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.

22. Fireworks at Daytona

OSPREY…SWOOOSH

UO: Alright you guys ready to finish this stretch?

Ichigo: Finally!

Andrew: THANK YOU!

Orihime: Yay!

Tatsuki: About time!

Uryuu: Your slowness is killing us

Chad: Ready to go.

UO: I know I'm late. So let's do the disclaimer and get this show on the road.

Ichigo: UnitedOsprey1991 does not own Bleach Tite Kubo does. He also doesn't own the tracks, the future drivers and the manufacturers they are owned by their respective owners. He only owns this plot and the concepts of Andrew, Rebecca, Maria and Raoul.

Normal: Dialogue

"Italics and quotations": Radio, track announcer, phone conversation

Underlined and Italics: Lyrics or TV broadcast

'Italics and apostrophe': Thoughts

Bold: Yelling

Bold and Italics: Yelling in head:

Name followed by a colon: In-race TV Announcer

Chapter 22: Fireworks at Daytona

Over New York airspace, June 26th about 6:00 PM

When we last left the Kurosaki drivers, they just had a rough time in Montreal with most of them not even being a factor and Uryuu suffering a nasty crash. Dr. Unohana checked him and assured them Uryuu was good to go for Daytona.

Now they were in the middle of their briefing for the last race and previewing the next race.

"Now then, our next race is at Daytona International Speedway. This is not overly complicated course. From the Tri-oval, they take you into the infield with a long winding turn 1 to a short right turn 2. Then you have of the only slow turns on this track a right handed hairpin. Then a quick left kink, before another right hander and then a left hander at 6 that takes you onto the main circuit. Turn 7 is really long left hander which takes you onto the back stretch. Then a short chicane similar to the Watkins Glen bus stop and then onto turn 12 for the last long left turn. That is surprisingly a lap at Daytona." Isshin said questioning Ryuken who shrugged.

"It looks easy. I mean save for the extra mile or so it looks like Indianapolis." Tatsuki said.

"You would be wrong. The picture you see doesn't give you what the track really looks like." Andrew said. "Can you raise the angles of the oval turns?"

"Why would you want that?" Ichigo asked.

"A common thing at American tracks especially ovals is banking. Daytona is among the steeper tracks." Andrew said looking at Isshin.

"Yes we can raise the banking of the track. How high and where.

"31 degrees in the turns, 18 in the tri-oval and 2 in back straight."

When the changes were made the track looked radically different. Instead of a flat oval, it looked like a stadium.

"Michelin has to design tires to specifically run on the banking. The shifting banking from coming off the tri-oval and then going back onto will stress the cars that aren't prepared. With 160 laps that will comprise this race, it will be a huge test for those who aren't well versed into racing on this surface. A perfect test for the last race of this long stretch. The American drivers will have a psychological edge knowing at one point or another they've raced on this track. Combined with the holiday it will give them something to race for. My main concern is that they aren't running restrictor plates."

Orihime looked curious. "What are those? I've heard you say that a few time throughout the season."

Andrew sighed and started searching for video. "Restrictor plates cut the air flow and reduce the air fuel mixture. What it also does is it cuts speed." He found the video he was looking for. "This was the 500 this year." He started the video and those in the room watched the first couple of laps of the race. It was Tatsuki who broke the silence.

"They aren't really separating and it took them a while to get up to full speed."

Andrew nodded. "The speed aspect is from plates. It takes them a while to build up to full speed, they are lucky to break 200. As for the separation they can't. At best they could separate five or six cars from the main pack but once they get out of line they lose momentum. Remember the concept of the air draft?" At everyone's nods, he continued. "This is taken up to eleven. It creates exciting racing but it also creates a danger." He pulled up another video. "This was my wreck at Talladega two years ago."

They watched as the race was coming off a caution and heading towards the last two laps. Andrew explained it was the format of the end of the race to run past the scheduled distance to ensure the race ended on green. They would get three tries and once the white flag flew the next flag ended the race. On the final lap as they were heading into turn four, one of the front runners attempted to block another. He got clipped and he was sent into two other cars. The cars behind them had no chance to dodge and of the thirty or so cars in that pack, twenty cars wrecked.

The girls gasped as Andrew's car was flipped onto it hood and hit three or four times. He rolled over three times and then came to a stop."

"That caused a concussion. Never had one up to that point. So you know how hard that was."

Ichigo looked at Andrew. "You said that you've had harder hits than your Indy wreck. Was this one of them?"

Andrew nodded. "Yeah. Number two on the list. Number one was caused by a brake failure at Pocono." All the drivers winced at that. "No matter how tough a driver, losing your brakes is like losing your ability your ability to breathe. It's so instinctive that that the moment you do…it scares you. I still feel the sores from that." He said. "If you can believe it I've seen a harder wreck at that track. Ugh…what was the guy's name? Whatever I can look it up. Anyway, he crashed into the wall on the run between turns 1 and 2. He hit the wall right where it turned towards the track, tore the engine right out of the car."

Orihime gasped horrified. "How horrible did he live?"

Andrew nodded. "Yeah, but he would be sore for a very long time. Think he missed a couple of races."

(The two wrecks I mentioned are based on real wrecks. The first was the 2012 October Race at Talladega where Dale Earnhardt Jr. got a concussion and the second was the June 2010 race at Pocono where Elliot Sadler wrecked exactly where I said. Feel free to look it up.)

The meeting broke up and they prepared to disembark at the airport.

Later that night, Andrew was on his stomach in his boxers as Tatsuki massaged his back in her sports bra and boy shorts.

"Ah man I needed this. Seven weeks of non-stop traveling really takes a toll on the body."

Tatsuki giggled as she felt another knot and got a hiss of pleasure.

"So what's the plan after Daytona?"

Andrew hummed. "Well, Orlando is not far from Daytona. We can spend the holiday there. After that we can head home. Just have to clear it with Isshin. All I care about is I am traveling the world with my best buds and my girlfriend."

Tatsuki smiled even though Andrew couldn't see her. "That's good to know." A few more minutes and Tatsuki finished. Andrew was too content to notice her getting off the back.

"I'm going to go get some water. You want any?"

"Yes please." He moaned out.

Tatsuki laughed and headed to the kitchen. Once there she was surprised to see Orihime in her long t-shirt, doing the same thing.

"Hime?"

The girl squeaked and nearly dropped the glass she was holding. She turned around and calmed down at the sight of her friend.

"Oh Tatsuki you scared me." Orihime said calming down.

Tatsuki laughed. "Sorry Hime. Didn't mean to scare ya."

As the girls filled up their water glass Tatsuki turned to Orihime. "So what's it like with Ichigo?" Tatsuki asked.

Orihime sighed and closed her eyes. "Like being worshipped. Ichigo just has this switch that once we are alone he makes sure I am the most precious person in the world. Like a princess."

Tatsuki smiled. "I'm glad. Andrew wants to know his boundaries with me. So we've become increasingly intimate over the last few weeks. The way he talks and touches me, one of these days I am going to jump him."

Orihime giggled. "You would do that." Orihime then had a gentle smile. "If Ichigo ever wanted to do that to me…then I would let him."

Tatsuki softened her eyes. "Hime." Tatsuki knew her male influences in her life were either not very good or gone. To trust a man like that wasn't Tatsuki's father meant something to both her and Orihime.

"I know it's a little much and he's holding back for me. But if he decided to let go…I am not going to stop him. It's because I know he won't hurt me and he'll protect anything that may come about."

Tatsuki smiled and hugged her longtime friend. "That's good to know. Because I will hurt him otherwise."

Orihime giggled and the girls noticed the ice had melted in the glass. They refilled the glass and headed back to their rooms.

Next Day Allied Insurance Services about 10:30 AM

William was looking at his computer taking stock of his clients and potential clients. It was near the end of the quarter and his employees were at hard at work to get their final numbers in. He had just finished with one of his contacts and for once he had some down time. He sighed…scratch that there was something to work on and he dreaded it. Isshin had tasked him with finding something that they could use to get Souske investigated. Based on some of the news he was seeing, the tax evasion that the governments of both Japan and the U.S have been trying to stick was petering out. William chuckled; even if they couldn't get the charges to stick, the reputation of the company was taking a hit. A cursory glance at the stocks from the last couple of trading days showed that Souske was below 14,000 yen a share or about $116, a significant drop from their 22000+ yen, $214 stock price near the beginning of the season. There were a couple of other factors but publicly this was a big one along with the problems with the Mazda Suigetsu which were causing investors to worry.

