Bleach Grand Prix

by UnitedOsprey1991

AU: It is 2070 the 50th year of the World Grand Prix. Join Ichigo and the rookie Kurosaki-Ishida team as the brave their rivals, the media, the drama and each other. They may find someone worth racing for as well. Ichihime OC/Tatsuki. Uryuu/cannon girl Chad/Isane. Chapters will be longish and may be a little complicated but don't let it discourage you. Review kindly.

2. Qualifying and new teammates

OSPREY…SWOOSH

UO: Well I see this story is getting more press than my Journey Story. Well I will be splitting time between this and my other one so review or pm with critiques for that one please

Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach which belongs to Tite Kubo. All driver names are not mine with the exception of those under the Bleach trademark. The only ones I own are Andrew, Rebecca, and Maria. The rest are theoretical characters from real drivers which I don't own.

Normal: Dialogue

"Italics and quotations": Radio and track announcer

'Italics and apostrophe': Thoughts

Bold: Yelling

Bold and Italics: Yelling in head:

Chapter 1: On the starting line: Qualifying and new crew members

Location: Melbourne, Australia Date: February 18th 2070 three days before the world grand prix season begins.

Melbourne, Australia one of the largest cities in Australia. Since the change to renewable energy it has become one of biggest cities in the world. A population of twelve million now live in an area that has access to undisturbed water. Through a special molecular process they are now able to take water and convert it to a hydrogen fuel. With an endless cycle of water the countries with access to large amounts of water and wealth were now the big players on the market.

What this fuel did was increase a need for speed. Introduced at a time when diesel and other energies reach their limits and ran out the cars that got access to these fuels were now the fastest things out there. To fuel the need for speed the World Grand Prix was introduced by combining some of the big names in the racing world. Le Mans, NASCAR, F1, Indy Car and others merged their leagues into a system similar to the second most popular sport soccer. This merging also necessitated the building of larger permanent tracks to fill the stands. Now in its fiftieth year the world watches in anticipation for the start of the season.

A Red Camery was speeding along the road to Melbourne track. This facility was the site of the first round of the Grand Prix, the Down Under 400 (miles I'm American so I'm using the imperial system). In the car were two women. The driver on the right side was a black haired woman with hazel eyes and a serious expression. She was wearing a white shirt and a black skirt. Her passenger was just the opposite in every way. She had a cheery expression with red hair grey eyes and a decent chest. She was wearing Purple top and orange skirt. This was Tatsuki Arisawa and Orihime Inoue. They were a camera crew working with National Geographic. As part of the 50th anniversary the governing body allowed nine camera crews to be imbedded with the teams. Being rookies they got assigned to the rookie team.

"Damn it we are late. Hime what took you so long" Tatsuki asked exasperated. "I am sorry Tatsuki-chan but as I was getting ready I thought the little blue men took my comb and then I lost the keys." Orihime said with a smile. Tatsuki and Orihime were childhood friends so Tatsuki was used to her quirks. When her brother died Tatsuki's family took Orihime in and treated her like their own daughter. When Orihime went into journalism Tatsuki was right behind her as her camerawoman. "So who are we covering?" Orihime asked. "We are going to be entrenched with the Kurosaki-Ishida Enterprises team. A rookie team on the grand stage. All four have known each other since they were kids. Two of them are cousins one went to school with the cousins and the other has been a long-time friend of theirs" "Sounds like the perfect family" Orihime mused. "Yeah except they have differing personalities and sounds like they would mesh together" "So do we but we are still friends" "You have a point. Look we are here." Tatsuki said as they pulled up to the track.

The Melbourne Albert Park circuit was built as a replacement for the street circuit. It is 3.5 miles built almost similar to the street circuit but was made wider for the larger cars. It could hold 150,000 spectators which was about middle of the pack when it came to attendance. Tatsuki showed her press pass and was shown in. They parked and started walking towards the garage.

After filming a couple of segments for their show and taking a couple of pictures they proceeded to try to find their assigned team. Only they have never been to the track so they were lost.

"Mou…Tatsuki I think we are lost." Orihime said as they walked around looking for the haulers that held the teams they were covering. Tatsuki was about to retort when she ran into someone.

"Oh sorry mam I wasn't paying attention" the man said in what she thought was a southern U.S accent. She looked up and saw a brown-haired man with sunglasses wearing a blue t-shirt and khaki shorts. "It's alright I wasn't looking. I'm Tatsuki Arisawa and this is Orihime Inoue. We are reporters. We are with National Geographic and we are looking for the Kurosaki-Ishida garage." "Well you are in luck ladies I'm one of the drivers. I'm Andrew Michaels the replacement for Jushiro Ukitake. Come on I'll show you."

The brown haired individual walked alongside the ladies. With his permission they decided to do a segment while walking to the garage about how he got into the business with Tatsuki manning the camera and Orihime asking the questions.

