TUESDAY - 5 DAYS UNTIL THE DAYTONA 500

A few teams had some drivers who didn't want to run full time a chance to qualify for the Daytona 500 and everyone attended a gala to see who would be the new drivers. Everyone was dressed at their best in tuxedos and dresses.

"Hey Marshy!" Everest called out to her boyfriend. "Oh! Hey Eve!" Marshall said back.

"You're looking sharp tonight!" The husky complimented. Marshall was wearing a black tuxedo with a red bow tie.

"Thanks, and you look absolutely beautiful." Marshall complimented back. Everest had her fur brushed cleanly and wearing a cyan and silver dress.

"Aww, thanks." Everest said blushing. "Shall we take our seats with the others?"

"Let's shall!" Marshall said and he and Everest walked to a table meeting up with Chase, Skye, and Ryder. "

Marshall what's up!" Chase said bro hugging his best friend.

"Nothing much! Glad you're here." The dally said hugging back.

"Sup girlfriend!" Skye said seeing Everest. "Hey Skye! Glad we're sitting together." Everest said.

"So Ryder, who do you think the six drivers will be?" Chase asked.

"Honestly Chase, I have no idea. I'm just as excited as you pups are." Ryder said

"ATTENTION LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, PUPS AND CATS!" Mayor Goodway said over the microphone "Please put your hands together for the 6 drivers to attempt the Daytona 500!" "For 23XI, he's a leader for another team, but with his energy, he wants to chase his dream for a Daytona 500. Please welcome FireBall Hamlin!

"WHAAAA-?!" Marshall said in shock.

"MATTHEW IS RACING?!" Everest said flabbergasted.

My POV:

I walked onto the stage, waved to the crowd wearing a blue tuxedo, shook Mayor Goodway's hand and got up to the stage to say a few words.

"Thank you Goodway. I want to tell everyone that I will be driving the #67 23XI Toyota Camry joining Claw and Everest as a teammate in an attempt to make the Daytona 500. I'm grateful for this opportunity and I plan to make the most of it. Thank you." I said walking off stage. I sat at the table seeing the 4 pups and Ryder with shocked faces.

"Why are you guys looking at me like that?" I asked in confusion.

"YOU'RE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE THE 500?!" Chase screamed

"But.. but how?! How were you able to get a ride?" Skye asked, still shocked.

"After our team meeting yesterday, I realized I didn't want to just sit on the sidelines for the Daytona 500, so I pulled a few strings, got some friends who were more than happy to help, and yeah. I'm attempting to make the Daytona 500." I explained.

"Well, as your teammate, I hope you make the main event!" Everest said giving me a paw bump."

"Thanks Everest." I said bumping her paw back.

"And now, for our second driver, she's a young girl who is gonna take the world by storm. For Legacy Motor Club, Katie!" Mayor Goodway announced.

Ryder immediately spit out his water recognizing that name.

"KATIE?! KATIE IS HERE?!" Ryder said, shocked and confused.

"Isn't that your girlfriend Ryder?" I asked.

"Yeah…" Ryder said with his mouth open.

Sure enough, Katie walked onto the stage with her hair in a ponytail and wearing a pink dress.

"I am proud to announce that I will be joining Rex and Moby as teammates in the #84 Legacy Motor Club Chevrolet. I'm so happy I have been given the chance to race. Wish me luck everyone!" Katie said walking off the stage. She sat next to Ryder who still couldn't believe what just transpired.

"I-I don't even know what to say… Congratulations Katie!" Ryder said, still in shock.

"Thanks Ryder. I wouldn't have turned down this opportunity for anything." Katie said.

"And now for our third driver. He's taken some time off, but he really wanted to get back on the track to race again! Please welcome, the Whoosh!"

It definitely was the Whoosh on the stage ready to make his announcement.

"Did y'all miss me?" The Whoosh asked with a grin.

The crowd exploded in cheers for him.

"I am proud to announce that I will be driving the #13 Kaulig Chevrolet joining Wildcat and Leo as a teammate. Man it feels so good to be back ever since I left for Formula 1, and yeah can't wait!"

The Whoosh then left the stage winking at Marshall, knowing he was glad to see him.

"And now our fourth driver. This one is a shock indeed. All the way from Barkingburg, the Princess!"

The crowd was getting in more disbelief as the princess made her way to the stage.

"Thank you Mayor. It is with great honor that I had some help making my own car. I will be driving the #50 Money Team Chevrolet. Everyone watch out, cus this princess came to race!

The princess walked off the stage with the mayor ready to announce the fifth driver.

"This next driver is a close friend of mine. Just like Katie, he's from Adventure Bay. Everest, you're gonna love this! Please welcome Jake!"

Jake walked up on stage shaking the mayor's hand and got up to the stage.

"Everyone's been gone from Adventure Bay, so I decided that I want to be in on the fun. So, I will be driving the #62 Beard Motorsports Chevrolet. I don't expect much, I just want to have fun. Thank you guys!" Jake said putting down the microphone. Everest immediately jumped on Jake the second he got off the stage.