William went into the files that he had on the drive Isshin gave hm. He looked at the files again and looked through the files again. What could he not see? This issue was vexing him to no end. He got on the speaker and phoned his accountant and then his VP.

"Thomas? Can you come here for a minute and can you get Javi?"

"Will do."

A few moments later, two men entered his office. The shorter man was a middle-aged Italian man with brown eyes, heavy wrinkles, and gray hair and was wearing a red shirt and black khakis. This was Thomas Kennedy, the lead accountant for the company. The other man was a younger and taller and had a darker tan and hair courtesy of his Hispanic heritage. He was wearing a grey shirt and khakis combo. Despite his youth he was a force to be reckoned with in their business. This was Javier Gonzalez Jr.

"What's up Will? How's Andrew doing?"

William chuckled. "He's doing great. He is second in the points and he's got himself a girlfriend."

Thomas smiled. "Oh really? Here I thought he didn't want to have one. What's her name?"

William pulled out his phone scrolled through his pictures. "Her name is Tatsuki Arisawa, she's Japanese. Here this was at Watkins Glen."

The two men took his phone and looked at the picture. This picture was taken outside the garage before Andrew's qualifying effort. Tatsuki looked very happy next to Andrew in his race suit as they looked incredibly comfortable in each other's arms.

"Oh wow she's pretty." Thomas said. "Where did they meet?"

"As Andrew tells it they literally ran into each other in Melbourne." William chuckled.

Javier whistled. "She's pretty. Though I will admit, his teammate Ichigo definitely hit the jackpot with that Orihime girl."

William nodded. "Would you believe they are childhood friends?"

Javi sputtered. "What the? Orihime and Tatsuki know each other? The red head should be a model with those looks."

William leaned back. "Orihime is a camerawoman, Tatsuki is the reporter. Works for Nat Geo."

Thomas had a look of understanding. "Ah so one of those shy beauties. I can understand that."

William pulled up a picture of the group Andrew sent. It was from Monaco. It was before they went to dinner.

"The red head girl is Orihime. The tall guy is Chad and the silver haired girl is Isane."

The men looked at the picture and had to whistle. "Wow, the girls look great." Thomas said.

"Your son really cleans up well." Javi said.

William smiled and then his normally cheery appearance left him. "Now for the real reason I called you guys. Come with me."

The two followed William to the conference room. "Tell whoever calls me that I will call them back unless it's Isshin Kurosaki." He said to his VP of personnel Hannah.

The two men walked with him to the conference room noticing that William had his laptop and a flash drive.

Locking the door behind him he turned to the two men. "What you are about to see will be scary." William pulled up the files. "These are the financial records and inner dealing of Souske Limited, given to me by Isshin Kurosaki."

The files were pulled up and the two men gasped at the financial data and the discrepancies were laid out.

"This is just like Enron only ten time worse." Thomas said as he scanned it. Javi looked up and down the files and noticed something. "What's this?" He pointed out.

William looked up. "What is it?"

"It says Payments and Delivery." Javi pointed out.

William pulled it up and what he saw caused him to widen his eyes in shock. Deals that included weapons shipping, money being sent to fund dictators, money to fund rebels against legitimate regimes, this company, no this man was nothing more than a black market war profiteer.

"Whoa. Are you guys reading this? This guy has at least eight countries in his pocket. Heck he's even funding some terrorist groups." Thomas said.

William had to sit down. "There is definitely enough evidence here to get them looked at but he is a sneaky bastard. He can easily turn this around. We need someone in that company to blow the whistle."

Javier looked at his boss. "Is there anyone that could do so?"

William sighed. "I think Isshin said his rival/friend might have someone close to him in the company. Whatever their plan is, I hope our company does not get destroyed in the process."

"Why can't we take this to the authorities?" Thomas said.

"Other than it will be seen as libel, it will tip them off to their breach, which will put everyone at risk." William closed his eyes. "This is like some sort of thriller. And the worst part is…I can't tell my son or Ichigo."

Javier leaned back on his chair. "Because if he knows he is going to get involved and he is going to get in trouble."

William groaned. "You do realize until this blows over you won't be telling anyone right?"

Thomas looked at William. "What about everyone else?"

"They will be told when the time is right. Until then this doesn't leave this room." William said seriously.

Thomas and Javi nodded and they left William to his thoughts. He sighed and looked up at the ceiling. He would be traveling with his son and his friends to Daytona and then would spend the holiday with him. Knowing how he rarely kept secrets from his son it was difficult for him to keep this quiet. He got up and went back to his office to consider his life up that point.

Two Days later June 29th, The New Jersey Turnpike 10:00

The group of one middle-aged CEO, two rookie drivers and two reporters were now jammed into the car in the June Morning sun. It was already in the eighties and they still had to go through a couple of cities.

"So what's the flight plans after the holiday?" William asked. They were handing the car over to Isshin to fly back to Japan while they took a rental car for the two days after the race.

"We fly into at Atlanta from Orlando. Then we fly about ten hours from there to the Narita airport. We'll be back in Tokyo by probably by mid-afternoon Wed." Andrew asked. "Thank god for first class."

His friends nodded in happiness. William saw a sign for a rest area. "You guys want to use the restroom? Next stop is probably going to be in Maryland."

The car pulled off at a rest area that was near the end of the Turnpike. The girls immediately went to the restroom while Ichigo went to get some snacks. William and Andrew waited in the car.

"It's been a while since we've had a road trip together." William said.

"Yeah think it was the FSU Virginia game about three years ago." Andrew said. He leaned back in his seat. "Once upon a time it was you me and a go kart in the trailer."

William chuckled. "Yep. It has been a long road for both of us." William closed his eyes. "Andrew do you remember the deal we had? The year the market busted?"

Andrew looked through the windshield. He noticed some clouds off in the distance indicating they were probably going to be driving through rain soon. "How could I forget? I nearly was forced to give up my career because we ran out of money. We made a deal that if I didn't get the sponsorship, I was quitting."

William nodded. "When I made that deal I didn't think the impact you had on the garage was so big. As the season wore down and more teams came up to help us get through the season, I just thought they were doing out of some sort of pity. Remember John Harris?"

Andrew smiled. "He was my first friend in that division. I heard he was in the American Sports Car division.

"Yeah. He came up to me about three weeks before New Hampshire. He said that you were the best person to have in the garage. You impacted a lot of lives and they were sad to see you go. He told me it was a shame. There were a couple of scouts watching you for some of the higher divisions."

"I remember. I told them if I didn't get a sponsorship I was leaving racing. They tried to sign me on the spot to get me to stay. I told them I would not betray you."

William smiled. "After that race and you were in bed I…did a lot praying. I talked to the pastor, did a lot of thinking. I came to a decision. If you didn't get the sponsorship I was going to find a way to get you to keep racing. I…had a deal with this company who had a team in the Grand Prix. I had the paperwork ready to sign. When I saw what the garage did at New Hampshire…I tore up the contract right then and there."

"What was his name out of curiosity?" Andrew said smiling. "It wasn't Byakuya was it?"

"No. It was…something Limited."

Andrew froze. "Souske…Limited…You were going to contract me with Aizen Souske!?"

"In hindsight rejecting him was a bad move. But I believe I made the right choice in my heart." William said smiling.

Andrew chuckled. "I guess it was. I was willing to sign with the devil to continue my dream. But thanks for not doing that. I was willing to follow through with my end."

William breathed out, a load off his chest. Andrew looked at him. "Hey, if it means my happiness and safety, don't tell me. I would understand."

William teared up at that but he covered it up. 'You have no idea what is going on. And for your sake I hope you don't."

The conversation ended as they switched spots and their companions came back.

Several hours later they had pulled over to stop at a local inn. Thanks to his constant traveling William had a lot of points saved up for this particular chain and were able to book two rooms, one for the guys and one for the girls. A battle on their game system relegated Ichigo to the couch much to his exasperation.

The girls were editing some of their videos when they heard a knocking on the door. Orihime bounded up to the door. "Who is it?"

"Its William are you girls decent?"

"Yes." She opened the door. "Is there something the matter Mr. Michaels?"

"No. I just want to talk to Tatsuki for a few minutes."

