Speed Racer: The Invincible Car (Part 1)

Chapter 1: The Adventure Continues

[Intro Music]

Sounds of a ratchet wrench echoed through the garage of the Racer household as Sparky worked on replacing the Mach 5's suspension after the Multi-Peak Race. "How's it going, Sparky?" a friendly voice asked. Sparky rolled himself out from under the Mach 5 to see his best friend, Speed standing there with a smile.

"I'm great, Speed. I'm almost done fixing up the Mach 5, last week's race was absolutely stellar; we need to have a repeat performance."

Speed leaned up against the wall next to the door, "Come on, Sparky, I finished in third place… thought for sure that I would've been able to beat Alpha Team, but they sure got better after that performance last year when they almost killed me and Racer X."

"Don't worry, Speed, outta the three races you ran this year, you've got a win and two podium finishes, don't beat yourself up so much about it. Besides, the next race is the No Limit World Race, the only real challenge for the Mach 5 was the Mammoth Car."

"Oh man, the Mammoth Car, huh? I remember that race pushing all of us to our limit."

"Just imagine, if the Mammoth Car wasn't there, you'd have been a shoe-in for sure!"

"Yeah, I guess you're right. It just makes me nervous remembering that race, especially when we almost got blown up. If Racer X wasn't there…"

"But he was there, Speed. You and Trixie are safe and so is the Mach 5. Besides, I thought that your escape from Lake Icy Chill was even more harrowing."

"You know what is nice, though?"

"What is it, Speed?"

"Not having Spritle and Chim Chim stowing away in the trunk since we started checking." The two friends laughed until Mom poked her head through the door.

"Okay boys, lunch is ready. Sparky, you shouldn't be in the garage so much, you'll work yourself to death." Mom informed.

"Don't worry about me, Mom. I'm always in the mood for a good lunch, even if that means leaving the Mach 5 alone for a while." Sparky reassured as Speed turned out the light and the two left the garage. As they walked into the living room, they heard the TV blaring away as Pops watched with Spritle and Chim Chim.

"I'll catch up with you in a second, Sparky. Gonna let Pops and Spritle know that everything is ready." Speed said.

"Okay Speed, but don't keep us waiting. If Mom's cookies are there, I might just eat em' all." Sparky acknowledged.

Speed walked over to the living room and saw Pops getting frustrated at a commercial, Speed was only able to catch the last bit of the commercial, but it was to sell autonomous cars which made Speed roll his eyes. "What fun is it to not drive a car, anyway?" Speed asked aloud.

"I agree, Speed, that's just what I was thinking. Cars driving themselves just isn't natural!" Pops said.

"I think cars driving themselves is a groovy idea! No work, more time to eat!" Spritle chimed in.

"Be quiet, Spritle, you're too young and lazy to understand the risks of self-driving cars! They're dangerous, no regard for anyone or anything besides their programmed destination, you can't trust them!" Pops explained.

"Gee, Pops, I didn't think of it that way." Spritle submitted.

"You have an opinion on everything, huh, Pops?" Speed chuckled. Pops folded his arms, smiling, silently agreeing with Speed. "Oh, I almost forgot that lunch is ready."

Spritle and Chim Chim ran out of the room at full speed, "You have to get all of the nutrients you can, Speed. It's going to be a twenty-four-hour race in a couple of days. Speaking of, where's Trixie? I haven't seen her anywhere." Pops asked.

"She's on her way, Pops. Now let's get some food."

As they were walking out, Speed heard the Mach 5's engine roaring through the TV, he looked back to see a talk show, showing the highlights of the three races run this season as the hosts added context. "Speed Racer, driver of the Mach 5 for Mifune Motors' 'Go Team' was the upset champion at last year's Earth Grand Prix. A race that spanned all terrain and went around the world! Speed has made the podium at all three races run this year so far, winning the second race at his home track, Thunderhead Raceway. Speed, now nineteen years old and coming out of his exciting rookie season is back for more WRL racing in his sophomore attempt at world champion glory. But first, we should recount what happened at last year's No Limit World Race when the Mach 5 was put up against the Mammoth…"

The TV was cut off and Speed felt arm caressing him from behind, "I wonder who that could be." Speed joked.

"It's your favorite navigator!" Trixie laughed.

"Glad you were able to make it, Trixie." Speed said, turning around.

"Of course, I wouldn't miss it."

"You just can't let me down, huh? Not even once?" Speed chuckled.

Trixie kissed Speed, then held his hand, "No way. Now let's go outside, you must be starving."

As Speed and Trixie joined the rest of the Racer family and friends, a small drone hovered above the house, watching them closely. As Speed and Trixie started taking their food and became distracted, the drone silently slipped into the garage and attached itself to the bottom of the Mach 5; the drone made a whirring noise before detaching itself and soaring into the air as quickly as possible. The drone silently made its way to a small, secluded high-class hotel situated in the woods and landed on the balcony of the penthouse where someone was waiting for it. The mysterious person took the drone to a computer on a desk and placed it on a white pad that was plugged into the computer via USB. The drone made another whirring sound when it was placed on the pad and the computer screen flashed, opening many windows with data sheets about the Mach 5.

"That was easier than I had expected." A feminine voice said. "Now I have all of the schematics about the Mach 5 and I didn't need that idiot, Ace Deucey's help to get it." She took a puff from her cigarette as she picked up her phone from her desk and dialed a number. "Yes, this is Oriana Flub, I have the schematics to the Mach 5." The mysterious voice mumbled something, but Oriana answered, "Yes, it was very easy to do. We finally have the power to make the Mach 5 and every car like it obsolete! We can be the fastest in the world without the V Gas!" Oriana informed. The voice inaudibly mumbled something else, "Thank you, I will talk to you again tomorrow on the test track." With that, the mysterious caller on the other end hung up and Oriana followed suit. She turned over to look at her TV, watching the same talk show that Speed was earlier, she saw a clip from last week's race and began to laugh maniacally as highlights of the Mach 5 sped across the screen.

Chapter 2: Testing at Thunderhead

The morning was quiet, the sun shining through the blinds of the racer household, but as usual, the entire family was already up and ready to get to work. Breakfast had been had, and Speed and Sparky were in the garage with the Mach 5, "Alright, Trixie, we'll see you and Pops at the track, Sparky and I are just gonna get there and set up!" Speed called out.

"Alright Speed, we'll be right behind you soon!" Trixie said as she left inside to get ready to go out.

"Alright, now for my second favorite part." Speed turned the key and the Mach 5 roared loudly in the big garage.

"If that's your second favorite part, what's your favorite all time?" Sparky asked.

Speed chuckled and put the Mach 5 into gear, "Winning." He said as they gunned it out of the garage and onto the road.

"It took a while to get used to that launch." Sparky chimed.

"Eight-Hundred foot/pounds of torque will do that." Speed chuckled.

"Wow, Speed. The GOV 12-1 engine Pops made really is a work of art, isn't it?"

"She can run a quarter mile in 9.5 seconds, top speed is still unknown, we haven't been able to get it passed 255 miles per hour. But we know it can go even faster than that after the upgrades you and Pops made after we won the Earth Grand Prix."

"That's what I call money well spent, Speed. But it looks like Alpha Team has been spending their money well, too. I know they can't over-power the Mach 5 or out-drive you, but man…they've put some upgrades into those cars and with Zoomer Slick at the wheel, it makes for a worthy opponent."

"I swear his name was Skull Duggery when we met him." Speed thought aloud.

"All of the names these racing guys have sound really fake. Don't think too much about it, it could've changed but who knows."

"Hey wait a minute."

"Don't get the wrong idea, Speed Racer is a totally normal name, and anybody could've had it."

"That's right." Speed looked over at Sparky with a raised eyebrow. "Alright, we're here." Speed announced, arriving at Thunderhead Raceway which is the oldest circuit visited by the WRL.

"What's wrong Speed? You look troubled somehow."

"This is when I first raced Racer X…when I first raced against my brother, Rex." Speed sighed.

"Rex will come home someday, Speed. You just have to hold out hope that he'll return. But he always wanted you to win and be the best in the world and that's why we're here now, getting ready for the big race tomorrow." Sparky reminded.