"JAKE! You're racing too?!" Everest said wagging her tail so fast.

"Yeah. I missed you so much, and I wanted to join everyone!" Jake said, hugging Everest.

"I missed you too Jake! This means a lot to me! I'm so glad you're here!" Everest said with joy.

"And our final part time racer…" Mayor Goodway said as she saw the name. "Oh dear God…" The mayor said in disbelief.

"HAHAHA! A female voice cackled as she came onto the stage."

"My name is Codi Gizmody, and I will drive the #36 Ford, and I don't need any of my teammates help to make the race." Codi said walking off stage. I couldn't help but notice Ryder giving a nasty look to Codi.

"Uh Ryder everything good?" I asked. "Not really." Ryder said. "Codi was my childhood rival and yeah she swore revenge when I beat her in a competition."

"Ah don't worry. She has a shit car and she might not even make the 500."

"Yeah you're probably right." Ryder agreed

QUALIFYING - WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Everyone was getting in their cars to attempt to make a lap to set their qualifying position for the duel races. There was some breaking news. The #50 car of the Princess was unable to qualify because something was wrong with the car. The first car went on the track and there were already issues.

"Something's wrong with the car. I can't get it fired up." The Whoosh said

#13 radio: Just stay put Whoosh. We'll get a truck to come pick you up.

The open cars made their laps and we had the two cars locked in on speed.

#84 Radio: "Katie, you have made the Daytona 500!" "WOOOOOOOOOO! Let's go! Let's freaking go!" Katie screamed.

#67 Radio (Marshall): MATT, YOU DID IT! YOU'RE IN!

"OH MY GOD. YES! YES! YES! This is a dream of a lifetime! Thank you guys for giving me a fast car!" I said, holding back tears of joy.

#36 Radio: "Sorry Codi, umm, FireBall beat you at the end by a tenth." "FUUUUUCK! We better make the show tomorrow." Codi said growling.

"I was that slow huh?" Jake asked.

#62 Radio: "Yeah not a good lap, but we'll get it tomorrow Jake."

ROUND 2 Qualifying

The top 10 drivers in the first round made it to the next round to determine who would be on the front row for the Daytona 500. Only 2 drivers remained: Ryder and Mayor Humdinger. Ryder just finished his lap.

#5 Radio: And that's pole position. One car remains for qualifying

#48 Radio: "Alright man. Go steal this pole"

"With pleasure." Mayor Humdinger grinned.

The #48 was a rocket ship around the track and in no surprise, the 48 went to the top of the leaderboard.

#48 Radio: And that's P1 Humdinger. You did it!

"Let's go team! We're gonna lead every lap on Sunday!" The mayor cackled.

"Did Humdinger get pole?" Ryder asked

#5 Radio: "Unfortunately Ryder, yes he did, but you do have P2 secured."

"Good car guys. Can't wait for Sunday!" Ryder said with enthusiasm.

DUEL #1 - THURSDAY NIGHT

#48 Radio: Stay out of trouble and be there at the end.

"You got it." The mayor said.

GREEN FLAG

The mayor got a great restart, but Ella was able to have a great start and go to the lead.

#12 Radio: "Good job Ella. Stay focused here."

LAP 26/60 Leader: Ella

All the Chevys in the duel pitted to try and gain time on the Fords and Toyotas. The plan failed.

#16 Radio: "We are losing time to the main pack"

"I knew that was a bad idea." Wildcat said.

#24 Radio: "Keep your head down Arrby. We'll be great on Sunday."

"Thank you crew chief sir!" Arrby said

LAP 58/60 Leader: Rubble

After the Fords and Toyotas made their pit stops. Only 6 drivers were in position to win: Rubble, Zuma, Ella, Rory, Skye, and Claw.

"Tell Skye I want to work with her. Maybe I can push her to victory." Claw said

#20 Radio: Skye, the #23 wants to help you to try and win.

"Tell Claw I trust him." Skye said.

#22 Radio: Still single file behind you, two to go this time.

The top 6 stayed single file coming to the white flag until Skye and Claw made the first move

#4 Radio: You're P2, #20 and #23 have pulled out, white flag here.

LAP 60/60 Leader: Rubble

Commentary: Skye and Claw have a lot of momentum on the outside! Zuma tries to block! Skye goes inside and takes 2nd away!

"NOOOOOOO!" Zuma shouted "DAMNIT."

#20 Radio: "Skye, you can win this race! If the #12 goes with you, you'll win."

#12 Radio: Ella stay with Rubble, do not go with the #20

Commentary: Skye goes into turn 3, she makes the move on the outside! They are dead even into turn 4!

"I'm going to try and help Skye!" Rory said going to the outside.

#22 Radio: #20 trying to side draft you, she's got no help, you've got help from the #12, checkered flag right here!

It was a close finish, but Rubble beat Skye by half a car length.