Tatsuki walked up in her casual sleepwear of a T-shirt and a pair of sweats . "You want to talk to me?"

"Yeah we aren't going to go far." William said as they walked down the hall. "How have you been traveling?"

Tatsuki sighed. "Hime and I have been coping well. I knew traveling the world was going to be part of job description when we signed up. But it's been fun. I've gotten to see more than what I thought we were going to see."

"And my son?"

Tatsuki slightly blushed. "I never met someone as carefree as him. I've see athletes look super serious all the time. But when he's off the track, he's like a big kid."

William smiled. "Yeah, he always laid back. The only things he ever took serious was racing and video games. Even his schooling he took semi-seriously." William closed his eyes. "I guess part of it stems from not having a mother figure."

Tatsuki looked at William. "I thought Kathrine was Andrew's mother?"

William shook his head. "No she's his step mother. My first wife Kim and I divorced when he was seven. It tore me up but for a seven year old with a diagnosis of Autism it was devastating." William sniffled. "Four months after she left…she got into a car wreck." He looked at Tatsuki. "DUI." Getting the girl's eyes to widen. "Like Ichigo and Hime." William looked perplexed and Tatsuki explained. "A drunk driver ran over Orihime's brother and then ran the car containing Ichigo and his mother off the road causing her to drown."

William shook his head. "It tore Andrew's heart up seeing his mother die. It took him several months to open up again. By that point, he became interested in racing and like they say the rest is history."

William looked at Tatsuki. "Kathrine was able to get me back to my old self but it took several years for Andrew to accept Kathrine. When we got married, he made her cry when for the first time he called her mom. He said that he would always remember his birth mother but she has been his mom longer than she was. He figured it was time to move on."

He put his hand on her shoulders. "Kathrine could only do so much. From the interaction I see between you two…I've never seen him so happy in my life. Please as a father…don't let that go away."

Tatsuki looked at the man in front of him and for the first time she didn't see a business man. Rather she an old man who for years had burdened himself raising a kid and funding his dream while also being the CEO of a company. In a way he looked like an older American Isshin.

"I will. Thank you." Tatsuki said nodding.

William surprised her by hugging her. "Perhaps one day in the future…I'll call you my daughter-in-law."

Tatsuki blushed but returned the hug. William smiled. "You know what I think the room situation should be changed."

Tatsuki returned it and went to go tell their respective roommates about the change."

At the same time as the above conversation, with Ichigo and Andrew

Ichigo was watching a movie while Andrew was laughing at one of his friends videos. The red head could only shake his head. "How can you watch that?"

"I've told you about them. They make their money doing what they love." Andrew closed the browser and brought his hands up to his face. "There was a point where we had no money to fund our race team Ichigo. I found out my dad…was willing to make a deal with the devil to keep my dream."

"What are you saying?" Ichigo asked.

"I am saying dad was moved by the support in the garage that year. He was going to find a way to fund my dream."

"Didn't you have scouts wanting to sign you?" Ichigo said but he answered his own question. "You didn't want to betray your dad. You were going to follow your deal even if it meant losing your dream."

Andrew nodded. "Who was it?" Andrew looked at Ichigo. "Who was the person that he was willing to take the deal with?"

Andrew closed his eyes. "It was…Aizen."

Ichigo widened his eyes. "He was going to sign you up with Souske? Was he that desperate?"

Andrew looked at Ichigo. "If he was willing to go to that lengths, he wanted to see me race that badly. It made me happy. It was the only thing besides games that made me happy since my real mother died."

At Ichigo's look, he clarified. "Kathrine is my stepmom. I call her mom because she's been my mother longer than my biological mother."

"How did she die?" Ichigo asked, though he winced when he realized it was personal.

Andree chuckled bitterly. "We have more in common than you think. She died as a result of driving drunk. It killed me inside." Andrew walked over to his suitcase and pulled the bunny Orihime gave him. "I had a bear that was my mother's last gift to me. It used to be my only friend until I moved up the ladder."

He gave it a hug. "I've had a dream a couple of times with what ifs. What would have happened if I didn't get the sponsorship? I would have probably gone through school with no friends never met you, never met the girls, and be in an office somewhere." Andrew said closing his eyes. "I would have gone nuts." He sighed. "Anyway, getting back to Souske this now makes four times Souske has wanted me on his team. All four times I was denied to him."

Ichigo looked at the ceiling. "There was this time and when your contract in NASCAR A ended. What were the other two times?"

Andrew rubbed his head. "There was the time when I made the jump to NASCAR where I was shopping for sponsors. Then he wanted me to be the spokesperson for a company he backed."

Ichigo laughed. "Yeah, I think being a guy who advertises video games is way better than what he offered.

Andrew nodded. "I was the poster boy for the NASCAR game that year. I believe a Grand Prix game is in the works taking some cues from the Gran Turismo franchise."

Ichigo made a nod of agreement to his words. "So the big question is…why does Souske want you as his driver so bad?"

"No the question is why he is even attacking us. We've been attack at least twice by groups that are more than likely associated with them. What is their endgame going after us?

Ichigo hummed. "I am the only son and eldest child of one of his competitors, I was already a target."

"Do you have voting power?" Andrew asked sitting up.

Ichigo looked confused. "Uh…if you are asking if I can control the company, yes. Dad and Uncle Ryuken are at 35% and the remaining thirty is split between the four children. I and Uryuu have 10% each and Yuzu and Karin have 5% which is currently in trust with dad giving him 40%.

"So, if something happened to us, the stakes would default back to your fathers?" Andrew said.
"I think that's what is set up." Ichigo said frowning. "Where are you going with this?"

"Well I just think I am in some sort of thriller. I think he's after you to take control of your company. To what end is the question."

Before Ichigo could ask his question there was a knock on the door. He walked up to see the girls.
"Orihime? Tatsuki? What are you doing?"

William stepped up. "After talking with Tatsuki I think I was a little hasty with the room arraignments. I don't think you'll mind."

The two boys grinned and in short order the girls moved in and William moved out.

"So…what were you guys talking about?" Tatsuki asked.

Ichigo and Andrew looked at each other and nodded and proceeded to explain what their concerns were.

"Well, when I signed up to do this I didn't think there was a potential conspiracy brewing." Tatsuki said from the pillows. Andrew was lying on her stomach on one of the beds. Orihime was on Ichigo's shoulder on the other. He looked to Andrew. "You didn't tell me why Souske would want you?"

Andrew sighed. "Well…I started racing when I was 8 shortly before my mother died. In a few short months I won like twenty or so races. They were calling me the second coming of Jeff Gordon. As I rose through the divisions and I kept winning I had scouts from every major division in the world to recruit me. When I joined the Junior light division I was entertaining offers from NASCAR, F1 and the Sports car series in both the U.S and in Europe. In total I had like 100 wins before that division."

He held up his hand. "I don't know what it is…but from about age 9 I started having these weird visions. Like feeling that a wreck would happen or knowing when to pass or even knowing the right set-up. It's almost like I can read a race in real time."

"Why haven't you said anything? Has it happened this year?"

Andrew nodded. "At least four times. First was when I read the weather in Australia, then the Malaysia wreck, then I believe it was Russia and most recently Watkins Glen."

Tatsuki had a look of realization. "You knew the weather for Australia and then the wrecks at Malaysia and Russia. You felt something wrong at those races but you didn't know how to react. As for the Glen it was when you were passing the speed dry. But the wrecks like the one at Indy you didn't see."

"It comes and goes. But its knowing the race set-up instinctively that has gotten me to victory lane. As well as knowing exactly when to take risks. Sometimes they work sometimes they don't. Just makes me the driver I am today." Andrew said.

After that Orihime cutely yawned and they turned in for the night they still have a ways to go before Daytona.

Souske plane on its way to Daytona, June 30th

Souske was in a foul mood. His team was falling further behind the Kurosaki team and he had no one in the top five in points. What was worse was that the feds were starting to snoop around. He had thrown them off for some time. But now with his company stock prices dropping and investors starting to pull funding he was forced to start issuing layoff to keep the profits. His plans had to succeed soon otherwise everything will fall apart. He needed to destroy Ichigo Kurosaki and Andrew Michaels.

Gin entered his office. "What's got you all unhappy Aizen?"

