A $100k prize is at stake when High School friends qualify for Race World’s, virtual “24-hour Enduro” season finale’. Can the geeky duo survive a 1000 mile drive through Alabama in a 60-year-old car before a devious rich kid ends their dream? An eccentric hacker they enlist must pull off a programming miracle!

————

INT. Dark Garage - NighT

FADE IN:

In the center of a garage sitting atop saw horses are two soap box racers. A small hand holding a pair of pliers straightens a cotter pin holding a wheel on. The second soap box racer receives the same treatment. The side door closes and a boy walks down the sidewalk.

FADE OUT.

EXT. Soap box hill - mORNING

FADE IN:

An asphalt road lined with brightly colored ribbon tape and soap box racing banners ends at the top of the hill where 3 soap box cars sit ready to race. Parents and other spectators are standing behind the racers.

A fat man with a goatee stands in front of the racers. He has a small megaphone. 

Soap Box Race official

Okay kids, is everybody ready to race? 

The kids look around bored but nod in agreement. The Official takes a couple steps forward and continues.

Soap Box Race Official

When I raise the green starting flag get ready. When I drop it, let go of the brake! Stay in your lane and be safe!

The racers look intent and focused now, as the man takes a couple steps back. 

SOAP BOX RACE OFFICIal

Here we go!

The racers have their hand on their brake release lever. The Race Official drops the flag and the cars slowly start to roll forward, slowly gaining speed.

A close-up shot of the car on the left shows the cotter pin fall out of the axle and the left wheel spins off. The car leaps over the curb into the grassy park. It rolls onto it's side and a young black male driver flops over onto the grass. He waves to show he's okay.

Camera pans to the right car as the wheel falls off. It runs  off the road into a grocery store parking lot, weaving between parked cars and several shoppers smacks into a large sign advertising Captain Crunch Cereal. Spectators applaud.

Camera pans to the remaining racer as he crosses the finish line with his arms raised in celebration and with a mischievous grin.

FADE OUT.

EXT. different race courses - nIGHT

FaDE IN:

Begin 3-part montage. 

- A go-cart race is interrupted as a distant car has a big smoke ball roll out from it. 

P/A Announcer

Ladies and Gentlemen, we seem to have an anomaly on the track. Emergency Services are responding!

- An open-wheel race is underway when the entire engine falls out of a car. 

- A Sprint Car race is halted with a car spinning upside down on it's top in the middle of the track. A young black man is seen clutching the steering wheel and looking straight ahead.

End 3-part montage.

At the end of the Sprint Car race, two teenage boys walk out of the race park through a tunnel with their helmets in their hands. They walk past a dumpster in the parking lot and toss their helmets in and keep walking.

FaDE OUT.

INT. Sam's home, sam's bedroom - aFTERNOON

"SAM" WALTON, 18-year old HS Senior at Fairview Heights High in Illinois. Medium height and lean, shaggy brown hair and no facial hair. Sam works part time at the local Best Buy, lives with his 50-year old divorced mother. Sam is a great student and loves Math and Physics. Not much of an athlete and has been a little insecure since his real-world racing days ended. Basically, a nice guy- quiet and smart.

MAC MCDONALD,18-year old HS Senior at Fairview Heights High in Illinois. A 6'3", 220 lb., African American with a big heart. His round, black framed eye glasses look a little out-of-place on his face. Mac works part time at Auto Zone. He lives with his Aunt as he lost his folks in a car wreck when he was 4-years old. Somewhat eccentric as he does not listen to rap or hip-hop preferring Island Music such as Jimmy Buffet, Zack Brown and Bob Marley.

FADE IN:

A dark bedroom with two driving consoles and monitors are set up with steering wheels where Mac and Sam are sitting.

An online race is underway as cars circle a virtual NASCAR-styled oval track. The screen shows the driver's view of the race.

Both Mac and Sam have individual steering consoles but only one driver pilots the car at a time. 

Mac stands up and walks to the rollup window blind and it springs open. The race is over.

MAC

That was a good race man, I'll take fourth place but if we had that battery upgrade app we might have won!

Sam

I don't know about you, but I don't have another $500. Race World is making tons of money on suckers like us.

Sam walks over to where Mac was now re-planted in the deeply cushioned chair and he extends his fist for a knuckle bump.

SAM

You did great passing those last two cars Mac. Next time let's not wait until the last 3 minutes. 

MAC

Man, I hate to be the one to tell you, again, but every race comes down to the last 2 minutes. Another 15 seconds and it would have flipped to the power savings mode automatically- game over.

Suddenly the monitor beeps and flashes race results. Sam points to the screen.

SAM

Look. Duke made it into the finals.

And we are, #8. No way, Duke is #7!

MAC

That worm is always one-upping us. 

SAM

I'll bet he's stuck $5,000 on his Daddy's American Express this season alone for race apps!

Mac's stomach growls and Sam laughs and Mac smiles back at him. They now seem relieved and relaxed.

MAC

I'm a starving man, and I have to be at The Zone from four until midnight – we have inventory! We better eat now."

SAM

Let's roll, the Rambler has gas, for once.

FADE OUT.

EXT. Fish Sticks Restaurant - aFTERNOON

FADE IN:

DUKE RYDER, 19-year old, son of the US Senator, Charles Ryder. A privileged, spoiled, an entitled Senior at a private High School in St. Louis. Long-time nemesis of Mac and Sam as he sabotaged their cars as kids. 

LUCY BROWN, Duke's "friend" but has a crush on Sam. She is 18-year-old and just started college at Illinois University. She likes Duke because he buys her gifts and takes her out but she does not like his smug and devious behavior.  

