"Welcome, all racers, to Donpa Raceway! Thank you all for your participation in this wonderous event, we couldn't do this without you!" Said a Glamor Chao on a large, holographic screen. "Whether you're a newbie to the sport, or a grizzled veteran of the less...formal races, we hope you all have a great time, and who knows which one of you will win the grand trophy, and a lifetime Donpa Motors sponsorship, in the end?"

"All races must be won through the skill and wit of the individual racers, so remember, no cheap tricks! NOW, LET'S RACE!"

Lucy gave a final check to all of her safety gear as she stepped onto the track in her air shoes. She saw Tails across the track giving her a wave, which she nervously returned. Butterflies rolled around in her stomach as she took her place among the 100 participants of the first race. They would eliminate the last 10 places of every race until the final round...Would she be able to make it? Or would all of her hard work be for nothing?

Lucy shook her head as she took her beginning stance. Best to just concentrate on THIS race for now. That type of dread could wait until later.

Jet walked slowly to his place in the opening queue, observing all of the newbie racers this race had managed to dredge up. These kids looked like garbage, wearing various forms of makeshift safety gear with shoddy, hand-me-down, clearly not well-maintained boards of various types. How slip-shod were the standards of this tournament that THESE were considered tournament-legal? He was convinced this one bear behind him had made hers out of wood. What a joke.

Jet assumed his beginning stance, clutching his board firmly. He'd show these losers what TRUE speed is!

Amy paced back and forth as she watched the racers take their positions. This type of promotion was essential to the future of the Restoration. Despite what Tails had said earlier, she had the sinking feeling that if the three of them did badly in the races, Restoration volunteer and resource donations would dry up more than they had started to beforehand. There was so much work left to do, but so many were ready to throw in the towel and say good enough just because it didn't affect them as much anymore. Even if she had given up the director duties, she still believed in the cause.

She looked over at the other coaches in the viewing suite she currently occupied. Most racers didn't have actual coaches, since it wasn't required, but many parents and other such mentors had come out to fill that role anyway. She supposed the free snacks were also a good motivator for them to attend, but a lot of the younger racers probably appreciated the moral support.

Amy took one of the complimentary water bottles and went back to staring out the windows, wordlessly wishing Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles good luck as she took a sip.

Down on the track, the race was about to begin.

"3!"

Most racers started walking back for their starting run.

"2!"

Some started running forward slightly too early, while others went a bit too far back.

"1"

All of the racers started moving forward, the ones who had started early getting caught and zapped in the electric line.

"GO!"

And so, the race began.