Aizen looked at his subordinate. "It's these Kami damned feds. They are driving investors away from us and now I am being forced to lay off workers. We are still waiting on the deal in Belgium which I hope can stabilize this problem. But we need to start making our moves against Kurosaki and Kuchiki now."

Gin frowned. "How do you suppose that will happen?"

Aizen looked at his screen. "I know how to get Kuchiki under our thumb but it won't be for a couple of months. As for Kurosaki, my main focus is on the Kurosaki-kun and Michaels."

Gin crossed his arms. "I can sort of understand why your after Ichigo. Being the boss' kid and knowing Isshin he would do anything to protect his kids. But Andrew is a mystery to me."

Aizen looked across the room. "In every generation, there exists a driver that becomes the icon of racing. Mario Andretti, "The King" Richard Petty, "The Intimidator" Dale Earnhardt Sr. Ayton Senna, Jeff Gordon, Michael Schumacher, Jimmie Johnson, and Sebastian Vettal. Roughly every decade or so a driver appears and he dominates the racing world. Race Director Yammamato was considered his generation's champion driver."

"Other than Senna and Petty all of those names you said are all names currently in the Grand Prix."

Aizen nodded. "All of those names with exception of Senna are extremely great racing bloodlines. However none of them had the spark since their family's respective patriarch. But Andrew is something special."

Aizen crossed his hands. "I remember about 15 years ago right after the war I was in the U.S looking for some potential investors. One of them took me to a local race track. He said there was this racer who was only nine years was making the older drivers look stupid. Intrigued as I had never been to a race before that point, they brought me to the track. Now I had heard of the Grand Prix but as a business man I had never seen the appeal of racing. I honestly thought there was only a couple of divisions of racing, the Grand Prix divisions. I didn't realize that in America there were thousands of racers throughout the country. Most are local drivers some are touring drivers like the division I saw that day. Eventually the best drivers make their way up to either NASCAR, the IRL or the United Sportscar Championship.

Anyway we visited this small track in Connecticut where there was a Friday Night event. After a couple of low-card events, the go-kart events were next. I watched as these eleven year old drivers suited up and then I saw him. He was small, they told me he was nine and he looked like he belonged in a library. They got out onto the track and it was like my eyes were opened. The small kid dominated the event and he went onto win the race. I heard the announcer say he was Andrew Michaels. It was then I decided to get into the racing scene.

Six years later, after the Arabic War had formaly ended, I formed my race team. But they were only temporary as I wanted to develop my drivers. I had started at the third tier of Japan's leagues much like Kuchiki and Kurosaki. I had scouted out several potential prospects when I happened to be at Flemington raceway. I overheard in the garage that Andrew the prodigy racer was running out of money to race and if he didn't win the title he was going to quit. I could not have the driver that I wanted as my centerpiece for my future team. I approached his father with a proposal to fund his team if Andrew would come race for him. William did take the proposal into consideration and we kept in contact. At New Hampshire, we had the paperwork ready to sign in case of Andrew's loss. But he had the best car all day and I was concerned that he would elude me. On that final lap I was probably the only one happy that he did wreck. But…those dammed officials gave him the championship and the sponsorship. William looked at me and in complete defiance ripped up the contract. I watched him walk away and I swore one of these days I would have his kid work for me.

Gin made a noise of understanding. "So you think Andrew is this generation's champion?

Aizen stood up. "It's either him or Ichigo, they are the right age for it. Just old enough to learn, young enough to make their mark. I have tried three times to get Andrew. The first time was when one of our satellite companies approached him for a spokesman spot. That was quickly squashed when he became the spokesman for Nintendo. The second was when he made the jump to NASCAR and was looking for a sponsorship. Once again I approached him, once again I was denied because he signed with a gaming company.

The most recent time I thought I had I had him. His contract had ended at the team he raced with, Joe Gibbs racing. He made his intentions known that if there was a spot available in the Grand Prix he would make the jump. At the time three teams had a driver leaving or retiring. Hendrick was losing Justin Kane to the Ganassi team, Kuchiki had fired Amagi Shuunske after it came to light he plotted to eliminate Yamamoto and the Rousch team needed to be replenished after a couple of their drivers either retired and left. I was prepared to ruin other team's chances but a funny thing happened."

Gin realized what it could be. "Jushiro Ukitake retired?"

Aizen nodded. "This put the Kurosaki team in contention for Andrew. I thought they would be long shots at getting him. He was an American and was probably looking for an American team. That's why I was as shocked as everyone else when he signed with the Kurosaki team. At the press conference he explained that his friendship with Ichigo Kurosaki won him to their side. I was absolutely furious that he slipped through my hands again, to my rivals no less. That's when I decided I would do everything to make sure he would regret defying me." Aizen said walking away.

Gin frowned. This was new information for Byakuya. Tia would also need to know this new information. This would only convince her to help him out more. He went to his room to prepare for landing.

Friday July 1st

The group of five had arrived in Daytona Beach the previous night and now the drivers were getting a good look at the track with qualifying beginning at about one o'clock after NASCAR B Division qualifying. One look at the track and Andrew grimaced.

"They just repaved the surface. Speeds are going to be really fast here." Andrew said as they walked with a race official.

Tatsuki looked the track. "It doesn't look that steep I don't understand why you are concerned."

Andrew grinned and walked up the track. "Trying walking up here without losing your footing." He said from the middle of the track. Tatsuki scoffed and tried to walk up the track and to her amazement she could barely keep her footing.

Andrew laughed. "Not so easy is it. This old girl has been around for over a hundred years. This is the place for speed."

Andrew and Tatsuki carefully walked down as Orihime video-taped them. The official told them that qualifying would begin soon. It would be a busy day at the track as it was not only theirs and the B division but the A division as well would be qualifying.

"So why are we not racing on Sunday like the other races we've done save Barcelona and Russia?" Orihime asked.

Andrew smiled. "It's this weekend. Fourth of July is the celebration of our independence. Nearly three hundred years ago, the founding fathers believed that a nation born of the people for the people could be a viable form of government. It's been the foundation of several governments around the world and despite the many hardships this country has experienced, today this country which promotes the freedom of religion and more than that freedom of expression, is alive and thriving. As a result, the American racing divisions take center stage this weekend. This doesn't mean our race is overshadowed. In fact we get our own fireworks about a hundred miles from here."

"What's down there?" Ichigo asked.

Andrew chuckled. "It's the Kennedy Space Center. One of the big news things this week is the launch of a manned mission to Mars. Its purpose is the set up the potential to colonize the planet."

Everyone widened their eyes. Orihime was the first to break her stupor. "You mean we could see aliens and other people from outer space!?"

Andrew chuckled. "Who knows? Perhaps when our grandkids are old enough they will be racing there." He said heading back to their trailer to get ready for qualifying.

Two hours later the drivers were getting ready to make their run with Andrew being the in the second group, Ichigo and Uryuu in the fourth and Chad in the fifth. The American drivers had talked at Watkins Glen about having a BBQ after the qualifying runs to celebrate the end of this long stretch of races and to celebrate the holiday. As Andrew got himself set up he watched as only one car raced on the preferred line, the 24 of Serenity Gordon. She had the time to beat after the first session which was the track record for this configuration.

"That a girl Serenity. That's how you race at Daytona, regardless of configuration."

"You all set?" Kisuke said over the radio.

"Ready to show how this track is run. Watch and learn boys."

Andrew drove out onto the track for his laps. When he came down the tri-oval he was already trying to pass Maria Robertson. Entering the infield section he slowed down a bit to make sure he could navigate the turns correctly. He was about two tenths ahead of Serenity's time as he got back onto the oval already shifting into fourth gear. He walked the tightrope against the wall, knowing one bad move and his time was ruined. Finally out of the turn he briefly slowed down to enter the chicane but was back up to speed heading back into the oval. Heading through the final turn he did the same thing on this turn heading back to tri-oval. He let out a whoop as he passed the finish line.

"1.32.65. You are on Pole position. Great run!" Kisuke said.

After a few more laps the cars were pulled in and Andrew was excited. He looked to his teammates. "That's how you qualify. See you guys as the BBQ." Andrew said walking off to give an interview.

After the interview, Andrew and Tatsuki were walking through the infield when they heard sniffling. They looked around and spotted a small boy on the ground crying. In the vast infield that was the Daytona infield, he must have gotten separated from his parents. They walked over and Andrew knelt down.

"Hey there little buddy, what's your name?"

