SPEED RACER X!!!
QUALIFIERS - Episode 23 - X
Early morning just before sunrise and the day's activities have already begun at the ritzy hotel.
Spritle and Chim Chim wake up early, get dressed and leave their room. "Chim Chim, last night I heard them talking about a free breakfast buffet! Now's our chance to beat everyone to breakfast! Let's go eat!" They sneak quietly past all the rooms, the lobby and head into the dining room.
"Wow! Just look at all the food!" exclaims Spritle Their eyes widen as they look on at several huge banquet tables laid out with a full breakfast buffet.
A caterer tells them, "What? You're here early! The suns not coming up for another hour yet! Oh well, help yourselves." They soon pile on hefty servings onto their plates then sit down and enjoy their breakfast.
Not long after Trixie discovers Spritle is gone, she puts on a robe over her nightgown, fixes her hair and leaves her room. She knocks on the door to Speed's room to see if Spritle is there. "Speed, are you awake? Are Spritle and Chim Chim there?" she asks
Speed opens the door, he's risen early and is already dressed and ready to go. "Trixie? What's the matter?" he asks
"Spritle and Chim Chim are missing! I'm afraid they may be up to mischief!" she exclaims "Would you help me find them?"
"Sure! Let's go!" he replies
After searching the hotel lobby and just outside, they suddenly remember, "The buffet!" they say together. They head for the dining room, too late! Spritle have already finished their first plates and have halfway piled on their seconds.
"Spritle!" cries Trixie, "We've got to get ready to go!"
"We need to get an early start, if you're still hungry there's plenty of food at the race track." adds Speed.
Speed and Trixie chat breifly as they wait for Spritle and Chim Chim to come to them. "That's better, come on, lets get going!" exclaimed Trixie
Spritles whispers, "Did you fill your pockets Chim Chim?" Chim Chim nods. "Yeah me too! Heh, heh, heh!"
"Did you say something Spritle?" Trixie asks
"Uhh...no, not me it must have been my stomach!" he replies
Leaving a trail of cereal and crumbs, Spritle and Chim Chim follow Speed and Trixie back to the main hallway that leads to the rooms.
The front clerk bids them a cheerful good moring, they reply and smile back. He sees the strange trail of crumbs and scoffs.
Dawn and a beautiful sunrise, the wind is blowing up dust on the ground, tumbleweeds roll by.
Team Hibiki arrives in the middle of a emense dry lake bed, the speed test track which has been constructed to extend beyond the edge of a rugged canyon, site of the World Earth Gran Prix. They enter the gates and pass security then enter a tunnel that goes below the track to gain access to the inner circle of the race track.
"Wow! This track is awesome! The vastness of the flat lake bed will make for an extremely fast race! This is where speed records have been broken in the past! Looks like the Mach V can go all out on this track!" exclaims Sparky.
"This is perfect, now I'll be able to test the limits of the Mach V!" replied Speed.
"But you'll need to be very careful Speed..." says Mom
"That's right, at even higher speeds you have less time to react, so you'd better take it easy!" added Pops.
Trixie wears a bandana to keep her hat from flying away, "Oooh, its windy here! It's gonna really get hot on this track when the sun hits this frying pan!"
"Don't say frying pan, my stomach hurts!" cried Spritle He heads straight to the cargo bay to free Chim Chim from his captivity.
They look around in amazement, it is the day of the qualifiers and many fans have already turned out for the time trials. The hastily built covered grandstands around the track have been equipped to cool down the racefans with mist and electric fans powered by high-tech solar powercells and wind powered generators.
Souvenier vendors and concessions are open for business as the racefans browse. Various free samples of food and other freebies are distributed as well. Auto racing video games and other side attractions greet the crowds until the time trials begin.
"Oh-oh, try to look official, its the new big boss!" yells a Team Exelion crew chief. Jettison arrives and takes charge right away.
"Have the team assemble behind pit row, immediately!" Jettison commands.
