Chapter 3: The Race is On!

The Wacky Racers tore through London at a rapid pace. Dick Dastardly took an early lead and was immediately inspired. "Quick, Muttley, I know the perfect way to stop the other racers." The Mean Machine then sped ahead.

At London Bridge, Dastardly ordered, "Hurry, Muttley, hurry!" Muttley frowned and muttered unintelligibly as he placed dynamite at different points under the bridge.

Dastardly, what are you up to? What's going on here?

As Muttley rejoined him, Dastardly answered, "It's simple, really, my fair lady: London Bridge is falling down!" He laughed before pressing the lever, obliterating the bridge.

Oh, no! He's really done it this time! How are the others supposed to get across?

The other racers approached what was left of London Bridge. Bridget and the professor were the first ones there. Bridget said, "Dear me, it looks like London Bridge has fallen down."

"That's no problem, my fair lady," said Professor Pat Pending. "Using our combined resources, we can make an instant London Bridge."

Bridget smiled and said, "Alright, let's do it."

Some bridge pieces came out of the fronts of their cars. Once they were joined together, there stood a brand new London Bridge!

Amazing! It's as if London Bridge never fell in the first place! And everyone is across!

Dastardly and Muttley had watched the whole thing in shock. After the others had passed, Dastardly said, "Drat! Foiled by that pesky inventor and that blasted. . ." Muttley growled at Dastardly, causing Dick to laugh nervously. Remembering that Muttley had a crush on Bridget, Dastardly corrected himself. "Um, I mean, beautiful nurse." Muttley just laughed.

Cody, Bailey, Zack, Maya, and Woody were watching the race on a small TV inside a helicopter. "It sure was nice of your aunt to arrange this helicopter ride to Dublin so we could see the end of the race," said Cody.

"I know," said Bailey with a smile. "She's gone out of her way to make this a great experience for us. I just hope she can win."

Checking our radar scope, the racers have now made their way to the English countryside. Right now, Peter Perfect is in the lead, followed by the Creepy Coupe in second, while the Red Max and the Army Surplus Special battle for third.

The Turbo Terrific rolled over the hills. However, the Gruesome Twosome switched to Dragon Power and flew over the hills, taking the lead. The dragon then went back inside and the Creepy Coupe rolled along. Red Max managed to pull away from the Surplus Six and the Crimson Haybailer flew over the hills as well, passing Peter and taking second place. With the Army Surplus Special now neck-and-neck with the Ant Hill Mob, Sgt. Blast ordered, "Fire!"

Private Meekly complied, blasting the hills and shortening them. This allowed the Surplus to bulldoze right over what remained of the hills, making it easier for the others to get through.

As the Arkansas Chuggabug rolled along, Luke looked around the countryside and said, "Golly, if didn't know we was in England, I'd swear we was right back home in Arkansas." Blubber muttered and nodded in agreement.

The Magic Rocket was ahead of the Mean Machine. Crystal transformed her collar into a pocket mirror so that she could keep an eye on Dastardly and Muttley. She frowned when she noticed them turn off. Crystal said, "Uh, oh. We need some way to get out in front. Dastardly and Muttley just veered off-course." She changed the pocket mirror back into her collar.

Vanessa frowned and said, "Knowing those two, they're probably taking a shortcut so they can pass us and set up another trap. We'll need to get to the front of the pack if we want to stop them. Time for a little Archery Power." The Magic Rocket then transformed into a bow and arrow. The string was pulled back and the arrow fired.

Look at them go! Vanessa and Crystal have just taken the lead! The arrow now changes back into the Magic Rocket and Vanessa lands safely! But, say, Vanessa, where's Dick Dastardly?

"That's what Crystal and I aim to find out," answered Vanessa.

"Let's burn rubber!" said Crystal.

Meanwhile, Dastardly and Muttley were up to something.

Oh, no. I should have known. Dick Dastardly and Muttley are planning another one of their dirty tricks!

"That's right, missy," said Dastardly. There was a cement truck by the side of the road, hidden by a tree. "When those Wacky Racers approach, I'll dump this quick-drying cement right on top of them. They'll become instant statues and I'll be the only one who finishes this Wacky Race." He then laughed.

Vanessa and Crystal were hiding in a nearby bush and had heard every word. "That's what he thinks," said Vanessa with a smirk. She then cast a spell on the cement truck.