The boy looked up to him. "I'm not supposed to talk to strangers. Mommy thinks they'll kidnap me." He said between sobs.

"Well if we tell you are names we aren't strangers are we?" Andrew said.

The boy looked at the strange man and nodded. "Okay then. I'm Andrew, this lovely lady is Tatsuki. What's your name?"

"….Robert. But I like to be called Robbie, Mr. Andrw and Ms. Suki."

Andrew chuckled. "Its alright on the names. Tatsuki is a hard name to pronounce. Say how about this. You come with us, let us change out of our uniforms and then we go find your mom and dad."

Robbie looked nervous. "Are there going to be lots of people?"

This sent up a flag with Andrew but he shook it off. "Well, there will probably be quite a number of people. We have this little BBQ with our friends. But I can assure you everyone is nice."

Robbie looked at Andrew and smiled. Andrew stood up and held out his hand for Robbie to take. Tatsuki followed behind them and had to smile at how gentle Andrew was being with Robbie. A few minutes later they arrived at the plane where the BBQ was being set up. A T.V was also being set up as one of the World Cup games was on. It was the U.S vs. Japan and considering the teams that were going to be at this little party it was a big thing. (The three American teams and the Kurosaki and Kuchiki teams)

"You like burgers?" Andrew asked Robbie as they approached.

Robbie nodded enthusiastically. "Well then we have two very good grill masters in my father and my friend's sister." Andrew said as Serenity walked up to them.

"Hey Andrew. Oh who is this little guy?" She asked.

Robbie hid behind Andrew. "He's Robbie, sorry he's a little shy. He got separated from his parents. Do you mind watching for a couple of minutes, so we can change?"

Serenity nodded and she held out her hand.

"Go on Robbie, she's a nice girl." Tatsuki said.

Robbie reluctantly held out his hand and Serenity took it. She moved him towards a table. "So how did you get separated from your parents Robbie?

Robbie started fidgeting. "I wanted to see the drivers but I disobeyed mommy and wandered off. I don't remember how to find my way back." He said tearing up.

Serenity smiled. "Hey take it easy. We'll find your parents. In the meantime, if you want to meet some of the drivers, well I think you already know a couple."

Robbie's mood brightened. "Really?"

"You got that right little buddy. My full name is Andrew Michaels and the woman you are talking to is Serenity Gordon."

Immediately Robbie went into gushing over the drivers causing the two to laugh. "So how about this we introduce you to our teams while Ms. Suki here tries to find your parents."

Tatsuki gave a look that said she wasn't up to it but decided to try and find track services. Serenity and Andrew went around and introduced their new friend to the crews that were there.

Tatsuki asked around for the location of the track services office. She eventually found the place and when she walked up she saw two people in hysterics. The woman was a brown haired woman roughly in her thirties wear a red shirt and blue jeans. The guy was wearing a hat with a 48 on it, a white and blue shirt and blue jeans.

"Sir please my boy is easily distracted. He doesn't know any better. He could be on track for all I know. Oh Daniel I knew this was a bad idea. All this sensory overload is going to make him breakdown."

"Emily calm down we'll find him. I am sure they can find him." The man named Daniel said.

Tatsuki took this opportunity to step in. "Excuse me is your child's name Robert or Robbie?"

The two parents looked at the girl surprised. "Yes. Do you know where he is? Is he okay?"

Tatsuki laughed. "I'm Tatsuki and he is fine. Come on I'll take you to him."

The two parents looked at each other and then followed Tatsuki. They were approaching the area where the drivers were and there was security. The parents were nervous but Tatsuki flashed her press and her team badge and explained that Emily and Daniel were with her. The two were surprised they were let in like that but they followed Tatsuki as she knew what she was doing. They saw all of the teams and noticed there was a big party that they were being led to. The T.V that was set up was blaring as several people were grumbling at the calls in the soccer game.

"Hey Andrew we're back!" Tatsuki called out.

Andrew and Robbie looked up from the couch they were sitting on and Robbie's eyes lit up.

"MOMMY!" Robbie ran as fast as his little feet went to his parents.

"Oh Robbie you had us worried sick." Emily said. "Don't worry us like that again young man!" She scolded him.

Robbie looked sad. "I'm sorry mommy I wanted to see the drivers. But I made so many friends look." Robbie pointed out.

The parents looked around and noticed they were in the presence of not only several of the drivers but also their teams.

Daniel stepped up. "Who was the one that found our child?"

Andrew walked over. "Me and Tatsuki did. We found him on our way to the plane. Knowing how vast this place is we took him here because we knew it was safe. He was a little shy but a lot of us have taken with the little guy."

Daniel and Emily looked surprised. "You mean he was able to open up?" Emily asked flabbergasted.

"Yeah. As an extension of generosity why don't you stick around for the BBQ? We have plenty to go around." Andrew offered.

Robbie looked up with hopeful eyes. "Can we Mommy?"

One look at their kid and the parents caved. "I suppose if you don't think we'll impose?"

Robbie cheered as those watching chuckled. Some of those chuckles turned to shouts as one of the teams scored. Based on who was cheering it was the U.S team.

A couple of hours later the party was in full swing as everyone had finished qualifying. Emily had taken a seat in the plane and watched as her son played video games with some of the drivers.

William took a seat next to her. "You enjoying yourself?"

Emily was startled by the question but smiled. "Yes we all are." They looked at Robbie who was playing some party game with Andrew, Robert and Ichigo. "I haven't seen him so happy. He is obsessed with cars and the drivers. He isolates himself so much. We've taken him to therapy and he has started to respond to treatment. This was the first outing since the doctor told me my child is mentally disabled."

"Is that what you see Autism as?" William asked seriously. "A mental disorder?"

Emily looked scared but she pressed on. "No…it's just that we had so many plans for him and now this diagnosis we don't know what to do." Emily said depressed.

William sighed. "How long ago did he get diagnosed?"

Emily closed her eyes. "About…six months ago. The doctors say it was a fortunate occurrence that we found out early in his life."

William hummed. He looked across to the T.V as most of them had started playing some sort of fighting game with Robbie being an active participant. "You know my son found your kid right?"

"Ah yes, I must say you raised a fine man." Emily said.

William nodded. "Yeah. It was hard. Especially after losing his mother about the age your son is now. And raising an Autistic child."

Emily was shocked. "Andrew has it? But how could he look so…normal?"

William chuckled. "He has a mild form of it. Save for some behaviors he can control he's normal. He was able to get the help he needed. The therapy, the racing and even taking some martial arts. He was able to overcome it and so can your son. Based on the interactions I've had your son is a little more handicapped then Andrew but not enough to make a difference."

Emily looked at Andrew and the rest of the drivers. They were having a great time with Robbie and he was having the time of his life. "Can…you give us some advice?"

William smiled. "Yeah go find Daniel and we can go to the conference room."

Emily nodded and found Daniel talking with Isshin. They followed William to the conference room where they discussed options for Robbie's development. When they got out about an hour later, Robbie was sleeping and Tatsuki was carrying him around. Most of the other drivers had gone back to their trailers.

"Hey there. Robbie was a little tired." Tatsuki said handing off the child. Andrew came up to the family. "The B Division race is going on right now so I have special headphones because Robbie might be sensitive to the loud noises."

The family thanked him as Andrew gave them a couple more things. "An autographed hat and a message from everyone thanking him for coming here."

Daniel chuckled. "No it's us that should be thanking you. Have a good night and good luck." The family left the plane in high spirits. Tatsuki sighed as they left. Other than the introduction to the other drivers, Robbie had either stayed with his parents or with Andrew and Tatsuki. Everyone saw a different side to both of them. If they didn't know any better, everyone would think Tatsuki and Andrew were Robbie's parents.

Andrew chuckled. "I told you, you would be a great mom." Andrew said kissing her as he went back to their room.

Tatsuki said nothing as the family walked away. "Yeah…" She trailed off as she suddenly was bombarded with images of an older looking her with two kids running around her and her belly slightly rotund indicating another pregnancy.

She felt her stomach and she smiled. "Perhaps when we get married." She said knowing that her future was with him.

