protested.
But the Professor rolled away and radioed his mysterious leader, the Big Boss himself.
âYes, sir,â Professor Z said. âWe believe the infiltrator has passed along sensitive information.â
An angry voice replied over the radio: âWell, then, get it! Youâd better make sure this doesnât get any further!â
âI will take care of it before any damage can be done,â Professor Z quickly replied. There was a sharp click over the radio. The âleaderâ had turned off his radio. Heâor sheâhad nothing more to say.
Professor Z turned toward Grem and Acer. âThe project is still on schedule,â he said. Then he ordered them to find Mater, the so-called second agent. Mater didnât know it, but his life was in danger!
Professor Z turned the camera beam to its highest setting. In seconds, there was a fiery explosion and Rod Redline was no more.
T he first race of the World Grand Prix was held in nighttime Tokyo. The excitement and glitter were almost overwhelming. The announcer, Brent Mustangburger, was calling the action, along with David Hobbscapp and Darrell Cartrip in the studio.
âWelcome to the inaugural running of the World Grand Prix!â Brent said into his microphone. âDavid, how exactly does this competition work?â
âBrent, all three courses start with classic straightaways. Look for Francesco Bernoulli in particular to lead early.â
âWhoa now, hold your horsepower! Youâre forgetting the most important factor here: that early dirt-track section of the course!â Darrell interrupted his fellow announcer. âDonât forget Lightning McQueen! His mentor, the Hudson Hornet, was one of the greatest dirt-track racers of all time! In my opinion, Lightningâs the best all-round racer in this competition.â
âWell, itâs time to find out,â Brent Mustangburger said, putting an end to the friendly banter. âThe racers are locking into the grid!â
Down at the starting line, Lightning was in position, engine revving. His eyes shut tight as he focused mentally on the race.
âSpeed. I. Am. Speed,â Lightning whispered.
âYou are speed?â Francesco interrupted. âThen Francesco must be triple speed.â
Lightning opened his eyes at the irritating sound of Francescoâs cocky voice. The flashy racer was lined up right next to Lightning.
âFrancesco likes this, Lightning,â Francesco continued. âItâs really getting him in the zone.â
âHe is so getting beat today,â Lightning muttered to himself, determined to win.
The starting lights clicked down from red to yellow to green. The race was on! Francesco sped out for a quick start, taking the lead.
âHang on, boys!â Brent Mustangburger exclaimed.
Team Lightning McQueen was glued to the pit monitorsâbut no one more than Mater.
âLightning!â Mater shouted into his headset as he saw the racers approach the dirt track. âTime to make your move. Get on the outside and show them what Doc done taught you.â
âTen-four, Mater,â Lightning answered over his radio. He was glad to have his friend helping out.
Francesco, who was the first to hit the dirt section, suddenly skidded out of control and slammed to a stop. Lightning sped past him.
âYeah! Nice call, Mater! Keep it up!â Lightning cried out, delighted to be in the lead.
Lightning picked up traction as he moved from the dirt section onto the city streets. The other racers passed Francesco as the pack made the final turns through the brightly lit downtown roads. They were quickly gaining on Lightning.
âAs we head back through the city,â Brent Mustangburger observed, âthereâs a whole lot of knockinâ at Lightning McQueenâs door.â Brent took a breath. âAs they finish lap one, the racers are practically even again!â
The racers shot past