"You're right, Sparky and I'm going to win tomorrow. I'm gonna win for Rex Racer." Speed drove up to the track entrance gate and it lifted up leading to the pit lane. Thunderhead was usually empty since no other big-name driver lived around the area, so the Go Team could practice in solitude. Speed pulled the Mach 5 to the first pit stall, Sparky got out and popped the trunk, and grabbing his toolbox that had all the essentials in it as well as a box full of some replacement parts and fluids should something go wrong such as the brakes.

"Alright, Speed. Why don't you take some practice laps while I set up here? Besides, it won't be long until Pops and Trixie show up."

"You don't have to tell me twice!" Speed said as he vaulted into the Mach 5, strapping himself in and putting it into gear. The Mach 5 growled as Speed left the pits and drove into the first corner, a big smile growing on his face as he hit one of the straights and went wide-open, 12 cylinders singing at the top of their lungs as Speed down-shifted and drove the Mach 5 into the chicane. But as Speed was having his fun, in the spectator tower, behind the stands stood Oriana Flub; watching Speed masterfully drive his legendary car around his home track.

Oriana lifted a radio and said, "Let our newest driver loose." Before cackling to herself and taking a drag on her cigarette.

The sound of wood and plastic snapping grabbed Sparky's attention immediately, "What the…Speed, this is Sparky, some crazy driver just broke through the entrance to the track!" Sparky said over his radio. The car was a familiar gold, silver, and black and Sparky's hand began to shake.

"Who is it Sparky? I'm going as fast as I can."

"Speed, it's the GRX!" Sparky called out.

"The GRX? It can't be, we buried that engine with Ben and Curly Cranium!"

"I'm looking right at it, Speed and it's coming towards me!"

"Be careful Sparky, we'll see about this GRX." Speed said as he gunned the Mach 5 to go even faster. As he approached the pit, he saw what was without a doubt, the GRX. He would know that shape anywhere, but something was noticeably different about it, it had pitch black tinted windows and windshield and it didn't make the sound of the GRX engine being inside…so what could it be? Was someone playing some kind of sick game with him? But before Speed could answer that question, the GRX took off without warning and this forced Speed to follow suit.

"Wait, Speed! Don't risk it! Don't risk racing the GRX, remember what happened last time!"

"Sparky, I'm under the impression that this isn't the GRX and I'm going to go see if it's really true." Speed put the Mach 5 back into gear and gave chase to the mysterious car. Speed quickly caught up with it and when he did, whoever was driving didn't retaliate, they just kept driving on, it's almost like the driver of the GRX didn't recognize Speed as being there. They completed one lap, crossing the finish side-by-side!

"What's going on here? Who is Speed racing?" Pops' voice rang out as he and Trixie ran over to Sparky.

"I don't think you're going to believe this, Pops but Speed's racing what appears to be the GRX!"

"The GRX? It can't be possible!" Pops shouted.

"Oh Speed, be careful." Trixie said to herself, looking to the track, both car's engines slicing through the air.

Chapter 3: To Mexico City

Speed sat on a chair in Go Team's double-decker hauler as they made their way to Mexico City for the start of the race; his hands covering his mouth as he stared at the Mach 5 below, contemplated how the GRX could possibly be back. "Speed?" Trixie asked.

Speed shot up, surprised, "Huh? What is it, Trix?"

"Sorry I scared you, here, drink some of this." Trixie handed Speed a bottle of vitamin water.

"Thanks." Speed said, accepting the bottle, opening it and taking a swig, "Trixie, I've been thinking…"

"Speed, it can't be the GRX, you saw Pops destroy the remains of the engine, and you went to Curly's funeral. I think someone built a car that looks like it to mess with you." Trixie said, putting a hand on Speed's shoulder.

"Maybe, whoever was driving was so perfect and had the same power as me. I don't know how it's possible."

"Speed, the race coming up is two and a half days long, you'll have plenty of time to find a strategy to win."

"Any normal driver would take him out right away."

Trixie sat up straight, "Speed Racer, you're not a dirty driver like Zoomer Slick and Alpha Team!" she scolded.

Speed sighed, "I know, I just don't' like to lose."

"You won't, Speed. Do you know why?"

"Why is that?" Speed raised an eyebrow at his girlfriend.

"Because you have me!" Trixie laughed.

Speed laughed with her, "Don't get so cocky, Trix. It's going to be a big race, even bigger than last year's."

"I know, Speed. I just want you to feel better before the race. Whoever is driving this new GRX…we'll figure it out." Trixie comforted as the hauler went to cross the border.

Meanwhile, at the starting grid in Mexico City, the GRX arrives with Oriana Flub, parking itself in its own reserved garage. A group of mechanics, engineers and technicians quickly got to work as Oriana stepped out of the car and walked out of the garage and into a golf cart that took her to an unassuming RV that was outside of the starting grid. When she walked in she was greeted by a man sitting on the bench in the RV, "Oriana Flub, welcome. Or should I say Oriana Flux, how many versions of the same name do you have, anyway? Not that it matters because I know who you really are and it's only fair you know who's been paying you for everything." The man stepped from the shadows, he was wearing a blue suit and white shirt with a red tie, his glasses were golden and sat on his pointed nose, "My name is Van Ruffle, and I'm the benefactor for the oversight of our newest creation."

"Good to meet you, Mr. Van Ruffle and yes, I have a few versions of my name. It's good to finally meet the man who has been supplying the funds to our team." Oriana Flux shook Van Ruffle's hand as they both sat back down.

"Well, you and I are on the same mission. To destroy the Mach 5 and force Pops Racer to quit. Even if that means killing his son and his girlfriend in the process."

"Did you talk to the Three Roses Club?" Oriana asked.

"Yes, I did and they will also be in the race after rebuilding their team. We're going to make sure that this is a who's who of Speed Racer's enemies."

"Good, it's too bad Cruncher Block isn't coming to play."

"He's got 70 years to think about that in prison." Van Ruffle explained.

"It's so relieving to finally see Speed Racer's final race." Oriana said as she and Van Ruffle joined in a maniacal laugh.

The rumble of the Go Team's hauler echoed through the streets, "It never gets old." Speed smiled, looking around Mexico City, the massive atmosphere taking hold.

"It is a great place. So much as happened here in its history." Pops said as he parked the hauler in the outfield.

"Alright Pops, let's open the hauler and get the Mach 5 to the starting line!" Sparky called out as Pops pressed a button and the hauler's door went down, revealing the Mach 5.

"Okay, Speed. Sparky and I are going to push the Mach 5 to the garage; there are only three hours left until they close the road for the start of the race; I even noticed that they were already blocking out sections roads to accommodate all of the cars that will be coming through. So, you and Trixie should formulate a plan while you can."

Speed nodded, "You're right, Pops. We'll be in the hauler until you call us." Speed and Trixie sat on the couch on the upper level of the hauler and Trixie pulled out a map from a pink satchel. "Alright, Trix. What do I need to know about this year's race?" Speed asked.

This year's No Limit World Race takes place from Mexico City to Anchorage, Alaska spanning a little under five-thousand miles. At our rate of speed, the journey should take a little over three and days. We're going to go through the route that I'm sure the other will be driving and that's to go through the most direct one, which is to go up US-277 North, which will take around eighty-three hours to complete the sprint. The starting grid is by the Plaza de la Constitución, there's going to be a left and then a right turn onto Calle Monte de Piedad, from there, I'll guide you to the border and from there we make our way to Anchorage. Our first rest stop will be in San Angelo, Texas after 15 hours."

"15 hours?!" Speed's eyes widened at the prospect of such a long stint.

"Don't worry, Speed. We'll switch off on the way there, it would be almost impossible for you to race for that long by yourself. We're going to switch off after every three hours. This is probably going to be the easiest run, its tomorrow that'll hold the challenge. Besides, the winnings are a big deal, it could help Mifune Motors get a lot of new equipment and it even holds a qualifying card to whoever wins will get a free spot in the next big circuit race."

"That's true, Trixie." Speed sighed, looking up at the ceiling he thought to himself, "This is gonna be one of the longest races of my career. But I've got to win, and I've got to know what the GRX is up to."

The door to the hauler opened and shut as Pops walked in informing them, "The Mach 5 is ready you two. Let's get it to the grid and wait for the marshals to call the beginning of the race."

"Alright, Pops." Speed and Trixie said simultaneously as the two grabbed their bags and walked outside.