On the inner circle of the track a community of RVs, trucks and race cars have gathered. Barbeque grills are fired up to cook the day's meals for the pit crews. They're all currently enjoying a continental breakfast prior to the check-ins and qualifying inspections.
"Food!" exclaims Spritle He and Chim Chim continue to chow down!
Back behind pit row Jettison speaks, "Now that I have you all here I have something to say. Team Exelion will no longer be known for dirty racing! As of today, those days are over! Anyone caught cheating or willfully causing injury to any other driver will be subject to strict disciplanary action or risk removal from this racing team! Have I made myself clear!"
"Yes sir!" they all shout together.
Mr. Balboa watches as Jettison walks away, "Heh, heh, heh, we're not finished with you yet, mister manager!"
"It looks like things have changed for the better." Michael adds and looks over at Sonya
"Perhaps. But now it will be up to every driver to pull their own weight." says Clouse
" I believe this has divided the team. My only concerns are Speed Racer and that Racer X! Where is h...?" she looks up and sees a familiar black cargo helecopter slowly descend from the sky!
The crowds begin to shout, "Look!" "It's him!" They jump to their feet begin to cheer!
Speed, Trixie and Sparky look into the sky. "Whoa! Looks like Racer X is wasting no time! He's headed for the starting line!" exclaims Speed
A commentator announces the arrival of Racer X as the Shooting Star lunges out of the cargo bay and soft lands on the racetrack. The shiny black car reflects sunlight as it heads into Turn 4 and into the front stretch as slows as it approaches the starting line.
Racer X stops his car behind the starting line amidst cheers from the crowd. He revs his engine at the starting line and lowers his window and points to the flagman who raises then lowers and waves the green flag. The Shooting Star starts its practice lap to qualify for the World Earth Grand Prix! In a matter of seconds the black car rounds Turn 1 and passes by the front stretch grandstands. The crowd gasps in awe at the speed of the Shooting Star as it soon disappears out of sight down the track.
The spectators then turn to watch the jumbotrons to see the black car descend into the canyon. The Shooting Star rounds Turn 2 and enters the back stretch through a series of rough turns and steep descents and rapidly approaches and rounds Turn 3. Moments later the black car literally leaps out of the canyon. Small black wings extend out from either side of the car creating a downforce that plants the car back on the track. The Shooting Star rounds Turn 4 and enters the front stretch and the finish line!
"It's a new track record!" exclaims the commentator. The crowd cheers as the black car enters pit row and comes to a halt. Three of Racer X's pit crew members walk up to the Shooting Star as Racer X orders them to keep an eye on the car for him.
Team Hibiki and others look on at Racer X who exits the car and approaches on foot.
"That was an execellent practice run, perfect in every way. Speed you really have your work cut out for you!" exclaims Pops
"Uhh...I'll try my best Pops!" replies Speed
"So we meet again." said Racer X to Speed Speed remains silent. "You'd better stay focused while in the canyon, it's very rough and so is the landing coming out of the back stretch. There'll be plenty of trouble coming out of there other than that there should be no problem." he adds
"Thanks." Speed begins, but Trixie interupts, "Don't worry Speed can handle the Mach 5 just fine without your advice, Mr. X!"
"Miss Fontaine, a pleasure to see you again. I haven't seen you since..." he smiles
Trixie becomes a little uncomforatable and gets behind Speed, "You'd just better watch it!"
"Good luck on your practice run Speed!" replies Racer X
Spritle and Chim Chim come over and confront Racer X. "Hey! You'd better back off!" exclaims Spritle, remembering how Racer X beat Speed in their last race together. Chim Chim growls.
"Hey you kids stay away from Racer X! What are you trying to do, get Speed disqualified even before he qualifies?" exclaims Pops
Racer X walks away.
"Why don't you two go check out the souvenier stands or go play some video games?" suggests Pops.