FADE IN:

A restaurant parking lot next to a small lake, it is a bright afternoon and the old station wagon pulls in smoking and with a wobbly front tire and bad need of a paint job. When the engine shuts off an embarrassing "smoke bomb" blasts out of the exhaust tailpipe. 

Sam and Mac step out of the car and walk across the parking lot. 

MAC

(Talking to himself.)

This place has some great fried catfish. 

SAM

Uhh huh. Mac, you got anything at the Zone to help with the smoke thing on the car? It's getting worse!

MAC

She's sitting there smoking like a chimney, bro'.

SAM

I see her(laughing).

MAC

Naww, they don't make any magic "smoke-away" or anything like that 'cept for a new engine, but we can order you one- 6 weeks delivery. Cash, Check or Credit Card!

They stand next to the register counter waiting for a table. The hostess is busy and tells them to wait as she seats another group.

SAM

If we win the Enduro I'm going to buy a new car somehow.I don't know if I'd take the scholarship or the money. But first things first… we gotta win- $100,000 is a lot of money.

MAC

Copy that Maverick. If we can't place at least in the top 3 where the money is, we have to at least beat DUKE.

SAM

Duke and Lucy.

MAC

Yeah, both of them, but she's just his girlfriend, Tony is his +1.

SAM

No, I mean, there is DUKE and LUCY, over there (pointing to a window booth).

MAC

Aww man, we need a bigger city. I hate running into those guys.

SAM

Lucy is nice. She's okay! She's cute too. Remember that old sitcom 'Gilligan's Island'. She's Mary Ann.

MAC

Yeah Professor, I get it. She can be nice when she's not trolling with Duke. She likes to flirt with you and (shrugging shoulders), who knows? But she is definitely no Ginger Rogers.

Sam and Mac are taken to a booth too close to Duke and Lucy. 

Pan back as their waitress comes to the table with menus, greets them, and they order. Conversation and laughter continue and their food arrives.

FaDE OUT.

INT. Fish Sticks Restaurant - AFTERNOON

FaDE IN:

Sam and Mac sit in the restaurant booth facing each other. Sam has a Best Buy blue shirt on and Big Mac has his Tesla shirt on, reserved for race days.

Duke leaves Lucy in their booth and wanders over to the their table simply to annoy and intimidate. He is standing behind Sam, who doesn't know he's there.

DUKE

Hey ladies, somehow you made it into the finals... Miracles never cease! (trying hard to agitate).

Sam glances over towards Lucy still sitting in the 1/2 empty booth.

Sam waves and smiles towards Lucy. She made sure Duke was not looking and teasingly waved back at him with a blown kiss. Sam felt his face flush a bit and he touches it, then returns to the conversation at his table.

MAC

(to Duke)

Come on man, Let's hear it! Yo' stocks are up and your pants are down and we need to get on our hands and knees to kiss yo' butt, what else?

Mac is getting cranked up and his impatience is clear. His behavior makes it obvious he does not like Duke.

DUKE

Whoa, whoa cowboy. I was just going to say 'congrats' for getting into the finals.

MAC

That's a funny way to start. We got there without any Daddy money to make our little car run faster! We even work actual jobs to pay for the finals.

DUKE

What is that J-O-B thing you speak of? What's that thing you're pushing need, an engine transplant?

SAM

Whatever, You're still 60% money and 40% BS. 

DUKE

Amusing, you joust well senor! Yeah. 

MAC

Money talks, but it's not over until it's over! If we can come in #8 without $10,000 in apps, we have a chance, a great chance, and that's all we need loser.

Duke starts to puff his chest out and his face turns red. Mac stands up, towering over Duke by 6" and 80 lbs.

MAC

Yo, go back to Lucy Brown, your Golden Girl about town. 

DUKE

I smell something and it starts with a 'J' and ends with an 'ealousy'.

SAM

No Duke, it starts with an 'A' and ends with 'hole'...

Mac stands back up and starts toward Duke who backs up quickly turns and goes back to his table and sits down with Lucy.

MAC

Have I told you recently I hate that guy?

SAM

Yeah, it's been about 4 minutes but I have heard that before. 

MAC

I read you have to confront morons or they'll push you around.

SAM

And you did a mighty fine job of it mister. I think even Lucy was ready to cheer for you!

FADE OUT.

INT. Fish stick's Restaurant - AFTERNOON

FaDE IN:

Duke and Lucy are sitting in the booth facing each other. She is wearing white shorts and a simple blue top with white tennis shoes. Lucy seems disinterested and not looking at Duke. There are empty plates and glasses on the table and it looks like they are ready to leave.

DUKE

I hate those guys. Where's that ding-bat waitress? I want to get out of here.

LuCY

You gonna tell me what they said, or what?

DUKE

They just don't trust me. That's all.

LUCY

They not only don't trust you, they don't like you. Simple, say it to me, THEY JUST DON'T LIKE ME (says it slowly spelling it out).

Duke shifts in his seat and stares into his glass.

LUCY

You treat them like your servants and talk to them like they need to shine your shoes for you. I mean what do you expect?

DUKE

Well, if that shoe fits... they should shine it, but they wouldn't even know how to shine a shoe. All they own is Reebok tennis shoes.

LUCY

See? You drip self-righteous indignation, or venom or something.

Protracted pause as she waits for a reply not received.

LUCY

You only beat them by one car today. They may be tougher than you think and the prize is $100,000. 

DUKE

Don't worry about them as real competition. I don't believe in luck, but just in case I'm making sure they need more than luck to win this race. I make my own luck.

Lucy shakes her head and stares blankly at him as he sneers.