Speed took Trixie's bag and with one eyebrow raised, opened the trunk of the Mach 5 and saw nothing. Speed exhaled and tossed their bags in the trunk, then locking it afterward. "You're suspicious of me now, aren't you Speed?" Speed turned around to see Spritle pouting against a wall, kicking a rock away.

"You know why I am, right, Spritle?" Speed asked, walking up to him, putting his hand on Spritle's head.

"I know that Chim Chim and I were bad boys and snuck into the Mach 5 a lot. We just wanted to come on your adventures and have fun.

"Spritle, you almost died last year on the mammoth car, we both did. Maybe you should wait for a few years and then you can start having adventures of your own. Don't rush to grow up, you're just a kid so you don't understand the gravity of the danger I've been in. You don't want that, trust me."

"Whatever you say, Speed. Chim Chim and I will be cheering you and Trixie on."

Speed knelt down to Spritle's level and hugged his little brother, "I know you will, Spritle. I know I can count on you."

"Be careful, Speed."

"We will." Speed assured as he got up and walked to the Mach 5, getting in it with Trixie as Sparky, Pops, and Spritle pushed it to the starting grid as Speed steered and Trixie set up. Once the Mach 5 sat still in its spot, Sparky walked over to the driver's seat. "Alright Speed, everything checks out, the Mach 5 is running at one-hundred percent."

"Thanks, Sparky. I couldn't ask for a better mechanic to work on the car." Speed said, shaking Sparky's hand.

"We'll be watching from the chopper above; Pops and I will see you in San Angelo." Sparky said, going to the garages to wait for the beginning of the race. Speed noticed Pops looking all around the car.

"Something wrong, Pops?" Speed asked.

"No, just double checking, triple checking… you know how it is, Speed."

"It's okay, Pops. I'm sure you and Sparky did a groovy job." Speed chuckled.

"I just worry every time you two go out on these big rally races, Speed. Dangers lurk around every turn and you don't know what kind of drivers are in the race. All 150 slots were filled and there are a lot of people here. We'll be in constant radio contact."

"Speed is a great driver, Pops. I'm sure we'll be safe."

"Steer him the right way, Trixie. And you too, Speed. Make sure you two get enough rest so you don't give in to fatigue during the race."

"You got it Pops." Speed acknowledged.

It was then, that the announcer spoke over the loudspeaker, "All drivers to your cars please, all drivers to your cars."

Chapter 4: Zoomer Slick's Plan

"All drivers to your cars, please. All drivers to your cars! Todos los conductores a sus autos, por favor. Todos los conductores a sus autos!" The announcers called out as some of the drivers who weren't already on the grid made their ways to their racecars.

Speed looked at the clock that sat on a sponsored arch the marked the starting line. "Wow, look at all of the drivers, Pops, I bet they're gonna give Speed and Trixie a hard time!" Spritle commented. But his comment was met with a belly laugh from Pops Racer.

"They can try, Spritle but it's going to be difficult to beat the Mach 5 and even harder to beat Speed!"

"Well, in Chim Chim's opinion, it's gonna be a challenge, right Chim Chim?" Spritle looked behind him where he expected to see his pet chimp but Chim Chim was nowhere to be seen! "Huh? Where's Chim Chim?" Spritle asked as the announcers' voices rang out again.

"Drivers, start your engines! Controladores İenciende tus motores!" 150 engines roared through the Mexican air in the heart of their capital!

"Here goes!" Speed announced, turning the key of the Mach 5. The car's custom-built 12-cylinder, naturally aspirated engine growled with over one-thousand horses ready to pull Speed and Trixie at speeds in excess of 250 miles per hour! Speed reached in his pocket and took out Spritle's good luck charm that his little brother had given him during the Alpine Race last year. Speed squeezed it for good luck before stuffing the charm back in his pocket.

"You know, despite always getting into trouble and sometimes being insufferable, Spritle is a good kid. It's good that you keep that charm around, Speed." Trixie said, strapping on her pink and black helmet.

"He is, hopefully, he's grown out of being a little stowaway." Speed laughed.

Back in the crowd, Spritle searches for his friend, Chim Chim to no avail, "Chim Chim? Chim Chim!" he called out, running through the crowd. Spritle then heard the roar of the engines on the grid and ran to go see Speed and the Mach 5, but as he did, he saw the trunk open with Chim Chim inside, holding a bobby pin. "Chim Chim, that's a bad boy, I'm telling Pops!" he yelled, but Chim Chim didn't hear and probably didn't understand what Spritle said as he retreated back into the trunk.

"Alright, Trixie, one minute until we're out of here." Speed said. "Just be careful, Speed. The roads in the early parts of this course are going to be very skinny, so a lot of people are bound to crash." Trixie warned.

"Got it." Speed answered as his blue eyes were fixed on the clock and as the clock was five seconds from ten in the morning, red lights began to light up for each second and as the minute hand struck ten, the lights went green and a loud *beep* was heard around the grid! Vehicles of all sorts launched from the starting grid, from sports cars to compacts to SUVs and even some experimental cars, all sorts of cars left, but it was obvious who had the real power! Speed maneuvered the Mach 5 gracefully through the field, despite the chaos, Speed was calm. Sure, he was only nineteen years old and still considered a kid by most professional racers, but Speed had a poker face that could impress any veteran of the sport when he was racing. But the racing soon became very dicey as the cars hit the narrow streets of history Mexico City that had to be walled off with concrete barriers and catch fences because the streets were so narrow that only two cars could fit without touching each other. The Mach 5 was suddenly surrounded by crashes, but Speed stayed calm and pressed the D button to protect him and Trixie from flying debris and then pressed the A button, using the auto jacks to leap above the crashing cars!

"Oof!" Trixie let out as the Mach 5 landed with a hard thud, "I think we need softer seats in this car." She said.

"Same, doing that is a pain." Speed admitted as the two sped along to the US-Mexico border with the other cars that didn't crash. Meanwhile, further back in the pack, the new GRX had to start in last being a last-minute entry into the No-Limit World Race. But its stay in last place didn't last for long as it also got far ahead of the other drivers. But as the pile-up mounted on the dangerously thin Mexican streets, the GRX plowed through the other cars! Drivers who were stuck or were escaping their smoldering wreckages had to quickly jump out of the way because the GRX was not going to stop for anyone, injured or stuck! The black, silver and green car continued on with reckless abandon, heading for one target, and that target was the Mach 5!

Van Ruffle laughed as he watched the black car smash through crashes, "This car is outstanding! Wherever did you find the driver who has instincts like that?"

Oriana Flux chuckled in return, "We didn't find a driver, Mr. Van Ruffle. We built a driver. There isn't a driver on Earth who has such dulled survival instincts that is still stable enough to drive this car."

"What're you saying, Oriana?" Van Ruffle questioned.

"I'm saying, Mr. Van Ruffle that the car has no human driver, it's driving itself and after many tests, it has the ability to calculate the perfect racing line anywhere it goes. The computer in the car learns from every new experience, every new mistake. Frankly, Mr. Van Ruffle, you have the greatest driver in the world on your team." Flux explained. Van Ruffle could only look in shock and awe at this new prospect as Flux added, "The new GRX also has abilities to counter the Mach 5, and I guarantee you that it will be the end for our friend, Speed Racer and his little girlfriend."

Outside sits the yellow Shooting Star #9 with Racer X eavesdropping with a listening device, "Speed is in trouble. I must warn him, but I told him that he'd never hear from me again. But I can't let this happen... I won't." Racer X thought to himself as he started the Shooting Star and went to chase down the GRX and Mach 5!

"Oh boy." Speed sighed.

"What is it, Speed?"

"Slick is up ahead, he's not going to make anything easy, right up to the switch-off point at San Luis Potosi."

Trixie huffed and folded her arms, "Zoomer Slick is always up to skullduggery, I don't trust him at all."

Speed grinned and added, "Also, because he's rude."

Trixie raised her nose in the air, "That too." She finished as the Mach 5 came up behind Zoomer's red #2.

Slick looked in his rear-view mirror, "The Mach 5's come to play, huh?" he grinned as he pulled a lever in his car which lifted his license plate, which opened a reservoir of slippery coolant fluid that spilled all over the road!