"So my father built me a race car at age 5 never looked back. I have won numerous trophies in various divisions. When Kurosaki-Ishida called on recommendation from my friend Ichigo well we wouldn't be talking now would we" Andrew smiled getting the girls to laugh. "And cut. Great take you two" Tatsuki said. Orihime smiled but then she tripped before she fell someone caught her. When she looked she blushed. It was an orange-haired man with spiky hair and brown eyes. He was dressed casually in a brown rider jacket blue jeans and white shirt. "You alright mam" Orihime just nodded and stood up "Well not the way to run into two drivers but whatever. Girls meet Ichigo Kurosaki the so-called captain of this team" Drew said. "Captain my ass only reason is I am older than you. Now what are these girls doing here" Ichigo said. "First easy on the language in front of ladies, second they are our reporters that are going to be entrenched with us this season. Something about Nat Geo or something like that. Third don't take that tone with me I can still run circles around you" Drew said with a stern look. "You and your southern gentlemanly ways…sigh…I am sorry." Here Ichigo smiled getting a small blush from the ladies present. I am Ichigo Kurosaki age 24 one of the three returning drivers of this team from last year. Drew we got a team meeting come on" Ichigo said walking away. "Don't mind him. He might be a tough guy on the track but he has a big thing for his family. His father is his crew chief his uncle is the chief of Uryuu's team. One of his sisters works the pits the other is the spotter. You will find that we are big on the whole family thing in this garage. Come on we need you to meet the rest of team.

The girls were led to a hover plane. It had a huge hanger that could fit multiple cars. The girls saw that two of the cars were being off loaded by crew members. Andrew led the girls through the hanger as Tatsuki filmed the plane. They entered a meeting room to see five people already there. Ichigo they already recognized and he had a scowl on his face at the person talking to him. It was a black haired man that resembled a Billy goat in a Hawaiian shirt and a lab coat with blue jeans. Two of the other occupants had aloof looks on their faces. One he blue hair and grey casuals with glasses; the other looked like an older version of the blue haired man but had white hair. The last one was huge for a driver (They tend to be pretty small to fit in the cars) who looked Mexican with dark skin and curly brown hair wearing blue jeans and a red shirt.

"Ichigo why won't you find a girl, oh no Masaki" pulling out a picture of a beautiful brown-haired woman "our son is gay he will never give us grandkids" only to be punched by his son and start one of their "epic" fight. The newcomers looked on in shock. Andrew turned to the blue-haired man "Is…is this normal Uryuu" Andrew said pointing at the bickering duo. The now named Uryuu sighed "My Cousin and Uncle are idiots" the two bickering fools turned on him "WE ARE NOT IDIOTS" "STOP COPYING ME" the two started bickering. Andrew sighed
"I think I better start carrying Aspirin" Andrew said as he walked around the table. "Stop" everyone stop what they were doing and turned to the giant in the room "we have a meeting so please stop" Isshin recovered his wits. "Right…sorry; before we begin we need to introduce two people. Everyone this is Orihime Inoue and Tatsuki Arisawa two reporters who are going to be attached to our team this year. Orihime Tatsuki meet the other drivers of Kurosaki-Ishida. I see you have met my son Ichigo" Ichigo waved causing Orihime to blush slightly. "And you have meet our new driver Andrew" Andrew had sat down and propped his feet up. "The blue haired man is Uryuu my nephew the white haired man is my brother-in-law Ryuken Ishida. The big guy is Sado Yasotora we call him Chad" at each name said person nodded. "Wait you said Uryuu was your nephew that means he and Ichigo are cousins" Tatsuki realized. "An unfortunate circumstance of my Aunt marrying him" Uryuu said causing the grown-ups to flinch. "Uryuu I loved your Aunt. Please not here" Isshin said serious. Tatsuki and Orihime who had sat down looked at each other and turned to Andrew "What happened" Orihime whispered "Not my place to tell you" Andrew said.

Isshin cleared his throat "Alright now let's begin. First off we are finally at the big time after four years in the lower leagues. I am proud of those that help us get here. Andrew I know you may have been friends with my family but it don't mean squat here in the Grand Prix. You may have been a big shot in NASCAR's A Division but here you are just a rookie. So I want you to prove my trust in my son he chose the right driver" "Sir I came to win and I thought a team that has a similar drive to prove themselves would do that" Andrew said. Isshin nodded "Alright then. Next is the season. As part of the 50th anniversary season they decided to go all of the famous tracks that have been run in the World Grand Prix so we are to tracks like Daytona, Silverstone, Abu Dhabi, Sao Paolo and Indianapolis. Some like Melbourne have been run for years while some like Daytona haven't been run in a few years. Now then let us talk about this track.

Here Isshin activated a hologram. "The Melbourne speedway is designed after the old street course with one big exception." He pulls up the old circuit "The removed the chicane at the old 9 10 and renumbered them from there" They also made it much wider and easier to pass for design of the cars. Turn 1 is probably one of the best chances to pass people on the track for its slow and tight enough to throw off people not taking it correctly. You enter flat out into two into turn 3. We have good brakes so this might be where we can pass a lot of people I know the Mazdas and the Chevys have issues here while the Fords and the Audis could use the turn to their advantage. That turn sets up Turn 4 and opens into a straight into turn 5 which is a fast turn. Turns 6 and 7 are tricky because 6 is obscured and you cannot see the brake zone. Turn 7 is the left into turn 8 which is a flat turn into a long straight. Turns 9 and 10 is a fast left-right chicane that forces you onto the curbs. Turn 11 you can use your brakes to pass but be careful you could end up in the wall. Turn 12 you have to let off the throttle to stay in control. Turn 13 needs to be taken in second gear and is also a prime over taking spot into turn 14 where it opens into the straight. And that is one lap at Melbourne.