"Oh, sorry Pops! We didn't mean any harm!"replies Spritle "Come on Chim Chim, they don't need us around, lets go check it out!" he says as he hands a VIP pass to the ape
"Spritle, stay out of trouble!" adds Trixie. Spritle winks and they head to a access tunnel and disappear into the crowd.
The other drivers begin their qualifying laps, including Jettison, Michael, Sonya and several others, but noone comes even close to matching Racer X's track record.
Speed now takes the Mach V out to the starting line. "I dedicate this practice lap to the memory of my bro. Rex this one's for you!"
"This is it! Good luck Speed!" says Sparky over the video monitor.
"Thanks Sparky!" replies Speed as he gives the thumbs up sign to the flagman.
The flagman waves the green flag and the Mach V begins it practice lap. In the driver's seat, Speed hears the roar of the Mach V's engines and a faint cheers of the crowd as he rounds Turn 1.
The wind picks up suddenly and pushes the car noticeably. "Whoa! The wind's pretty strong out here!" says Speed as he compensates for the wind. "I hope it isn't this bad during the race, it could present some hazardous driving conditions! We'll need to work on that!"
"How's he doing Sparky?" asks Pops
"The Mach V has been finely tuned to handle any adverse conditions Speed may encounter. Speed is really handling this track like a true pro!" replies Sparky
"You see. Speed is doing fine. Try not to worry so much, dear!" says Mom
"I just hope he doesn't lose his head out there!" replies Pops
Speed makes his way past Turn 2 and into the canyon down a steep stretch of track and into a series of curves at the back stretch. He weaves in and out of the curves and rounds turn 3. He heads out of the canyon anticipating a rough landing, he grips the steering wheel tightly and braces himself. The Mach V makes the landing without incident.
"Now!" he exclaims. He floors the accelerator because he knows that winning the race will count on a fast and definitive finish. For a moment, out of the corner of his eye he sees a brief flash of light, he dismisses it as sunlight or just his imagination and shrugs it off. He enters Turn 4 and floors it again in the front stretch and crosses the finish line! His time closely matches that of Racer X!
The crowd again jumps to their feet and cheers wildly! The qualifiers for the World Earth Grand Prix conclude.
Racer X has earned pole postion, by his side will be Speed Racer. Row 2 Jettison and Michael. Row 3 Sonya and Clouse. Subsequent rows are occupied by the rest of the competitors from around the world.
Later that day at the raceway's health complex, wearing dark sunglasses Rex Racer exits the showers elegantly dressed. Reporters awaiting outside are disappointed when they see him instead of Racer X and continue waiting, expecting him to make an appearance.
Rex smiles as he makes his way through the mob. He turns and tells them, "Heh, heh! I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you, I just saw him head out the back way!" Hearing this the crowd of reporters rush towards the back of the building.
He turns to make his way toward the exit where a limosine and Joe awaits. As he turns to look ahead, he sees someone quite unexpected enter and head right for him.
It's Speed carrying a towel wrapped around a bottle of shampoo heading for the gym for a workout. Rex decides to have some fun with his little brother, "Aren't you Speed Racer?"
Speed looks up at the larger man, "Yes...are you..., a race fan?"
"Yes." he replies smiling, "Do you mind if I might get your autograph?"
Speed, not wanting to disappoint a fan, "Sure, no problem." He's completely caught off guard. "Uhh, have you got a pen?" Rex pulls out a pen and note pad from his jacket and hands it to Speed.
"Please make it to Joe." says Rex with a smile.
"Ok. Here ya go, Joe! Enjoy the race!" adds Speed smiling back.
"Thanks." replies Rex with a smirk and steps inside the limo.
Speed continues on his way, "That was kind of weird. There was something strange about that guy!" He shrugs off the incident and enters the gym.
"Here you go, Joe." he says as he hands Joe the note pad. "A gift, from Speed Racer!" adds Rex.
"Ack! Er..., I mean, thank you sir!" replies Joe astonished.
"Speed, prepare for the most challenging race of your life!" says Rex.