"Look out!" Trixie shouted as the Mach 5 ran right over the fluid causing Speed to nearly lose control but he held on, as the car started the slide sideways, he turned the Mach 5 in the direction he needed to be and pressed the B button, deploying the Belt Tires that immediately stopped the Mach 5 from its slide and got it back on track. Speed shortly caught back up to Zoomer Slick but pulled along-side as to avoid any other tricks Slick might have.

"What's the big idea, Slick?!" Speed shouted from the Mach 5.

"You know how it is, Speed. I know the Mach 5 is faster than me so I have to take you out of the race!" Slick answered.

"Why is it so hard for you to drive square?" Speed asked.

"It's not hard, I just find it boring." Slick grinned.

"After this trick, Speed is going to do everything he can to beat you, isn't that right, Speed?" Trixie interjected.

"Uh-huh." Speed answered.

"Aww, look at that, world champion Speed Racer taking orders from a girl!" Slick chided.

"At least I'm not a loner like you. You couldn't even get a navigator!" Speed shot back.

Slick's grin turned into a scowl, "Oh yeah? I'm a loser, huh?" he grumbled as he pushed a red button on his shifter and began to go at a ridiculously fast speed.

"I should've known." Speed noted.

"What? How'd he get so fast?" Trixie asked in shock.

"He has nitrous oxide built into his car, basically giving him a speed boost at the touch of a button." Speed explained.

"Is that even legal?" Trixie asked.

"Anything goes, and so do we." Speed said as he gave the Mach 5 more gas and started to catch up to Slick's nitrous #2.

"Wow, they're going at it down there!" Sparky remarked.

"Good, I didn't train Speed to lie down and lose! I trained him to win!" Pops answered.

"Isn't Speed's cousin, Hank and Mr. Fireball the ones that trained Speed to drive like a pro?" Sparky asked.

"Quiet!" Pops yelled.

Spritle sat in the helicopter, looking down, focusing on the Mach 5's trunk, "I hope Chim Chim is alright." He said quietly to himself.

"What? What was that about Chim Chim?" Pops asked.

"N-nothing Pops, I just miss Chim Chim, that's all." Spritle said.

"Wait a minute, I thought you brought Chim Chim with you, you never leave him alone." Sparky added.

"Hey, that's right you did bring Chim Chim along." Pops thought until he came to a realization. "Is Chim Chim in the trunk of the Mach 5?!" Pops Interrogated.

"I'm sorry, Pops! I didn't know, but Chim Chim stole my lockpick and got into the trunk, even I didn't know where he went until it was too late!" Spritle confessed.

Sparky quickly grabbed the radio, "Sparky to the Mach 5, Sparky to the Mach 5, come in!"

Trixie took the radio, "This is Trixie, what is it, Sparky?" she asked.

"Spritle just told us that Chim Chim stowed away in the trunk of the Mach 5's trunk!"

"You're kidding!" Speed shouted.

"We can land up ahead at the San Luis Potosi Checkpoint when you guys switch out. But until then, be careful!"

"Got it, we'll be careful Sparky!" Speed acknowledged as Trixie put the radio away. Speed and Trixie sighed, looked at each other and shrugged like they should've expected this to happen.

"We're about to come upon San Luis." Trixie announced.

"Yeah, I'm gonna pass Slick before we get there." Speed said, challenging himself. The Mach 5 gained on Zoomer Slick and pulled along-side to make the pass.

"Not you again!" Zoomer shouted as he reverted back to his base instincts and smacked the Mach 5, hitting it over and over, trying to force it into the desert.

"Alright, I think he's had enough." Speed said as he activated the C Button, bringing out the cutter blades, "I didn't wanna do it like this, Slick." Speed growled, but as he was about to cut down Slick's tires, Trixie put her hand on Speed's arm.

"No, Speed! You don't have to stoop down to his level. You can show him how a real gentleman races." Speed thought for a moment before retracting the huge circular saws.

"You're right. I'll beat him like anyone else would." Speed said as he continued on.

Slick reached for his radio and spoke into it, "I'm outta nitrous and coolant. What do I do?" Slick asked.

Through the radio came Oriana Flux's voice, "Do what you normally do, wreck the Mach 5 at all costs!"

"I'm trying, but he keeps on coming back!" he shouted.

"Don't get shouty with me, Slick. The GRX is still making its way through the field so you're not going to have reinforcements. But I'll raise the five thousand I proposed if you take out Speed Racer, right here, right now." Oriana notified.

Slick put his radio away and reached for his glove compartment, pulling out a gun, "Hey, Racer!" he shouted.

"Oh!" Speed exclaimed, pressing the D Button as fast as he could, bullets bounced off of the glass as Slick fired until his clip as empty. It was then that Speed looked over at Slick angrily, he slowed the Mach 5 down and slammed it into the #2's left rear, sending the car into the desert sand, causing it to flip on its side.

Zoomer Slick got out and looked at the Mach 5 speeding away, "Damn you." Slick muttered, gripping his empty gun in the middle of the desert.

"We're here, let's get to the checkpoint and switch off, Speed." Trixie said as the Mach 5 crossed into San Luis Potosi.

"Good idea. That whole thing made me tired…and hungry." Speed admitted.

The Mach 5's horn sounded as it reached the San Luis Potosi checkpoint, "Checkpoint passes." The official said as Speed handed him the proper documents as he and Trixie switched seats, "The Mach 5 driven by Speed Racer." The officer read aloud as he stamped the checkpoint pass. As he handed the papers back, the officer commented, "I always wanted to see the Mach 5 in person, I hope you two win the race!"

"We will, officer! Thanks!" Speed said as Trixie took the papers and the two continued on their way to meet up with Pops, Sparky and Spritle at the helicopter.

Chapter 5: Mélange Still Races!

Trixie drove up to her familiar bright blue and red helicopter where the rest of the Go Team was waiting for her, Speed and Chim Chim. As she stopped, Speed was out of the car right away to go open the trunk and when he did, lo-and-behold, Chim Chim sat there in the middle of crumbs and other lunch foods.

"Chim Chim…" Speed scolded.

"Chim Chim, that's a bad monkey, we need that food for the race!" Trixie shouted.

Spritle then walked up to them with a huge picnic basket in hand, "What's this?" Speed asked.

"I knew Chim Chim was gonna eat your lunches, so we got you new lunches when we landed. Here, take em'!" Spritle offered.

Without a second thought, Speed took the basket and looked inside, it was all locally bought, authentic Mexican cuisine, a smile grew on his face as he looked back at Spritle, "Thanks, Spritle, that was very thoughtful of you. Keep a closer eye on Chim Chim from now on, though, okay?"

"I will, Speed, don't you worry!" Spritle acknowledged.

"Alright, Trixie, the car is in tip-top shape for your stint! I also brought you some new bottles of water for the drive." Sparky notified.

"Thanks, Sparky. I'm glad you're not trying to lift me out of the car this year." Trixie laughed.

"Well, I'm sixteen now, so I gotta grow up! I was jealous back then and I shouldn't have done what I did." Sparky admitted.

"Oh, Sparky, you've done so much since then that you don't need to apologize. I mean, in the end, it was you and Speed in the Race Around the World. I'd say you've grown up already." Trixie complimented.

Sparky rubbed the back of his head, "Yeah, I guess so, maybe I should build myself a car and call it the Mach 6!"

"Not so fast, Sparky, you're not even trained yet." Speed said as he got into the passenger seat with the basket.

"Oh, you gotta be the glory-hog, huh, Speed?" Sparky remarked. Speed winked and stuck out his tongue as a sarcastic confirmation. "But really, Speed, if I ever race, will you teach me?"

"You bet. But for now, be busy being the best mechanic in the world, huh?" Speed said.

"I will." Sparky returned as the two shook hands over it.

"Well, back into the race, Trixie. Next stop, Saltillo!" Speed commanded as Trixie floored the Mach 5 back on course and went towards Saltillo. Speed coached Trixie as they made their ways to Saltillo, she was calm but not as calm as Speed was, especially coming up on cars that were still in front of them because she was so eager to race.

"How are there cars still in front?" She asked, irritated.

