CANNONBALL RUN 4: HIGH OCTANE

By The Turbo Man

Chapter Two:

The Rest of the Gang.

DISCLAIMER: I still own nothing, except the characters of Marcus and Regis. Sorry I couldn't have all the introductions in chapter one.

The three girls sat in front of a white speaker phone.

"Good morning, Angels." A voice said.

"Good morning, Charlie." Dylan, Alex and Natalie chorused.

"Angels, as you know, the Cannonball Run is taking place again this year. Once again, I would like you to take part.".

"We'd be glad too, Charlie." Dylan said. "How much is it for this time?".

"$200 million." Charlie said. "I didn't get a chance to tell you last year, but I intended to use the prize money for charity. However, as $200 million is up for grabs this time around, I think that we can donate half the money to charity and you three and your partner can keep the other half!".

"Sounds great!" Natalie said. "So, who's going with us this year?".

"Has to be someone with guts." Alex said.

"Indeed, he has guts." Charlie said. "He has saved the world several times over. Allow me to introduce British Intelligence's top agent, the International Man of Mystery, Austin Powers!".

The door of the office opened and in walked Austin Powers.

"Swinger in da house!" Austin yelled. "Look out ladies! I'm a lean, mean, shagging machine!".

"You've GOT to be kidding!" Dylan said.

"YOU'RE gonna be our partner?!" Alex said.

"I understand you're a little uncertain, ladies." Austin said. "But I assure I am a total expert and total professional on the job, in more ways than one." He cracked his head a little to the side and said "I thank you!".

"Oh, come on, guys, I think we should give him a shot." Natalie said. "Besides, he's kinda cute!".

"Alright." Dylan said. "But you'd better keep your mind on the mission, Austin.".

"Don't worry, baby, I can handle it!" Austin replied.

"Your vehicle is outside now." Charlie said.

The four looked out the window and saw a huge purple off-roader.

"It is called the Typhoon. It has many little secrets which you will discover. Instructions have been left in the glove compartment. Well, good luck in the race!". He said.

"Okay, Charlie!" the Angels said.

"YEAH, BABY, YEAH! LET'S GO!" Austin yelled as he and the girls headed out to their vehicle.

Meanwhile...

In his lab, Doctor Heller addressed his six friends.

"Glad you could make it guys!" he said. "I've got the vehicles ready for the Cannonball!".

"Great!" Mr. Furious said. "We've been looking forward to this for months!".

"It's a shame that Spleen left the group." The Shoveler said.

"No it's not!" The Bowler said. "We don't have to put up with the smell any more!".

"I totally agree." The Blue Raja said. "The thought of spending months in a confined space with him kept me awake for months!".

"Hey, come on guys! Let's remain focused here!" The Invisible Boy said. "We need to muster all our concentration for this race.".

"Indeed." The Sphinx said. "If your concentration wanders...er, you wonder what became of your concentration!".

"Face it, Sphinx, you're running out of cliches." Mr. Furious said.

"Well, you can't blame a guy for trying." Sphinx said.

"Okay, now guys and gals!" Heller said. "Here they are!".

He slid open a large door, revealing two minivans. Both were painted black and had spoilers. One had red trimmings, the other had purple trimmings.

"This one is called the Van Go." Heller said pointing to the red-trimmed one. "And the other is called the Van Itty.".

"Are you serious?" The Bowler said, trying not to laugh.

"Yes, I know, not very imaginative, but it was the best I could think of. With two vehicles at least we can assure that at least one group of Mystery Men will win.".

"Well, that's great, Doc." Shoveler said.

"I'm coming with you, just to make sure everything works alright." Heller said. "I've equipped each car with some weapons, non-lethal of course.".

"Well, let's see what these babies can do!" Mr. Furious said.

"And you accuse me of talking in cliches!" Sphinx said.

Furious, Shoveler, Bowler and Sphinx got into the Van Go while Invisible Boy, Blue Raja and Doc Heller got into the Van Itty. Both vehicles were started and the Mystery Men rolled out of the lab.

Meanwhile...

"So, Nemesis." Stone Cold Steve Austin said. "You say you found another partner for us?".

"RRRARR!" The huge monster replied.

"Okay, so where is he?".

Nemesis turned around and gestured to somebody to enter the garage. A tall figure wearing a robe appeared. He was carrying a very large scythe.

I UNDERSTAND THAT YOU NEEDED ANOTHER PARTNER FOR THE CANNONBALL RUN the figure said in a booming voice. Or at least Austin thought he said it. He could hear the words in his head. Austin stepped forward and got a good look at the figure. He nearly jumped out of his skin. Under the hood of the robe was a skull. Rather than having empty eye sockets, the skull seemed to have eyes like two blue stars.

"Y..y..you're DEATH!" Austin said.

REALLY? I WONDERED WHY I WAS CARRYING THIS SCYTHE. Death replied.

"B..but why do you want to take part in the Cannonball?" Austin asked. "I mean, don't you have souls to collect or something like that?".

I JUST WANTED A BIT OF FUN. A LITTLE BREAK FROM THE DAY TO DAY GRIND said Death. AND YOUR FRIEND NEMESIS HERE ASSURED ME THAT I WOULD ENJOY MYSELF.

"Rrrrr." Nemesis grunted in response.

"But, how do you and Nemesis know each...Aw forget it, I'd rather not know!" Austin said. "I'm gonna need a very stiff drink REAL soon!" Austin thought to himself.

SO, HOW ARE WE GOING TO RACE? Asked Death.

"The car's ready." Austin said. "She's all fuelled up and ready to go!". Austin gestured to a black car. It had an evil clown face painted on the hood. "She's called Malice.".

VERY APPROPRIATE said Death ALLOW ME TO DRIVE FIRST.

"Sure, go ahead." Austin said. "By the way, is it.."

DON'T WORRY said Death IT'S NOWHERE NEAR YOUR TIME YET.

"Thank God." Austin said as he wiped sweat from his forehead.

Meanwhile...

"DAMN, this is gonna kick ass! Right, Lee?" James Carter said, as he and his partner Lee headed across the street in Hong Kong.

"I'm sure it will." Lee replied calmly. "This car is a very advanced vehicle, and the Government spent ages getting it ready.".

"So, it's really computerised and shit like that?" Carter asked.

"Yes, the Japanese scientist, Dr. Slump, who raced in last year's Cannonball designed it.". Lee said.

"I just hope the US will let us through customs with it." Carter said.

"There should be no complications." Lee said as he took out a set of car keys. The pair approached a red ZR-1 Corvette. It was named the Banshee. Lee opened the door and got in. Carter got in right next to him. The Dashboard had computer displays on it and various switches.

"Damn!" Carter said. "Does this thing make coffee too?".