Pan to under the table where he is playing with a small black data storage device with his hand. Close-up shows it has a label that says, 'RACE WORLD X-APP'.

FaDE OUT.

INT. DuKe's estate home - nIGHT

FADE IN:

Enter a dark room, a formal study, in an upscale home. The glow from the monitor is enough light to reveal a hand placing the data storage device on the desk and insert the connector into a USB port. 

The monitor shows a series of convincing commands which reveal the URL of Race World and a target account for Sam. Computer commands are displayed on the screen which culminate  in the message:

 *** Account modified: Performance application uploaded successfully ***.

DuKE

(Muttering to himself) 

I make my own luck, just like that.

Duke removes the USB connector and shuts the computer off, then walks out of the room. His dimly illuminated silhouette makes it clear that it is Duke.

FaDE OUT.

INT. Sam's Garage - afTERNOON

FADE IN:

Enter into a cluttered home garage with the 1968 Rambler American up on jack stands. From the main garage door area, panning toward the rear of the garage, 2 sets of legs protrude from under the car. Short pants- one skinny and white, one black and muscular. Air compressor hoses and an extension cord run under the car and light from their drop light floods the floor.

MAC

Cut it here, right here...

The buzz of an air saw cutting steel can be heard and then a heavy "Clunk" of metal against concrete as the exhaust pipe separates and falls to the floor.

MAC

We'll make a grease monkey out of you yet, Sam.

SAM

Uhh… no, you watch too much TV, I don't see that happening, evuh!

MAC

Pull that new pipe in under here and we can clamp it, then we'll hang that muffler, the one without the holes.

Sam's arm reaches out from under the car and pulls a steel exhaust pipe under the car. Mac's hand is seen taking it and moving it out of scene.

Mac

With plugs, points, new spark plug wires and a rebuilt carb, we'll make it to Pensacola. That's where Jimmy Buffet is from you know.

SAM

Jesus, you've told me that 10 times in the last 2 days. And what do I say now?

MAC

You say, "He's not from Pensacola, he's really from the Mobile, AL area, Eastern Shore". But I think you're wrong.

SAM

Look it up.

MAC

Nahh... that takes all the fun out of yanking your chain.

Sam

You've yanked that chain off!

MAC

That's about all there is to replace on this old car. With a new muffler the cops will probably leave us alone.

SAM

Well, you got a great deal on it at the Zone. It was about as cheap as possible without stealing it!

MAC

It was on clearance and with the employee discount we made out. Let's not get arrested here, there, anywhere.

A few minutes pass and the hammering and sawing continues then silence for a moment.

MAC

Can you bring some of your Mom's Jimmy Buffet CDs for the road?

SAM

Here we go- you're a main-stream black American in 2019, living in a highly integrated city. You need some Cole or Kendrick or Eminem.

MAC

The only Eminem I care about are the white chocolate ones that melt in your mouth, not in your hands.

Mac hold his right hand up as if he's recalling a time when his M&Ms kept their promise not to melt.

SAM

You are an enigma man.

MAC

No, Baptist (smiling a gotcha). Can you just get some Zach Brown or Garth or Jimmy Buffet or something for God's sake? 

SAM

Christmas is coming, maybe Santa will hook you up! (then under his breath) Maybe not. The Zone doesn't do CDs?

Mac

Aww man. Come on, just do it. You want me to ask your Mom?

SAM

No, the stress of knowing you're a  Jimmy Buffet fan might kill her. No one is ready for a Parrot Head like you!

Scene fades to an analog 'white-faced' clock on the wall of the garage and it shows 4:45.

Fade out with car repair sounds- metal being cut, hammering, laughter… fade out again and in with the clock is shown again at 10:15 and it's dark outside. A garage pan shows the area cleaned up and the jacks removed. The light goes out and the garage door closes and is locked. Mac and Sam are walking down the sidewalk to the house.

MAC

Don't forget the CDs. Please, for the love of God, it's a 1000 mile slug stuck in that beater with you!

SAM

I'll hook you up, don't worry! Let's just call it a Hooptie. We'll make it, maybe.

FADE OUT.

INT. SAM'S GARAGE - NIGHT

FADE IN:

Garage is dark, the sound of a dead-bolt being unlocked is heard and the garage side door is opened and a dark figure wearing a black hoodie slinks in.

Duke's face is revealed as he walks toward the car wearing a illuminated visor cap.

A hand reaches under the grille above the bumper and a latch releasing sound is heard and the hood pops up. The hand raises the hood and lifts the support rod.

The light from the cap visor focuses on the distributor and a small black cylinder is clamped to the main wire and a big Zip Tie holds it on. The clock on the wall shows 2:56 as the hood is quietly closed and the final scene shows the garage door closing.

FADE OUT.

EXT. Sam's house driveway - morNING

FADE IN:

The Rambler sits in the driveway with all 4 doors propped and the rear hatch held up with a shovel handle. Suitcases and coolers and travel miscellaneous piled around the outside of the car. Sam is busy carrying even more gear out. Mac arrives in a car driven by his Aunt with only a single suitcase.

MAC

Are we traveling to the North Pole, man? What's all this junk?

SaM

You never know Mac, we have over 1000 miles to drive in a 50 year old car. We may wind up living in this old girl before we're done.

MAC

One question for you Sam, Zack Brown or Jimmy Buffet?

SAM

My Mom gave me her Boats, Beaches, Bars, and Ballads CD set from Jimmy.

Mac

Please don't tell me it's buried in this junk and you have it on the front seat! Where do you want my suitcase?

SAM

Just find a spot. I gassed up earlier, we are 'bout ready to roll, 'cept for ice. Mom made sandwiches and I have warm drinks in the cooler.

