Location: Worldwide Technology Raceway, Illinois.
Track type: Short track
We are now at a 1 mile track where it will host only its 2nd ever NASCAR Cup race. There was something that happened over the week that caught everyone's attention. The Cheetah who was on the cutoff for the playoffs got hit with a points penalty that was equivalent to the death penalty in NASCAR. An L3 penalty for modifying a part in the engine which takes away 120 points and pretty much ending any chances of her making the playoffs unless she wins a race.
(SATURDAY)
(On the TV) BREAKING NEWS: Chase has been given a 1-race suspension after he intentionally right hooked Marshall on the front stretch at the Coca-Cola 600. He was on pace to point his way in the playoffs and now he's more than likely in a must win situation. Alex will drive the #9 car this week, as Ben Allen returns to drive the #7. More on the story as it develops-
"GAHHHH" Chase screamed as he turned off his TV. "WHY DID I WRECK HIM?! I'M SO STUPID! HE PROBABLY HATES ME NOW!
"Chase! Please calm down!" Skye pleaded. "I know you're mad and upset, but Marshall is upset too, and yelling isn't gonna help anything!"
"You're right…" Chase said as he was catching his breath. "I'll talk to him at the track."
(#11 HAULER)
Chase walked up to Marshall's hauler and was hesitant, but knocked on the door of the Dalmatian's hauler.
"C-Chase?" Marshall asked nervously.
"I know. I shouldn't be here, but I need to talk to you, please?" Chase asked his best friend.
"You knew what you were doing Chase! You wanted to crash me after I accidentally put you in the wall. IT WAS AN ACCIDENT! YOU COULD HAVE ENDED MY CAREER!" Marshall screamed as tears began to come down his face. Chase began to cry as well but wiped his tears away to continue his conversation.
"Marshall. You have every right to be mad at me. I could never forgive myself if you did get injured in that bad crash last week. My actions last week were unforgivable and I deserved to be suspended for the race. Marshall, I want you to know I will always love you and that I am truly sorry for what I did last week. I hope you can forgive me.
Marshall looked at his friend as he knew he was telling the truth. Without a second thought, he hugged him as tightly as he could.
"Of course Chase. You're my brother. I can't stay mad at you for what you did. I forgive you." The Dalmatian told his best friend.
"Again, I'm really sorry Marshall. I will never do that again." Chase promised.
"Hey Marshall. We gotta get going. Qualifying is gonna start soon!" Skye told new teammate
"Alright. Chase, I guess I'll see you." Marshall said as he began to walk away.
"I'll still be here. Just in my pit stall." Chase answered.
(QUALIFYING)
Rocky was looking to start on provisional pole, and there was only one car who could take it away from him.
#12 Radio: You can do it Ella.
Commentary: Ella begins her lap and it's looking good going into turn 1, and out of turn 2 down the back straightaway.
"Come on, please mess up." Rocky begged, as he looked at the big screen TV that showed Ella's car.
Commentary: She's pretty even with Rocky, this is gonna be close! She comes out of turn 4. She'll come across the line, only second best! By eight one-thousandths of a second, Rocky wins the pole for Gateway!
"Phew! That was close!" Rocky said, relieved.
"Ahhh… how close was I?" Ella asked her team.
#12 Radio: By .008 he beat you Ella. Still, tomorrow is all that matters.
SUNDAY (RACE DAY)
STARTING LINEUP
1. #8 2. #12 3. #11 4. #4 5. #19 6. #22 7. #24 8. #1 9. #45 10. #2
11. #16 12. #47 13. #99 14. #21 15. #54 16. #3 17. #20 18. #48 19. #6 20. #23
21. #34 22. #5 23. #31 24. #10 25. #14 26. #7 27. #17 28. #38 29. #41 30. #9
31. #43 32. #42 33. #77 34. #78 35. #15 36. #51 STAGES: (45/95/100)
Chase was watching his car driven by Alex in his pit stall, and it was an odd feeling for the German Shepherd. His car was racing, but he wasn't in it.
"Cheer up Chase. You'll be back in the car next week, just try to enjoy the race." The crew chief told him.
"I'll try to." Chase said calmly.
#8 Radio: Good luck out there Rock. 3…2…1… green means go!
GREEN FLAG
Commentary: We are underway in Gateway! It's an even start for both Rocky and Ella and it's a dead heat in turns 1 and 2 and they are side by side down the backstretch!
LAP 2/240 Leader: Ella
Commentary: Rocky is barely ahead into turn 1- and trouble further back! Everest goes around, but she keeps it off the wall and the caution is out for the first time today.
CAUTION
#45 Radio: You okay Everest?