Lee raised an eyebrow. "Carter, it's good but not THAT good. Here we go!". Lee started up the car and headed off to the airport.

Meanwhile...

Alice J. Foyt sat in her living room in LA. She was angry. There was all the buzz about the Cannonball Run going on. It made her sick.

"Sure the cops may try to stop the Cannonballers but it won't make a lick of difference because the damn President's going to let them off!" she thought to herself.

She poured herself another cup of tea and tried to calm down. A knock on the door interrupted her train of thought. She set down her cup of tea and headed for the door. She opened and found herself faced with a beautiful, blonde-haired woman.

"Avon calling." The woman said cheerfully. "I was wondering if...".

"No thanks, we don't want any." Foyt said flatly.

"Would you like to try this out?" The woman said, producing a spray can. She sprayed the contents into Foyt's face. Before Foyt knew what happened she passed out, hitting the floor with a thud. The woman smiled and pulled out a walkie-talkie.

"Isabelle here." She said. "Mission accomplished. Bring the van around and we'll deliver Ms. Foyt to Mr. Luthor.".

A black van was driven to the front door. Out of it got six other beautiful women. These were the Machinegal Dolls: Brooke, Jennifer, Vivien, Sayuri, Nastassja and Elizabeth. Isabelle was their leader.

Brooke and Jennifer each took an arm of Ms. Foyt, hauling her to her feet. Elizabeth took out a roll of duct tape and taped up Foyt's eyes and mouth.

"All set, sis." Elizabeth said.

"Good." Isabelle said. "Let's go."

"Need a hand ladies?" A voice asked. The Dolls looked round to see two men in black suits.

"Don't panic, we're here to help." One of them said.

"Are you two Marcus and Regis?" Brooke asked.

"That's right, pretty lady!" Regis said. "After we deliver Ms. Foyt to Mr. Luthor, would any of you be interested in.."

Marcus elbowed Regis hard. "Knock it off, Casanova! We're working here!".

"So, give us a hand to get her in the van!" Jennifer said. Marcus and Regis grabbed Foyt's legs and helped the Dolls to load her into the van.

"Okay." Isabelle said. "Hopefully, Mr. Luthor's plan will work.".

"Yeah, then we can all get a nice cut of the money." Sayuri said.

"Hey, Marcus, what WAS the plan again?" Regis asked.

"I explained it to you already!" Marcus said.

"Yeah, well it was a bit too complicated for me.".

"Regis, The Cat In The Hat is too complicated for you!".

"HEY!" Regis said.

"Hey, you two, knock it off!" Isabelle snapped. "In case you haven't noticed, we have just kidnapped someone, so maybe we should get out of here before anyone notices!". The Dolls climbed back into their van, while Marcus and Regis got back into their car.

Meanwhile...

Out in the desert, Lara Croft, Mai, Mirai and Chun-Li stood by the Infernus. They had to stop the car because the engine had started to smoke badly.

"I guess we pushed it a bit too hard." Lara said.

"Well what do we do?" Mai said. "We have to get it fixed.".

"Well, how do we find a mechanic in the middle of nowhere?" Chun Li asked impatiently.

"Well, I'll just stand by the side of the road, smiling and maybe someone will notice." Mirai said. She stood out by the roadside with a big grin on her face. A few minutes later, a breakdown truck appeared. It pulled to a halt next to the girls. Out of it got Launchpad McQuack and Kronk.

"Can we help you ladies out?" Kronk asked.

"Hey!" Launchpad said. "It's Lara Croft! You were in the Cannonball last year, weren't you?".

"That's right." Lara said. "And me and my friends here hope to be in the race this year, except our car needs fixed.".

"Well, Ms. C, you happen to be talking to the official Cannonball mechanics here!" Launchpad said.

"We really shouldn't be doing this before the race, but we'll do anything to help out a Cannonballer." Kronk said. "So what's up?".

"We were doing about 220 mph when the engine started smoking like mad." Chun-Li said. "We think it might have overheated.".

"Okay, just pop the hood and we'll take a look." Kronk said. Mirai opened the hood of the Infernus and the two mechanics looked underneath.

"Uh-huh." Launchpad said. "We can fix it. Just give us a few minutes.". The duck and the human went over to their truck and got various tools. They returned to the Infernus and got to work on it.

"I hope this won't cost too much." Mai confidentially said to Lara. "We need some money for the race.".

"Don't worry, I'm sure these guys will be reasonable." Lara said.

A few minutes later, Launchpad and Kronk closed the hood. "Okay, there you go. If you'll just give her a try.".

Mirai got into the car and started the engine. The engine sounded fine.

"Looks like she's AOK, girls." Mirai said.

"Thanks, guys.". Mai said.

"No problem." Said Kronk.

Launchpad was writing something down in a pad. "You realise of course, that since we're not at the Cannonball yet, we'll have to bill you for this." Launchpad said.

Gee girls, it's hot out here, isn't it?" Mai purred as she raised her hand to the zipper of her jumpsuit.

"Oh, no!" Launchpad said, raising a warning finger. "We've been told about how Ms. C gets out of speeding tickets.". Mai lowered her hand.

"As much as we would appreciate something like that, we can't just let you get this repair for free.".

"Well, you can't blame a girl for trying." Lara said.

Launchpad finished writing and handed the pad to Chun-Li. Her eyes widened.

"Are you serious?!" She cried. "This is ridiculous!".

She showed the pad to the other girls. They all gasped. It said $1700

"Well considering we fixed your car for you, I'd say it's worth it." Kronk said. The girls went into a huddle after a few seconds they turned around to face the two mechanics.

"How about this?" Mirai said. "We'll have game of poker. If we win, we don't pay for the job. If you win, we pay double. How about that?".

Kronk and Launchpad turned to each other. "Okay." They said in unison.

"But no cheating!" Kronk said.

Ten minutes later...

Full house!"

"Damn!" Launchpad said as he and Kronk folded.

Lara and the girls smiled.

"Okay, so forget the bill then." Kronk said. "But you better take good care of that car of yours during the race.".

"Don't worry, we will." Lara said.

As the girls got back in the Infernus, Mai said "I don't get it. That trick always works with cops.".

"Well, maybe J.J. just warned the Cannonball staff about it, I don't know." Lara said.

"Never mind." Chun-Li said. "We've still got a race to run.".

"Here we go!" Mirai said as the girls sped off.

Meanwhile...

In Free Country, USA, the King of Town, a rather stout, elderly gentleman, was on a podium outside his palace, hoping to get by his speech without heckling.

"Good citizens, you have been chosen to represen-"

"Get to the point fatty!" A voice cut across. So much for that hope. The voice belonged to a short, topless man wearing a red mexican wrestler mask and boxing gloves. It was Strong Bad, of the brothers Strong. Next to him was an odd yellow creature that was his pet/ best friend/ partner in crime, The Cheat. No one was sure what the heck exactly The Cheat was apart from, of course, a cheat.