Mac throws a couple boxes into the car and flops down into the front passenger seat. He reaches out with his right hand and gently rubs the dash.

MAC

Come on baby, one more trip, I know you can get us there!

Sam sits down in the driver's seat, shuts the door and starts the car.

MAC

I don't want to be broke down in Montgomery, AL- my people there may not 'get' me. You know, how I am.

SAM

What people you got in Montgomery?

MAC

Of course I got people- Black people dude, that's right, it's the center of the Civil Rights movement.

SAM

I thought that was East St. Louis, can it get more intense than that?

MAC

Don't go there, bro'- just saying, me and Montgomery really don't need to know each other. Just 'cause I got people don't mean I need to see 'em. 

Sam

Gotcha, I think we patched her up enough to get it down the road to the Pensacola Civic Center!

MaC

Let's hope. Oh, here's a map.

Mac pulls out a map and unfolds it.

SAM

No thanks, I have Google Maps on my phone.

Mac

Oh, you think Montgomery has cell service? I heard they just got color TV last month.

Sam and Mac laugh and the Rambler backs out of the driveway.

SAM

Okay. Put that map in the glove. We'll figure it out when we get there.

MAC

There are some crazy white people there and even crazier brothers! Just sayin' think Banjoes and Deliverance...

SAM

Oh. Ouch, no... don't need that image. Let's get some ice at the STOP and ROB, you might need it later.

Scene fades out with a rear shot of the Rambler smoking as it drives down the street headed for the Interstate.

FADE OUT.

EXT. Intersate lambert Airport - moRNING

FADE IN:

A white limo is crossing the river on the Stan Musial Veteran's Bridge. The limo is speeding, making time passing cars in heavy traffic and headed toward Lambert Airport. The limo drives past an airport entryway sign and through a "Departing Private Flights" security gate. The car pulls up to the jet ramp next to a Gulf Stream G4 jet.

FADE OUT.

EXT. tarmac at Lambert Airport - mORNING

FADE IN:

The driver gets out of the limo wearing a traditional black chauffer suit and hat. He opens the driver's side passenger door and Duke steps out and stretches. The other passenger side opens next, and out steps Lucy. Both Lucy and Duke are way over-dressed for a trip to the Gulf Coast.

DUKE

Don't worry about our luggage, Luce. Max has it, he'll load them. Let's board. It's hot out here.

They walk up the 10 steps to the Jet and step inside the cabin. There are 4 main leather seats and the two settle in to the forward facing pair. A stewardess appears into the scene.

STEWARDESS

Can I get you a drink, what would you like?

DUKE

Double SoCo on the rocks for me and Lucy will have champagne.

STEWARDESS

Sounds good, so ice tea and grape juice? Sorry Duke, your Dad does not allow "go juice" on the plane and you are not 21.

Duke shrugs and looks at Lucy.

DUKE

Grape Juice okay for you?

Lucy shakes her head.

LUCY

Just water please. Duke, this is crazy. Why don't we just drive? (exasperated). Really? I get it, your Dad has bucks.

DUKE

I'm not humping 1,000 miles in the Porsche. May as well enjoy it Lucy, who cares? It's free.

LUCY

Yeah, as usual, free to you, but it's costing your Dad some serious money. What, $10,000?

DUKE

He wishes. More like $7500 per hour with a 4 hour minimum.

Lucy's mouth drops open and she seems to struggle to speak.

LUCY

Are you freaking serious? Have you gone insane? When he figures out what you cost him, he will be furious.

DUKE

My Dad, my problem. Just relax and enjoy the ride, okay?

LUCY

Again, why are you doing this? The race I mean, you don't need the money.

DUKE

Didn't you just ask me this, like yesterday? Same stuff different day, except weren't are on a jet. I'm going to beat those 2 morons. It's simple, don't over-think it.

LUCY

Yeah and you'll stop at nothing! I heard you always find a way to 'make sure' you win. (Air Quotes with her fingers)

DUKE

Man, I should have brought my own Southern Comfort. Thanks, you're right. I make my own luck, again!

LUCY

Okay Duke, what did you do this time?

DUKE

Can't tell you, just know that if their pile of junk happens to make it to Pensacola, they'll find their Race World Tesla runs a lot slower down there than it did here.

LUCY

How can that be? It's the same Race World network in Pensacola as the one there.

DUKE

Perhaps Elfin magic? Who knows? Not to worry, it's a done deal.

LUCY

I don't think I need to be here, this is getting weird. You think you're Supreme Ruler or something?

Just then, the jet's stair ramp is retracted and the door closes. The jet engines spin up filling the cabin with noise as the jet moves onto the runway.

Pan into an underside shot of jet lifting off the runway and the St. Louis arch in the background.

FADE OUT.

EXT. Interstate headed south - afTERNOON

FaDE IN:

The Rambler is driving 45 mph in a 70 mph speed zone on I-65 heading South. A "Leaving Huntsville Alabama" sign is seen out of the passenger window. A steady cloud of blue smoke billows from the tailpipe.

SAM

The race starts Saturday at 7AM and runs to 7AM Sunday, hence the 24-hr Enduro Race name.

MAC

Thank you Captain Cliché, are you recording a commercial?

SAM

Yes, yes I am- check channel 3 News at 10 tonight. Today is Wednesday and if we get there tonight, we'll have 3 nights in the Motel 6. How much money you got?

MAC

About $300, maybe $350. That's it.

SAM

So you can spend about $150 on the motel right?

MAC

I have enough. May have to starve, but whatever.

SAM

The Motel 6 is the cheapest at $75 per night by the mall, so it'll actually be about $125 each.

