Chapter 4: California Dreamin'

(BREAKING NEWS: The #7 car will be driven by Alex, a young 20 year-old hotshot driver who moved to the US after winning the BTCC title. He is nicknamed "The Professor." He went to try his luck in the Xfinity series in 2022. After 1 season and after Daytona, he was called to drive the #7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet because the team owner doesn't want cats who can't even talk while driving his car. Alex is an OC character I made inspired by a user in the PAW Patrol Fanatics Discord.)

"Thanks for the opportunity guys. I promise I'll do my best for you guys." Alex said.

"We know you will." The crew chief said

FRIDAY

Marshall, Chase, Skye, Everest, Tracker, Rubble, Rocky, and Zuma were all chilling in a hotel just having a normal conversation.

"So, did you guys hear about the new driver for the #7?" Chase asked.

"Yeah, I'm kind of shocked the kittens were let go. They finished 16th." Marshall said.

"Do you guys remember when we first got our rides?" Skye asked.

FLASHBACK 2016

NASCAR President: We are proud to announce that for the first time ever, the PAW Patrol will drive in NASCAR!

Ryder and the rest of the pups got on the stage to reveal their cars. Ryder had the #48, Chase had the #24, Marshall had the #11, Skye had the #41, Rubble had the #22, Rocky had the #18, Zuma had the #4, Everest had the #5, and Tracker had the #19.

"Thank you to everyone for giving me and these great pups this huge opportunity, and remember: No race is too big, no pup is too small!" Ryder said over the microphone.

END OF BACKSTORY

"Ha. It was one of the best days of my life." Rocky said to himself.

"Buenos tiempos. It was a great feeling seven years ago." Tracker said.

"And look at the success it's brought us!" Rubble said

"It was a dream come true for me!" Everest said.

"Dude, if I could, I would want to relive that day all over again." Zuma said.

All the pups nodded in agreement.

SATURDAY (PRACTICE AND QUALIFYING)

Everyone was getting ready for practice and qualifying. Unfortunately, a huge cold front hit Fontana and it was still raining from the night before and they had to cancel both. Marshall, Skye, Everest, and Chase had decided to relax in Marshall's hauler to spend time alone.

"Man it looks miserable out there." Marshall said, looking outside.

"It does." Everest said with sadness.

Suddenly someone knocked on the door of the hauler.

"I'll get it." Skye said, walking over to unlock the door. It turned out to be none other than Ryder.

"Hey Ryder, what's up?" Skye asked.

"Hey Skye. I just wanted to come by to give you guys your starting positions for tomorrow."

"Alright, let's hear it." Chase said.

"Chase you're starting 33rd." Ryder said.

"Damn it." Chase said to himself.

"Everest, 35th."

"I know I can get a good finish tomorrow." Everest said.

"Marshall, you're 13th."

"Not bad, but it can be a lot better." The dally said to himself.

"And Skye, you're on pole!" Ryder finished.

"Nice! But I don't know how the car will handle, so I'll just have to hope for the best!"

"Don't worry Skye. You'll have the clean air and you'll do great tomorrow!" Chase said.

"Aww, thanks Chasey!" Skye said nuzzling her boyfriend.

SUNDAY (RACE DAY)

STARTING LINEUP

1. #20 2. #47 3. #22 4. #48 5. #17 6. #16 7. #99 8. #1 9. #12 10. #4 11. #51 12. #7 13. #11 14. #19 15. #5 16. #6 17. #10 18. #23 19. #2 20. #42 21. #8 22. #15 23. #54 24. #21 25. #38 26. #34 27. #41 28. #3 29. #31 30. #78 31. #14 32. #24 33. #9 34. #43 35. #45 36. #77

STAGES: 65/65/70

#20 Radio: Skye you are the control car, #47 inside. 5…4…3…2…1. Green flag.

GREEN FLAG

Skye led into turn 1, but Rubble felt aggressive and made it three wide giving him the lead.

LAP 12/200 Leader: Rubble

"Something's wrong with the engine!" Ryder complained.

#5 Radio: Take it to the garage. We'll see if we can get it fixed.

LAP 16/200 Leader: Rubble

(COMPETITION CAUTION)

Rubble would lead everyone onto pit road for tires and fuel, but it would be Sweetie winning the race off pit road and claiming the lead of the race.

LAP 21/200 Leader: Sweetie

Sweetie would easily keep the lead on the restart and drive away for a few laps.

LAP 28/200 Leader: Sweetie

Rubble was right on Sweetie's bumper, and would go to the inside to take back the lead.

#22 Radio: You're clear of the #1, you have the lead, #12 is coming with a run as well

LAP 29/200 Leader: Rubble

While Rubble did have the lead, his teammate Ella would make a charge for the top spot.