At each turn Tatsuki noticed that they were taking notes on the track, Drew especially since he was new here in the Grand Prix.

"Now then the last thing I want you to know to be careful. Especially of Souske Limited" Isshin pulled up the screen with five people. "Souske Aizen runs the team and he is calculating as they come. His drivers are all know for being aggressive especially this guy" he zoomed in on the blue haired man "Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez. Known as the Panther he will tear anyone on his way to victory lane." Another zoom in "Ulquiorra Cifer as well, he only lost last year because he finished behind the champion Serenity Gordon and has won two of the last three driver's titles.

"Now switching topics, Serenity Gordon is a part of Hendrick Motorsports a long time driving team with roots going back to the 1980's." Isshin pulled up another picture this time of Hendrick Motorsport. "The Chevy team they couldn't be more different from Souske team. Friendly down to earth and a sense of honor ingrained into them from their southern roots" Isshin said separating the pictures. "They all have champions in their blood especially Serenity and Robert" pulling up the pictures. "They are the grandkids of Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson. Their fathers were also race champions in the lower tiers and won a couple times in the Grand Prix." Isshin said. Drew saw Serenity's picture and was entranced. Brown hair and for some reason her eyes hypnotized he shook it off when the projection ended.

"Now then suit up we need to practice. Girls you may want to grab ear phones." Tatsuki and Orihime nodded and left for the garage.

Ryuken led the girls to the garage which were just outside the plane. The girls were awed at the garage and then saw the machines. One was white and black with a red 15 on the side. The second was a reddish garnet color with gold striping. A golden 91 was on its side. The third was dark blue to the front becoming almost a whitish blue in the back with a 32 in black outlines. The final on was black and red with Green on the spoiler. A red and black 66 in contrasting colors to the car meaning a red 6 on the black front and a red 6 on the black end. An eagle with a snake in its mouth, the symbol on the Mexican flag was holding the 66 on the roof in its talons.

"Aren't they something? Feel free to video tape this." Tatsuki turned on the recorder as he spoke about the cars. "900 horsepower 6 sped transmission. These Honda G15 race cars represent the latest in Honda racing technology. The Honda racing program once upon a time competed in the Le Mans racing series against the likes of Audi and Ferrari. Now with our help they hope to reclaim the glory they once had.

"And we will Uncle Ryuken" the three turned to see the boys dressed in similar colored fire suits to their race cars. Orihime blushed slightly at Ichigo but he didn't notice. "Alright in the cars there are a couple of cars on the track so be careful" They nodded and strapped in. Orihime noticed a large device being secured to their head and attached to the seat. "Anon…what are these" Orihime pointed to the neck device. "Those are the HANS devices young lady" a new voice said. They turned to see two new people. One was a pale blond fellow with a carefree look wearing a bucket hat and wear a mechanic's uniform under a green hakama. The other was a purple-haired woman in a tight fitting uniform with a gentle smile. "Who are you and what is the HANS device?" Tatsuki had turned away from the device to shoot the newcomers. "I am Kisuke Urahara and this is my partner Yoruichi Shihonen I am the crew chief for the 66 car and Yoruichi is going to head the 91. We also help in the garage and we are the primary mechanics if we can't fix then it's completely broke. To answer your second question the Head and Neck Support devices or HANS is a safety innovation developed in the 20th century to reduce the movement of the head in an accident. It wasn't until several notable drivers were killed at the turn of the millennium that all racing series started using it. When the Grand Prix started up it naturally came with it." "Alright start it up boys" Ryuken called out. In their cockpits they flipped the ignition and starter switches causing the engines to roar to life. Backing out of the garage they went towards the track and so did the rest of the crew.

"Alright girls now we begin first practice. Tomorrow is qualifying and Sunday is the race. That is typically the schedule" Isshin said walking to the wall with the reporter duo and putting on his headphones. Isshin Ryuken and the two mechanics pulled out stopwatches. "Alright when you guys come by we will start timing you.

Tatsuki grabbed her big camera and started taking pictures. They noticed another car on the track coming towards them. "Who was that" Orihime asked. "That was the 20 that was Archie Stewart he is a favorite to win this year. He is a bit reckless but he is a good man." Orihime nodded and went back to watching the practice. Soon the team cars showed u and zoomed by. Tatsuki was quick on the finger taking pictures. Another car came around and they were able to pick out the number. It was the 06. "Guys be really carful Souske is on track we just saw Grimmjow's car. The team came around and completed the lap. "1:25.54 for Ichigo 1:26:01 for Drew 1:26.13 Uryuu Chad 1:26.34. How are the cars feeling?

"My car is fine maybe a little loose in the right handers." Ichigo said as he rounded the first turn.

"My car is fine though it's tight in the left handers. See ya Ichigo" Drew said as Ichigo's car got loose in turn four.

"My car is loose all around I can't steer I'm losing position on the grove" Uryuu said as he almost spun.

"Car is tight though manageable" Chad said.