"The pileup back in Mexico City bought them a lot of time. The Mach 5 is fast, yes, but the others are nothing to sneeze at." Speed explained as they reached Saltillo and switched yet again, Speed's second stint took them from Saltillo to Monclova which was generally uneventful, the caught and passed a couple of cars but it wasn't anything too exciting. Thus, Trixie's next turn began.

"Alright, Monclova to Del Rio and then you finish in Texas. Then we can both sleep." Trixie said as she took off in the Mach 5 again. The drive was once again, very calm until night really began to fall and a dark blue and light grey car appeared behind them. Trixie tried to pull away but it didn't do much as the other car tried to pull her back in, that's when the front of the car glowed with the combined letter and number X-3.

"Uhhh, Speed." Trixie said, shaking Speed awake from his nap.

"Wha…what is it, Trixie?"

"I think I'm seeing ghosts, Speed."

"Huh" Speed looked back and saw the Mélange from his past. "There's no way that car is here!" Speed exclaimed.

"Someone is trying to stop us by bringing back your old enemies, Speed."

"It looks like it, give the Mach 5 some more gas!" Speed ordered.

"I'm going as fast as the car will let me, Speed."

Speed looked back and thought fast, "I have a plan, where's your bag?"

"In the trunk, what's your plan, Speed?"

Speed un-buckled his seatbelt, "Did you bring supplies from the chopper just in case?"

"I think I brought one smoke bomb if that's what you mean."

"That's exactly what I mean." Speed said, as he tied the seatbelt to his ankle and started to crawl over to the trunk.

The X-3's sign began to flash as the car blared its horn and drove to the back of the Mach 5, slamming into it, jostling the car around, Speed hung on for dear life as he felt the trunk's release. He took his trunk key and put it in, turning it made the latch of the trunk pop up. As the key was turned in the unlock position, he pressed the lock back down, which opened up the trunk, revealing his and Trixie's bags. As he tried to reach, the X-3 rear-ended the Mach 5 again and again, the jolting started to make Speed's makeshift support go loose as Speed opened Trixie's bag and dug through her clothes to retrieve her smoke bomb.

"It's the only one we have, Speed so make it count!" Trixie called out. But as Speed was about to make his way back to safety, the X-3 slammed into the Mach 5 even harder, making Trixie swerve and untying Speed! Trixie noticed this just in time and leaned over, just able to grab the end of Speed's white slacks. Speed's face was one of fear but then he looked back at Trixie who was holding onto him for dear life. "I can't pull you back in, Speed, you're too heavy!" she called.

"Trixie, I'm going to try to land on the Mélange!"

"But Speed isn't that dangerous?"

"Look at our lives, Trixie, we live fast and dangerously, now let me go, I've got this!" Speed called back. Trixie took a deep breath and let Speed go, Speed slid across the back of the Mach 5 and onto the smooth surface of the X-3. Like before, he forced the X-3's hood open but this time, he threw the smoke grenade inside. As he pulled the pin, he hopped in the car's empty driver's seat as the smoke grenade blew and ruined the remote-controlled insides of the car. As it slowed to a halt, speed wiped the sweat from his forehead as Trixie stopped with him.

"Speed? Speed?" She called out.

Speed got out of his car, "I'm alright, Trix." As she ran to him and hugged him.

"Who is doing this, Speed? It's almost like someone is trying to jog bad memories."

"That's exactly what I think it is, Trixie. I just don't know why." Speed muttered.

"Let's get you in the Mach 5, it's not long until Del Rio." Trixie put her hand on Speed's back and walked him over to the Mach 5, where they headed over to the nearest checkpoint.

Meanwhile, in a hotel in the center of Del Rio, "Great, the X-3 is down. Maybe using enemies this kid has already defeated was a bad idea." Mr. Van Ruffle complained or Oriana Flux who was just coming out of the shower.

"The X-3 lost?" she said in shock.

"Yeah, if you weren't too busy being a typical girl, you'd know." Van Ruffle remarked.

"I don't know what keeping my personal hygiene up has to do with anything, Mr. Van Ruffle. Do you not shower? Forget that I asked, you smoke so many cigars that I don't think I'd be able to tell." She responded.

Van Ruffle smirked, "Hah, well it doesn't matter because now Slick and the X-3 lost. How'd the X-3 lose, anyway, isn't it a computer-driven car like the new GRX?"

"It's remote controlled, we had agents controlling it from a helicopter and unfortunately they failed. They'll pay for their failure." Oriana hissed, going over to her bag and grabbing a remote, pressing the "#1" button. Back with the Mach 5, an explosion happened from above their car, orange and yellow reflecting off of the white paint.

"Look out, Trixie!" Speed shouted.

Trixie reacted quickly by pressing the D and B buttons simultaneously, the B Button's second ability was giving the Mach 5 a temporary boost of power, normally meant for scaling mountains, but in this case, it was for raw speed. Helicopter debris clanked and clattered on and around the car but it was then that the bulk of the helicopter fell in front of them, Trixie, having no time to scream, pressed the A Button as fast as she could launching the Mach 5 in the air over the burning wreckage. She then stopped the car as she and Speed got out to check for survivors and to their dismay, there was none. "Who could do something so awful, Speed?" she asked.

"I don't know, Trixie. But as soon as we get to Del Rio, I'm giving Inspector Detector a call to meet us in San Angelo. If anyone can figure this out, it's him." Speed said as they returned to the Mach 5 and reached the Del Rio checkpoint, currently in tenth place.

Chapter 6: San Angelo

The sun shone over the Mach 5, it was morning and Trixie was behind the wheel again as the two reached the border and crossed into Texas. "How much longer?" Speed asked, bored out of his mind.

"It's three hours from here to San Angelo at this pace." Trixie answered. Speed pouted and folded his arms, slumping into the passenger's seat. Trixie glanced over, smiled and rolled her eyes as she slowed down and pulled over. Speed's eyes lit up as he unbuckled and moved over to the driver's seat and Trixie went back in the passenger's side. The two buckled in, Speed put the Mach 5 in first gear and the two went speeding off again.

In the back of the pack, the mysterious black, green and silver GRX continued to go past the other cars with complete disregard for where they were. The car would only follow the most perfect driving line wherever it went, not giving an inch to anyone. One driver was going as fast as his car would carry him going on the same driving line as the GRX, but the GRX came up on him quickly and smashed him out of the way and continued to press on. The driver lifted up his goggles and remarked, "What kind of maniac is driving that car?" as other drivers who saw what happened stopped to help him.

In Mexico City, Mr. Van Ruffle and Oriana Flux were in a hotel watching the race unfold, "Wow, Oriana that car is ridiculous. How'd you get it to go as fast as the GRX?"

Oriana Flux puffed from her cigarette and blew the smoke in Van Ruffle's face, "You really think we didn't take the engine apart and study it in the months we had it? Do you think I'm stupid?" Van Ruffled grumbled to himself, not used to being treated this way, "I almost had Speed Racer hooked on the GRX and ready to take the V-Gas! I had him afraid to get back into the Mach 5! The only reason I didn't was because of Pops Racer!"

"Now there's someone we both love to hate." Van Ruffle smiled.

"Indeed, Mr. Van Ruffle. But if I recall, you were the one that ousted Pops from the company to steal his plans and failed, thus causing our entire Racer problem. Think of this as penance for everyone behind bars that you technically put there."

"I've had enough of your criticisms!" Van Ruffle slammed his fist on a coffee table.

Oriana laughed at him and answered, "Don't be so insecure because the GRX will destroy Speed Racer AND the Mach 5! It's only a matter of time before it catches up to them so sit down and watch the race."

"There's Speed!" Sparky called out as the Mach 5 crested the horizon and Speed honked its horn upon arrival.

The Mach 5 slowed down and stopped at the hotel in San Angelo, "Speed, Sparky is going to start working on the Mach 5 and I'm going to debrief you two on the next legs of the race and on how you're doing." Pops notified, opening the trunk and grabbing Speed and Trixie's bags.

"That's right Speed, the Mach 5 will be back in tip-top shape for tomorrow!" Sparky called out gleefully as Speed activated the jacks for his mechanic.

"I know we can count on you, Sparky." Speed threw his buddy a thumbs-up.

"You bet, Sparky keep up the good work." Trixie smiled. Sparky beamed and got to work right away as Speed, Trixie and Pops went into the hotel.

