Layla or Val wouldn't care less if the MC was last every race. They like him as a person, that much is obvious. Sure Layla is excited for the MC if he wins the race at training camp, but she is also still happy for him if he doesn't.
Layla is excited in a supportive GF/friend way.
Not bingo "this guy is high status/well connected".
Layla herself is the richest girl with the most powerful connections and prefers to hide it.
Yeah I agree that Layla and Val aren't interested in MC just for athletic ability. Layla is 100% interested by his looks at first and it grows into more, which is the case with normal relationships.
Not sure on Val because she's so aloof. I'd say his personality won her over and she's not all that into looks.
Yeah, Layla thinks he's hot and starts flirting, things grow from here.
Val does think he's hot, she admits this (ironically) to Tori when questioned, but she's better at hiding what she's thinking than Layla... she waits until she knows him a little better to show her cards.
But they were offering themselves up as a prize so according to you, that's whorish behavior.
They took a bet(a flirty/teasing bet) that could go either way.
Also Layla already had a flirty, almost BF, relationship with the MC.
Val kinda got dragged along on the bet, but decided to honor her word.