"I can get him if I send it deep enough!" Ella insisted.

#12 Radio: Go for it.

Ella dove to the inside and managed to clear Rubble.

#12 Radio: Excellent work Ella. Drive focused.

LAP 42/200 Leader: Ella

Commentary: Trouble turn 2! One car spins and it seems to be the #6 of Shade and the caution is out!

#6 Radio: Yeah it looks like the #7 got us.

"Rookie mistake." Shade said sarcastically.

"Damnit, tell the #6 I'm sorry about that. I got loose." Alex said.

LAP 45/200 Leader: Ella

CAUTION

Pit stops would take place and Ella would maintain the lead, but Rocky would go to the back for speeding entering pit road

#8 Radio: Too fast entering for the #8.

"Shit. Sorry guys." Rocky said in frustration.

LAP 47/200 Leader: Ella

GREEN FLAG

Ella would lead the field to the green, but it would be Sweetie on the outside who would take the lead and her teammate Tracker would get second place on the restart.

LAP 61/200 Leader: Sweetie

While the stage win was out of sight, Ella fought hard to get side by side and battle for second place against Tracker.

#99 Radio: #12 inside of you, side draft her.

"¡Callar! I'm trying!" Tracker shouted.

Tracker would be no match as Ella would take second place from him.

LAP 65/200 Leader: Sweetie

Sweetie would never look back and would come off of turn 4 to claim her second stage win of the season.

#1 Radio: Green checkered. Great work.

"Just let me take care of the work guys." Sweetie said.

LAP 68/200 Leader: Sweetie

CAUTION

Everyone would come to pit road for fuel and tires, Sweetie would come out as the leader, but Marshall's pit crew had a phenomenal pit stop and would go up to second place thanks to Ella's crew having a slow stop and Tracker getting a speeding penalty.

"What was that pit stop?! Come on guys." Ella growled.

"Oi oi oi, sorry about that guys." Tracker said to his team.

Sweetie then just noticed Marshall was restarting right on her inside.

"Why is the #11 on my inside?!" Sweetie demanded.

#1 Radio: Due to the #12 and the #99 having issues, the #11 is now P2.

LAP 73/200

Leader: Sweetie

GREEN FLAG

Sweetie would get the jump on the restart first, but Marshall powered into turn 1, and was able to get the lead and even Rubble would get by Sweetie for second place

#11 Radio: You're clear of the #1. Drive away Marshall.

LAP 75/200 Leader: Marshall

Marshall had the lead, but Rubble got a great exit off of turn 4 and would pass Marshall going into turn 1 easily.

Commentary: Trouble back straightaway! One car spins and it's the #16 of Wildcat, and he'll hit the inside wall, and this will more than likely end his day.

#16 Radio: Let us know if you're ok.

"I'm fine. Car's not. It's killed." Wildcat said hopping out.

LAP 76/200 Leader: Rubble

CAUTION

Once again, the leaders would come to pit road, but for one pup, their car didn't feel right leaving pit road.

#19 Radio: Left front is smoking Liberty.

"What are you talking abou- AHH!" Liberty said as something scared her.

The left front tire completely came off the car and was rolling on the track

"I've lost a tire! I'm bringing it to pit road." Liberty said

#19 Radio: Yeah, and then we gotta stay here for 2 laps.

"WHAT?! THAT'S BULLSHIT!" Liberty shouted.

#19 Radio: Liberty! Please calm down! I know it sucks, but those are the rules. Bring it to pit road. Park it for 2 laps.

Meanwhile, 3 cars did not pit. Harold Humdinger claimed the lead with Gasket and Moby also staying out for track position.

"Are you sure this is the right call?" Harold asked.

#3 Radio: Yep. The tires are barely worn. You can do it Harold.

#41 Radio: Gasket, side draft the hell out of the #3 here.

#42 Radio: Push the #3 as much as you can and make the move when you can.

LAP 80/200 Leader: Harold Humdinger

GREEN FLAG

Harold got the jump and led going into turn 1, but Moby got a huge run on the outside and was able to pass Harold and take the lead

LAP 81/200 Leader: Moby

"Guys, the #22 is coming. What should I do?" Moby asked

#42 Radio: Try and give him hell.

Moby would put up his best fight, but Rubble with the help of fresh tires would get the lead back.

Commentary: Trouble turn 4! One car spins into the grass, and it's the rookie, the #7 of Alex and the caution is back out here at Auto Club

"UGH! Who hit me?!" Alex demanded.

#7 Radio: We believe it was the #45.

"Dang it. Tell the #7 I'm sorry about that. That was all my fault." Everest said

LAP 83/200 Leader: Rubble

CAUTION

None of the leaders pitted, but some of the guys in the back pitted cause they had nothing to lose.