Over the next two hours various teams came on the track trying to get a feel for the cars. Isshin and Ryuken filled the girls in on the teams and they filmed what went into fixing up the cars. Practice now over the cars were parked in the garage. "Alright pack up. Girls do you have anywhere to sleep" "Uh yeah" "Well you are going to be riding with us the rest of the season right. So Ichigo, Andrew escort them back to their hotel and or rental place and bring them back after checking out. We'll work on sleeping arrangements" Isshin "Don't tell me what to dad" Ichigo growled. He sighed "Are we taking my car or yours" "May as well take mine. You go with the girls I'll follow how far is it from the track." "About 20 km to the airport and 15 to the hotel, we need to pack up" The two nodded and went to escort the girls. About an hour later the boys were waiting in hotel's parking lot. Drew's car was blue Ford Mustang with red racing trims"

"Ugh girls always take the longest don't they?" Andrew asked in the A/C of the car. Despite it being February it was in the 80's (20's Celsius). "I wouldn't be so eager to kill us with your driving" Ichigo teased "My driving is fine. Australia needs to put their cars on the right side of the road:" Andrew growled. As they were in a British country the roads were reversed. That almost got them killed on the way to the hotel. Andrew changed topics "So what do you think of the girls?" "They are nice girls the red head Orihime seems to be a little naïve. Tatsuki looks like she wants to hurt me" "She's protective. I think they have been living together a long time meaning they grew up together. I wonder why" Drew mused. Ichigo sighed. "What?" Drew said "Promise this doesn't leave the car" Ichigo said. "Scout's honor" "I think they are both beautiful Orihime especially" "Really?" "Yeah I think her demeanor is just what our garage needs. We may be a family but we act so serious. "Would you date her?" "I think she is out of my league" "Ichigo she would be out of my league." "No she is too…" "Innocent for you?" "Yeah" Andrew leaned back in his seat. "Maybe you could protect that innocence. Your name means he who protects right" "I made that clear the first day we met" Ichigo growled. "Well maybe you protect that innocence. From my limited Japanese vocabulary the kanji for Hime can mean princess right? Well why not be her knight" Ichigo sat there looking contemplative. "Just remember what I said alright." Ichigo nodded. They heard knocking on the window. They saw Tatsuki and Orihime outside the windows. They popped the trunk and placed their bags in the trunk. There was quite a bit so some of it had to go into the back of the car.

"Alright time to head back" Drew said as he turned on the radio. "Girls you better hang on because I have a need" Drew said as Steppenwolf's Born to be Wild cranked up (Don't own). "What need" Orihime asked innocently. Drew gained a wild look "A need for speed" (Top gun reference). Tatsuki's eyes widened "No…Don't you DAAARREE" Tatsuki screamed as Drew hit the gas screeching down the road. Ichigo and Orihime were laughing and Tatsuki was scared out of her mind as the immortal lyrics belted down the road "BORRRN TO BE WIIIILLLLDDD"

At the garage

They pulled into the garage and they all piled out of the car. Tatsuki climbed out and kissed the ground. "Ground I could kiss you. What the heck is wrong with you Drew" Tatsuki yelled out. "Don't know have been trying to figure it out for years. Get used to it" Tatsuki groaned. Orihime giggled "Tatsuki I thought you liked going fast" Tatsuki dropped her head. "Ok guys we can stop picking on the tough tomboy who can't handle speed" Ichigo teased and caused Tatsuki to chase him laughing all the way. Orihime was torn between helping her friend or Kurosaki-kun, but was taken out her hands when he tripped and in yelp found herself underneath him. The two furiously blushed at their predicament and they turned as red as their hair when Drew made a comment.

"Ichigo you can flirt with Orihime later we need to move their stuff" Drew said with a smile. Tatsuki was also smiling at the two knowing they made a cute couple but felt a little sad. Why she didn't know.

So after getting off the ground the two blushing red heads were escorted to Isshin's office (There is a plane for transporting cars and is the command center. The other is like a barracks or sleeping quarters.)

"My son you have returned" Isshin said blasting through the door and kicking Ichigo. Ichigo caught the leg and proceeded to start fighting again. "Sigh…I think this is going to become a regular occurrence. Yo, boss man we have a somewhat serious discussion to do" Andrew called out "Oh right the girls rooms" Isshin said turning his back for second only for Ichigo to punch him in the face. "Very good son…I have no more to teach you" Isshin groaned and then quickly recovered. "So we need to discuss sleeping arraignments right?" At the boy's nod he continued "Well while my delinquent son and his country-raised friend were escorting you ladies for your stuff we have set up a room for you to share follow me." Andrew and Ichigo grabbed the bags and trudged behind their new traveling companions.

Isshin led the group to the sleeping area. "For the most part we have our own rooms however we only had one room available hope you don't mind bunking up" "No me and Tatsuki shared a room since we were kids" Orihime said as Tatsuki nodded "We had a lot of fun and everything" Isshin gained a perverted smile only for Drew to kick him between the legs and threw him down the hall. "I hate perverts. It is a man's duty to protect women not hurt them" Drew said.