The King stopped and began again.

"You will represent Free Country in this year's Cannonball Run. First there is you two, Strong Bad and The Cheat..."

"Which automatically means we'll win, cos we're awesome! Right The Cheat?"

The Cheat made a noise in agreement.

"I don't see why you paired us with Dumb Face and his GIRLFRIEND!"

"That's not nice Strong Bad." A feminine voice said. It belonged to a thin, blonde teenage girl, who looked only vaguely human, especially considering she didn't appear to have arms. She was Marzipan, local hippie.

"Dat's OK Marzipan. I know Stong B'ah don't mean it." Said Marzipan's boyfriend, local sports star and all around loveable idiot, (except if you were Strong Bad, in which case you'd drop the lovable) Homestar Runner.

 Homestar was a white guy, LITERALLY white, dressed in a baseball cap, and a long red top. He also appeared to have no arms.

"If you call me "Stong B'ah" once more crap for crap, I'll pound you to pieces!" Strong Bad said.

"OK Stinko Man." Homestar said. "I won't call you Stong B'ah."

"Don't call me that either!" Strong Bad said.

"What?"

"You know what!" Strong Bad replied.

"No, dat's why I asked. Isn't dat great?"

"This is gonna be a LONG trip, The Cheat." Strong Bad stated.

"Here to present you with your vehicle, I give you Bubs, the concession stand owner."

"Thanks Kingie." Bubs said. Next to him was what looked like a blanket draped over a car. "I give you, El Diablo!"

Bubs said, as he pulled the blanket off to reveal a large red car.

"Whoa, neat." Strong Bad said. The others made similar agreements.

"And the best of luck to you all." KOT said, wrapping up his speech.

Meanwhile...

"Okay, guys!" said Kermit the Frog. "We're all ready to go. Let's get the car warmed up!".

"Okay, boss!" Fozzie Bear said. "Dr. Honeydew says it should kick some butt!".

"It should, with MOI behind the wheel." Miss Piggy said. "You did say I could go first.".

"Well, Piggy, I really think..."

"Really think WHAT?" Piggy said dangerously.

Kermit gulped. "Okay, Piggy, sure you can drive first.".

"Thank you, Kermie." Piggy said.

"This will be so cool." Gonzo said. "I hope we'll win this time!".

"Me too." Rizzo the Rat said. "But if the Dragon is as powerful as Bunsen says it is, there should be no problems.".

"RACE! RACE!" Animal yelled.

"Okay, Animal, take it easy!" Gonzo yelled. "We're all excited.".

The Muppets headed outside their theatre and got into a large racing car. It was painted to look like a beast, hence the name the Dragon.

"Okay, little people, hold on tight!" Piggy said as she gunned the engine and the Dragon sped off.

Meanwhile...

The Highway Patrol were chasing someone down the highway.  They could barely keep up with the vehicle.

"Are you sure that car's not a police vehicle?" one cop asked his partner. "I mean it has POLICE written on the side.".

"It looks too high-tech to be one of ours!" The other cop replied.

Sure enough, the vehicle in question was a sleek, futuristic looking black car with a siren on the roof.  The driver was the road warrior, Mad Max Rockatansky. 

"This car's just like my old V8." He thought to himself. "Except faster!".

He put his foot down on the accelerator and his car, the Interceptor, left his pursuers in the dust.

"Now, on to the North Pole." Max said to himself.

Meanwhile...

Dick Dastardly called the meeting of the Villains Society to order.

"Greetings fellow villains." He said. "I am pleased to welcome some new members to our group this year.".

"Get on with it!" yelled Fearless Leader. "We gathered here for a reason, didn't we?".

"Indeed we did." Dick said.  "As you all know, the Cannonball Run is starting up again this year.  With a prize of $200 million to the winner.".

The Villains cheered greatly.

"We must get our hands on that money!" Baron Vladimir Harkonnen yelled.

"With that, we could certainly go on to rule the world!" Jafar said.

"YEE-HAA!" yelled Yosemite Sam.

"It would indeed be to our advantage if we succeed in this mission". The menacing robot Fulgore stated.

"Let's go for it!" yelled Shredder.

"Why's everyone being so damn happy?" Wild Dog asked. "I understand that this society took part in the race last year and didn't win.".

Everyone quieted down.

"Well, yes that is right." Captain Hook said. "But maybe things will be different this year.".

"Wanna bet?" Cyril Sneer mumbled. "I hope I haven't invested my time and money into a doomed project!"

"Everyone relax." Dastardly said. "A perfect vehicle has been designed for us.".

Muttley started to snigger.

"Shut up, Muttley!" Dastardly yelled as he bopped his canine cohort on the head.  Muttley mumbled to himself angrily.  Dastardly continued.

"Professor Nimnul and the Brain have created our vehicle and they are ready to show us. If you'll all follow me to the hangar outside.".

The Villains all trooped out, except for the Baron who was floating, and headed to a large hangar.

Waiting for them were the infamous Professor Norton Nimnul, super genius lab mouse the Brain and his dim-witted friend Pinky.  Behind them was a huge, six-wheeled monster of a vehicle.

"Glad everyone decided to show up." Nimnul said. "We give you, the Titan.".

The Villains gazed in awe upon the vehicle.

"Great Horny Toads!" Sam yelled. "It's huge!".

"I sense it is very high-powered." Fulgore said.

"Indeed it is." The Brain said. "And it has a little surprise, which we will show you if you all would care to get inside.".

"Oh boy!" Pinky said. "I love surprises! Is it my birthday today?".

"Just get inside with the others, Pinky." Brain said.

Professor Nimnul pressed a button on a remote control and a hatchway opened on the Titan and a flight of stairs extended to allow the Villians to enter the vehicle. 

The group boarded the Titan and as the hatch closed behind them, they took their seats in the huge cockpit.

"So, what's the big surprise?" Baron Harkonnen asked.

"Press the red button on the dashboard and you'll see." Nimnul said.

Wild Dog pressed the red button and suddenly, the cockpit raised high.  The vehicle was opening up into something.  After about a minute, the Titan had turned into a giant robot on wheels.  The Villains were sitting in the robot's head.

"Incredible." Cyril said.

"No other racer would dare challenge us with this monster!" Shredder said.

"So, what can this thing do?" Captain Hook asked.

"It has lasers, of course." Brain said. "And missile launchers in the robot arms.".

"You've outdone yourselves, guys." Fearless Leader said. "We'll be unstoppable!".

"I'm sure we will." Dastardly said.  "Well. Let's get going!".

"Why, what are we doing tonight?" Pinky asked.

