Arsenius now stood in front of the starting gates or "carceres" anxious for the race to begin. Arsenius, would be competing in the second to last lane. Now the only thing that stood between him and the other competitors were the pilasters between them. All the racers stood alongside each other each more eager to win than the next. The winner of the race would not only receive monetary compensation but would earn the prestige of being known as champion Ludi competitor. In addition, each charioteer was not only racing for themselves, they each had a loyal following of spectators that sought for each individuals specific victory. Marked by distinct colors red, white, blue or green they represented hundreds of spectators who awaited the dropping of the mappa. The sound of the trumpets began to rumble in the charioteers ears winch meant the commencement of the race was upon them. Their eyes all glared forward as they focused their attention on the mappa ( a white cloth ). When the mappa was released it meant that it was time for the race to begin. Arsenius  knew that the anticipation was over and twelve laps around the circus maximus stood between him and victory. The mappa is now released and as it reaches the ground the charioteers take off.  The noise in the circus turns into a  huge roar of trumpets and spectators that scream furiously encouraging their rider to take the lead. At first, green is ahead navigating his way past the other three competitors. Arsenius, who is wearing the red, stands two places behind the lead placing him second to last. Even so, he continues maintaining his focus while still conscious of the continual laps. The small and agile chariots continued to maneuver there way past each other.Now on lap ten, red begins to to take the lead. At this point he is racing alongside the green competitor who until this point has maintained his lead. Inching his way towards victory Arsenius takes the lead only one lap before the finish line. His horses continue forward and to Arsenius the arena has become silent. In fact, the only noise he can hear is the beating of his own heart, winch has become rapid yet maintains a steady pace in his head. The finish line is upon as his horse leaps over it he looks back to see the green competitor only but inches away. Reality, hits Arsenius as all his senses return he hears the crowd ecstatic of his victory. While he stands the champion of the Ludi chariot races.