MAC

Ok Momma, I think I can handle it.

SAM

Better get your doggie "thunder jacket" out so we can slide on through Montgomery without tears- only 100 miles to go.

A red low rider '62 Chevy Impala blows by the Rambler. All they see is a blur until the car pulls into their lane in front of them.

MAC

Jesus, he must be doing 100mph. I think I need some new underwear!

SAM

Well, you might want to wait on the underwear and just change it once... 'cause...

Sam's looking in the rear-view mirror as an Alabama State Trooper sweeps past the Rambler, and then a second State Trooper running fast and hard after the Impala.

MAC

Holy S... see what I mean? People here are crazy. Was the driver a brother?

SAM

Probably someone's- not mine, thank God.

MAC

I'll bet he was a brother. See they do crazy stuff here and the white people are frightening.

Sam grunts and they pass the Impala, now pulled over with the Black driver on the hood of the car as two large white State Troopers try to cuff him.

MAC

See? You think I was joking around. Probably a Banger trying to get home to Montgomery to his Baby Momma.

Sam rolls his eyes but does not say anything.

SAM

A baby who's his Momma, skip it, I don't wanna know! We have a couple days before the race. Any ideas?

MAC

If we get there in this thing, if... then the usual stuff- food, pool, drive around, waste time.

SAM

Eat, Sleep, Make Merry, for Saturday your Baby Momma will find you.

Mac

Are you gay? I don't mean "gay" just "gay", like some vagabond whack-job poet? I wonder where the babes party down there on the beach?

SAM

Baby Mommas? The 90's are calling man. No babes this week, no Mommas, we have enough problems as it is.

MAC

We'll see about that.

SAM

I don't care you're 0 for 92, go for it. Here, eat this baby mommy.

Sam hands him sandwich and opens one for himself. They drive on.

FaDE OUT.

EXT. MONTGOMERY, AL I-65 - afTERNOON

FaDE IN:

Pan into the Rambler on I-65, perspective from the back seat as cars pass them. Several more cars and tractor trailers blow by them blowing their horns.

MAC

Hey man, we just passed the Montgomery City limit sign. Be very careful now.

Jimmy Buffet is playing "Cheeseburger in Paradise" on the car stereo. Sam's attention is diverted to a strange sound and he turns the radio down and listens attentively.

MAC

We in Montgomery… Civil rights, pointy sheets, and banjoes. Just drive dude and get us out of here. What do you hear?

Sam

Dunno.

Sam looks up into the rearview mirror and sees blue smoke, then he sees police lights and a siren blasts a warning.

MAC

Uhh Oh, we are so busted! I told you, just pull it over, nice and easy and put your hands up.

Both cars pull over and Sam turns the car off and one large mushroom cloud of blue smoke is expelled from the exhaust pipe.

MaC

Be cool man. No sudden movements 'cause he'll shoot me if you do something stupid.

SAM

Relax, we didn't do anything wrong!

MAC

Yeah, all gunshot victims say that. Black lives matter! Black lives matter Sam! Particularly mine!

A large black State Trooper with mirrored sunglasses and a ticket pad appears at the driver's side and looks down on Sam.

State Trooper

Hey Fellows, I didn't know the Mayor ordered a mosquito spray truck today. What's going on with your car?

SAM

Hi there officer, I'm sorry about that. We fixed the plugs and points before we left Fairview Heights.

STATE TROOPER

It's Trooper. Trooper Gaines. Give me your driver's…. Did you say Fairview Heights?

SAM

Yes Sir, Fairview Heights, IL- across the river from St. Louis. We're headed to Pensacola for a "playoff" this weekend.

STATE TROOPER

My mother lives in Fairview Heights with my step Pop… This car made it all the way from Fairview Heights and you're alive to tell about it?

MAC

(leaning over) Yes Sir. We just drove it slow and it kept on going! We're alive- more or less.

(Cough, Cough, Cough)

STATE TROOPER

You guys are not hauling guns, money, drugs or nuclear bombs are you? 

SAM and MAC

No Sir...

MAC

Of course not!

STATE TROOPER

Brother, this is Montgomery, Alabama, anything is possible. We arrested 6 Blood gang members from Chicago here last week with a suitcase full of hand grenades.

Mac 

(speaking to Sam)

See, you thought I was being stupid. Crazy people live here.

STATE TROOPER

Your right. Look, this mosquito Spray Truck is violating every Alabama law on the books and probably some EPA regulations. 

SAM

Yeah, I suppose.

STATE TROOPER

You seem like decent guys. I'm not supposed to do this, but if you want, I can help you get out of this mess and get you to your game.

Or I can call a tow truck at a minimum of $250 plus fines plus repairs and inspections.

SAM

What do you suggest?

STATE TROOPER

This car can't stay on the road so it either needs a repair or a junkyard… and I have a nephew at the next exit that has a shop that is a little of both. You interested? He's reasonable and he'll help you, he owes me one.

SAM

Definitely. Sounds good, should we follow you?

STATE TROOPER

Yes, next exit, two miles. Don't kill anyone, okay?

Trooper Jones walks back to his State Police Car.

FaDE OUT.

EXT. Bubba's garage - aftERNOON

FADE IN:

Pan through a messy car repair shop where the Rambler sits on a lift rack. Outside over the weathered metal building a plastic-faced illuminated sign displays "Bubba's Quality Repair". 

Trooper Gaines is talking to his Nephew Tyrone Gaines next to the Rambler. Mac and Sam are unloading suitcases and boxes from the Rambler.

Tyrone walks over to Sam. He is a 23-year old black man, very tall with a gold tooth.