"The same thing we do every night, Pinky." Brain said. "Well, sort of." He then added.

Meanwhile...

The scene was an office in MTV studios. Johnny Knoxville, the host of Jackass, was attempting to hire a sixth crewmember to accompany him and the other four members of the Jackass crew who were taking part in the Cannonball Run. The crew had thought, "We survived Gumball 3000, so why not try this race?".  But only five members of the team were interested, so Johnny had decided to hire a sixth racer.

"So," he said to the applicant, not looking up from his desk. "What are your qualifications?"

He looked up to see a man with white, rotting skin, grossly rotted teeth, and messy hair coated with dust. He was dressed in a white striped suit.

"My qualifications?" The man began, "Hmmm, I have a degree in film making, my great aunt was the Blair Witch,  I've seen EVERY SINGLE FRIDAY THE 13TH MOVIE, AND I TELL YA, THEY'RE THE BEST COMEDIES I'VE EVER SEEN! PLUS THERE WAS A MOVIE MADE ABOUT ME! I tell ya, I was portrayed in such a negative light. I heard people watch that movie and laugh! THAT AIN'T RIGHT!"

"Hey, hold on a minute." Johnny said. "You're that guy Beetlejuice aren't you?".

"That's right." Beetlejuice said.  "I came here because I love your show and I want to have some fun.".

"Well, can you drive?" Johnny asked.

"Sure I can." Beetlejuice said. "If it has wheels I can handle it!".

"Well, okay then." Johnny said. "You're hired. I'll just introduce you to the rest of the team.". Johnny then pressed an intercom button on his desk. "OK guys, come in."

There was a slight pause, before a large yell was heard outside the door, and the sound of some kind of crash was heard. Johnny walked over and opened the door to see Ryan Dunn's dazed form on the floor, in a supermarket cart.

"You owe me a beer Ryan, you said you'd break down the door." Said Chris Pontius, aka Party dude, aka Kick God out of LA man aka Mr. America etc.

"Don't look at me." Ryan said. "If Steve-O had put more speed behind it I would have made it."

"Aw, go shove a toy car up your ass." Steve-O replied.

"Already have." Ryan snapped.

"Encore." Steve-O responded.

"Uh guys," Johnny began, before being cut off as "Wee Man" went skating past him on his board, crashed into the shopping cart and went flying into a wall.

Johnny rolled his eyes. Sure, he liked the rest of the guys, but just SOMETIMES he wished he could control them.

"Guys, if I can have your attention, I'd like to make an announcement."

"What, you've come out of the closet?" Steve-O sarcastically asked.

"No!" Johnny said.

"It's OK Johnny, I understand it's a painful experience to go through." Steve-O added, teasing Johnny.

"How would you know Steve-O?" Chris asked.

"GUYS! Can we be serious for a moment?" Johnny asked.

"Not if we can help it!" Wee Man said as he picked himself up.

"I have found a team mate for the Cannonball Run!" Johnny said. "I'd like you to meet Beetle...".

"HEY!" Beetlejuice said. "Remember, don't say my name three times or I'm gonna go back to the Neither World, and I don't really wanna go back there. Just call me BJ, that's what my friend Lydia calls me.".

"Okay, BJ." Johnny said.

"Well, let's get going." Ryan said.

Chris turned to Steve-O and said "No falling asleep on this trip this time, okay?".

"What do you want me to do? Hold my eyes open with toothpicks?". Steve-O asked.

"Hey, good idea." Chris said.

"Or maybe we can inject him with coffee." Wee Man said.

"Yeah, a coffee enema." Ryan said.

"You're just sayin' that 'cause you wanna look at my ass!" Steve-O said.

"Hey, are we going some time this century?!" Beetlejuice asked impatiently.

"Okay, BJ." Johnny said. "Our vehicle's right outside.".

Outside the building was a huge white van.

"This is the Behemoth.". Johnny said.

"Is she fast?" Beetlejuice asked.

"You'd better believe it." Ryan said. "Fast enough to do something risky in, which is why we're using it.".

"Ok, have we packed everything?" Johnny asked.

"Yep." Chris said, looking at an inventory list. "Skateboards, beer, food, cycles, posing pouches, stupid costumes, shopping trolleys, my US boxers, a camcorder and lots of medical supplies."

"IT'S SHOW TIME!" Beetlejuice yelled.

Meanwhile...

Marty McFly parked his Toyota pick-up truck outside the lab of his best friend Doc Brown and went inside.

"Yo, Doc, are you home?" he called as he went inside.  Doc and his wife Clara came out of the back room to meet their friend.

"Marty!" Doc said. "Great to see you again!".

"Hi Marty." Clara said.

"So, what's up with you guys?" Marty asked.

"We're taking part in the Cannonball Run." Doc said. "And we were hoping you could come with us. Interested?".

"Are you kidding?!" Marty said. "I wouldn't miss this for the world.".

"Great!" Clara said. "We have a vehicle ready.".  She went over to a large object covered with a tarpaulin and she whisked it off, to reveal a red DeLorean.

"You put the time machine back together?" Marty asked.

"No, no, no." Doc said. "This car has no flux capacitor or time circuits. It was made simply for racing.  It does, however have a hover conversion.".

"Cool." Marty said.

"We call it the Deluxo." Clara said. "It's ready to go.".

"Let's get going." Doc said.  The three people got into the car and started it up.  The Deluxo rolled out of the garage.  Doc flicked a switch and the wheels folded up as the vehicle ascended into the sky.  With a whoosh, the Deluxo flew off north.

Meanwhile...

"Be careful, Hagar." Helga said to her husband, outside their house. "This could be tricky.".

The viking Hagar laughed loudly. "Don't worry. I'm sure the gods will be with us!".

Hagar headed towards the huge yellow vehicle he had named Thor.  It was huge, with a long front section and a huge afterburner at the back.  Waiting for him was his partner, Lucky Eddie.

"Everything's set, boss." Eddie said.

"Alright, let's do this, for the glory of the Vikings!".

"Yeah, whatever." Eddie said.

The two vikings got into their vehicle and prepared to head off.

"Come back safely, Hagar." Helga yelled. "And bring me back something nice!".

"As long as you promise we won't have to visit your mother for a year!" Hagar yelled back as the massive yellow vehicle pulled out.

"We'll probably catch something since we're going all over the world!" Eddie whined. "I mean, you know I have a delicate constitution!".

"Oh, shut up, Eddie!" Hagar snapped. "We are going to have fun, and that's that!".

Meanwhile...

"Alright, guys." Gregorio Cortez said to his children Carmen and Juni.  "You're going on this race with partners.  They'll be here soon.".

"It's not the Giggles kids is it, dad?" Juni asked.

"Hey, maybe they're not as bad as they used to be." Carmen said.