"I'm fine. I just drove it in too hard and spun." The husky answered.
LAP 5/240 Leader: Rocky
RED FLAG
Unfortunately, there was a thunderstorm hovering over the track and the race was red flagged currently and during this time, the two leaders of the race decided to have a talk.
"So Tuck and Ella, what's on your minds?" Rocky asked.
"Not much." The twins answered.
"So Ella, congrats on your win last week." Rocky said as he smiled at the golden female retriever.
"Thanks Rocky." Ella replied.
"So, what are you gonna do until the weather clears up?" The mix asked the twins.
"We were just gonna chill in Ella's hauler until the rain cleared up." Tuck answered.
"Okay, see you guys in a bit." Rocky waved as the twins walked away.
(1 HOUR AND 30 MINUTES LATER)
CAUTION
Everyone was called back to their cars and we were ready to drop the green flag
#12 Radio: So Ella, what were you and Rocky talking about during the red flag?
"He was just congratulating me on my win last week." Ella answered.
#12 Radio: Okay. Just remember to focus on yourself in the car Ella.
LAP 9/240 Leader: Rocky
GREEN FLAG
Commentary: Rocky and Ella both get good starts and they are side by side off of turn 2!
#12 Radio: #8 still on you tight, still there outside.
LAP 10/240 Leader: Rocky
They would stay side by side for a full lap until going into turn 3.
Commentary: They are still side by side but Rocky goes for the crossover on the inside and he's done it into turn 3! Rocky secures the lead!
#8 Radio: Excellent work. Drive away.
LAP 28/240 Leader: Rocky
Ryder was having an abysmal day as he was down to 32nd place. "Why is this car so bad guys?" Ryder asked, frustrated.
#5 Radio: We will fix it when the next caution comes out Ryder.
LAP 45/240 Leader: Rocky
Ella would actually keep pace with Rocky throughout the entire stage, but she would be no match for Rocky for the stage win.
#8 Radio: #12 is two back, coming to the line.
Commentary: As he comes out of turn 4, Rocky will win stage 1 here at Gateway!
LAP 46/240 Leader: Rocky
CAUTION
#8 Radio: Green checkered Rocky. Good job.
"Car feels great, guys. Let's keep this up!" Rocky said enthusiastically.
LAP 49/240 Leader: Rocky
Everyone came to pit road, and thanks to the number one pit stall, Rocky was able to win the race off pit road and keep the race lead.
#8 Radio: Good job pit crew. Rocky, it's all you now.
LAP 54/240 Leader: Rocky
GREEN FLAG
Commentary: We're back underway and Rocky edges ahead of Ella and there's trouble further back! The #34 of Hubcap goes around and the caution is back out!
CAUTION
#34 Radio: What happened Hubcap?
"The freaking #1 just cleaned me out!" Hubcap angrily shouted.
#1 Radio: How's the car Sweetie?
"It's fine, but the #34 came down on me like a moron! He left me no space!" The terrier defended herself.
LAP 59/240 Leader: Rocky
GREEN FLAG
Commentary: Rocky gets away well, but Ella hangs with him on the inside, and they are side by side in the corners, and they still are out of turn 2!
#12 Radio: #8 on your outside still, you're going good.
LAP 61/240 Leader: Ella
They would remain side by side for a full 2 laps until finally, one car was able to get by. Commentary: These two are putting on a great battle right now, but Ella is gonna send it on the inside, and she is clear for the race lead!
#8 Radio: Hang with her Rocky. Keep your head up.
"I know guys." Rocky spoke.
LAP 91/240 Leader: Ella
Commentary: Trouble turn number one! The #7 of Ben Allen has slammed the outside wall, and there's smoke coming from underneath the car, and it might be a brake rotor issue!
CAUTION
#7 Radio: Are you okay Ben?
"Yeah. Brakes blew up." Ben said.
LAP 92/240 Leader: Ella
Commentary: Someone is going slowly on the backstretch, I think it's the #14 of the Cheetah. She had that major penalty, and it's not getting any better for her.
#14 Radio: You hit some debris from the #7. Take it to the garage.
"This car sucks and this team sucks…" The Cheetah angrily replied.
LAP 99/240 Leader: Ella
Everyone would come to pit road and there were some mixed strategies. Ella, Rubble, Wildcat, Liberty, and others took 2 tires while the rest of the field took 4 tires.
LAP 103/240 Leader: Ella
GREEN FLAG
Commentary: Ella is already clear of Rubble going into turn 1, and now the question is, how long until the guys with 4 tires catch Ella?
#12 Radio: #22 two back, no threat from the guys who took 4 tires, so it's looking alright.
"Just let me take care of it guys." Ella insisted.