Sam and Mac are standing under the Rambler looking at their handiwork on their muffler repair and the muffler falls off and bounces off the concrete floor. Tyrone walks over and extends his hand and Sam shakes it.

Tyrone

'Sup. What's happening man? Sorry it's so hot, but I can't help that much.

SAM

You're Bubba? You don't look like a Bubba and I'm guessing there's no shrimp boat out back.

TYRONE

Naww... I'm Tyrone, but if I called this Tryone's Quality Repair, I'd have no white customers. This is "Bubba Land" brother. Old times here are not forgotten!

SAM

Yeah, I'm feeling that. What's the verdict?

TYRONE

Nuttin good, man, we don't do a whole lot of good old boy service. We make our bread -n- butter on custom Hooptie rides.

Mac moves closer and shakes hands with Tyrone. 

MAC

You do custom rides? We get a lot of those up in East St. Louis.

TYRONE

We done some that made it up there.

SAM

What's the verdict... on my custom ride?

(Laughing)

TYRONE

Your custom ride needs to be put down. But with rings and seals… we can save her. We have to order parts, from somewhere- Rambler heaven?

SAM

Yeah. I gotta keep her going, she's been in the family, you know... 

TYRONE

Aigght then. I'd charge $650 for rings and seals but my Uncle is calling in a favor- $150,cost of parts, give or take. Can you dig it?

Sam

(grinning/elated/relieved)

Yeah, I can dig it deep, I appreciate it, more than you know. Thank you!

MAC

But we need to be in Pensacola. How do we get there?

TyRONE

Your mosquito truck had about another 10 miles on it. You should be happy my Unk stopped you when he did. You be about out of oil.

Tyrone tosses a set of keys to Mac from the over-stuffed key box hanging on the wall and points toward several cars across the parking lot.

TyRONE

The rusty bug, on the house, but before you go, let me show you some of our hydraulic 'jumpin' jacks' we working on out back.

Mac tosses the keys to Sam.

MAC

You wanna check out what car it is and see if it'll start?

Sam nods and walks out into the parking lot. Tyrone and Mac disappear through the shop out a back door.

Sam eventually walks back into the shop as Mac and Tyrone reappear. They are talking and laughing.

Mac picks up a business card and sticks it in his pocket as he walks out, nodding his head in appreciation towards Tyrone. Mac and Sam turn and walk out.

SAM

Thanks again (waving).

TyRONE

No, thank you very much! Good luck with the race.

Tyrone walks over and shakes Mac's hand in a fancy exchange of knuckles and fingers.

Sam and Mac walk across the hot asphalt to the row of cars and to a 1972 VW that used to be light blue but was now held together by rust. 

SaM

Uhh... what was that? You guys dating or did you join a gang?

Mac

You didn't know I can do that street stuff, did you? I saw some brother on YouTube do it. He's just a good guy, that's all.

MAC

Wait... I don't think I can do this bug bro', I don't fit.

(Looking at the tiny VW)

Mac opens the passenger door and reaches down and slides the seat back. The seat flops down flat when he presses his shoulders back. He reaches up and slips his Jimmy Buffet disc in and hits play. One particular Harbor plays and Mac just lays there grinning.

MAC

Ahhh... yes, this will do, quite nicely.

SaM

You're starting to worry me.

Sam loads the VW with their suitcases and gear and off they drive down the road to the interstate, cotton fields on both sides.

FaDE OUT.

EXT. roy's motel - mORNING

FADE IN:

Sam and Mac are leaving the lobby of Roy's Motel with an armful of doughnuts and two coffees. The VW leaves the small motel parking lot. Sam and Mac are in the front seat of the car with their doughnuts and coffee. 

Fade out.

Fade into the small Blue VW bug puttering across the bridge spanning Pensacola Bay- a sweeping shot from the sky over the car to depict the large bay and the insignificant little car. A bright coastal day.

A frontal shot of the VW with Sam and Mac stuffed into the front of the car. The never-ending Jimmy Buffet CD is playing away and they are continuing to eat sandwiches.

MAC

We are here. I never been to Florida before but that must be a dolphin! (pointing down into the Bay)

SAM

Roger that base commander, that's a dolphin. What's the best road to the Civic Center?

Mac looks at his phone and clicks a few buttons accessing a mapping application.

MAC

Best or fastest?

SAM

Surprise me.

MAC

Uhh… I-110 South, about 5 miles to the exit. 

SAM

Thanks. We'll go on down there and register and find something fun to do.

MAC

Babes! In Bikinis.

SAM

Yeah, sure, whatever.

Cut to an aerial shot of the VW making progress as it cruises down the interstate I-10 and exits onto the I-110 spur headed to downtown Pensacola.

FaDE OUT.

INT. Pensacola Civic Center - morning

FaDE IN:

Inside of the Pensacola Civic Center, Sam and Mac are standing in a short registration line.  Maintenance staff are pushing chairs and rolling boxes and doing show set-up operations.

The registration table is adorned with race posters and other Race World paraphernalia. 

Mac and Sam are called up to the registration table and handed the form. They begin to fill it out and produce their drivers' license to confirm their identity.

SAM

How much do we owe you, total- tax, tag, title. (smiling)

The lady behind the table is a local blue-hair and has been very polite with all the participants. She is approximately 75 years old and is wearing thick glasses.

Blue Hair

That'll be $175, sweetie. That includes your Race World Koozie holders, t-shirts and posters. Here is your goodie bag.

She hands Sam a plastic bag with a Race World logo on it full of goodies and gear.

Sam and Mac open their wallets and count out $200 and she gives them $25 back in change.

MAC

Thank you Ma'am. We appreciate you.