"You're only saying that 'cause you've still got a crush on that jerk Gary!" Juni said.

"Hey! Time out!" Gregorio said.  "No, they're not the Giggles'.  But they ARE spies like you, just not from the OSS.".

"Oh. Which organisation are they with?" Carmen asked.

"WOOHP. The World Organisation of Human Protection." Gregorio said.  They heard a car pull up outside.  "That must be them now.".

There was a knock at the door.  Gregorio opened it.  In walked a man in a black suit with grey hair.  With him were three 17-year old girls.  One had long red hair, the second had short blonde hair and the third had short black hair.

"Good to see you again, Gregorio." The man said in an English accent as he extended his hand.

"And you too, Jerry." Gregorio said as he shook Jerry's hand.  "And are these your top agents?".

"Yes." Jerry said. "This is Sam, Clover and Alex.".

The three girls waved hello.  "Jerry's told us a lot about you, Mr. Cortez." Sam said.

"Yeah, and your kids are well known too." Clover said.

"It's good to meet you guys as well." Carmen said as she went to shake the girls' hands.  "You've done a lot to save the world.".

"And so have you two." Alex said. "This mission should be easy.".

"Hopefully." Jerry said. "Now ladies, WOOHP will not be providing any gadgets this time. All gadgets are being supplied by the OSS expert Machete.".

"He's outside now, finishing touching up the car." Gregorio said.

"Let's go then." Juni said.

Outside the house, Carmen and Juni's uncle Machete was just finishing polishing up a white sports car with blue stripes painted down the middle.  Noticing the group approaching him, he called "Hey, guys! You all set?".

"Sure, Uncle Machete." Carmen called.  "How's the car?".

"As ready as she'll ever be." Machete said. "She's got retractable spikes on the tyres for cold weather travel, a protective shield if anyone gets too close, and all leather interior.".

"Cool." Alex said.

"Now, guys, we want you all to be careful on this race." Gregorio said.

"Indeed." Jerry said. "But I'm sure you'll have fun as well.".

"You bet we will!" Clover said. "What's the car called?".

"The Silver Streak." Machete said.

"I get to drive first!" Alex said. "I have a licence.".

"Just try not to crash, okay." Sam said as the group got into the car.

Meanwhile...

A group of girls were standing outside the shopping mall in Tokyo.  One of them was whining.

"OOOOH! This is SO unfair!" Serena cried. "The race is happening again and I still don't get to go!".

"Oh, grow up, Serena!" Darien said. "Isn't it good that Raye and Lita are going?".

"I think so." Rini said.

"It'll be great, since we missed out last year." Raye said. "And we won't have Amara and Michelle to compete with this year.".

"Yeah. This is gonna rock!" Lita yelled.

"Well, you guys will sure have fun." Amy said. "If it's anything like last year's race, it'll be fun, but also tricky.".

"Hey, we take on demons every day. I think we can handle a race." Raye said.

"PLEEEASE, let me come too!" Serena said. "I can handle something like that!".

"Hey, meatball-head." Raye said. "Someone has to take care of the city while we're away.".

"Yeah, and YOU'RE the great leader!" Lita said, massaging Serena's ego. "You're invaluable.".

"I am?" Serena asked as she blushed. "Well, since you put it like that, okay. But have fun".

"We will." Lita said.  They heard the sound of an engine.  A large black vehicle appeared. 

"Here's our ride." Raye said. "Let's go.".

"Bye guys!" Darien called. "Good luck!".

"Kick some butt!" Rini yelled.

Lita and Raye high-fived each other for how they'd got the better of Serena.  The hatch of the black vehicle opened to reveal two humanoid cats in pilot's outfits.  It was T-Bone and Razor, the famous SWAT Kats.

"Alright, girls." T-Bone said. "You ready?".

"You bet." The two girls chorused.

"Well, get aboard the Black Knight and we'll be going.". Razor said.  The girls climbed aboard the large black off-roader and it sped off.

Meanwhile...

In a garage in Coolsville, USA, the Mystery Inc. gang were getting ready to leave for the Cannonball Run.

"Okay, guys, are we ready?" Freddy Jones asked.

"We sure are." Velma said.

"Shaggy and Scooby are just packing their stuff." Daphne said.

"Mostly food I'll bet." Fred sighed.

A large red GMC van with a spoiler on the roof  was parked in the garage.  Out of it stepped Shaggy Rogers and his lifelong pal, Scooby Doo. 

"Like, okay guys, the Burrito's all set." Shaggy said.

"Why did we let him name the van after a taco?" Velma asked herself.

"Re're ready!" Scooby said. "Ret's ro!".

"Okay, guys, do we have enough gas?" Daphne asked.

"Like, sure." Shaggy said. "There's nothing to worry about.".

"Okay, we're on our way!" Fred yelled as the gang piled into the Burrito.

Meanwhile...

"Okay, Morocco!" Secret Squirrel yelled. "Let's see what this thing can do!".

"Okay Secret!" Morocco Mole replied.  Morocco steered their blue car, the Tiberius, through traffic in the crowded city as they sped along.

"She handles pretty well, Secret!" Morocco said.

"Great!" Secret said. "Hopefully, there should be no trouble in the Cannonball.". 

Secret saw a blaze of light in the rear view mirror.

"I wonder what that is." He thought to himself.

In the traffic behind them was a long black motorcycle-like vehicle.  The front had a wheel and pipes like a motorcycle, but at the back of it was a black metal body with a cockpit compartment  for the driver.  At the very back was one large wheel.  The glow was coming from inside the cockpit , where was seated the supernatural avenger known as Ghost Rider.  His bike, the Shockwave roared with power.

"I must win that race". Ghost Rider thought to himself. "If I possess that money, I can use it to finance my fight against evil".  Ghost Rider sped on, not far behind the Tiberius as the two vehicles headed for the North Pole.

Meanwhile...

Outside the mansion in London, millionaire adventurer lion Willy Fogg and his friends were getting ready to set out.

"Alright, Rigadon." He said to his faithful manservant. "Is everything ready.".

"Oui, monsieur." Rigadon said. "Everything is prepared.".

"Is it true that you went all around the world in only 80 days?" the muskehound Dogtanian asked.

"Correct." Fogg answered. "It was a great challenge, just as this race is.".

"Well, we can handle it, can't we Dogtanian?" asked Pip, Dogtanian's mouse companion.

"Hopefully." Dogtanian said. 

"Well, the Esperanto is ready." Fogg said as he pointed at a green Cadillac El Dorado.  "Shall we go?".

"After you, monsieur." Rigadon said as he let his master pass.  The four got into the car and got ready to head off.

Meanwhile...

Mr. Plotz, the CEO of Warner Brothers, addressed the three wacky toons in front of him.

