It had been three months since the Jungle Run. Sonic was taking a break from racing, focusing on other interests such as football and music. Knuckles totaled Big Red during a drag race and Tails was getting a car ready for Mini Monaco, a Monte Carlo Grand Prix for kids. Sonic was going to accompany him, but first he had to go to Angel Island to visit Knuckles. He was greeted by the muscular echidna, who Sonic swore had gotten bigger, and his dreadlocks had grown longer.
"I'm sorry" he said. Knuckles shook his head.
"Don't be" he replied.
"But he was going to race again and be a Paralympian for basketball"
"We knew he was going to go when his spinal cord got infected. Let's change the subject" Tommy had passed away from a spinal cord infection one week before this interaction was taking place. Sonic was being led by Knuckles towards a car covered by a tarp. They were talking about the upcoming season for their football team, the Kaos Maniax. Coming off a 1-7 record the previous season, they had their work cut out for them.
"Here's what I called you over here for" Knuckles said, pointing at the tarp covered car. He yanked the tarp off to reveal a car Sonic hadn't seen in years. It was a bosozoku 1969 Nissan Skyline in a dull grey color.
"The Mad Manga!" Sonic gasped.
"It was a spare Jeremy had in his shop. There's no engine or transmission, but I'm sure you'll find something to do with it when you come back"