QUALIFIERS - Episode 23 - X
Early morning just before sunrise and the day's activities have already begun at the ritzy hotel.
Spritle and Chim Chim wake up early, get dressed and leave their room. "Chim Chim, last night I heard them talking about a free breakfast buffet! Now's our chance to beat everyone to breakfast! Let's go eat!" They sneak quietly past all the rooms, the lobby and head into the dining room.
"Wow! Just look at all the food!" exclaims Spritle Their eyes widen as they look on at several huge banquet tables laid out with a full breakfast buffet.
A caterer tells them, "What? You're here early! The suns not coming up for another hour yet! Oh well, help yourselves." They soon pile on hefty servings onto their plates then sit down and enjoy their breakfast.
Not long after Trixie discovers Spritle is gone, she puts on a robe over her nightgown, fixes her hair and leaves her room. She knocks on the door to Speed's room to see if Spritle is there. "Speed, are you awake? Are Spritle and Chim Chim there?" she asks
Speed opens the door, he's risen early and is already dressed and ready to go. "Trixie? What's the matter?" he asks
"Spritle and Chim Chim are missing! I'm afraid they may be up to mischief!" she exclaims "Would you help me find them?"
"Sure! Let's go!" he replies
After searching the hotel lobby and just outside, they suddenly remember, "The buffet!" they say together. They head for the dining room, too late! Spritle have already finished their first plates and have halfway piled on their seconds.
"Spritle!" cries Trixie, "We've got to get ready to go!"
"We need to get an early start, if you're still hungry there's plenty of food at the race track." adds Speed.
Speed and Trixie chat breifly as they wait for Spritle and Chim Chim to come to them. "That's better, come on, lets get going!" exclaimed Trixie
Spritles whispers, "Did you fill your pockets Chim Chim?" Chim Chim nods. "Yeah me too! Heh, heh, heh!"
"Did you say something Spritle?" Trixie asks
"Uhh...no, not me it must have been my stomach!" he replies
Leaving a trail of cereal and crumbs, Spritle and Chim Chim follow Speed and Trixie back to the main hallway that leads to the rooms.
The front clerk bids them a cheerful good moring, they reply and smile back. He sees the strange trail of crumbs and scoffs.
Dawn and a beautiful sunrise, the wind is blowing up dust on the ground, tumbleweeds roll by.
Team Hibiki arrives in the middle of a emense dry lake bed, the speed test track which has been constructed to extend beyond the edge of a rugged canyon, site of the World Earth Gran Prix. They enter the gates and pass security then enter a tunnel that goes below the track to gain access to the inner circle of the race track.
"Wow! This track is awesome! The vastness of the flat lake bed will make for an extremely fast race! This is where speed records have been broken in the past! Looks like the Mach V can go all out on this track!" exclaims Sparky.
"This is perfect, now I'll be able to test the limits of the Mach V!" replied Speed.
"But you'll need to be very careful Speed..." says Mom
"That's right, at even higher speeds you have less time to react, so you'd better take it easy!" added Pops.
Trixie wears a bandana to keep her hat from flying away, "Oooh, its windy here! It's gonna really get hot on this track when the sun hits this frying pan!"
"Don't say frying pan, my stomach hurts!" cried Spritle He heads straight to the cargo bay to free Chim Chim from his captivity.
They look around in amazement, it is the day of the qualifiers and many fans have already turned out for the time trials. The hastily built covered grandstands around the track have been equipped to cool down the racefans with mist and electric fans powered by high-tech solar powercells and wind powered generators.
Souvenier vendors and concessions are open for business as the racefans browse. Various free samples of food and other freebies are distributed as well. Auto racing video games and other side attractions greet the crowds until the time trials begin.
"Oh-oh, try to look official, its the new big boss!" yells a Team Exelion crew chief. Jettison arrives and takes charge right away.
"Have the team assemble behind pit row, immediately!" Jettison commands.