BlUE HAIR

Oh, you're quite welcome young man. It's good to see boys doing something wholesome instead of spray painting dirty pictures on the walls and riding skateboards.

SAM

Yeah, you gotta keep an eye out for those terrorist Skateboarders. They are bad this time of year.

BLUE HAIR

What was that honey?

SAM

Yes Ma'am, no dirty pictures... We're here to race!

BLUE HAIR

Also, make sure you're here at 6AM on Saturday for the Driver's Meeting. You don't want to miss that.

MAC

We'll be here! Hey Sam, there's the dynamic duo (pointing) Lucy and Charlie Brown.

Lucy and Duke are walking up the hallway headed toward event registration. Dressed very touristy with brightly colored Caribbean gear.

Sam

Oh Schnitzel, just what I was waiting for.

Lucy waved enthusiastically at Sam and he waved back at her, much more reluctantly.

Duke walks past them with a scowl on his face straight to the registration area.

SAM

Best conversation I ever had with him. I hope these pleasantries continue unabated.

MAC

He's thinking 'Peasants' and he should just say it!" 

Lucy broke away from Duke and walked over to Sam and Mac who were standing by the window looking out at the parking lot.

LUCY

You made it, I see. A little birdie told me that you might have engine problems on the way.

MAC

That little Birdie needs his beak snapped off, and shoved up his feathers.

LUCY

Now that's a pleasant thought. At least you made it here. What happened?

SAM

The Rambler bit the dust in Montgomery, we got a loaner VW and gave it CPR for 200 miles. Yeah, that's about the story.

Lucy giggles at the analogy.

LUCY

I heard about this on the plane, I don't know what he did. The little birdie is out of his bird brain.

MAC

On the plane? You guys flew? Delta?

LUCY

Senator Ryder's G4.

SAM

No freaking way! 

LUCY

Way, freaking way. Little Birdie's brain has flown the nest. His Dad will have him killed probably by Government agents in Black helicopters.

SAM

We could start a GoFundMe page and collect money to make it happen. Nahh...

Sam

We really don't know if he screwed with the car. The rings and seals were shot, but we did not check it for Duke's handiwork but it's a 60-yr old car.

Mac

We are in a dilemma. On one hand we can't kill him, on the other we can't live in the same city with him.

LUCY

So, you can't kill him?

SAM AND MAC

Noooo... 

LUCY

He did say something. Something about having taken care of your car and he also made some half-brained remark about your Race World car too.

SAM

What could he do to our Tesla? It's on the Race World servers. I don't want to be paranoid but we need to check that out. 

LUCY

You have to. Duke has people.

Sam

Oh no, not him too. Everyone has people. Except me.

LUCY

You got people- you got Mac and me! What hotel are you staying at. I have a people you need to talk to.

SAM

Leave the Light on. It's cheap. Don't tell the Little Birdie under any circumstance.

LUCY

No, never. No, never, we are in the Penthouse at the Hyatt downtown. 

SAM

Figures, only the best for Little Birdie.

LUCY

It has 2 bedrooms. I don't like him that much.I may not like him at all after the next couple days, at this rate.

SAM

Good to know. Thanks for telling me. If Daddy's jet doesn't do it, nothing will.

Lucy mimes sticking her fingers down her throat.

LUCY

He's a snake Sam. I can't wait for this weekend to be over.

MAC

I'm feeling both of you! But, we need to get out of here Sam!

Sam

Yeah, you're right. We got work to do. See you later Luce.

Lucy walks away, down the hall toward the registration desk. Mac looks at Sam and bursts out laughing.

Sam

What's so funny Jimmy Buffet? We have a sabotaged race car to fix.

Mac

Dude, I'm laughing at you guys- so adorable. I thought she was going to plant a wet one on your lips. Sam and Lucy, sitting in a tree...

SAM

Really, sitting in a tree? Let's go- we have tons of stuff to do. We need to see what that idiot has done to us.

MAC

This means, no Beach, Babes or Beer tonight, I suppose.

SAM

W-W-J-B-D... What would Jimmy Buffet do, huh? Party on or take care of business?

MaC

We didn't get to $600M net worth by losing "races". Let's go.

FADE OUT.

INT. Motel 6 - afTERNOON

FADE IN:

A basic motel room with a desktop computer set up on the tabletop. Mac and Sam are staring at the monitor and also looking at a secondary monitor. Sam has a can of Mt. Dew and Mac has a Candy Bar.

Sam

This 'test' race software may not be giving us accurate car data. What do you think?

They look at the monitor and the car is on a virtual test stand.

MAC

Man, it just won't rev.

SAM

Flip up the performance data from the last race and let's compare just how far off it is.

MAC

Got it, it's on the screen.

SAM

Makes no sense at all. It's the same setup we had at home and used in the finals. Same capacity, same ratios. Same performance applications.

Mac shrugs his shoulders and stands up, walking to the window.

MAC

We still have a turbo upgrade we can install. I wasn't going to use it because it's not a certified app.

SAM

We've never run with it, we've never tested it. That would be risky and could put more stress on some of the other programs.

MAC

We are running 9% below our last dyno read. The specs on this car are clear but it won't rev.

SAM

Let's sign on to our account, wipe the spec, re-upload a new data set, test it and see if that helps. 

MAC

Let's do it. We can set it up to copy and  get out of here for a couple hours. 

SAM

Ok, hey did you see that Grand Prix track on the other side of the Mall Parking lot? Can you still race a real car? It's been 6 years.

Mac

If I can fit into the driver's seat, I'll spank you. Let's go.

FaDE OUT.

