Saturday Night Speedway

The sun had begun to set over Mario Circuit, casting golden hues over the winding asphalt as fans gathered for a special Saturday night showdown. You—Reginald, a human visitor to the Mushroom Kingdom—were enjoying a laid-back weekend with Princess Peach and Princess Daisy, both of whom had invited you for a casual day at the track.

It was supposed to be a fun, relaxing outing. But suddenly—

SCREEECH!

A convoy of Mario Kart TV vans pulled up near the grandstands, their doors swinging open as bustling crews of Toads, Koopas, and Shy Guys leaped out, setting up cameras and equipment. The flashing lights of their gear signaled something big.

Daisy tilted her head. "Whoa! What's all this about?"

Peach clasped her hands together. "I think they're setting up for a race… but this wasn't on the schedule, was it?"

Before you could say anything, a frantic-looking Toad producer ran up to you three, out of breath. "Oh, thank goodness! We need help! All of our usual commentators and race officials are covering other events, and we have a major showdown happening tonight! It's gonna be huge! Mario, Luigi, Bowser, and Bowser Jr. are all set to face off!"

Your eyes widened. "Wait, THE Mario Kart TV special event?"

Toad nodded rapidly. "YES! And we need guest commentators and—" He pointed at you. "A race referee to make sure everything's fair!"

Daisy grinned, punching her palm. "Oh-ho, this is gonna be fun! Peach, we gotta do it."

Peach nodded, giggling. "I suppose we can help! What do you think, Reginald?"

You glanced at the track, where the karts were already being fine-tuned in the pits. The crowd was buzzing with anticipation. There was no turning back now.

You smirked. "Let's do it."

Commentary Booth – Peach & Daisy

A few minutes later, Peach and Daisy were seated in the brightly lit Mario Kart TV booth, overlooking the track. Each had a headset on, their voices ready to bring the race to life for millions of viewers across the kingdom.

Daisy tapped her microphone. "Hellooo, Mushroom Kingdom! This is Princess Daisy, joined by the ever-graceful Princess Peach! And we're bringing you live coverage of this insane Saturday Night Speedway event!"

Peach smiled. "That's right! And tonight's race is one for the ages! Mario and Luigi, the legendary brothers, are facing off against Bowser and Bowser Jr. It's a classic rivalry—power versus precision, speed versus strength!"

Daisy added, "And, uh, let's not forget—we have a special guest race referee tonight! None other than our human friend, Reginald! He's down at the track, getting ready to call the official start!"

On the Track – Reginald the Referee

Down on the asphalt, you stood tall in your official Mario Kart referee uniform, complete with a cool signal light in hand. The racers were lined up at the starting grid, their engines rumbling with anticipation.

Mario gave you a thumbs-up. "Let's-a go, Reginald!"

Luigi adjusted his gloves. "Hope you got a steady hand… 'cause this one's gonna be close."

Bowser cracked his knuckles. "Hah! Doesn't matter who starts it—I'm winning this race!"

Bowser Jr. smirked. "Yeah, what he said!"

The grandstands fell silent. Everyone knew that an official Mario Kart race required absolute quiet before the starting countdown.

The signal light flickered to life in your hand. You took a deep breath and raised it.

"3…"

The racers tensed up, fingers gripping their wheels.

"2…"

Engines revved. The smell of burning rubber filled the air.

"1…"

All eyes were on you.

"GO!"

With a press of the button, the light turned green, and the racers BLASTED off the starting line, engines roaring as the race officially began!

The Race – Intensity on the Circuit

The moment the karts tore through the first turn, Peach and Daisy were on fire in the booth.

Daisy: "AND THEY'RE OFF! Mario takes the lead early, but Bowser's already right behind him—WHOA, Luigi just nailed a perfect drift!"

Peach: "Oh my! Bowser Jr. is holding onto a Red Shell—Mario better watch out!"

Down on the track, you kept count of the laps, watching as the racers sped past you with each wild turn. Items flew through the air, banana peels littered the road, and the crowd gasped at every near-collision.

By the time the final lap came around, you grabbed the lap counter and raised it high. The speakers boomed with the iconic FINAL LAP FANFARE!

Daisy: "FINAL LAP, BABY! This is it!"

Peach: "Mario's still leading, but Luigi is right on his tail! Oh no—Bowser Jr. just got hit with a Lightning Bolt!"

The tension was unreal as the racers sped toward the final stretch. Mario and Luigi were side by side!

You grabbed the checkered flag, waiting for the winner to cross the finish line.

The crowd held its breath.

AND THEN—

Mario inches ahead, crossing the finish line FIRST!

The crowd erupts into cheers as you wave the checkered flag, officially declaring him the winner!

Daisy: "MARIO WINS! What a race! What a showdown!"

Peach: "Unbelievable! That was one of the closest finishes we've ever seen!"

Mario hopped out of his kart, pumping his fist in the air. "Woo-hoo! That was-a close one!"

Luigi sighed, shaking his head with a chuckle. "Maybe next time…"

Bowser growled, folding his arms. "Grrr… next time, I'm bringing MORE shells."

Post-Race Celebration

As the trophy ceremony wrapped up, Peach, Daisy, and you reunited in the booth, all three of you grinning.

Daisy nudged you. "Reginald, that was awesome! You really nailed that countdown."

Peach nodded. "And your timing on the checkered flag was perfect! I think Lakitu might have some competition."

You laughed. "Hey, anytime they need a guest referee, I'm in."

As the fireworks lit up the sky and the celebration continued, you realized—this was the most exciting Saturday night you'd ever had.