On the inner circle of the track a community of RVs, trucks and race cars have gathered. Barbeque grills are fired up to cook the day's meals for the pit crews. They're all currently enjoying a continental breakfast prior to the check-ins and qualifying inspections.
"Food!" exclaims Spritle He and Chim Chim continue to chow down!
Back behind pit row Jettison speaks, "Now that I have you all here I have something to say. Team Exelion will no longer be known for dirty racing! As of today, those days are over! Anyone caught cheating or willfully causing injury to any other driver will be subject to strict disciplanary action or risk removal from this racing team! Have I made myself clear!"
"Yes sir!" they all shout together.
Mr. Balboa watches as Jettison walks away, "Heh, heh, heh, we're not finished with you yet, mister manager!"
"It looks like things have changed for the better." Michael adds and looks over at Sonya
"Perhaps. But now it will be up to every driver to pull their own weight." says Clouse
" I believe this has divided the team. My only concerns are Speed Racer and that Racer X! Where is h...?" she looks up and sees a familiar black cargo helecopter slowly descend from the sky!
The crowds begin to shout, "Look!" "It's him!" They jump to their feet begin to cheer!
Speed, Trixie and Sparky look into the sky. "Whoa! Looks like Racer X is wasting no time! He's headed for the starting line!" exclaims Speed
A commentator announces the arrival of Racer X as the Shooting Star lunges out of the cargo bay and soft lands on the racetrack. The shiny black car reflects sunlight as it heads into Turn 4 and into the front stretch as slows as it approaches the starting line.
Racer X stops his car behind the starting line amidst cheers from the crowd. He revs his engine at the starting line and lowers his window and points to the flagman who raises then lowers and waves the green flag. The Shooting Star starts its practice lap to qualify for the World Earth Grand Prix! In a matter of seconds the black car rounds Turn 1 and passes by the front stretch grandstands. The crowd gasps in awe at the speed of the Shooting Star as it soon disappears out of sight down the track.
The spectators then turn to watch the jumbotrons to see the black car descend into the canyon. The Shooting Star rounds Turn 2 and enters the back stretch through a series of rough turns and steep descents and rapidly approaches and rounds Turn 3. Moments later the black car literally leaps out of the canyon. Small black wings extend out from either side of the car creating a downforce that plants the car back on the track. The Shooting Star rounds Turn 4 and enters the front stretch and the finish line!
"It's a new track record!" exclaims the commentator. The crowd cheers as the black car enters pit row and comes to a halt. Three of Racer X's pit crew members walk up to the Shooting Star as Racer X orders them to keep an eye on the car for him.
Team Hibiki and others look on at Racer X who exits the car and approaches on foot.
"That was an execellent practice run, perfect in every way. Speed you really have your work cut out for you!" exclaims Pops
"Uhh...I'll try my best Pops!" replies Speed
"So we meet again." said Racer X to Speed Speed remains silent. "You'd better stay focused while in the canyon, it's very rough and so is the landing coming out of the back stretch. There'll be plenty of trouble coming out of there other than that there should be no problem." he adds
"Thanks." Speed begins, but Trixie interupts, "Don't worry Speed can handle the Mach 5 just fine without your advice, Mr. X!"
"Miss Fontaine, a pleasure to see you again. I haven't seen you since..." he smiles
Trixie becomes a little uncomforatable and gets behind Speed, "You'd just better watch it!"
"Good luck on your practice run Speed!" replies Racer X
Spritle and Chim Chim come over and confront Racer X. "Hey! You'd better back off!" exclaims Spritle, remembering how Racer X beat Speed in their last race together. Chim Chim growls.
"Hey you kids stay away from Racer X! What are you trying to do, get Speed disqualified even before he qualifies?" exclaims Pops
Racer X walks away.
"Why don't you two go check out the souvenier stands or go play some video games?" suggests Pops.