"Alright, you three.  As you know, you have been picked to take part in the Cannonball Run.".

"Sounds like a great time." Yakko Warner said. "Doesn't it, sibs?".  Yakko's brother Wakko and sister Dot both cheered.

"I'm ready to go!" Wakko said.

"And I'm cute!" Dot said.

"To make sure you stay out of trouble, Dr. Scratchensniff is going with you." The CEO said.  "He's outside now in your vehicle for the race.".

The three Warners headed outside, where Dr. Scratchensniff was waiting in a purple pick-up truck with flames painted on it.  It was called the Purple Haze.

"Alright, guys." The doctor said. "Are we ready?".

"You bet, Doc!" Yakko said.

"Let's go!" Wakko yelled.

"$200 million, here we come!" Dot said.

"Here's hoping I can stay sane with these three around." The doctor thought to himself.

Meanwhile...

The hyperactive Crash Bandicoot could barely settle down.

"Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!" he said. "This is gonna be great!".

"Hey, why don't you try and calm down?" Conker the squirrel said. "We ain't even there yet!".

Conker was driving their car, a camouflage-painted sedan called the Buckshot.

"Ooh, ooh! Can I drive Conker? Please?".

"Umm, maybe later, okay?" Conker said nervously.  The thought of Crash behind the wheel of a car was worrying.

"So, what are you gonna do with your half of the moolah when we win?" Crash asked.

"IF we win." Conker said. "Remember, Crash, this ain't no soapbox race. There'll be others willing to hand us our asses on the road.".

"Ah, no sweat! We've had much harder competition." Crash said, smiling.

"I don't know why I bother!" Conker mumbled to himself.

Meanwhile...

In the Nintendo meeting room, Mario called his friends to order.

"Alright, people." He began. "As you know, the Cannonball Run is starting up again.  We've already received a challenge from that annoying hedgehog Sonic!".

"HAH! We could beat him any day!" Fox McCloud said.

"Maybe." Luigi said. "But there'll be more than him to worry about. Many competitors have agreed to take part in the race as well.".

"Yeah, like Team Rocket, again!" Zelda said. "They may be bumblers, but they're good.".

"Even so, I have decided to accept Sonic's challenge to try and beat him in the race." Mario said.  A vehicle has already been prepared. Yoshi, please be good enough to dim the lights.".

"Alright, boss." The green dinosaur said as he turned the lights down.  Mario pressed a button and on a projector screen appeared the image of a red sports car.

"This is the Firebolt." Mario said proudly. "Another nice little number which Link whipped up.".

"Very impressive." Samus Aran said. 

"You ain't seen nothing yet!" Mario said. He pressed another button and a new image appeared.  The Firebolt was shown again, but now had one side open, which revealed missile launchers.  The roof was also open, showing another launcher, and a laser cannon was protruding from under the hood.

"Link has given this car very advanced armaments. I do not personally think anyone could compete with it." Mario said.

Captain Falcon whistled. "She sure is a beauty. So, who's going with you, boss?".

"Well, unfortunately, Link can't come because he's busy.  I have, however, picked my two partners for this race.".

The people in the room tensed, awaiting Mario's choice.

"Due to their abilities and good combat records, I have chosen...Fox and Samus". Mario said.

Fox and Samus got to their feet.

"You can count on us, Mario." Samus said. "We won't let you down!".

"Just lead us to the vehicle and we can get started!" Fox said.

"Very well." Mario said. "We shall leave immediately!".

Meanwhile...

In a clearing in a forest on the planet Mobius, Mario's arch rival Sonic the Hedgehog and his partner Tails were getting ready to set off.

"Okay, buddy!" Sonic said. "This year, we'll give Mario what for!".

"You got that right!" Tails replied, as the two got into their car, a convertible Porsche named the Comet.  Already in the car was their friend Knuckles.

"Okay, guys, are we ready?" he asked.

"You bet!" Sonic said. "I think we should give underwater mode a tryout.".

"Okay." Knuckles said. "Let's go!".

Knuckles started the engine and the Comet sped off.  As they drove through the forest, Knuckles flicked a switch on the dashboard and a glass canopy closed over their heads.  They were approaching a lake.  As they drove over the edge and flew into the air, the wheels of the car folded up.  The car landed in the water and submerged.

"Okay, here we go." Sonic said as a joystick rose up in front of him.  "All ahead full!".

Sonic pushed the joystick forward and the Comet moved through the water like a huge fish.

"Seems to be okay." Tails said.

"Alright, let's head back up and head for the North Pole." Sonic said.

Meanwhile...

In the FLAG lab, Michael Knight was talking to Dr. Bonnie Barstow.

"Okay, Bonnie, I'm ready for the Cannonball." He said. "But I still don't see why I can't take KITT.".

"You will be taking him." She said. "Well, sort of.".

"What do you mean sort of?".  Michael asked.

"Well, I didn't really want to break the team up, so I had KITT's personality transferred into the Phoenix." Bonnie said.

"Great! Well, I hope he's ready." Michael said.

"Well, if you'd care to get inside the car." Bonnie said, gesturing towards a red 1973 Firebird.  Bonnie and the FLAG technicians had spent months getting it ready.

Michael got inside the Phoenix.  "KITT, old buddy, you hear me?".

"Loud and clear, Michael" KITT replied. "I take it that you're looking forward to this race?".

"You betcha!" Michael said. "We're gonna win that money!".

"I was hoping we could give some to charity. After all, that's what the Foundation is about, isn't it?" KITT asked.

"Well, we'll see." Michael replied.

"Well, guys, goodbye and good luck!" Bonnie said.

"See ya!" said Michael as he started the car.

Meanwhile...

The green-skinned shiek Corvax addressed the two teenagers that were sitting before him in his palace.

"So, I see you two received my telegram". He said.

"Uh, was that, like, that white thing with the printing on it?" Butthead asked.

"Yes." Corvax said.

"Yeah, yeah! We got that, yeah!" said Beavis.  "Uh, what did it say?".

Butthead smacked Beavis.

"Dumb ass!" he said. "It said that this dude wants us to be his partners in the Cannonball this year!".

"Yes, indeed it did." Corvax said.

"Uh, why?" Beavis asked.

"Because you two did an excellent job of dealing with the police in last year's race.  Plus, I need co-drivers, and so far, the other guy I picked hasn't done too well!".

"HEY!" a voice yelled.  The voice belonged to a short, dark-skinned man in a white robe.  This man was known only as the Nomad, because he'd been banished from his tribe.

"I think I was doing pretty well, considering I've never driven before!" the Nomad said.

"Yes, you did, and I still intend to bring you with us. But I need someone who can evade the authorities with ease, as these two have shown expertise at." Corvax said.

"Also because you're crappy behind the wheel!" The Nomad said. "You couldn't win last year's race!".