Once they got to their room, there was candy wrappers, empty soda cans and other snacks littered all over the place and there sat Spritle and Chim Chim, enjoying themselves, "Spritle, what's going on here? Making a mess of things, huh?" Pops scolded.

"There was free food already here, Pops I didn't steal anything, it was Chim Chim's idea!" Chim Chim gave a surprised and betrayed look whilst stuffing his face with snacks.

"All the snacks and soda cost extra money that we need to spend on the Mach 5! Now clean this up and go to your room!" Pops ordered.

"But Pops!" Spritle tried to defend himself but Pops gave him a look and the two cleaned up and left the room.

"Well, that was something." Trixie commented as she sat on one of the beds.

"They're always up to something, we need to invest in a leash." Speed joked, sitting at a desk.

"A leash…I haven't thought of that." Pops thought aloud until realizing he had to debrief them, "Alright Speed, on your way here, you passed two cars, you're currently sitting in eighth place. Luckily for you, four other drivers are staying here overnight so if you get out before or when they do, you'll be in the top five."

"I like the sound of that." Trixie said.

"Mmmhm, the others who went longer can't be too far away." Speed agreed.

"Well, that brings us to my next piece of news. It seems like that black GRX is really tearing it up through the field. Running down cars and even smashing them off the road as long as someone is in its path. You two are going to have to be careful of that one because whoever is driving is ruthless."

"Sounds like trouble. I'll be on the lookout." Speed said.

"Our next stops are Amarillo and Denver, right?" Trixie asked.

"That's right, the next checkpoint is in Amarillo, but the officials say that there's a challenge segment coming up when you reach the Colorado Rockies." Pops answered.

"Hey, I just remembered something, has Inspector Detector been around at all? I called him earlier." Speed asked.

"No, I don't recall seeing the inspector. But I'll see if I can get ahold of him in the morning." Pops said.

"Alright, is that all? I'm getting tired." Speed asked.

"That's all, I'm going to help Sparky tune the Mach 5, so you two get your rest. Goodnight, son. Goodnight, Trixie" Pops said as he walked out.

"Goodnight, Pops." The duo answered as Pops left the room.

"The GRX, huh? I'm worried about it, Speed. Especially after what happened to you and Curly Cranium last year."

"Yeah. But we're gonna have to put it out of our minds if we're going to win the race." Speed said as he grabbed his sleep-wear and went to change.

Meanwhile, in the dead of night, Racer X stops at the border, "I got a call from Speed. Someone seems to be setting him up to lose this race…or worse." Inspector Detector said, getting into the passenger seat of the Shooting Star.

"I know, I saw Speed racing Zoomer Slick earlier and then saw the X-3 sitting on the side of the road. Even the Three Roses Club entered the race. Something is going on here." Racer X answered as he gunned the Shooting Star along the same route that the Mach 5 had been taking.

"There!" Inspector Detector pointed as the GRX's red taillights and green glowing insides came into view; Racer X gave the car more throttle, getting the turbo-charged V8 roaring and whining into the night. Racer X drove right up beside the car, "I can't see through the lights inside!" Inspector Detector reported.

From Mexico City, Oriana watches a live feed from the GRX and goes to her suitcase, pulling out a remote with a joystick and some buttons, "Why don't you get closer Inspector?" she said, taking the joystick and lightly guiding the stick left.

"Watch out, Racer X!" Inspector Detector shouted as the GRX slammed into the Shooting Star.

"Hey!" Racer X yelled, fighting to keep the Shooting Star on the road. "Whoever is driving the GRX is dangerous."

"You have to report this to Speed!" Inspector Detector notified. Racer X stayed silent, remembering what he said to Speed before. Now that Speed knew his true identity, he would disappear from his younger brother's life entirely. Racer X pondered this, remembering hitting Speed and running away as Speed called out for him, but he knew that as long as his brother raced cars, he couldn't be far behind, he wouldn't.

"We will, let's get to Denver and meet him there." Racer X said as the Shooting Star tailed the GRX and continued until morning.

Chapter 7: Legends and Upstarts

It was almost time for the GO Team to wake up as Speed was having a very rough night. He was driving the Mach 5 in what appeared to be a very rocky and barren landscape and he heard multiple engines buzzing behind him; he looked in his rearview mirror and saw that it was a large gang of motorcycles. He pushed the Mach 5 harder and began to pull away despite having a disadvantage in weight, that's when bullets began to whizz past his head, he pressed the D Button and the bulletproof canopy didn't deploy so he made sure that the driver's cowl was protecting him, shrinking down as much as he could as the bullets bounced and scraped off of the Mach 5's curves. As Speed drove, the road got narrower and narrower until the Mach 5 could barely fit! Speed decided to see this through as he stepped on the gas but that was until an obstacle presented itself to him in the form of a huge boulder, but Speed knew he could jump it. He went faster and faster until he reached the perfect distance and slammed the A Button but all he heard was the noise of the powerful hydraulics but with nothing happening and before he knew it he slammed full on into the boulder and shot awake in his bed!

"Speed, are you alright? You were thrashing around and sweating." Trixie said, kneeling down beside Speed.

"I just…I just had a bad dream." Speed answered, rubbing the cold sweat off of his forehead.

"What was it, Speed?"

"Nothing, I don't wanna talk about it right now." Speed said as he grabbed his clothes and headed to the bathroom to shower and change.

An hour later, everyone was gathered around the Mach 5 as Sparky and Pops finished telling Speed what was changed and tweaked, "We'll see you in Denver, Speed. Just be careful because I hear that the GRX passed us last night, they haven't stopped to rest at all, so you're in ninth, but you'll be in fifth when you get out of here since we're leaving earlier than everyone else." Pops informed.

"Thanks, Pops. See you in Denver for whatever the WRL has in store for us." Speed acknowledged as he turned on the Mach 5 and promptly left San Angelo.

Close to the border of New Mexico and Colorado, the leaders fought for position, fighting for first place was the #24, driven by Left Gordon and the #1, driven by Lovelace Goldminter. The two entered the mountains almost side by side, Lovelace almost edging out Left, the two stayed overnight at the Amarillo checkpoint and left Amarillo at the same time, they've been in the tops spots since the beginning of the race and have been fighting for the lead almost the whole time.

"Man, her dad sure went all in on her racing career after she got runner-up in the World Grand Prix." Left thought to himself, glancing at the blue, yellow and white car as the two became surrounded by mountains.

"Hey, Left, the Mach 5 just reached Amarillo checkpoint, jumped from ninth to fourth this morning and Speed is gaining on you three." Left's crew chief notified.

"10-4, just gotta get Lovelace behind me." Left responded as he brought his blue and red flame themed car a little behind Lovelace to draft her.

"What's he doing? Why'd he slow down?" Lovelace asked over the radio.

"He's drafting off of you, it's an oval track move where you follow closely behind a car ahead to reduce drag, making the air flow over both of you as if you're one car. But, here's the catch and listen carefully, this may give you a boost of speed by about five miles per hour, but if he moves out of the draft, he'll slingshot passed you because he doesn't have to deal with moving air out of the way, so he naturally goes a little faster." Lovelace's new assistant, Burges Halfdollar informed.

"What if I move out of the way? Or slow down?"

"If you move out of the way, you open the door for him to pass you. If you slow down, he'll just move aside and pass you as well. You're stuck in this position until he passes." Halfdollar explained as Lovelace looked at Left in her rear-view mirror.

That was when Left pulled out and drove alongside Lovelace, and then took the lead with relative ease, "That's what I'm talking about, leader is the #24." Left's chief chimed as the two continued their battle with the GRX not too far away.

Meanwhile, at the Amarillo checkpoint, Speed pulled up to the WRL official and handed the official the checkpoint sheet, "Any news, sir?" Speed asked.

"Yeah, not too long ago that black car came through, really rude guy behind the wheel, I bet he's full of himself."

"How so?" Trixie interjected.

"He couldn't even hand me his checkpoint sheet, it just slid through a slot in the window of his car."

"If you don't mind me asking, what'd he look like?" Speed added.

"I couldn't see past the bright green lights inside of his car. I dunno how he even sees." The official stated.

"Interesting. Thanks for the information." Speed thanked.

"No problem, now get outta here before Left Gordon and Lovelace Goldminter win!" the official said as Speed gunned it out of Amarillo.