"Oh, sorry Pops! We didn't mean any harm!"replies Spritle "Come on Chim Chim, they don't need us around, lets go check it out!" he says as he hands a VIP pass to the ape
"Spritle, stay out of trouble!" adds Trixie. Spritle winks and they head to a access tunnel and disappear into the crowd.
The other drivers begin their qualifying laps, including Jettison, Michael, Sonya and several others, but noone comes even close to matching Racer X's track record.
Speed now takes the Mach V out to the starting line. "I dedicate this practice lap to the memory of my bro. Rex this one's for you!"
"This is it! Good luck Speed!" says Sparky over the video monitor.
"Thanks Sparky!" replies Speed as he gives the thumbs up sign to the flagman.
The flagman waves the green flag and the Mach V begins it practice lap. In the driver's seat, Speed hears the roar of the Mach V's engines and a faint cheers of the crowd as he rounds Turn 1.
The wind picks up suddenly and pushes the car noticeably. "Whoa! The wind's pretty strong out here!" says Speed as he compensates for the wind. "I hope it isn't this bad during the race, it could present some hazardous driving conditions! We'll need to work on that!"
"How's he doing Sparky?" asks Pops
"The Mach V has been finely tuned to handle any adverse conditions Speed may encounter. Speed is really handling this track like a true pro!" replies Sparky
"You see. Speed is doing fine. Try not to worry so much, dear!" says Mom
"I just hope he doesn't lose his head out there!" replies Pops
Speed makes his way past Turn 2 and into the canyon down a steep stretch of track and into a series of curves at the back stretch. He weaves in and out of the curves and rounds turn 3. He heads out of the canyon anticipating a rough landing, he grips the steering wheel tightly and braces himself. The Mach V makes the landing without incident.
"Now!" he exclaims. He floors the accelerator because he knows that winning the race will count on a fast and definitive finish. For a moment, out of the corner of his eye he sees a brief flash of light, he dismisses it as sunlight or just his imagination and shrugs it off. He enters Turn 4 and floors it again in the front stretch and crosses the finish line! His time closely matches that of Racer X!
The crowd again jumps to their feet and cheers wildly! The qualifiers for the World Earth Grand Prix conclude.
Racer X has earned pole postion, by his side will be Speed Racer. Row 2 Jettison and Michael. Row 3 Sonya and Clouse. Subsequent rows are occupied by the rest of the competitors from around the world.
Later that day at the raceway's health complex, wearing dark sunglasses Rex Racer exits the showers elegantly dressed. Reporters awaiting outside are disappointed when they see him instead of Racer X and continue waiting, expecting him to make an appearance.
Rex smiles as he makes his way through the mob. He turns and tells them, "Heh, heh! I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you, I just saw him head out the back way!" Hearing this the crowd of reporters rush towards the back of the building.
He turns to make his way toward the exit where a limosine and Joe awaits. As he turns to look ahead, he sees someone quite unexpected enter and head right for him.
It's Speed carrying a towel wrapped around a bottle of shampoo heading for the gym for a workout. Rex decides to have some fun with his little brother, "Aren't you Speed Racer?"
Speed looks up at the larger man, "Yes...are you..., a race fan?"
"Yes." he replies smiling, "Do you mind if I might get your autograph?"
Speed, not wanting to disappoint a fan, "Sure, no problem." He's completely caught off guard. "Uhh, have you got a pen?" Rex pulls out a pen and note pad from his jacket and hands it to Speed.
"Please make it to Joe." says Rex with a smile.
"Ok. Here ya go, Joe! Enjoy the race!" adds Speed smiling back.
"Thanks." replies Rex with a smirk and steps inside the limo.
Speed continues on his way, "That was kind of weird. There was something strange about that guy!" He shrugs off the incident and enters the gym.
"Here you go, Joe." he says as he hands Joe the note pad. "A gift, from Speed Racer!" adds Rex.
"Ack! Er..., I mean, thank you sir!" replies Joe astonished.
"Speed, prepare for the most challenging race of your life!" says Rex.