LAP 108/240 Leader: Ella
While Ella was starting to build a gap to Rubble, Rocky, the first car who had 4 fresh tires, was challenging him for 2nd.
Commentary: Rocky is trying to get around Rubble, he goes to the inside and gets the move done easily. Now the chase is on for the race lead!
#8 Radio: Good job Rocky. Go chase her down now.
LAP 140/240 Leader: Ella
Ella was able to hold on to the race lead, but Rocky was right on her bumper, ready to pounce.
#12 Radio: #8 one back, coming to the line here.
Commentary: The bold call for only 2 tires has paid off for Ella! She will win stage 2!
LAP 141/240 Leader: Ella
CAUTION
#12 Radio: Great job Ella.
"Yes! Let's finish this race off. Back to back wins has a nice ring to it." Ella said, happily.
Meanwhile the Cheetah had returned to the track after running over debris that broke her car.
"There is zero reason for me to be running out here." The Cheetah argued.
LAP 144/240 Leader: Ella
Everyone would once again come to the pits for tires and fuel. Everest would take 2 tires while Arrby came out 2nd, the first car with 4 tires.
"This is a risky call guys." Everest told her team.
#45 Radio: These tires don't wear out easily, we think you'll be good Everest.
LAP 149/240 Leader: Everest
GREEN FLAG
Commentary: Everest on the outside, didn't get the best start and it's Arrby on the inside clear for the lead and now Marshall is challenging Everest for 2nd place!
LAP 160/240 Leader: Arrby
Everest despite losing the lead on the restart was still hanging on to a top 5 spot in 4th place.
#45 Radio: If you can hang on until the next pit stop, we'll be in great shape for the end Everest.
"I agree. I think this was a good call guys." The husky replied.
LAP 173/240 Leader: Arrby
Commentary: TROUBLE IN TURN 1! Everest has slammed the outside wall, and from the looks of it, it might be another brake rotor failure! She was looking at a decent result, and her day is gonna be over here in Gateway!
CAUTION
#45 Radio: Brake rotor broke, are you okay Everest?
"I'm fine, just disappointed." Everest spoke quietly.
LAP 178/240 Leader: Arrby
Once again, mixed strategies would come into play on the pit stops. Ryder would take the lead with 2 tires, and Marshall would be right behind him with 4 tires.
#11 Radio: Pass him when you get the chance Marshall.
"Be patient Marshall. You can do this." The Dally told himself
LAP 184/240 Leader: Ryder
GREEN FLAG
Ryder and Marshall would be side by side off of turn 2, and things were starting to get spicy.
Commentary: Ryder and Marshall side by side- HERE COMES ROCKY! 3-WIDE ON THE OUTSIDE! WHAT A MOVE FROM THE ECO PUP! HE TAKES THE LEAD!
#8 Radio: What a move Rocky! "I can't believe I did that! Haha!" Rocky said while laughing.
LAP 198/240 Leader: Rocky
Commentary: Trouble turn 1! Moby slams the outside wall rear first and it looks like another brake rotor problem! That's the third time it's happened in this race!
CAUTION
#42 Radio: Talk to us when you can Moby. "Ohhhh….." The mer-pup groaned. "I don't know if I'm okay."
Fortunately, Moby was able to get out of the race car under his own power, but he was not feeling himself, and the red flag would actually come out due to oil spilling everywhere in turn 1.
"Is Moby okay?" Coral asked.
#54 Radio: He looked a little shaken up, but he got out on his own.
As the red flag was lifted the top 7 stayed out while the rest of the field pitted in hoping to get a better result than where they were running.
LAP 204/240 Leader: Rocky
GREEN FLAG Rocky was able to stay clear of Ryder, but Ryder despite having a tire disadvantage, he would not give up.
#5 Radio: Come on Ryder, you can pass him. You got the car to win!
LAP 205/240 Leader: Rocky
Commentary: Trouble turn 2! Skye has spun out by herself and that will put us back under caution!
CAUTION
"I'm sorry guys. I slid up the track and lost it." The cockapoo apologized.
LAP 210/240 Leader: Rocky
GREEN FLAG It would be same song, second verse for Rocky as he easily cleared Ryder into turn 1, and was pulling away from him in a hurry.
LAP 212/240 Leader: Rocky
Commentary: We got a car going slow on the backstretch, it's the #15 of Mix! And she's limping to pit road, and she had stopped at the entrance of pit road.
CAUTION
#15 Radio: Is the car done Mix?
"No, but it just shut off. I need one of the trucks to push me into my pit stall." Mix said.
LAP 218/240 Leader: Rocky
GREEN FLAG
Commentary: Once again, Rocky on the restart, clear of Ryder again, and the mix has been on it today. You can tell he really wants to win this race!