Another door opened and out popped a sixteen year old girl with brown eyes and hair and had that childish innocence to her. "Tou-san are you and Oni-chan fighting again" "Hey Yuzu he started it and besides it wasn't me this time" "Andrew what did you do that" "How the heck did you that was me" Andrew said in mock surprise "Because you would do something like that. He was doing something pervy again wasn't he" "Yuzu you wound me but yes he was" at this another girl popped out. Compared to Yuzu she couldn't be more different. She had black hair and had a stern look. If Yuzu was a girly girl this one was a tomboy. "Would you keep it down I'm on the phone" "Oi Karin stop talking to that white-haired guy from Kuchiki" At that Karin blushed. "Shut up" it was at this Yuzu and Karin noticed the new girls. "Oh hello there I am sorry we didn't notice you. I'm Yuzu this is my twin sister Karin we are Ichigo's sisters" Yuzu said with a bow. "What are you doing here" Karin asked. "Well we are reporters and we are going to be traveling with you guys." Karin nodded and went back into the room. Isshin recovered enough to come back to the group. "Alright now that my manhood is reattached let's go to your room ladies." They walked down the hall "So your sisters help out with the team" Orihime asked. "Yeah Yuzu cooks and is one of our spotters for us. Karin is one of our tire changers." Ichigo explained to the questioning looks of the girls. They finally reached the room. "Here we go girls you will find that you are next to my son and Andrew who have separate rooms. Oh and there is only one shower on here so you have to share Take care you guys" Isshin said and left to the annoyance of Ichigo. "Damn that Dad of mine" Ichigo sighed "Come on let's get you settled in" Ichigo said opening the door.

The room was a greyish color with a window to the outside. There were two full size beds, writing desks, a closet and medium sized drawers. After a half hour everything was unpacked and Orihime and Tatsuki were relaxing. The two boys had gone back to their rooms "What a day huh Tatsuki" Orihime said happily. "Yeah although those guys can be jerk" Tatsuki said. "Aw…they just like having fun. That Andrew seems like a very nice guy" "You may be right but what about Ichigo?" Orihime blushed and laughed sheepishly "He has that scary look on his face but he doesn't seem like a bad person. Tatsuki smiled "So you didn't mind him falling for you earlier?" "Mou…Tatsuki-chan is so mean" Orihime said embarrassed. Tatsuki laughed and Orihime tossed one of her pillows hitting her. A brief pillow fight ensued only to stop when Andrew knocked on the door. "Hey you two dinner's almost ready." The girls recomposed themselves and left the room.

Andrew escorted the two to the dining area of the transport plane. It was a large kitchen area with three tables. They already filled with food mostly Italian as Yuzu wanted to welcome the newcomers right. They were properly introduced and Tatsuki had her camera out to video tape the camaraderie. They eventually sat down next to three people. The first was Keigo Asano a loudmouth self-proclaimed playboy with brown hair. He immediately started hit on Orihime and Tatsuki drilled him down the hall. The rest of the hall looked like it was nothing and went back to eating. The second man apologized for Keigo and identified himself as Mizurio Kojima. He said he was one of two tire changers on Ichigo's car (Two tire changers change two tires front and back. Karin is the other on Ichigo's team) Keigo was one of the tire changers on Andrew's team. He was moved to Andrew and Chad's when Jushiro left. Keigo was on Ichigo's team but Karin bumped when she could change tires faster. Keigo was one of faster ones in the garage in his opinion and wants to prove it. The last one introduced was Shinji Hirako. He did the fuel for Ichigo (Will explain at the bottom) and he also operated the air jack which goes into the back of the car. He creped Orihime out and was about to hit on her when Drew stopped them and told him to move.

"Sorry girls should have explained the people in this garage. Shinji here was a part of Vizard Inc. He and several of his crew were going to be promoted the year Souske Limited was promoted. But they were "caught" with evidence of sabotaging other teams and were disbanded. Most of the garage thinks Souske Limited was behind it and caught Kisuke and Yoruichi and another man named Tessai in the mess but had no evidence to support them so they had to disband. They were down on their luck but Isshin offered them a chance to work for them. Shinji, the grey haired man there Kensei Murguruma" Andrew pointed towards a stern grey haired man eating with a green-haired woman in a jumpsuit "that girl in the sailor fuku Lisa Yadomaru and the big guy Hachigan Ushoda" Andrew pointed to the girl reading a magazine and a large man with a mustache fiddling with a mechanical device "are the jack and fuel guys for Ichigo, myself, Uryu and Chad in that order.

You have met one of my tire changers and both of Ichigo's tire changers. The blonde short-haired girl beating Shinji" the girls turned to see a short blonde haired girl in a red jacket beating up Shinji to the group's amusement "She is the other changer on my car Hiyori Sarugaki. That green haired girl with Kensei is Mashiro Kuno who changes the tires on Chad's team with Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi we call him Rose" Andrew pointed to a blonde-haired man playing a violin. "The last one of those is Love Aikawa he changes the tires on Uryuu's team along with Ururu Tsumugiya over there" pointing to a petit young girl with the Kurosaki twins. "Don't let her appearance fool ya when they practice she blazes through the tires like they weren't there.

(For appearances use post-time skip especially for Ururu)

Tatsuki having her camera video-taped this as Isshin tapped his glass. "Alright listen up." The group turned towards Isshin at the head table which Tatsuki and Orihime had been sitting at.

"Tomorrow is the first qualifying session of the season. That means it's our first chance to impress. Crews I want those cars adjusted just right. Ichigo, Andrew, Chad, Uryuu do your best out there it's not how you start but where you finish" Isshin said and the said drivers nodded. "I would like to propose a toast. To Kurosaki-Ishida future winners and future champions" "KEMPAI" every cheered and clanked their glasses. Tatsuki and Orihime spent the rest of the time interviewing the members and enjoying themselves.