LAP 87/200 Leader: Rubble

GREEN FLAG

Rubble led the field on the outside with Marshall on the inside, but further back, all hell broke loose.

Commentary: Green flag is back out… AND THEY'RE WRECKING! COPYCAT SPINS, SKYE HARD INTO THE OUTSIDE WALL, AND OTHERS ARE PILING UP BEHIND THEM. IS THAT… OH NO! EVEREST IS OUT, AND FOR THE SECOND WEEK IN A ROW, IT'S A DNF FOR THE QUEEN OF SNOW!

"THAT WAS SO STUPID FOR RUBBLE TO CHECK UP. HE JUST WRECKED THE ENTIRE FIELD." Skye hollered.

"WHAT WAS THE LEADER DOING?! GODDAMNIT!" Gasket shouted, throwing her steering wheel.

#10 Radio: Are you alright?

"NO! I'm not alright! The leaders were playing games and caused all this!" The Duke shouted.

"I've got damage!" Ella exclaimed. "Car doesn't feel right!"

#12 Radio: Bring it to pit road and we'll see if we can fix it

"I don't know what to say right now." Everest said, taking off her helmet.

#45 Radio: Our time will come Everest. It's just bad luck.

After a while of cleanup, everyone was ready to go back racing

LAP 93/200 Leader: Rubble

GREEN FLAG

Rubble got a terrible restart and that allowed Marshall to get the lead and Sweetie to go up to 2nd place.

#11 Radio: #22 is fading, you've got the #1 right behind you, just focus.

LAP 98/200 Leader: Marshall

Sweetie would get a huge run off of 4, and on the front stretch, Sweetie would easily pass Marshall.

#1 Radio: You're clear of the #11. He's got nothing on you.

#11 Radio: Come on Marshall. Get the lead back!

"I can't do anything! She's too fast, I don't know what to do!" Marshall complained.

LAP 130/200 Leader: Sweetie

Coming to the green checkered, Sweetie had over a 6 second lead over Rocky in second place.

#1 Radio: Green checkered. You have swept the stages. You are clearly the car to beat.

"Yeah, no duh. Let's just finish this." Sweetie said.

LAP 133/200 Leader: Sweetie

CAUTION

Everyone came to pit road, but it would be Zuma taking the lead with Sweetie having a terrible stop losing 2 spots.

LAP 138/200 Leader: Zuma

GREEN FLAG

With the help from Sweetie, Rocky would get a great restart and take the lead away from Zuma.

"It's redemption time!" Rocky said to himself.

Farther in the pack, Tuck who was running 14th got loose and went into the wall.

"Damn it! I have a tire down!" Tuck said

#2 Radio: Pit this time Tuck.

LAP 141/200 Leader: Rocky

Commentary: We got one car going slow in turn 3. It's the #77 of Copycat.

#77 Radio: Engine failure. Stop the car Copycat.

"Why do I even try? It's laughable at this point." Copycat said with a little anger.

LAP 142/200 Leader: Rocky

CAUTION

Everyone would come to pit road again, and that caution was a blessing for Liberty because she was once 2 laps down, and would get back on the lead lap.

#19 Radio: I've got great news Liberty. Once we go back green, you will be back on the lead lap.

"About time. I'll try and gain as many spots as I can." Liberty said.

LAP 146/200 Leader: Rocky

GREEN FLAG

Rocky would get the jump, but Sweetie would stay side by side with Rocky and as they came out of turn 4 heading for lap 147, Rubble made it 3 wide and got the lead going into turn 1.

LAP 147/200 Leader: Rubble

Going into turn 2, Sweetie got the lead and blocked Rubble causing him to get loose and Rocky had to check up to avoid hitting him, forcing him to drop all the way to 5th with Tracker and Shade passing him.

LAP 148/200 Leader: Sweetie

Rocky would not go down without a fight as he would pass Shade, Tracker, and Rubble all in one lap, and he would be back in 2nd place.

LAP 168/200 Leader: Sweetie

#34 Radio: We need you to come in for tires. This will be your last pit stop.

"Shut up! I'm staying on these tires and I'm winning this race!" Hubcap shouted.

As that was going on, Rocky would actually pass Sweetie for the lead and would come to pit road, but Sweetie would come in as well and she accelerated and would be almost half a car length in front of Rocky and somehow, both did not speed on pit road.

#8 Radio: Get him ahead of the #1 pit crew. This is for the win.

#1 Radio: Do not choke this again. Both had exceptional pit stops, but it would be Rocky who would come out ahead and eventually take the lead of the race.

"YES!" Rocky exclaimed.

"FUCK!" Sweetie shouted.

LAP 172/200 Leader: Hubcap

As green flag pit stops kept going on, one car came to pit road, but not for a pit stop.

"Engine is overheating! I can smell it guys."Claw groaned in frustration.

