A quick note: Forgot the recommended music for this chapter. So here it is. Recommended Music: Good Rats by Dropkick Murphys

Trixie sighed and shook her head as she and Sparky drove past a group of women who had their radio up rather loud. Their voices rang out with the music. She glanced at them then quickly averted her attention at the same time Sparky let out a low whistle.

"Wow," he breathed. "Did you see that group of women, Trix?"

"Yes," she replied stiffly. "As a matter of fact, I did. I even heard them."

"Man, they were hot!" Sparky continued, oblivious to her obvious rage at the situation. The girls in question had been wearing cut-off shorts, sandals, and bikini tops under tank tops, and Trixie hated it. Sure, it was the middle of August and the temperature was in the mid-eighties. Nearly everyone was wearing shorts and tank tops that day, herself included. But these women were different. Unlike her, they actually looked good dressed that way.

"I noticed," she ground out.

"Yeah . . . wish I could have been one of those guys that were with them. Man, are they ever lucky! I wonder who they're here to cheer for."

"Knowing my luck," she retorted, fighting back her surprise that she had failed to notice any men with that group, "they're here to root for Speed."

"You think so? They didn't like the usual group that follows him around."

"Different kind of race, different kind of fan."

"If you say so, Trixie. If you say so."

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An hour had passed and the race had started. Speed, as usual, was having a blast. With the Mach 5, he had not only managed to get the pole position but had managed to maintain the lead on every lap. It could change at any moment. He knew that. Any little thing could go wrong. The steering could go, the brakes . . . he could lose a tire. Despite these worries, Speed enjoyed the lead that he had. If he understood the rules right, he earned extra points for every lap led.

'Great incentive for staying in the lead,' he smirked. 'Wonder if it's possible to lead every lap. Only one way to find out.' With that, he pressed down on the accelerator, putting his competition several more seconds behind him.

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"And the winner is Speed Racer! Ladies and gentlemen, this has got to be one of the most spectacular races that I have ever seen!" the announcer declared. "This is unbelievable! They're going crazy in the Go Team pit area! Speed Racer has done it again. This has got to be some kind of new record . . ."

The television shut off with a slight whine and a remote was set down.

"Just as I thought . . . the competition has become unfair . . ."

"Yes. You were right. For once."

Bright red lips grinned at the man who spoke.

"Don't sound so surprised. Are we agreed then on what has to be done?"

A collective pause then several heads began to nod.

"Very well then. I'll talk to the Go Team in an hour. Good day, gentlemen."