Next day

The next day the crew was now all serious. Qualifying was about to begin and the drivers had chosen which group to go out in. Considering the size of the field they needed to split up qualifying into six different sessions. They were ten minutes long from the moment the first driver in the group crossed the line. When the time ran out they would be on their last lap. Fastest time counted and it was ranked in order of time. Tatsuki and Orihime had their cameras out and ready to watch the qualifying. For safety purposes Tatsuki and Orihime had to put on Fire suits which led to an awkward moment before they got on the track.

Flashback

"Mou…Tatsuki I think this suit is a little small" Orihime moaned as she tried to adjust her suit. It was a thick white suit with black likes on her shoulders and had Kurosaki-Ishida's sponsors. It was designed to protect the body from a fire a serious problem in the pits. Unfortunately for the ample-chested reporter it also showed a bit of her chest and was tight against her body. "I will try to see if we can get a bigger one. You know you are lucky that I am not one of those girls that are envious of other girl's chest, otherwise I would be jealous of the stares you are going to get" Tatsuki said in a similar suit. Before Orihime could respond there was a knock on the door. "You girls ready yet?" Andrew's voice called from behind the door. The girls opened the door and Andrew and Ichigo were on the other side. Ichigo took one look at Orihime with her innocent expression and blushed bright red. A camera flash broke their gaze and Ichigo scowled at the photographer. Andrew was smiling "And this goes into the personal collection right Tatsuki?" Tatsuki laughed and ran as Ichigo chased after her leaving a blustering Orihime behind. "You alright Hime?" Andrew asked. She nodded "just checking come on" Orihime followed right behind.

End Flashback

Now on pit road Orihime had been getting stares. But Chad Uryu and Andrew drove them off with a glare which she as eternally grateful. The four drivers had chosen which group they would go out at. Uryu would go first in group two; Andrew would go in group three Chad in group five and Ichigo in group six. Group one had finished with Shawn Newman from Stewart-Haas showing his Grandpa's qualifying prowess, impressed with a 1:24.45 beating out Rebecca Kirkland from Audi, Renji Abarai from Kuchiki, Felipe Massa III from Ferrari Dale Earnhardt IV from Hendrick and Alexandra Edwards from Rousch in that order. Uryuu was going out with Ikkaku Mandarame from Kuchiki, Tier Harribel from Souske Limited, Allen Regan from Rousch, Francesca Alonso from Ferrari, and Jason Vettal from Red Bull.

"Good luck Uryu" Orihime said. Uryuu nodded and fired up the engines waiting for the signal to start. A short time later they were on the track on their warm-up lap. Orihime and Tatsuki were observing from the garage.

"Well hello there pretty thing" The group turned to see a blue-haired man with blue eyes and a cocky smirk. The leer was towards Orihime who shrank behind Tatsuki. "What do you want you creep?" Tatsuki yelled. "Oh this is the reaction I get for trying to be friendly. Let me start again. I am Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez." The now named Grimmjow grinned which seemed to unnerve the girls even more. "I couldn't help notice your friend here. That outfit is pretty flattering rawr." "Leave Orihime alone you bastard." "Oh, a pretty name for a pretty girl, I like that so why don't you go on a date with me." "I appreciate the offer…but I would like to decline so please take Tatsuki's word and leave me alone please" Orihime said. "Grr…what you think you are too good for me I bet you are hussy" Grimmjow growled and raised his hand only to be caught by another hand. "I don't know what the rules are in Spain but in America when a girl says no she means no do not call her those degrading names again" A southern accent spoke out. The girls breathed a sigh of relief at Drew's appearance. "So what rookie I get what I want and I want this little bird here" "Grimmjow my patience is already bad enough and my session is in three minutes. So back off or else." "Or else what" "Or you are going to deal with all of us." Another voice called out which turned out to be Ichigo and Chad walking up. "So what I can take you guys on" Grimmjow taunted.

"What is going on here" A third voice called which turned out to be an official. "Nothing sir Grimmjow was about to leave" "It better be nothing. Mr. Michaels you are supposed to be on track soon. Kurosaki take your team and go to your garage." The official said. The group nodded and went their separate ways. "That was Grimmjow. He is a notorious playboy. Please Orihime avoid him and anyone from Team Souske ok" Andrew said. Orihime nodded. "Alright then time for qualifying Ichigo can look after you. Time to ride" Andrew said as he picked up his helmet. Ichigo and the girls sat in the garage to watch the run on T.V

With Andrew

Andrew was getting ready to go. He would go out behind Jessica Rosburg from Ferrari and ahead Serenity from Hendrick, Bjorn Kristensen from Audi, Archie from Stewart-Haas and Ulquiorra Cifer from Souske. Uryu had qualified decently in 5th with a 1:25.20. He did ok on track but he got loose a few times trying to make up time. Still he didn't wreck like Ikkaku who went too fast into turn six and wrecked forcing a temporary stop to qualifying. Ikkaku would be forced to start from the rear. The other four did an ok job but were nowhere near the top

