On September 30, 2026, I celebrated the launch of VELOCITY HUNTERS 2090 at F1 Arcade in Washington, D.C. After seven years of writing, rewriting, and wondering whether this thing would ever see the light of day, I finally got to put the finished novel into people's hands.
And what better place to celebrate a book about a dystopian future where driving is illegal than a venue dedicated to the thrill of racing?
After discussing potential venues with my dear friend Stephanie Hart, automotive journalist and MotorWeek correspondent, F1 Arcade was the obvious choice. The team was fantastic, the atmosphere was electric, and yes, we absolutely used the racing simulators!
But before getting into the party, I should probably explain how I ended up spending seven years creating this thing.
Coming up with an original, technology-focused science-fiction adventure with heart was a tall order, even for someone as smart, good-looking, and strong as me.
But I digress!
The idea for Velocity Hunters grew out of my years working in advanced manufacturing, where I had the opportunity to speak with racing teams, automotive manufacturers, and the engineers who build the machines I've always admired. Combined with my fascination with Time Attack racing and futuristic automotive design, those experiences eventually inspired a question: What would happen if driving itself became illegal?
That became the foundation of VELOCITY HUNTERS 2090.
The story follows Donnie Corsair, a brilliant young student trapped in a world where driving is outlawed, everything is automated, and freedom has become a distant memory. Using his father's manufacturing facility, Donnie secretly builds parts for MONSTRO, an illegal high-performance machine he races through the wastelands of Neo Angeles. Known as the Night Runner, he competes against rival gangs alongside his crew, the Neo Angeles Bandits.
But when Donnie becomes entangled in a conspiracy threatening his family and the city itself, he faces an impossible choice: run and hide, or stay and fight.
One thing is certain. SPEED IS THE ONLY WAY OUT!
I wanted to create something younger readers could enjoy and adults could pick up and feel young again. Above all, I wanted it to be fun. But if it also gets readers thinking about where our world is heading, even better.
Those seven years weren't exactly smooth sailing. Between the realities of making a living, the frustrations of independent publishing, and jobs that were lost, found, lost, found, and lost again, there were plenty of reasons to put the manuscript aside.
Through it all, I kept writing.
Writing a book is hard. Spreading the word about it is even harder.
Back at F1 Arcade, we had great food and beverages, traded stories, and enjoyed the racing simulators. I spent the evening speaking with guests, signing books, catching up with old friends, and making new ones.
After seven years of work, finally putting the novel into people's hands felt surreal. There were moments when I wondered whether I'd wake up the next morning and find myself back at square one. But the excitement of sharing something I'd worked on for so long made it an evening I'll never forget.
A special thank-you goes to Stephanie Hart for helping bring the event together, my editor Clare for her years of support, and Huda Khan at Meadows and Muse Photography for capturing the evening.
I also want to thank Ryan Carag, Dustin and Daniel Worles, Will Hopper, the Washington Automotive Press Association, Logan, Jake Thiewes, Keith and Deana Parrish from Beyond the Test Drive, Troy Jeffrey Allen, and comic book creator Sadibu Kabba for being part of the celebration.
And, of course, my daughter!
One of the reasons I wrote this book was for her and, if she's so inclined, my future grandkids. I wanted to put something in their hands and say, "Here, this is what I thought was going to happen. What do you think?"
I don't know what the future holds, but I'm excited for what's next.
Thank you, dear reader, for making it this far.
I hope you enjoy the ride!
—Derek
Ready to enter the world of VELOCITY HUNTERS 2090?
It’s now available in paperback and Kindle at the retailers below.