"Well, that, my friend, will change!" Corvax said. "With our combined efforts, we shall leave our competition in the dust, and emblazon the name of Corvax as the fastest in the world!"

"YEAH! YEAH!" Beavis yelled. "This is gonna rule! HEH! HEH! HEH!".

"HUH! HUH! HUH! Yeah!" Butthead said.

"And we're going to split the money equally when we win?" The Nomad asked.

"Of course." Corvax said.

"Good!" The Nomad said. "Then maybe I can buy an army to storm that fort!".

"Now, let us go. Our vehicle is ready!" Corvax said.  He clapped his hands and two of Corvax's huge bodyguards opened the doors so a large, stock racing car could be driven in.

"This, my friends, is the Hotring Racer." Corvax said.

"HUH! HUH! He said 'ring'!" Butthead laughed.

"Please, no juvenile humour right now." Corvax said. "There isn't time!  We must go!".

Meanwhile...

In the Australian outback, crocodile hunter Steve Irwin was getting ready to go.  With him was another legendary crocodile hunter, Mick 'Crocodile' Dundee.

"I'm glad you could come, Mick." Steve said. "You were a real inspiration to me!".

"No worries, Steve!" Crocodile said.  "I'm looking forward to this race! I picked us a vehicle that should be suitable.".

Both men approached a dune buggy.  It had a powerful, multi-piped engine at the back. 

"Is this the BF Injection?" Steve asked.

"Yeah!" Crocodile said. "I figured since we'll be going through Oz and Africa, we should have an all-terrain vehicle.  Put your seatbelt on, 'cause this could be rough!".

Crocodile started the engine and the BF Injection accelerated.

"CRIKEY!" Steve yelled as they drove off at high speed.

Meanwhile...

The black van approached a huge skyscraper in Metropolis.  It stopped outside the main entrance.

"Here we are." Nastassja announced. "Better bring her inside.".

Marcus and Regis picked Ms. Foyt up and held her between them as they exited the van.  Foyt had come to a few minutes earlier and was struggling wildly.

"Take it easy, lady." Marcus said. "Our boss wants a word with you.".

"Yeah, he's got a proposition for you." Regis said.  With the Dolls following behind, the thugs and their prisoner entered the building and headed for the express elevator for the penthouse.

Regis pressed the button for the elevator.  It arrived and the villains got aboard.  In about two minutes, they had arrived in the penthouse.

As Marcus and Regis bundled Ms. Foyt into the room, Isabelle went forward and addressed Luthor, the Skull and Ansem.

"Mission accomplished, sir." She said.

"Excellent. You have done well." Luthor said.  "Now, you and your sisters get ready for the meeting tonight. The others will be here soon.".

"Yes, sir." Isabelle replied.  She turned around and left the room, with her six sisters following.

"Alright." Ansem said. "You two can remove the tape now.",

Marcus took the tape off Foyt's mouth.  Foyt immediately started yelling.

"Whoever you people are, you are making a grave mistake!" she yelled. "You have no idea who you're dealing with!".

"Don't try and intimidate us, Ms. Foyt." The Red Skull said.

"We know exactly who we're dealing with." Luthor added. "A bitter ex-cop.".

"Bitter?! How dare you?!" she snapped. "I was one of the most decorated officers in California!".

"Yeah, with the emphasis on 'was'!" Marcus said. "You really need to show our employers some respect, lady!".

"I have no respect for degenerates like you people!" Foyt yelled.

"Hey, watch it!" Regis said. "Maybe we should let you see who you're dealing with.".

"Yes." Said Ansem. "Remove her blindfold.".

Regis took the tape off Ms. Foyt's eyes.  As her eyes adjusted to the light, she got a good look at the three figures seated at the desk.  She gasped.

"Lex Luthor! Ansem! The Red Skull!" She whispered in disbelief.

"In person." The Skull said.

"What do you want with me?" She asked.

"We have a proposition to put to you." Ansem said.

"You are aware that the Cannonball Run is taking place again this year?" Luthor asked.

"Yes." Ms. Foyt said bitterly.  "And I bet that once again, that fool we have for President will give those scofflaws leave to do whatever they please on the road! It makes my blood boil!".

"Well, we have an interest in that race." Red Skull said. "We intend to put a stop to it, and get our hands on the prize money.".

"Since you have many a bone to pick with the Cannonball's organisers and racers, we were wondering if you would be interested in joining our cause." Ansem said.

"Me?! Help you?!" Ms. Foyt spluttered. "Are you insane?! I would never work for three of the biggest criminals in the world!".

Luthor stood up and came out from behind the desk.  He went over to Ms. Foyt and put his hand on her shoulder.

"Think of it this way, Ms. Foyt." He said. "If you help us, then the Cannonballers will be prevented from going around the world causing destruction, so you will have your revenge on them.  Thus, truth, justice and the American way, will triumph.".

Foyt thought about it.  She desired revenge on the Cannonballers so much that it clouded her better judgement.  She let out a sigh.

"Alright." She said. "It's a deal.".

"Excellent." Luthor said as he smiled widely.

Meanwhile...

"Hey guys!" rock singer Kid Rock yelled to his partners. "Is the Maniac ready?".

Cab driver BD Joe and crime fighter Darkwing Duck came out from under the purple and red car they were going to race in.

"You betcha, dawg!" Joe said. "She's all rarin' to go.".

"We've just finished making a few adjustments." Darkwing said. "The armour is ready.  Just activate it with a flick of the switch.".

"Well, I don't know about you, but I'm ready to kick some ass!" Kid Rock said.  "Let's go. We need to get some practice in before we head north.".

"OK! We gonna have lots of fun!" Joe yelled.

"Let's go!" Darkwing said.

Meanwhile...

"Now gentlemen." Tycoon Donald Sinclair said to the three men seated before him in the penthouse of his casino/hotel. "I'm sure you're all wondering why you are here.".

"Not really." Leonardo diCaprio said. "We all came here 'cause we were being chased by autograph hunters!".

"Yeah, and this was the first place we found." Keanu Reeves said.

"Well, never mind. I am glad you came here because I require partners for a little excursion I am planning." Sinclair said.

"An excursion?" Ben Affleck said. "What do you mean?".

"A race, all around the world." Sinclair said.

"Wait a minute!" Leo said. "Do you mean the Cannonball Run?".

"Yes, indeed I do, Mr. diCaprio.  I understood you took part in last year's race?".

"Yeah, and I got into it the same way. By running from crazed fans and ending up getting drafted to take part in the race." Leo said.

"Is that the race with $200 million as the prize?" Keanu asked.

"Exactly gentlemen!" Sinclair said.  "Are any of you interested?".

"YOU BET!" all three actors replied.