"Lovelace Goldminter? The girl from the World Grand Prix last year?" Trixie inquired.

"That's the one. I'm glad she's not sore after I called her a spoiled brat during that race." Speed chuckled.

"You did?" Trixie gasped.

"Yeah. Before the race began I was hanging out at a bar to get some time alone, remember?"

"Yeah, you were really nervous."

"Well, I got into a fight with some jerks and she was there and asked me about the girl who was being offered to the winner of the race, I said that said girl is probably a spoiled brat, not knowing I was talking directly to that person."

"Oh Speed, I'm glad she forgave you, some girls would hold a big grudge over something like that."

"Well, she came in second place and definitely earned my respect and I earned hers after fighting that great white shark…" Speed tried to stop himself mid-sentence but failed, neither he nor Sparky had told Trixie that he fought and killed a great white shark with a pocket knife that day during the speedboat section of the World GP.

"You what?!" Trixie shouted.

Speed shrunk, "Nothing, never mind." He shrugged.

"Speed Racer, what do you do when I'm not around? I can't leave you anywhere!" Trixie lectured as they raced off into the sunset, not stopping until Denver.

"How're we still in third? I thought your car didn't have to stop!" Van Ruffle shouted.

"Oh, be quiet! There's no such thing as an unlimited fuel source, the car still has to stop to charge itself and that battle with Racer X drained the battery even more than it should have. So, it had to stop and our team had to fix any fatigued parts before continuing. Didn't you work for an Engine Company? What use are you anyway?" Oriana retorted.

"I'm your income, Ms. Flux so you'd better start treating me with respect. I'm tired of you getting wise all of the time!"

"I wouldn't have to if you'd sit and learn about the project you're funding with your own money."

"See? That's what I'm talking about!"

"Where is this coming from anyway? I thought you were happy with the GRX?"

Van Ruffle sighed with his back turned to Oriana, "I was thinking about what you said last night and you're right. If it wasn't for me being stupid and firing Pops Racer, this whole Mach 5 problem wouldn't have happened."

"I was waiting for you to admit that to yourself." Oriana said as a *pew* *pew* rang out and Mr. Van Ruffle fell to the ground. "I think everyone deserves to rest in peace." Flux jeered as she put the silenced pistol back into her large purse and left the hotel in Mexico City with her and Van Ruffle's briefcases and headed to the airport to catch a flight to Denver, Colorado.

Chapter 8: Denver Checkpoint

In the mountains, Left Gordon and Lovelace Goldminter continue their battle as they blast through the city of Pueblo, Colorado. But they are shortly joined by an unexpected guest as the GRX catches up to the two leaders!

"Who's that?" Lovelace asked her new assistant, Burges Halfdollar.

"That's the big unknown in this race, but its structure is exactly like controversial GRX that appeared last year and killed Curly Cranium, the son of Bent Cranium who invented the engine. Be careful, it is definitely faster than you are and in this race, it has done nothing but smash other drivers out of the way if they don't get out of the way for him."

"Get out of the way? What is this, Formula 1? This is a race, so we race!" Lovelace shouted in disbelief.

"I would advise moving, Ms. Goldminter. He hits very hard, hard enough to have ended a few people's careers already in this race." Halfdollar warned.

Lovelace thought and then huffed in frustration, "Fine. But as soon as I get the chance, he's going down." The GRX was approaching at a little over 210 miles per hour as Left Gordon and Lovelace moved over to their respective sides of the track, allowing the GRX to pass them.

"What's his problem?" Left remarked.

"I dunno, just a jerk it seems. We'll get him back." The crew chief said over the radio as Left and Lovelace continued.

Not long after, Speed and Trixie entered Pueblo as the people of Pueblo cheered for the Mach 5's arrival. "Wow, all of the fans came, huh?" Speed said while taking a brief rest from driving.

"Mmmhm, I'm glad that there are so many fans." Trixie smiled.

"They're what keeps the team and Mifune Motors well off. They even help me make a show of things when I'm at my best." Speed added.

"Why is it called 'Mifune Motors' again?" Trixie asked.

"It was Grandma's maiden name, on Pop's side." Speed said.

"That's very sweet of him." Trixie said until a thought came to mind, "Would you name something after me, Speed?"

Speed raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean?"

"Would you name a car after me? Or a race?"

"Oh boy. I don't see people buying a car named Trixie. Hmmmm…I guess if I had the money I'd start a charity or something." Speed thought.

"Jeez, don't give yourself a headache, Speed." Trixie laughed.

"I'm being honest, though. The 'Trixie Shimura Foundation' has a nice ring to it."

Trixie's face became flush, "Let's just catch up to the others." She said, not expecting him to think it out so exactly, it was almost like he thought about this before. Speed closed his eyes and grinned as the Mach 5 closed the gap between it at the top three.

Forty-five minutes later, the Mach 5 reached Denver and noticed that every car was stopped at the WRL checkpoint. "Huh? What's going on?" Speed wondered as Trixie stopped the Mach 5 next to Lovelace's.

"Well, look who it is." Left said walking over to the passenger's side of the Mach 5.

"Hey, Left." Speed greeted as he shook Left's hand.

"Nice to see you, too, Trixie." Left said, shaking Trixie's hand.

"It's an honor to meet you." She returned.

"What's going on, Left? Why's everyone stopped here?" Speed asked.

"The WRL said we have to stop here to start the next stage and gather the field back up to start again." He explained.

"That's just silly, we could've gone on with the race!" Trixie exclaimed.

"I don't know about that, the GRX or…whatever it is passed Goldminter and I and pulled away like we were nothing. I don't know what it's going to take to beat them, but it's going to take a special car and a special driver to get the job done." Left said, winking at the two. "Well, I'm outta here, I'm craving some fries. Race doesn't resume for a few hours to take it easy and relax." Left told them as he departed.

"Will do, see you later, Left." Speed said.

"What a nice man." Trixie remarked.

"Yeah, that's the Painter himself."

"The Painter?" Trixie questioned.

"Yeah, during his endurance oval racing days, he was sponsored by a paint company and had a new paint job almost every week. His first paint job was a rainbow which made him, and his team known as 'The Rainbow Warriors'." Speed explained.

"I wonder how he felt about that name." Trixie chuckled.

"He embraced it, that's what makes him such a great racer. He embraces the identity fans and even those who aren't fans make for him. You don't get as many wins and championships as him without the demeanor he has towards everyone. He races others hard and will even shove you out of his way to win, but after the race, he's your friend; but no matter what he'll respect you. That's a real racer." Speed gushed.

"Alright, alright. I didn't expect you to be such a fan."

"Oh yeah, I idolized him when I was growing up. Besides Rex and Hank, he was my guy." Speed said as they got out of the car. But as they did, three silver, delta-shaped cars with roses printed on the hoods pulled up. Speed's gaze became intense, knowing exactly what the cars were.

"What is it, Speed?" Trixie asked until she looked where he was looking, "Oh!" she gasped.

"The Three Roses Club… I thought the drivers and bosses were all killed by Flash Marker Jr." Speed thought to himself. The new Three Roses comprised of two men and a woman who stayed in their cars and stared down Speed.

"Stop it, we don't want any trouble!" Trixie shouted, waving her fist at them.

"Trixie, calm down. We'll get to the bottom of their intentions during the race." Speed said as Sparky and Pops came up behind them.

"That can't be who I think it is." Pops said, already getting excited.

"Going after them wouldn't be wise, Pops." Another deep voice said.

"Inspector Detector!" Sparky greeted. Everyone shook Detector's hand.

"It's great to see you all again. I know it might be a little late now, but congratulations on the World Championship, Speed. Very well deserved indeed." Inspector Detector congratulated.

"Thank you, sir. If I may get right to the point, what's going on?"

Inspector Detector pointed at the GRX, "That car. It tried to run Racer X and I off of the road." He informed.

"Rex? He's here?" Speed jumped.

"Yes, Speed. He's been working closely with me on this case. But I regret to inform you that since he's on assignment, you can't go meet him." Speed looked at his feet in disappointment, "But I assure you, he still wants to help, he's just going to try to not get involved." Inspector Detector reassured.

"Sorry, Inspector but Rex is still a hard topic for our family." Pops said.

"I understand completely."

"Sorry for bringing it up." Speed apologized.