(A/N: The scene before Tatsuki's musings is the shock and the struggles parents go through when their kid is diagnosed with autism. Some parents make great strides others have problems. If you or you have someone you love who is autistic, remember their greatest ally is you and your family. My parents got me all the help I needed and I am forever grateful. On with the story)

Starting Line-Up: Daytona

1. Ralph Dillon

2. Archie Stewart

3. Andrew Michaels

4. Serenity Gordon

5. Robert Johnson

6. Soi Fong

7. Kira Izuru

8. Michael Busch

9. Bjorn Kristensen

10. Alexandra Edwards

11. Rebecca Kirkland

12. Allen Regan

13. Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez

14. Tier Harribel

15. Ichigo Kurosaki

16. Ikkaku Madarame

17. Uryuu Ishida

18. Jessica Rosburg

19. Patricia Stenhouse

20. Chad Yasotora

21. Maria Robertson

22. Francesca Alonso

23. Gin Ichimaru

24. Dale Earnhardt IV

25. Michael Kennseth

26. Shawn Newman

27. Jason Webber

28. Ulquiorra Cifer (Changed Gear Box)

29. Ralph Hamilton

30. Michael Bush

31. Raoul Garcia (Wrecked forced to back up)

32. Renji Abarai

33. Jason Vettal

34. Brian Mcnish

35. George Schumacher

36. Flippe Massa III

(Great showing by the Americans. But who will win on the high banks?)

Early the next day, July 2nd

Andrew had woken up and having gotten out Tatsuki's embrace he did his morning routine from showering to training his martial arts skill and then started wandering around. The garage for the Grand Prix drivers were over by Turn 4 of the oval track so the imposing walls of the oval stood in front of him. As he wondered he saw a couple of figures walking the track. He walked over and saw it was the Hendrick team looking at a particular spot on the wall.

"Serenity? Dale? Robert? Ralph?" Andrew called out. The four turned to see Andrew walking up to them. Stopping at the apron. "What are you guys doing?"

Dale looked up at the wall. More specifically at the spot where flowers were placed on the outside of the catch fence. "I guess it's a memorial to our families. 69 years ago my great-grandfather the first Dale Earnhardt was killed here. People still place flowers here in remembrance, now we come here to remember the successes our families had here."

Serenity sighed. "My grandfather, Jeff Gordon passed away earlier this year, after Japan. It was significant because he was the last one to race with both Dale Earnhardt senior and "The King" Richard Petty. In fact he was the last one of the old NASCAR outliving Robert's grandfather, Jimmie Johnson by about two years. His career started before any of this technology." Serenity waved her arms around. "Existed." (This is true. Jeff Gordon is the last active driver to have raced with both)

Robert wrapped an arm around her. "Our families have succeeded so much here at this track. Our numbers are connected to them. This was and in some cases still is the American center of racing, on par with Silverstone, Indy, Monaco and Suzuka in prestige, at least to us. But we haven't raced at Daytona since we got promoted, the Grand Prix preferring Atlanta due to scheduling. And even then Serenity is the only one with a win here and it wasn't even in the 500.

Andrew nodded. "The 24, 48, 88 and 3. The numbers of Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr and Dale Earnhardt. Or in Ralph's case, Austin Dillon." He said looking at the rookie. (All of these numbers are real in NASCAR)

Ralph nodded. "I know about my history. My great-great grandpa Richard Childress was Dale Earnhardt's crew chief. But I am not racing for my family. I am racing to escape that shadow. I want to be known by my own merits."

Andrew smiled. "Isn't that what we all should strive for?" He said. He scaled the wall and placed his hands on the fence. "I think your families are proud, whether they are living or dead. I think racing is all about the journey and the competition. Look at me I am a first-gen driver, I never expected to be here. My dad has been with me every step of the way and despite my failures and struggles he always my happiness at heart."

He felt a warm breeze and he smirked. "I feel something exciting will happen tonight." He walked back down the apron. He stopped. "Oh and winning tonight?" The four turned to Andrew who was flipping through his songs. "You'll have to go through me…good luck." He said as the song started up.

(Play Fuel by Metallica.)

The camera shifts to behind Andrew as he is seen walking down the plane already dressed in his suit. He met up with Ichigo and the rest of the team and they pounded each other's fists.

The atmosphere was patriotic as several of the American cars were colored for the holiday. Many of those in the infield were setting off firecrackers as well.

As the cars were being rolled out, jet fighters were streaking across the sky in preparation for the festivities.

Miles to the south, final preparations for the launch of Mars Genesis probe were being carried out. The brave ten man crew was being sent far from home, but they were confident in the success of their mission. If they did succeed, Mars would be terraformed and humanity would be able to live on the red planet. It was truly a day to remember for the United States.

Back at the track, the broadcasters and the teams were celebrating the long trip finally being over. The American broadcasting team was taking in the celebrations as well with an impromptu party before the race started.

In the driver's meeting, Yammamato reminded the drivers to be on their best behavior in light of everything that was going on. He dismissed them and the driver's prepared for perhaps their toughest test this year on these seemingly daunting banks."

(End Previous song, begin Born in the U.S.A, By Bruce Springsteen)

(Song begins playing) There is something about Fourth of July in the United States. Maybe it's the BBQ. (Food being grilled is shown) Maybe it's the spectacular fireworks every year. (Fireworks going off are shown.) Maybe it's because every year is another example of our freedom that our Founding Fathers established all those years ago.

For most people, it is the racing. For years the Fourth of July weekend has been the weekend that racing becomes the front page. And the perfect venue for this weekend is Daytona International Raceway, the track where America's best drivers had raced for years and where speed is king. Racing is so big on this weekend that the World Grand Prix, a main event level race, is the mid-card event for the weekend

But that doesn't mean Americans won't be paying attention. On the contrary with 13 racers representing the red white and blue this year, perhaps more Americans will pay attention this year. A funny thing about 13 and the United States. Thirteen Colonies, thirteen stripes, thirteen drivers. (Images of all the American drivers are shown

(Final lines start up)

Whatever the reason, there is one universal truth. These racers are free to pursue their ambition regardless of gender or race. They are the epitome of living life, enjoying liberty and pursuing happiness. And for those who are, are proud to have been Born in the U.S.A

(Chorus plays as the track gets zoomed in.) Welcome to Daytona.

(End previous song begin the Fox theme as the camera pans over the track)

Jeremy: A patriotic fever is in the air here at the American Center of racing. Whether it is the race or it's the anticipation for a new chapter in human history, Florida seems the place to be."

(Pans to the American Booth)

Jeremy: Welcome all watching around the world to Round 16 of the World Grand Prix and more importantly the last of eight straight weeks of racing. The relief in these drivers and crews can be felt as they approach the end of the tunnel. But they face their toughest test here at Daytona. Nate what is it about Daytona that seems hard.

Nate: Well for starters it is the banking. (Camera pans over to turn one of the oval) This is the only track we are running this year that runs on banking. Oval racing here in the states use banking and this is one of the steeper banks we have. It's a unique challenge to those who have not raced on ovals. But this race is not just about the banking. It's about leaving it, going through the infield and then climbing back up 160 times.

Jeremy: Yes it is 160 laps which is a very long time in these cars. It's a great of endurance and skill. Much like our friends down at the Kennedy Space Center. (Camera is switched to a far-shot of the Mars Genesis rocket.

Nate: To quote Star Trek, they are going where no man has gone before. These ten brave souls will attempt to do the unprecedented and land on Mars. This international crew has the eyes of the world watching them. At the drop of the green flag today, they will take off to great wonders and great excitement.

Jeremy: Before we launch any rockets or drop the green flag let's take a look at last week's race.

(Begin recap) Nate: From the time the cars came on to the track the handling of these cars was almost non-existent. Many cars struggled especially the much hyped Kurosaki team they were not in contention through out the day.

Jeremy: Instead for most of the day it looked like it was the Red Bull and Souske drivers that were going to do well. But it was the driver everyone overlooked that eventually produced the victory.

Nate: Kira Izuru the often forgotten fourth member of the Kuchiki team was able to get the adjustments he needed to win at Montreal. However it seems there is some tension brewing between the Kurosaki and the Souske camp.

Jeremy: Yes for the 2nd time in four races, Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez tangled up with Uryuu Ishida and taking out several other cars as well. Obviously this did not bode well for team relations. But despite the obvious bad luck, the Kurosaki team is still in front in both team and the driver's standings.

Nate: Doesn't look like they'll leave that perch anytime soon.