When the other racers arrived, Dastardly pushed a button, causing the cement to dump. However, it changed course in mid-air. Seeing this, Dastardly screamed in horror as he tried to run. Unfortunately for him, the cement landed right on top of him, drying in a matter of seconds. However, he was still able to talk as he said, "Muttley, get me out of here!" Muttley, who hadn't been caught in the cement, just laughed.

Once the other drivers passed, Vanessa and Crystal drove up to Dastardly, Vanessa saying, "I got to say, Dirty Dick, you've never looked better." She then blew him a kiss as she and Crystal drove off, laughing all the way.

Muttley then took a hammer and chisel and got Dastardly out of the cement. Once free, Dastardly said, "Oh, I despise that meddling wizard and her cat. She's always interfering in my plans!" Muttley laughed again, this time earning a bonk on the head. Muttley rubbed the top of his head and muttered to himself.

And the wacky beat goes on as Peter Perfect regains the lead using Multiple Wheel Power, Professor Pat Pending springs into second place, and Red Max is in third thanks to Extra Propeller Power. The Slag Brothers are using Double-Club Power while Penelope Pitstop is using Sail Power and moves up into fourth place.

The Slag Brothers were trying to catch up to Penelope with the Reliable Turbo, the Creepy Coupe, and the Tropical Convertible close behind the Slags. However, the Buzz Wagon began gaining on them. "Mind if I cut in?" asked Rufus Ruffcut as the Buzz Wagon literally sawed through the competition, putting three of the four cars ahead of them out of commission. Rufus realized too late that he had just attacked the Reliable Turbo. Looking back, he said, "Oops. Sorry, Nurse Bridget." His apology was sincere, but he had to continue.

As the Buzz Wagon came upon the Bouldermobile, the Slag Brothers attempted to attack with their clubs, only to have Sawtooth chomp on them. Finally, the Bouldermobile was also disabled. The Slags muttered angrily as the Buzz Wagon zoomed ahead and they were passed by the other cars.

"Uh oh," said Big Gruesome as he looked at his damaged car. "This could be a problem."

"Indeed," said Little Gruesome. "If we can't get our cars fixed, we're out of the race."

"And I wanted to win this race so badly for Bailey," added Bridget.

Shrugging, Christopher said, "Another day at the garage." He got his tools and quickly fixed the other cars before fixing his own. He even repaired the Slag Brothers' clubs, much to their delight. He said to them, "I figured I owed you one for the time you fixed my car and tools. And since we're getting close to the Irish Sea, how about I give you all a lift?"

"That would be much appreciated, yes," said Little Gruesome as he and Big Gruesome got back into the Creepy Coupe.

"You're such a gentleman, Christopher," said Bridget as she and Arista belted up.

"Alright, let's get this show on the road," said Christopher as the Tropical Convertible converted to Jet Rocket Power. Some cranes came out and hooked onto the other three cars before taking off. Within moments, all four of them had caught up to the rest of the pack. Christopher set the other three cars down, before landing in front, taking the lead.

And it's Christopher Scott in the lead as we reach the halfway point of the race. Now, it's time to cross the Irish Sea into Ireland. But, wait, what's this? Oh, no, it's Dick Dastardly in his helicopter!

"That's right, madam," said Dastardly. "And pretty soon, the other Wacky Racers will all be stranded here in England while I win this Wacky Race!" He laughed.

As the Wacky Racers approached, Christopher was still in the lead as they approached a barge. "Hey, there's the barge that will take us across the Irish Sea," said Christopher. However, the Wacky Racers were stopped dead in their tracks when a missile destroyed the barge.

"Oh, fiddlesticks," said Peter. "Something destroyed the barge."

"More like someone," corrected Crystal. "Look." She pointed towards the sky, as everyone saw Dick Dastardly in the air.

"Ta-ta, Wacky Racers," said Dastardly. "Enjoy your stay!" He and Muttley laughed as they flew across. The helicopter then converted back to the Mean Machine and began rolling through Ireland.

Penelope stood up in her car and cried, "You're no gentleman!"

The professor then frowned and said, "It's going to take more than that to stop us." He and Christopher then converted their cars into speedboats. Some pontoons and a speedboat engine came out of Bridget's car.

"I'll switch to Sea Serpent Power," said Vanessa. The Magic Rocket then converted into a giant pink sea serpent, with Vanessa and Crystal riding on the head. "All aboard that's going aboard!" The other racers got on and soon, everyone was across the Irish Sea.

