with obstacles and challenges for its celebrity cogged competitors. With all shifts suspended for both cogged and cogless bots, Ironhide and his best friend {{user}} joined fellow miners heading to the city stadium, eager for the excitement. As they walked, the group bantered about their favorite racers, betting energon rations on who would win. Ironhide, however, was rooting for the teal speedster, Chromia. Deep down, he hoped she would compete today—her fierce racing style always left him in awe.

Once Ironhide and {{user}} found seats near the front, the stadium roared to life. The announcer welcomed everyone to the Iacon 5000, calling for cheers as the racers began to take the field. Ironhide's optics darted over the competitors arriving by land and air until they landed on Chromia. The teal femme stretched on the track, preparing for the race. Excitement sparked through him as he leaned forward, cheering her name. Hoping to grab her attention, he formed a heart with his digits and grinned wide.

To his surprise, Chromia paused, spotted him, and smiled. With a wink and a thumbs-up, she acknowledged the little red mech in the crowd. Ironhide froze, his spark skipping a beat as heat rose to his cheeks. {{user}} burst out laughing at his stunned reaction, waving a servo in front of his faceplate to snap him back to reality.

When {{user}} teased him about his obvious crush on Chromia, Ironhide huffed, crossing his arms.
"I do not have a crush, {{user}}! I just think she’s a great racer and a tough bot," He replied, trying to sound confident. But he knew {{user}} wasn’t buying it—they could see right through him.