Jeremy: We are as always joined by a multitude of reporters we have a couple of them lined up. First is our Japanese reporter Kiyone Kotestu who is with last week's winner. Kiyone?

Kiyone: Thanks Jeremy. Now Kira you won last week which is the first one for you at this level. How do you feel?

Kira: It feels great to finally win. I mean everything and anything that could happen to this team happened. I am glad Kuchiki-sama saw fit to stand by me. I hope to have better luck in the future.

Kiyone: He starts seventh. Now onto my American colleague who is with the driver that has blown up social media the last 24 hours. Jermaine?

(Pans to Jermaine with Andrew) Jermaine: Thanks Kiyone. Now Andrew you start 3rd today at one of the tracks you have done great at, at least on the oval. But this is the combined circuit how do you think you'll do.

Andrew: Oval or combined I have confidence in my win tonight. This car was fast in qualifying and in practice and like you said I know this track

Jermaine: Now people are asking questions about an act of kindness you did yesterday care to elaborate?

Andrew (Chuckled) Yes. We were on our way back from qualifying, me and my girlfriend when we saw a little boy wandering around separated from his parents. Being the nice guy I am I offered to take him to our hanger, which was having a BBQ, until we found his parents. We found his parents and they joined us for the party. We didn't know until my dad, who is here at the track, told us he was autistic. I can only imagine being separated from them and the amount of people overwhelmed him. I would be if I were his age.

Jermaine: Some people thought it was your child considering how at ease you were with him.

Andrew: What can I say, I love kids.

Jermaine: He rolls off 3rd. Back to you Jeremy.

After a very patriotic performance of the national anthem and the jet fly over everyone strapped in ready to take on the track.

"DRIVERS. START. YOUR. ENGINES!"

At once all thirty-six cars roared to life. On the big screen over-looking the pits, a split-screen was shown. One side showed the rocket preparing to launch. The other was a timer that was tied to the timer of the launch. Each parade lap would take about three and a half minutes so the cars were ushered onto the track promptly.

(Japan Booth)

Kommamura: As they begin the parade laps let's take a look at the race statistics. It is 160 laps on the 3.5 mile Daytona Sports Car Course. This course has 31 degrees of banking in the oval turns and for those who never race in the American tier this is a big test.

Jushiro: Fuel window is about thirty laps looks for gamblers near the end. Big factor is the banking and the transition from there to the flat section in the infield. Also the tires because they had to be specially made for this race. Finally, 160 laps after seven straight weeks of racing its going to be an endurance test.

Back on track as the countdown passed two minutes, Andrew was waiting to rev up the engines as he they drove of the first oval turn he sighed.

"What's up Andrew?" Kisuke asked.

"Do you think they'll make it? The astronauts?"

"I like to think so. It's a long trip away from their families so they are missing out on quite a bit."

"…Do you think we will ever race on Mars or race somewhere else in the universe?"

"You want me to be honest?" Kisuke asked.

"Never expect anything less." Andrew said as they rolled through the bus stop and the timer reached 45 seconds.

"Yes. Yes we will."

Andrew smiled. "I would like to see that one day.

"Andrew get your head in the game. Showtime in 30." Isshin said coming over the radio.

"Roger that." Andrew said.

As they came of the last oval turn, the timer reached 10 and everyone stood up.

"10…9…8…7….6…5…4…3…2…1."

The crowd's cheers were not just for the race starting but for the Mars Genesis rocket taking off. Ralph led the back down into the infield. Unlike recent tracks the entrance was wide enough to let cars into the infield. Still there was a lot of shuffling as they slowed for turn 3. Speeding through the next couple of turns they re-entered the main track and they started negotiating the oval turns. Some drivers thought to stay on the low side on the assumption it was faster. Those that had raced here before, Andrew and the other American drivers took the second and third line. Coming out of the turn, those on the higher lines kept their momentum and completed their passes even taking a couple of extra spots. Going through the back stretch everyone slowed down to enter the bus stop but it was a short slow down period and once again they got back onto the oval.

American Booth

Jeremy: Lap 1 is in the books. They sure got up to speed fast.

Nate: No restrictor plates means those engines are going to be pumping out a lot of horsepower. With the new surface and the changing daylight it is going to be a case of who can keep their engines from blowing up.

Back on track it was lap 5 and Serenity and her teammates had separated slightly. As they got onto the oval, Serenity was close enough that she could use the draft. As they went through the oval turn the effects of the draft kicked in and she got closer. The moment she did Ralph's car wiggled and it allowed her to complete the pass as the exited the turn.

Japan Booth

Kommamura: And the champ uses her knowledge of racing at this track to great effect and takes the lead from her teammate.

Jushiro: It is still early but it looks like the Hendrick team is the team to beat.

On track a few more laps passed. Andrew was in fifth but it was clear he was losing ground to the four drivers in front of him and part of it was the tightness in his car.

"Kisuke I am tight and it is really apparent in the oval."

"The height of the track is probably the case. At least you have it easy. Half the drivers are still hesitant to climb the track.

"Let me guess the only ones are us, the American teams and Souske?"

"More so for the 06 and 04 but yes." Kisuke replied.

"Roger."

In front of them Dale had caught up to Serenity. He decided a slightly different approach. Coming off of turn 4 of the oval he used a cross over that got him underneath here and used the apron which was said in the driver's meeting that it was legal passing ground.

American Booth

Jeremy: Using the apron to pass was definitely a good move.

Nate: In NASCAR because they only use the oval, there is a penalty for passing below the line. It only applies to Daytona and Talladega.

Back on track, Dale had caught up with the tail end of the field which had shrunk by one. On lap 20, Jason Webber lost his suspension and crashed into the barricades in turn 3. Seeing that it did not impact the race, only that area was slowed down. On lap 28 just as they were preparing for pit stops, disaster struck the Rousch and the Kuchiki teams.

Coming out of turn 3, Allen Regan was heading towards turn four when his engine started sputtering.

"Crap, Phil I lost my drive." Allen shouted over the radio.

"Alright just try to get off the track."

Behind them Ikkaku was trying get around George Schumacher. He saw an opening and in his impatience, he disregarded his spotter and passed on the left. He didn't see Allen's car until it was too late and the cars collided.

Japan Booth

Kommamura: As the leaders prepare for their pit stops, many are complaining about a tight race car.

Jushiro (Pans to Allen's car): Allen Regan slow on the chute to turn 5, he says the drive is off-(Collision) Oh My Lord!"

Kommamura: A terrible crash between the 11 and 6. A full course yellow is coming (Replays start playing.) Ikkaku did not see the 6 slow down or perhaps he failed to head his spotter.

Jushiro: (Sees both drivers climb out) That is probably the best scene we could ever witness. Both drivers are okay and the crowd is cheering for that. They will be feeling that for a while.

(The above wreck comes from the 2014 24 Hours of Daytona. The guy in the prototype had several fractures. The Ferrari guy had a concussion)

It would take a few laps to clean up, so the drivers came in to change tires. Grimmjow ever the opportunist took two tires and he got out first ahead of the Hendrick contingent and Andrew. On the restart three laps later he tried to pull away, he spun the tires, meaning when he tried to hit the gas, the wheels wouldn't catch resulting in a slow restart and causing several cars to check-up and Serenity took the lead. She kept the lead for several laps until Andrew caught up to her thanks to the lapped traffic. Andrew kept the lead until the next round of pit stops giving it up to Archie on lap 63.

Serenity retook the lead on lap 65 after a cycle of pit stops and held it for a few more laps before Ralph took over at lap 77. During this time two more retirements happened. Flippe Massa reported engine trouble at the halfway point as the engines were now pumping out a lot horsepower with the sun down. The other was an electrical failure on the part of Jason Vettal as he came in for his pit stops.

In the third cycle of stops, Ichigo was able to lead a couple of laps before giving way to his teammate Andrew who had a better stop then Serenity. That was quickly squashed as Serenity showed she hadn't lost her edge racing at this type of track. During this set, Ulquiorra managed to climb his way up and passed Serenity coming onto the oval from the infield on lap 116. This finally put a smile on Souske's face but his other drivers were not doing so well.

The final set of pit stops occurred after a multi-car wreck involving Jessica Rosburg, Rebecca Kirkland, Ralph Hamilton and Bjorn Kristensen that occurred in the first turn of the oval. Those that raced here before had flashes of bigger wrecks in the past. Fortunately the cars were more spread out and not too many cars were involved.