Andrew saw the signal to start up the engines. "Alright girl let's do this" flipping the ignition and the mighty engine came to life. Jessica rolled off and Andrew followed a few seconds later. "Alright it's your first qualifying session how are you feeling" Kisuke's voice came over the radio. "Is nervous an ok reaction because I feel a little bit nervous right now" Kisuke laughed "It's fine you got the car and he skill now let's show the world what you can do" Andrew smiled as he came out of turn 7 "I am in your capable hands let me know when to start" "Will do the green flag will wave when Jessica gets to the line. Twenty minutes best time remember that. When the time runs out that's your last lap. Karin and Isshin will be timing through the two sections" "Got it" as he came out of the last turn and saw the green flag. "That's your cue go get them" Andrew put it into gear and headed into turn one. He came out of turn one and into turn two still right on Jessica's tail. She got loose in turn three and Andrew took advantage into the first set of esses. Andrew passed through section one on the stretch"28.45 two tenths off" Karin came over the radio. Andrew heard that but almost missed the breaking zone for six and losing a lot of time. "Damn it" Andrew cursed as he looped on to the next stretch "Calm down its only one lap." Kisuke said as Andrew passed through the second timing zone passed turn 10 "48.22 you lost four tenths" Andrew growled as he passed through the slow section of the course and onto the front stretch and hit the finish line. "1:25.12 seven tenths off calm down Andrew" Kisuke said. Andrew breathed and went into the first turn almost losing control.

After seven minute he entered his last lap. "Alright this your last lap you are currently 5th out of eighteen drivers. Let's make it count." "10-4 Kisuke" Andrew said as he entered turn one. He went through the turns hitting each mark. "Section one 28.35 one tenth off best time through the section" Karin called out. Andrew's confidence grew as he reached the turn that had been given people trouble. He hit the mark and rolled through turn. He entered the stretch on a tear and entered the 9-10 chicane. Passing through turn 11 he passed the second time stop "47.95 two tenths ahead keep it up. Drew blazed through 12 and entered the slow-down area 'Come on hit the marks' Drew said as cut through the turn and saw the checkered flag indicating he was done. He crossed the line and let a big whoop "Great job want to hear the time" "Yes please. "1:24.22" "Alright!" Drew said beating on the steering wheel as he slowed down. He entered the pits and exited his car. He looked up at the scoring tower. A big 91 was on top ahead of the 39. He looked down and saw the other times. Jessica's 12 was 8th, Ulquiorra's 04 was 5th, Bjorn was 11th, Serenity was 2nd and Archie was 7th. "Wow that was cool" He saw Ichigo and smirked "Beat that buddy" Andrew said with a grin giving Ichigo a high-five. "You are on." Ichigo smiled "Excuse me" the boys turned to see Serenity walking over to them. She had a grin and the outfit she had on did pretty well with her figure. "That was an impressive run Mr. Michaels" Drew grew flustered and rubbed his head nervously. "It was nothing Ms. Gordon to be honest I thought a couple of those turns would beat me" Andrew said. "Regardless you interest me, not a lot of people can do that. I look forward to racing you this season. Au revoir gentleman" Serenity said as she walked away. Ichigo chuckled "Looks like someone has a crush" "Shut up" Andrew bristled. "Excuse me" they turned to see a couple of reporters. Unlike Orihime and Tatsuki these were affiliated with one of the big networks that broadcast the Grand Prix. This particular one was the American Fox Racing Network. (Don't own Fox) "Mr. Michaels, Jermaine Ferguson Fox Racing Network may we get a few words for the boys back home." "Uh…sure Ichigo tell me how Chad did this may a little bit." "Excuse me can we film this. We work with National Geographic we are doing a series with this team and this would be a good segment" Orihime asked. "Oh sure just make sure to give proper credit (Like all good authors and reporters should.)

Jermaine was led back to their garage. "Alright when we start I want you to act natural answer as best you can" "Is it ok to be nervous right now" "Don't worry you only have 100 million people watching." "Not helping Mr. Ferguson" Drew grumbled. Jermaine got the signal to start. "Alright in 5...4…3…2...1" the cameraman says and points to Jermaine "Thanks Ian I am here with the current pole sitter Andrew Michaels. Now Andrew you were three tenths off the pole on your first ever run tell me how you manage to get that last lap. "Well first off I want to say hi to my family back home. Hey Dad Hey mom miss you a lot" to the smiles of Jermaine. "Second well I am surprised I turned out that lap. Almost blowing it in turn six on the first lap missing that brake zone I thought remembered that. But Kisuke calmed me down even after messing up again on the subsequent laps. The final lap I had I don't how I did it but I beat out the Champ so that is the highlight of my week so far hahaha." "Speaking of the champ she walked up to you how did you feel about that" "Well I would like to say she is prettier in person hahaha" Her even the girls giggled. "But in all serious she said she is interested in my racing. Impressing her on the first run that is an achievement" "So you think you can hold onto the pole" "I think I can but there are two drivers still left that I think can beat my time. My teammate Ichigo and probably Grimmjow they will be going in the sixth and fifth session. Maybe Mcnish who is in the last session which is coming up." Drew pointed at the TV behind them as the session ended with Soi Fung being the fastest who wound up 6th after her run knocking Uryuu down to 9th. Hamilton from Red Bull was 13th at the moment, George Schumacher from Ferrari was 14th, Allen Regan from Rousch spun out and wound up 20th Gin Ichimaru from Souske was 15th and Michael Busch from Stewart-Hass was 17th and he could hear his shouts from the lane. Chad was due out next with Kira from Kuchiki Maria from Ferrari Grimmjow from Souske Raoul from Red Bull Marcus from Stewart-Hass and Robert from Hendrick. Meaning Mcnish from Audi, Maria Robertson from Ferrari, Ralph Dillon from Hendrick, Patricia Stenhouse and Michael Kennseth from Rousch would go out with Ichigo. "So you think you can start on the front row" "Absolutely but I would settle with a top five start I think I have a good car. I feel like I can win" "Thanks and good luck" "Thank you" "And cut. Nice job." Tatsuki said. "Are you sure that was your first interview you handled it well" Jermaine said. "I've had practice as a lector and speech classes kind of inherited as well dad talks for a living. First time in front of a crowd like this though." At this everyone chuckled "Alright then good luck I have to interview others." Jermaine said and left. "What's the order now" he asked turning around. He saw the following as the fifth session wound down (Rows will be three wide s will be inside middle and outside respectively. Do the math from there)