#8 Radio: You've done a great job on these restarts Rocky. 22 to go when you cross the line again.
"Don't get excited yet guys. It's not over yet." Rocky reminded his team.
LAP 219/240 Leader: Rocky
Commentary: We got 2 cars into the wall! It's the #3 of Harold Humdinger and the #47 of Wheeler is also destroyed!
CAUTION
#47 Radio: Are you okay Wheeler?
"I'm fine, I just had nowhere to go." Wheeler spoke sadly.
#3 Radio: The #2 just hooked you.
"I WANT HIM SUSPENDED FOR NEXT WEEK!" Harold demanded.
The replay showed Tuck holding his line on the front stretch and Harold came across his nose and wrecked himself.
#2 Radio: The #3 is throwing a bitch fit and wants you suspended for next week. It's laughable.
"You're kidding right? He came across my nose and wrecked himself and wants me suspended?" Tuck asked, surprised.
The collision was hard enough that it broke the wall meaning the red flag would have to come out again. Fortunately, the repair only lasted five minutes.
LAP 226/240 Leader: Rocky
GREEN FLAG
Commentary: This could be the final restart of the race. We're back racing and Ryder doing everything he can to hang with Rocky, but that #8 car is just too good!
#8 Radio: You're the man Rocky!
LAP 236/240 Leader: Rocky
Commentary: OH! TROUBLE TURN 1! Claw goes hard into the outside wall, and it's another brake rotor issue, and the caution comes back out again! What is going on?!
CAUTION
#23 Radio: Let us know if you're okay Claw.
"I'm fine. AUGHHHHH!" The Doberman shouted in frustration.
With the caution coming out late, it was now time for a green white checkered finish!
#8 Radio: Go finish this race Rocky. You've been the best car all day!
#5 Radio: Do what you gotta do to get around him Ryder.
GWC ATTEMPT #1 Leader: Rocky
GREEN FLAG
Commentary: Overtime here in Gateway! Rocky got a great restart and he's already clear of Ryder into turn 1, and here comes Marshall! He clears Ryder for 2nd! It's Rocky versus Marshall for the race win now!
#8 Radio: Clear by one. #11 on your bumper. Keep your cool Rocky. Rocky would pull away by three car lengths and take the white flag.
WHITE FLAG
#22 Radio: Come on Rubble, you can get 3rd!
Ryder was trying to hold off Rubble, but the battle for the lead was still going on. #11 Radio: Come on Marshall, give it everything you've got!
Commentary: Marshall is gonna try and make a move, but he's not close enough! Out of turn 4, Rocky is gonna score his third win of the season!
#8 Radio: Yessir Rocky!
"HAHA! YES! Thank you guys for the fast car all day!" Rocky cheered.
#11 Radio: So close Marshall, but great result!
"Well, at least it's good redemption from last week." Marshall said.
#22 Radio: 3rd place Rubble. Good pass on Ryder on the final lap.
"It wasn't easy, but I'll take it!" Rubble said happy.
Rocky celebrated by doing his burnout on the wall and drove slightly into the concrete as he smoked the rear tires until there was nothing but shredded rubber left.
Reporter: Rocky, your third win of the season, you are now tied for most wins of the season with Arrby. How high is your confidence now?
"It's definitely the highest it's been all season. This #8 Chevrolet was definitely a rocket ship. Ella was our closest competition today, but it kinda stinks she wasn't able to challenge me for the lead late. I'm grateful for the great car, great team today. We'll go to Sonoma and see what we can do next week!" Rocky said.
RESULTS
1st #8 Rocky
2nd #11 Marshall
3rd #22 Rubble
4th #5 Ryder
5th #19 Liberty
6th #12 Ella
7th #99 Tracker
8th #24 Arrby
9th #34 Hubcap
10th #4 Zuma
11th #20 Skye
12th #17 Rory
13th #2 Tuck
14th #16 Wildcat
15th #38 Al
16th #31 Leo
17th #41 Gasket
18th #43 Rex
19th #10 Duke of Flappington
20th #54 Coral
21st #9 Alex
22nd #1 Sweetie
23rd #21 Dwayne
24th #51 Charger
25th #77 Copycat
26th #48 Mayor Humdinger
27th #78 Ladybird
28th #6 Shade
29th #15 Mix (-1)
30th #23 Claw (DNF)
31st #3 Harold Humdinger (DNF)
32nd #47 Wheeler (DNF)
33rd #42 Moby (DNF)
34th #14 The Cheetah (-50)
35th #45 Everest (DNF)
36th #7 Ben Allen (DNF)