After the final set of pit stops, Earnhardt had the lead going into the restart but had the same problem as Grimmjow earlier and dropped him to sixth. Ralph took the lead with Andrew taking second and Serenity taking third. But Dale's car which had been good but unlucky started to battle back. It could have been his pride as an American, it could have been the ghost of his ancestors helping him, but something in him changed as he started to catch his teammate. By lap 148 he had caught the champ and the two separated from the pack.

American Booth

Jeremy: Dale Earnhardt IV has caught with his teammate and it looks like its going to come down to these two.

Nate: Its like the racing of old. I can see Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Jeff Gordon in these two cars. They are putting on a clinic that NASCAR hasn't died.

Jeremy: And the crowd is on its feet as Earnhardt passes the champ in the bus stop.

On track it was back and forth for the last ten laps. Further back, Grimmjow and Ulquiorra were attempting to reach the front. They found themselves blocked by Ichigo and Andrew and Ralph in effect letting the two racers in front of them race. On the final lap, Grimmjow got fed up with this and radioed Ulquiorra.

"Ulquiorra let's wreck these three now. They are getting on my nerves." Grimmjow called out.

"Roger I got the high line."

As they approached the bus stop Ulquiorra got ready by dropping behind the three. Out of the bus stop he quickly sped up to the high line just behind Andrew. Grimmjow got down on the apron and then veered to the right in effort to take all three out. But he mistimed it and he got clipped by the black 3 and got himself turned around. The shifting air caused his car to life and helicopter into the fence and collected Ulquiorra into the mess completely missing the other three drivers.

Same Time

Andrew was racing down the back stretch when he saw Grimmjow and Ulquiorra pull up.

"Something's up. Ichigo careful in the turn."

"Roger."

As they came out of the bus stop, Andrew watched as Ulquiorra pulled up behind him and slightly to the right. He looked down and saw Grimmjow getting loose.

"Damn it Ichigo! Let Up Now!"

Ichigo instantly did so and they watched as Grimmjow helicoptered by and hitting the fence and Ulquiorra.

Andrew stuck out his middle finger and let out a whoop. "Yippie Kiya you son of it gun."

Up front as all of this was going on, Dale was catching Serenity and was now nose to nose as the came to flag.

Japan Booth

Kommamura: As the carnage behind them takes place, it's the 24 and the 88 as they come to the line. Checkered Flag is in the air. The two are nose to nose. Its going to be a photo finish.

Jushiro: What does the scoring monitor say? It is…Dale Earnhardt IV. Dale Earnhardt IV wins at Daytona. The Earnhardt family is smiling as their heir wins. The fireworks and the crowd are going off in a frenzy.

Andrew watched as the Hendrick camp which 1-2-3 on the Independence Day Weekend. "I'm happy for them. Kind of wish I won. Oh well, now I believe it is vacation time."

"I hear that." Ichigo said with a enthusiastic cheer.

As the fireworks were going off, it was a celebration of a nation's drivers winning, a celebration of a nation's freedom and more importantly the end of their biggest test of their careers.

But shadows move and soon the Kurosaki team will become embroiled in a battle that has the potential to change the world. What is it? Find out on Bleach Grand Prix.

Finish Order: Daytona

1. Dale Earnhardt IV, Hendrick 37 points 27 laps led

2. Serenity Gordon, Hendrick 39 points 77 laps led

3. Ralph Dillon, Hendrick 35 points 25 laps led

4. Andrew Michaels, Kurosaki 34 points 22 laps led

5. Ichigo Kurosaki, Kurosaki 33 points 2 laps led

6. Michael Kennseth Rousch 31 points

7. Michael Busch Stewart-Haas 30 points

8. Alexandra Edwards, Rousch 29 points

9. Tier Harribel, Souske 28 points

10. Patricia Stenhouse, Rousch 27 points

11. Robert Johnson Hendrick 26 points

12. Archie Stewart, Stewart-Haas 26 points 2 laps led

13. George Schumacher, Ferrari 24 points

14. Chad Yasotora, Kurosaki, 23 points

15. Gin Ichimaru, Souske 22 points

16. Soi Fong, Kuchiki 21 points

17. Kira Izuru, Kuchiki 20 points

18. Uryuu Ishida Kurosaki 19 points

19. Brian Mcnish, Audi 18 points

20. Ikkaku Madarame, Kuchiki 17 points 1 lap down

21. Francesca Alonso, Ferrari 16 points 1 lap down

22. Marcus Andretti, Stewart-Haas 15 points 2 laps down

23. Renji Abarai, Kuchiki, 14 points 2 laps down

24. Maria Robertson, Ferrari 13 points 2 laps down

25. Raoul Garcia, Audi 12 points 2 laps down

26. Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, Souske 11 points Out

27. Ulquiorra Cifer, Souske 11 points Out 9 laps led

28. Bjorn Kristensen, Audi 9 points Out

29. Ralph Hamilton, Red Bull 8 points Out

30. Jessica Rosburg, Ferrari 7 points Out

31. Rebecca Kirkland Audi 6 points Out

32. Jason Vettal Red Bull 5 points Out

33. Flippe Massa III, Red Bull 4 points Out

34. Ikkaku Madarame, Kuchiki 3 points Out

35. Allen Regan, Rousch 2 points Out

36. Jason Webber, Red Bull 1 point Out

Drivers names Team Points

Ichigo Kurosaki Kurosaki 425

Andrew Michaels Kurosaki 417

Brian Mcnish Audi 398

Serenity Gordon Hendrick 387

Archie Stewart Stewart-Haas 363

Gin Ichimaru Souske 358

Chad Yasotora Kurosaki 353

Uryuu Ishida Kurosaki 351

Tier Harribel Souske 327

Ulquiorra Cifer Souske 321

George Schumacher Ferrari 315

Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez Souske 313

Renji Abarai Kuchiki 309

Soi Fong Kuchiki 305

Ralph Hamilton Red Bull 300

Patricia Stenhouse Rousch 298

Ralph Dillon Hendrick 297

Marcus Andretti Stewart-Haas 289

Maria Robertson Ferrari 279

Michael Kennseth Rousch 277

Michael Busch Stewart-Haas 276

Fransesca Alonso Ferrari 263

Ikkaku Mandarame Kuchiki 262

Kira Izuru Kuchiki 257

Jessica Rosburg Ferrari 256

Robert Johnson Hendrick 255

Flippe Massa III Red Bull 254

Alexandra Edwards Rousch 247

Bjorn Kristensen Audi 236

Rebecca Kirkland Audi 229

Jason Webber Red Bull 229

Jason Vettal Red Bull 223

Dale Earnhardt IV Hendrick 221

Raoul Garcia Audi 212

Allen Regan Rousch 202

Shawn Newman Stewart-Haas 192

Team Names Combined points

Kurosaki-Ishida 1546

Souske 1319

Hendrick 1160

Kuchiki 1133

Stewart-Haas 1120

Ferrari 1089

Audi 1075

Rousch 1024

Red Bull 1006

End of chapter

UO: Finally done. Now onto 2nd Magnolia

Terms

Tracks

Daytona International Speedway: Built in 1959 by NASCAR founder Bill France Sr., it is one of the fastest tracks in the world. Because of the speeds this track along with Talladega have to run restrictor plate on their carburetor. Among the many races here are the Daytona 500 NASCAR's equivalent of the Super Bowl held at the end of February. They also hold GP bikes on a modified circuit and the United Sports Car Championship's 24 Hours of Daytona held on the course seen in this chapter at the beginning of Speedweeks.

Terms mentioned

Restrictor plates: They go over the air intake for the carburetor which cuts the amount of air getting to the fuel reducing power.

Preview: It's the first break in two months and the drivers are taking full advantage of it. But Souske begins his plans and Kurosaki feels the pressure of being winners. What is going to happen? Find out

Next Time: Siesta of planning

Please review. Next update is 2nd Magnolia

Please Review flames will not be tolerated. Next update is Journeys of the Dreamer. Also check out my pals, Lalapie203, Spartan719, Code-Emperor07, Kurogane 7, Soleneus, Soulsilverlord, Vanishing Raptor, Kage Bijuu, Giratina Zero and EvashinobiKaiserKnight. I help on a lot of their works. I have also taken on an apprentice of sorts in Kamen Rider Super-Fan.