"Excellent!" Sinclair said. "Our vehicle, the Mantis, is parked outside.  Shall we go?".

"Lead the way, Mr. Sinclair." Ben said.

The four men headed downstairs and saw a large green VW Beetle with a spoiler on the rear and huge wheels waiting for them.

"Impressive." Leo said.

"Indeed." Sinclair said.  "It has a few little surprises which you will learn about in the race.  If you'll all be kind enough to get on board.".

As the four got into the Mantis, they failed to notice a bright yellow and red painted sports car parked across the street from them.

Inside it sat the English lord Edmund Blackadder and his faithful dogsbody Baldrick.

"So, that git Sinclair thinks he can win the Cannonball, does he?" Blackadder sneered.

"Well, do you think he can, sir?" Baldrick asked.

"Don't be ridiculous, Baldrick!" Blackadder snapped. "He has as much chance of winning as a one-legged man in an ass-kicking contest! Especially against the Serpent, here!".

"Still don't see why you had to deduct the money to build it from my wages." Baldrick said.

"Baldrick, I don't give you ANY wages." Blackadder said. "I took the money from my own bank account.".

"So that's why I never get any money!" Baldrick said.

"Well, unfortunately, there wasn't enough left over to hire a capable co-driver, so you'll have to do.".

"Oh, thank you very much, Mr. B." Baldrick said.

"But, just to let you know." Blackadder said. "If you mess up, your kind will become extinct, since you're hopefully the last of whatever you are!".

"Oh, alright." Baldrick said.

Meanwhile...

The green-faced superhero The Mask steered his car, the High Roller, through the streets of Edge City.  With him was his canine friend, Milo.

"SOMEBODY STOP ME!" he yelled.  "We're gonna win that money this year and no mistake! Right, Milo!".

Milo was excited so he barked in reply.

"Now, we've just got to lose those annoying cops!" The Mask said as he accelerated away from some pursuing police cars.

Meanwhile...

In the deserts of Egypt, the mighty warrior Mathayus, also known as the Scorpion King was waiting in the car known as the Cataclysm.  It had been painted to look like a bandaged mummy.  Which was appropriate considering his partners.

"I wish those guys could stop arguing with each other for once!" Mathayus thought to himself.

The two mummies, Rath and Amon were approaching the car.  Amon was carrying large sacks of food.

"How you can stuff yourself with that garbage is really beyond me!" Rath said.

"Oh, come on, lighten up!" Amon said. "It's never done me any harm yet.".

"Alright, guys!" Mathayus called. "Get in the car and we can go!".

The two mummies got into the car.  Mathayus started up the car and they sped off through the desert.

Meanwhile...

A large crowd had gathered outside the Banzai Institute in New Jersey to wish good luck to scientist/rock star/crimefighter Buckaroo Banzai.  Buckaroo was sitting in the red sports car known as the Maelstrom.  With him were two of his associates; the brain surgeon known as New Jersey and Perfect Tommy, the bassist of Buckaroo's band the Hong Kong Cavaliers.

"Well, guys, here we go." Buckaroo said. "It's a pity we couldn't put the Oscillation Overthruster into this car.".

"Do we need it?" New Jersey asked. "The car's pretty powerful without it.".

"I've kept my communicator in case we need to call in any Blue Blaze Irregulars." Tommy said.

"Tommy, we aren't going to cheat in this race." Buckaroo said sternly.

"I never thought of cheating!" Tommy said. "It's in case we get in a scrape.".

"We'll be fine, Tommy." New Jersey said.

"Okay." Buckaroo said. "Hold on tight!".

Buckaroo started the engine.  The crowd cheered as the Maelstrom pulled out.

Meanwhile...

"So, Gyro." Scrooge McDuck said to the eccentric inventor. "Where is this vehicle you were going on about?".

"There it is, Mr. McDuck." Gyro Gearloose said as he pointed to a long, silver vehicle.  It was a land vehicle but looked incredibly like a jet fighter plane. 

"Great!" Scrooge said. "What do you call her?".

"The XXS Tomcat." Gyro said proudly.  "She's very fast, and can fly as well.".

"Brilliant!" Scrooge said. "We can win the money with that no problem.".

"But do you NEED another $200 million, sir?".

"Relax, Gyro, I'm going to give some to charity." Scrooge said. "It IS tax deductable after all." He thought to himself.

"It's said to be fun, though sir." Gyro said.

"Aye, maybe." Scrooge said. "But I'm hoping to win!". Scrooge said.

"I'll be coming with you." Gyro said.

"Ok, let's go." Scrooge said.

Meanwhile...

Inside the Oval office, the President of the United States handed the last of a set of documents he had signed over to Mr. X.

"Well, there you go, Mr. X". he said. "Give my regards to Mr. Yates, Mr. McClure and Mr. Prinzey.".

"Certainly, Mr. President." Mr. X said. "Don't worry if there's any problems with the police.  The Cannonballers will be able to hold their own.".

"After last year, I've no doubt about that." The President said as he smiled.

"Good day, sir." Said Mr. X as he doffed his hat to the President.

Later that night...

In the skyscraper penthouse, Lex Luthor called the meeting to order. 

Alice J. Foyt, now seated near the desk, looked around the assembled group.  Apart from the Dolls, Marcus and Regis, there was a collection of some of the most notorious individuals in the world.  There was the lethal sharpshooter Mr. Benedict, infamous hit and run driver Max Damage and the menacing white-haired Twins. 

"As you are all aware, we have gathered you all here to take part in our plan to stop the Cannonball Run and claim the prize money for ourselves.". Luthor said.

"You have all been selected because you are some of the top experts in the world at what you do." Ansem said. "Your mission is to use whatever means necessary to stop the Cannonballers.  Some of you will be operating in the field, some of you may just be required to gain the confidence of the Cannonball's organisers to get your hands on the money.".

"We are counting on all of you to do your part. Do not let us down, for failure will not be tolerated." The Red Skull said.  "Is that understood?".

"YES!" The group chorused.

"Very well."  Luthor said. "We will begin at once.".

"The Dolls, Marcus and Regis are to head to the Cannonball Dome at the North Pole.  The Dolls will go undercover as reporters and Marcus and Regis can act as spies." Ansem said.

"Your mission is to gain information about the race." The Skull said. "The rest of you will get yourselves prepared to attack when ordered.  If any of you requires other help, we will call in other operatives. That is all.".

The assembled villains cheered as they prepared to act in their plan.  Even Ms. Foyt joined in as she thought of how much she would enjoy her revenge.

TO BE CONTINUED.

AUTHOR'S NOTES: Well, there you go. I hope you enjoyed it. Sorry if it took too long.  In the next chapter, it's the pre-race party and the race starts! Don't know when it'll be up.  Please R&R! Bye for now!