"No need for that, Speed. You've been searching for Rex since he ran away, now you find him and it ends up like this, it's hard." Inspector Detector comforted, putting his hand on Speed's shoulder. "But this comes to my original point, Racer X and I are going to be watching the Three Roses very closely, as well as the GRX because we're sure that they're going to cause trouble."

"Who are in the Three Roses? We thought that Flash Marker Jr. did them all in." Speed asked.

"We thought so, too but it seems like someone got them together again. The new members are Tommy Zoomishi, Kakkoi Teppodama and they're led by Rosie Blaze."

"Didn't Kakkoi race for Musha Motors?"

"Yes, but he was fired for not being able to knock you out of the World GP, he crashed in the first leg before the speedboats."

"Well great, one of these guys has a grudge against me. I hope it doesn't come to anything serious."

"Be careful either way, Speed. But for now, you should go eat and rest as people come to watch the start of the second round." Inspector Detector suggested. The GO Team agreed and went to a nearby restaurant as Inspector Detector had extra security placed around the Mach 5.

Chapter 9: Begin Stage 2

"Dead?! You can't suspect that it was me!" Pops raised his voice over the news given to him by Inspector Detector.

"No, Pops. We know it wasn't you, you were in the air at the time it happened. We just wanted to know if you knew who could be behind the murder." Inspector Detector answered.

"Murder?" Speed stood there with Trixie next to him, trays full of lunch in hand as they took their seats next to the table.

"Yes, Speed. Your father's old boss, Mr. Van Ruffle was found dead in a hotel in Mexico City. Since you have a history with him, I was asking if he knew of anyone who hated Van Ruffle enough to kill him." The inspector explained.

"Could it have been Ace Deucey and his gang?" Speed asked.

"If only it was so easy, Mr. Deucey is still in prison for what he did a little over a year ago."

Trixie looked at her watch and notified, "We have to dig in, Speed. One hour until they call us back to our cars." The two started eating as Inspector Detector asked Pops one last time.

"Are you sure, Pops? No one you can think of?"

"No, Inspector. I'm sorry, but I have nothing." Pops repeated.

"Alright, thank you for your time. Good luck in the race, Go Team." Inspector Detector said as he left the diner. He walked around to the back of the building where Racer X was waiting for him.

"Did Pops have anything to say?" Racer X asked.

"He didn't, Racer X. I believe your family is completely innocent; now let's keep moving. We have to get to Anchorage and I have a hunch that whoever our murderer is, he'll be there." Racer X looked back into the diner before gunning it back on course to Alaska.

Thirty minutes later, Speed and Trixie came out to see that Sparky had parked the Mach 5 in a diagonal starting position next to the GRX, "Sparky, what's going on?" Speed asked.

"The WRL asked all mechanics to park the cars in a starting position like a normal endurance race and gave us all our own opponents for a one on one start. This is what stage 2's beginning looks like Speed."

"Do you know what order we're all starting in?" Trixie inquired.

"Here, look at this." Sparky handed Trixie a paper that had all of the information on it.

Trixie then read the rules and starting grid, "The second stage of the No Limit World Race will begin with two racers within 5-minute intervals between each group of two, the cars will go through the Colorado Rockies' treacherous mountain course that we have created. Be warned, the threat level is high, so be cautious through this dangerous mountain pass." Trixie looked up to Speed and Sparky and commented, "Who writes this stuff? It's like they want us to get killed." Speed and Sparky shrugged as Trixie continued, "The starting grid is as follows, the first going will be the #1 of Lovelace Goldminter, and the #33 of Rosie Blaze. Secondly, will be the #32 of Kakkoi Teppodama, and the late-comer #14 of Smoke Wheeler. After that is the #31 of Tommy Zoomishi, and the #24 of Left Roardon. Last but not least will be World Champion Speed Racer in the Mach 5 and the mysterious #00 car. Thrills and spills are bound to erupt as we make our way to stage 3 final in Canada!"

"Whoa, that means we start 20 minutes after first place." Speed noticed.

"True, but they're going to reset you again in Canada at some point. It's that part of the race that we need to worry about. Just be careful of the GRX." Sparky answered.

"You're right, Sparky. Thanks a ton for helping guard the Mach 5, especially with the Three Roses Club around."

"It's no problem, Speed. Just make sure you don't bang up the Mach 5 too much, these scratches from the first stage are driving me nuts and I don't think I could take much more of seeing the Mach 5 in this state!" Sparky exclaimed.

"Well, I'll see what I can do, Sparky. But it's up to whoever wants to try and smash into us at this point." Speed laughed but the announcer cut in with his booming voice.

"All drivers, please, get to your cars, the second stage is about to begin!"

"Alright, Speed. Everything has been triple checked and the Mach 5 is ready to go! Good luck!" Sparky said as he made his way to the helicopter where Pops was setting up.

"Thanks, Sparky! I'll be careful!" Speed called out as he and Trixie got set in the Mach 5.

"Up first is Lovelace Goldminter in the #1 and Rosie Blaze in the #33! Stand by!" The announcer boomed over the crowd as the two racers started their engines. They watched the flagman closely, as he held down the green flag and then a quick flick of the wrist, he waved the green flag and the two lady drivers drove off into the mountains. The others went in exact 5-minute succession until only the Mach 5 and GRX were left, waiting diligently for the second stage to begin for them, "Finally is the Mach 5 driven by Speed Racer and the #00 driven by Unknown. Stand by!"

"Unknown, huh?" Speed muttered as he twisted the keys and the GOV-12 roared to life, next to him, the GRX's familiar gravelly exhaust idled as well. It was as addictive sounding as it was before. But now Speed only felt anger towards the car, it almost ended his career early and he wasn't going to let that grudge slide without giving his opponent the race of his or her life. Just then, the flagman waved the green flag for the two cars and they blasted off through the entrance to the mountain pass.

Further up front, Left Roardon and Tommy Zoomishi caught up to Kakkoi and Smoke as they entered the narrow mountain road. "This is making me nervous." Left thought aloud.

"Left, you on this frequency?" Smoke's voice crackled through Left's radio.

"Hey, Smoke. What's up?" he answered.

"Look, I don't wanna sound like a jerk, but I really don't want to put up with these guys, they're obviously here for Speed Racer."

"Be careful around these guys, Smoke. I have no idea how far they'll go. It's only been five minutes and this one is racing me hard like it's the end of the race or something."

"Exactly my point, buddy." Smoke commented as the four cars moved through a tunnel in the mountain; the tunnel then opened up and they started to go up a steep hill, in which the right side was wide open, and the left was all mountainside. This man-made obstacle tested the torque of their vehicles to the limit, but that's when Kakkoi swerved hard to the left, colliding with Smoke! The sharp, triangular edge of the specially made car sliced into Smoke's front right tire, causing it to go out.

"SMOKE!" Left shouted as Smoked Wheeler's car bounced off the mountainside from the initial impact, then swerving to the right, and flying off of the cliff, exploding on the ground below! Left was stricken speechless as his old friend was murdered right before his eyes. He made the decision to stay slightly behind the two cars that now have proven that they'll stop at nothing to win…or get Speed Racer.

Only a few minutes back and closing on Left, the Mach 5 and GRX were side-by-side, "Speed, this tunnel comes out at a large incline to test torque, I think we can gain ground on the GRX there since we have our special tires." Trixie notified.

"Got it." Speed confirmed as they entered the tunnel which became pitch black, Speed pressed the E Button and activated the special illumination which instantly lit up the tunnel in an eerie bright red glow.

"We might not use it often, but I'm sure glad that we have the 'Evening Eye', aren't you?" Trixie asked.

"Uh-huh." Speed answered before they were blinded with a green light that emanated from the interior of the GRX! "Oh!" Speed exclaimed, not ready for the sudden light that shone in his eyes.

"Speed! The tunnel ends up ahead, use the tires quickly! Speed!" Trixie shouted.

"I can't see!" Speed yelled back when the GRX slammed into the Mach 5, causing it to hit a slippery patch, sending it on an uncontrolled slide as they approached the end of the tunnel! The GRX sped ahead of them as Speed, Trixie and the Mach 5 were sent careening to their imminent doom! Can Speed gain control the Mach 5 in time? Find out in the next episode of Speed Racer! [Outro Music]