1. Andrew Michaels

2. Serenity Gordon

3. Shawn Newman

4. Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez

5. Rebecca Kirkland

6. Ulquiorra Cifer

7. Soi Fong

8. Chad Yasotora

9. Dale Earnhardt IV

10. Renji Abarai

11. Flippe Massa III

12. Uryuu Ishida

13. Francesca Alonso

14. Brian Mcnish

15. Tier Harribel

16. Robert Johnson

17. Jessica Rosburg

18. Alexandra Edwards

19. Jason Webber

20. George Schumacher

21. Michael Kennseth

22. Marcus Andretti

23. Bjorn Kristensen

24. Gin Ichimaru

25. Kira Izuru

26. Michael Busch

27. Raoul Garcia

28. Allen Regan

29. Ikkaku Mandarame (DQ)

"Wow I am surprised my time has stayed up there." "Don't get cocky you might be knocked off of the pole" Tatsuki smirked. "We will see based on the times I don't think I am going to fall further than 5th." Andrew said as he watched the final session on the monitor.

In the pits

Ichigo was putting on his helmet. "Ichigo wait" he turned towards his father "Here a good luck charm. It was your mother's" It was a simple charm with trust in your heart written in Kanji and for Ichigo love your mother on the back" Ichigo's eyes hardened and the thought and looked away. "She would be proud of you getting this far. Here let me tape it to the dash." Isshin did so quickly. He closed up the net and gave him a thumbs up. The official gave the signal to start his engine. He was behind Patricia and Maria as they pulled off pit road to begin their warm-up laps. "Ichigo remember the rules 10 minutes fastest time counts. Don't wreck the car alright" "Tch… come on dad give me a break" Ichigo said as rounded turn six. "Ichigo just do your best" Ichigo said nothing as the green flag waved to begin the session. Ichigo got into gear faster and almost ran into Maria who got incredibly loose and almost spun out allowing Ichigo to pass her in Turn three and headed towards turn four and five. He passed the first time stamp "28.46, one tenth off nii-san" Ichigo entered the turn a little too hard and lost some time. He tried to make up some time but ran into Patricia who wheel hopped on the chicane and cost him some time to avoid it. At the second time stamp he ran 48.57 which was completely off of Drew's pace. He entered the slow section still trying to get around Patricia and succeeded coming out of Turn 14 onto the front stretch but was a full second behind Drew's time. Ichigo kept calm and now with clear track he picked up the pace. "28.20 one tenth ahead keep it up.

Ichigo now with full confidence hit each mark successfully as he entered the second section. "47.09 you are on pace for the pole son" rounding the last turns Ichigo hit the gas and crossed the line.

"Ichigo that was great 1:23.84 that is one tenth off the track record great job son bring it in." Ichigo smiled and slowed down slightly so not to ruin the care. He came around to the pits and parked the car and hopped out.

"You knucklehead you beat my time. But you showed that we came to play great job Ichigo" Andrew said. As the session ended officials and sponsors came over to congratulate the top 3 which were Ichigo who won the pole Andrew who got 2nd and Serenity who got 3rd the final line-up was like this

Reporters were descending on the two rookies who tried to answer as best they could. Isshin stood off to the side watching his son and his friend talk about their run. 'They did well in qualifying' Isshin turned serious 'But they need to prove it in the actual race. The season has only just begun

End of Chapter

UO: Man that was a pain to write. So here is the lowdown on the points and the pits.

Pits: Six men over the wall. Fuel man raises the jack which goes in the back of the car. Two tire changers change one big nut on each tire and replaces the tires. They do it on each side. One man signals the driver with a sign and the last one makes adjustments

Points: Descending points based on position. 36 for a win and 1 for last place finish. One point for a lap led three for most laps led.

Terms: Grand Prix: Meaning Grand Prize in French it is currently the world's most popular and oldest form of racing dating back to the 1900's

Melbourne circuit: A long time track on the f1 circuit. In real life the Albert Park circuit is a street course much thinner than the one in this fic. This is where the Australian Grand Prix opens the F1 season.

Preview: Race Day is finally here and Ichigo and Andrew lead the field to the green but can they overcome pit troubles and the weather? Find out on Bleach Grand Prix

Next time: Waving the green flag down under

Can someone give me an opening song for this fic that fits I got for the ending but I needs some help with the beginning

Anyway review constructively

OSPREY….SWOOOSH