"Did we get it?!" Rubble asked

#22 Radio: We got it Rubble! Great job! You'll start 3rd for the Daytona 500!

#20 Radio: And Rubble got us at the line. Good job though Skye. We'll start 5th on Sunday.

"Good car guys. Thank you to Claw for getting me in that position." Skye said.

#36 Radio: And Codi, you made it. You're in, the Whoosh is out.

"No one wants to see that fraud racer in the race anyway, what a loser." Codi said

#13 Radio: That's it Whoosh. We are out.

"I'm sorry guys. I just lost the draft and that's it."

DUEL 2

Ryder would lead the field to the green flag. Jake and the princess would fight for the final spot in the Daytona 500.

GREEN FLAG

Ryder would lead the first few laps until something caught everyone's attention.

LAP 7/60 Leader: Ryder

CAUTION

"Uh, what's the caution for?" Marshall asked.

"No one wrecked. Is everything good?" Tuck asked.

Commentary: Someone's window mirror has gone flying off onto the track and we are under the caution. It might be from the #31 of Leo.

"I've lost my window. What should I do?!" Leo asked with a little panic.

#31 Radio: Calm down Leo. Come down pit road and we'll fix it.

LAP 11/60 Leader: Ryder

GREEN FLAG

Ryder got a good start, but on lap 15, Rocky with the help from Tracker.

#8 Radio: Good job Rocky. Focus here

LAP 41/60 Leader: Rocky For 26 laps, it was all single file and calm until one car got hooked.

Commentary: TROUBLE BACK STRAIGHTAWAY! ROCKY THE LEADER, HARD INTO THE OUTSIDE WALL, EVERYONE SCATTERS TO MISS HIM! FIREBALL IS IN IT, JAKE IS ALSO IN IT, So is the #15 and we are under caution.

#99 Radio: Uh, Tracker I think you pushed Rocky a bit too hard right there.

"¡Lo siento mucho! I'm so sorry! I have to talk to Rocky after the race." Tracker said knowing he messed up

"GODDAMNIT TRACKER! WHY?!" Rocky shouted in frustration.

"I'm still going, but I don't wanna damage the car even more." FireBall said

#67 Radio: Yeah, it might be best to park the car. We'll fix it and get it ready for Sunday.

"Dude, the suspension is broken… NO!" Jake knowing the status of the car

#62 Radio: We need to stop the car. I'm sorry Jake.

#50 Radio: Ok Princess, we just made the 500. Both open cars have crashed meaning we're in.

"You're kidding! Oh my goodness, what a miracle!" The Princess said in shock.

Everyone came down pit road to top off fuel to make it to the end of the race. However, Tracker overshot his pit wall and dropped to last in cars still running.

LAP 47/60 Leader: Ryder

14 laps to go. Ryder led the field with Tuck and the Duke hot on his tail.

#10 Radio: Duke, I'm gonna need you to try and pass Ryder. Get help from the #2

"Alright, let's go." The Duke said.

LAP 49/60 Leader: Duke of Flappington

With ease, the Duke was able to get the lead, but Tuck challenged from the outside.

LAP 58/60 Leader: Tuck The Duke and Tuck were battling for several laps until Tuck was able to clear the #10 for the lead

#2 Radio: The #7 is coming with a huge run, go high you got the #38 on your inside, side by side now.

"Am I clear high?" Al asked.

#38 Radio: You are clear. 2 to go at the line.

LAP 59/60 Leader: Al

Al led the entire lap until coming to the whittle flag with the Duke on his outside.

LAP 60/60 Leader: Duke of Flappington

The Duke and Al were dead even going into turn 1 until Al nearly lost it

"SHIT. SHIT. Oh damn I saved it." Al said with relief.

Unfortunately with Al getting loose, the Duke was able to drive away and win the race.

#10 Radio: Checkered flag Duke. Nice work

"Yep. All that matters now is Sunday." The Duke said.

POST RACE

Tracker felt really bad for turning his PAW Patrol teammate, so he walked over to Rocky's hauler.

"What do you want?" Rocky grumbled

"Look Tracker, I'm very sorry." Tracker said trying to talk to the mixed breed.

"Sorry doesn't fix the car does it?" Rocky asked sarcastically.

"I know but I just wanted to check in on you-" Tracker said as he was interrupted.

"LISTEN. I DON'T WANT TO TALK TO YOU RIGHT NOW! I'M PISSED OFF THAT YOU TOTALED MY CAR. YOU WERE PUSHING ME LIKE IT'S THE LAST LAP OF THE DAYTONA 500. MAYBE IT'S BEST THAT YOU TAKE IT EASY! DO YOU EVER THINK OF THAT TRACKER?!" Rocky hollered at the chihuahua.

Tracker very nervously backed away from Rocky. Rocky was catching his breath and calming down.

"I'm sorry Tracker. I-I need to be alone for a while." Rocky said.

Tracker walked away from Rocky's hauler. Would Rocky forgive Tracker from his on track mistake?