Thanks to his latest dastardly deed, Dick Dastardly now holds a comfortable lead. And it looks like he's actually going to win this time.

"This is it, Muttley, we're finally going to win! Nothing can stop us now!" He laughed but ducked when he thought he heard gunshots. "Yikes! Now what?"

Uh oh, it looks like Dastardly spoke too soon. Red Max and the Ant Hill Mob are firing away at the Mean Machine! And they puncture the tires! Now, the Mean Machine looks like Swiss cheese! They're finally forced to stop as the others pass them by! It's now anybody's race! That's a tough break, Dick.

"That's what you get for trying to leave us high and dry!" said Red Max. He laughed as he and the others continued the race.

Dastardly and Muttley finally looked up to see the other racers pulling ahead. "Drat! Drat and a double-drat!" Muttley laughed. And when Dastardly tried to bonk him on the head, he quickly put on a hard hat, causing Dastardly to hit it instead. "Yowch!" Muttley laughed again.

We're now entering the final stretch! The Arkansas Chuggabug takes the lead with Barefoot Bear Power! Now, it's Professor Pat Pending converting into a giant drill and burrowing his way into first! But the Army Surplus Special uses Land Mine Power and jumps out in front! What an exciting race!

The Ant Hill Mob was trying to gain ground when Clyde said, "Alright, youse mugs, let's shift to Getaway Power!"

"Right, boss," said the rest of the Mob. They then used their Getaway Power to take first place.

Now, it's the Ant Hill Mob in first place! But, wait a minute, it looks like Dick Dastardly is making one final push! He makes his way into second place!

"All we have to do is get past the Ant Hill Mob and we've got it!" exclaimed Dastardly. However, as it always did, their luck ran out as their hastily-repaired car fell apart.

Another tough break for Dick Dastardly as the others pass him by once more. But where's Nurse Bridget?

Cody, Bailey, Zack, Maya, and Woody were in the stands in Dublin, eagerly anticipating the finish. However, Bailey looked disappointed. Cody put a hand on her shoulder, saying, "I'm sorry, Bails. I know how much you wanted your aunt to win."

"What did you expect, Codester?" asked Zack with a smirk. "You're a jinx."

"I'll vouch for that," agreed Woody with a nod.

"Don't be too sure of that, guys," said Maya as she was looking at the JumboTron. "Like Yogi Berra always said, 'It ain't over till it's over.' Look." Her friends looked up at the JumboTron.

Nurse Bridget is in last place. But what's this? Are we going to see it?

Arista was stretching her legs, her leash tied to the front of the Reliable Turbo. "Take your time, Arista," said Bridget. "Go when you're ready." Seconds later, Arista took off at great speed!

Yes! They're using Lightning Power! Thanks to Arista, they sprint into the lead!

Arista quickly jumped back into the passenger's seat.

And Nurse Bridget Swan is the winner! The Ant Hill Mob takes second, and the Army Surplus Special finishes third. A great finish! What a race it was!

Bailey screamed in excitement before throwing her arms around Cody. Cody laughed as he hugged his girlfriend. Zack, Maya, and Woody paid them no attention as they simply cheered, having enjoyed the race.

Bridget received a trophy while Arista was given a medal. Photographers were taking pictures when Bailey cried out, "Aunt Bridget!" Bridget smiled as she saw her niece running towards her. Bailey threw her arms around Bridget, Bridget returning the hug. When they finally broke apart, Bailey was smiling with excitement as she said, "You were great out there."

"Thank you," said Bridget with a smile. "I was hoping I could win this race for you."

"Even if you hadn't, this whole experience has been amazing," said Bailey. "Thank you so much."

"It was my pleasure." Cody, Zack, Maya, and Woody smiled as they watched Bailey and Bridget hug again. When they broke apart, Arista jumped into Bailey's arms and Bailey happily began petting her.

Woody looked around and noticed that the other Wacky Racers were getting their pictures taken and talking to the press. All but one. "Hey, where's Dick Dastardly?"

Dastardly never did cross the finish line. He and Muttley were standing by their destroyed car. Dastardly jumped up and down as he pitched a fit, saying, "Drat, double-drat, triple-drat even!" He then kicked the front grill, hurting his foot in the process. "Ouch!" He hopped on one foot, holding his hurt foot and crying in pain. Muttley just laughed.

To Be Concluded