#23 Radio: You can bring it to pit road, we're done.

LAP 179/200 Leader: Hubcap

"Is Hubcap leading this race?" Rocky asked with a laugh.

#8 Radio: He thought that staying on a set of tires to the end would win him the race.

"What a moron." Rocky said to himself.

Rocky would easily get by Hubcap for the race lead with 21 laps to go.

#34 Radio: Way to go dumbass.

"Shut up! I'm coming to pit road. Put new tires on!" Hubcap hollered.

#34 Radio: Oh now you want tires.

"I said shut up!" Hubcap barked.

Meanwhile, Chase was having a comeback himself passing Sweetie for second, and happened to be the fastest car on the track.

#9 Radio: We are 5 seconds behind Rocky and you are beating him 3 tenths a lap. You can do it!"

"I'll try my best!" Chase said.

LAP 191/200 Leader: Rocky

Chase would close in, but he could only get the gap down to 3 seconds.

#9 Radio: Chase I need you to pick up the pace. We are still 3 seconds behind the #8.

"I have nothing! Tires are dead!" Chase spat back.

The next laps were a breeze for the recycling pup as he came off of turn 4 to take the white flag.

LAP 200/200 Leader: Rocky

WHITE FLAG

Commentary: Coming out of turn 4, after a heartbreak at Daytona last week, ROCKY WILL WIN AT AUTO CLUB!

#8 Radio: YOU'VE DONE IT!

"WOOOOOOOOO! LET'S GO BOYS! THAT PIT STOP MADE THE DIFFERENCE!" Rocky said with all the excitement in the world.

#8 Radio: You worked your ass off for that win. Sweetie had nothing on you! Great win Rocky! GREEN MEANS GO!"

"Haha! Good one." Rocky laughed.

#9 Radio: Great drive Chase! 2nd place!

"Nice one boys! Congrats to Rocky as well! He earned that one!" Chase said.

#1 Radio: I'm sorry Sweetie. That was our win.

"NO SHIT! We dominated the race and we finished 3rd!" Sweetie growled.

#99 Radio: P4 Tracker! ¡Gran trabajo!"

"¡VAMOS AMIGOS! I love you guys! Thanks for the fast car!" Tracker exclaimed.

#4 Radio: Top 5 Zuma. Great work.

"I'll take it. Thought we might have a chance of winning, but 5th is good." Zuma shrugged.

#11 Radio: 6th place Marshall. Great run and good points.

"One step at a time boys. We'll get our win!" Marshall said happy with his result.

Rocky then parked the car after doing his burnouts, and got the checkered flag with his claw and waved it like crazy.

Reporter: Only 2 races with his new team, and he's a winner for RCR. Rocky, how are you feeling right now?

"This win takes some of the pain away from last week after we lost the Daytona 500. Sweetie was on a whole other level today, but when we beat her out of the pits and I was able to drive away, I knew we were the best car. I think we have a true chance of winning this championship. This #8 car is gonna be fast every week! Thank you fans for coming out, see you guys in Las Vegas!" Rocky said, waving to the crowd as they cheered him on.

VICTORY LANE

Rocky got out of his car and got a wet surprise. Marshall, Chase, Zuma, and all of his pit crew sprayed him with champagne to celebrate.

"EW! WET WET WET!" Rocky shouted.

"Aw come on! You won the race!" Chase said.

"Yeah, lighten up a little dude." Zuma said playfully pushing Rocky.

"I prefer a dry celebration please." Rocky said, shaking the champagne off himself.

"Want my water cannons instead?" Marshall teased.

"Nope! No thank you, I'm good!" Rocky said laughing.

RESULTS

1st #8 Rocky

2nd #9 Chase

3rd #1 Sweetie

4th #99 Tracker

5th #4 Zuma

6th #11 Marshall

7th #6 Shade

8th #48 Mayor Humdinger

9th #3 Harold Humdinger

10th #22 Rubble

11th #19 Liberty

12th #47 Wheeler

13th #17 Rory

14th #7 Alex

15th #21 Dwayne

16th #54 Coral

17th #38 Al

18th #34 Hubcap

19th #43 Rex

20th #14 The Cheetah

21st #31 Leo (-1)

22nd #42 Moby (-1)

23rd #15 Mix (-1)

24th #78 Ladybird (-1)

25th #24 Arrby (-2)

26th #12 Ella (-4)

27th #51 Sid Swashbuckle (-5)

28th #2 Tuck (-6)

29th #5 Ryder (-15)

30th #23 Claw (DNF)

31st #77 Copycat (DNF)

32nd #20 Skye (DNF)

33rd #41 Gasket (DNF)

34th #45 Everest (DNF)

35th #10 Duke of Flappington (DNF)

36th #16 Wildcat (DNF)