EXT. grand prix race course - aFTERNOON

FADE IN:

The VW sputters into the Grand Prix parking lot and jerks to a stop. Mac and Sam extricate themselves from the Bug. 

They walk up to the counter and wait to pay for their admission.

SAM

Hey, look at that sign. The fastest time is 43:12. I think I did better than that on the track back in the day.

Mac

I'm thinking you did a 41 something back when we used to race those little cars.

Sam

Check it out- Beat the Fastest Time, Win $500. We could use that for sure.

They step up to the counter, the teenage girl checking them in smiles at them and hand them the disclaimer and sign-off sheet. The read it and sign.

Counter girl

Each lap, as you can see is, $5. If you buy 10 laps, we have a special for $40. The helmet is included.

SAM

We'll both have a special thanks.

They pay her and move over to the line leading to the cars. Each car launches on a solo race against the clock.

MAC

These are electric cars. We're used to gas. 

SAM

Well, we drive a Tesla online. Let's give it a shot. Our old cars were gas but the times are about the same.

The track attendant motioned for Sam to come over and take his first lap. Sam puts on his helmet and sits down into the car.

Pan back following the car around the track as it takes the curves as fast as possible with tires squealing and Sam steering determinedly. The car maneuvers the course with 46:13 flashing.

Mac's car launched 20 seconds after Sam's and finished at 47:30.

Lap after lap, of their 10-lap admission is run with the times flashed on the scoreboard sequentially.

Fade back to the track with Sam ready for his last lap.

Sam

Let her rip! (said aloud, no one hears)

The car launches and takes the first turn high and the front right wheel scrapes the curb and that throws the car violently to the left. Sam recovers.

He drives with determination running flat out and running perfectly. As he progresses several shots of the timer are shown to display he's on track.

Finally, he crosses the finish line and sees the time of 43:07. He raises his arms triumphantly and stops.

P/A Speaker

We have a new record time for the Pensacola Grand Prix everyone- 43:07. Driver come to the service desk please.

Sam and Mac walk to the front counter again where he signs a voucher slip and receives the $500 award. The counter girl counts it out in $20 bills. Sam peels off half of the bills and hands them to Mac.

MAC

Mucho gracias... Oh yeah.

SaM

No problem. That's how we roll. I still owe you a $20.

They return to their Motel 6 room and review the process of their on-line updates.

SaM

Nope. It's no better. Even with the turbo upgrade we are down at least 5% and it has never gone over 100% capacity since we started today.

Mac

It ran at 103% in the last race for the last 15 minutes. We are running here with square tires on her.

SaM

I don't have a solution Mac. (yawning) But I have a killer headache. Too much caffeine today so I'm going to bed.

MAC

I'm feeling you- let's call it a day. We have all day tomorrow to deal with it.

FADE OUT.

INT. Boiled egg cafe - mORNING

FADE IN:

Mac and Sam are sitting in a booth, facing each other. A waitress is delivering plates of food to them. It is 7AM as shown on a closeup of Sam's smartphone. Mac stabs a stack of pancakes, already cut and doused with Blueberry Syrup, Blueberries and butter. He is shoveling it in and drinking a large soda through a straw.

SaM

I was wondering if you've you ever been away from home before, like in another city on your own?

MAC

'course I have Why are you asking me this.

SAM

Where did you go?

MaC

Cahokia, been to Chicago and when my grandpa died I went to Springfield.

SaM

Very, very impressive.

(Head Shaking)

Sam's smart phone rings with a ringtone of a car crash and he picks it up quickly.

SaM

Hello.

LUCY

Hi Sam. It's me Lucy. Good Morning.

Sam perks up and recovers from his apathetic booth slouch and half eaten eggs and bacon. He sits upright and whispers.

SaM

It's Lucy.

Mac rolls his eyes and stabs another pile of pancakes and shoves them into his mouth.

MAC

Glory, glory, we are saved! Let the 5 Flags of Pensacola fly high!

Sam shrugs his shoulders and goes "palms up" to display either his confusion or disinterest in the comment.

SAM

Oh hey Lucy. How things going for you?

LUCY

I'm okay, did you fix the car?

SaM

The car will only rev, as it were, to 96% and there's nothing we can do about it.

LUCY

I'm not shocked. Usually Duke means what he says as stupid as most of it is.

SaM

What do you mean?

LUCY

Somehow he is responsible. He either paid someone at Race World to mess with it, or called a witch doctor or hacked their servers. Money talks and you know what walks.

SaM

He had someone do it for him. He's not the brightest bulb on the shelf in Walmart. What's his problem, it's costing him more to screw with us than he will win if he does come in first

LUCY

Oh, it's not about the money. You know that. 

SaM

I have no clue why this is and how his single cell brain works.

LUCY

Then I have no freaking clue either- you tell me! Some people are just crazy! Did you and Mac pee pee in his play dough in Kindergarten or something

Sam

Maybe a time or too on recess, but Let's just go with #1- he's nuts. No one knows what personality disorder he has.

LUCY

I know a guy. One of my peoples. You guys need to talk to him.

SaM

Oh no, not you too. Everyone knows a guy except for me.

LUCY

This guy may be the guy who's screwing with you. I don't know. Duke told me about him before. He's a hacker. He lives near here in Alabama, about 30 miles away- it's worth a shot.

SaM

Okay.

LUCY

Simple Sam- do something or lose. You have cars that are state-of-the art engineering examples running from all over the world. You don't have a chance if yours won't max out.

SaM

I get it. I do but we don't have any money. Why would he help us?

LUCY

I said I knew a guy. I really know a guy's sister, so I know a girl who has a lot of dirt on a guy. So when you call him, tell him that Little Lucy and Karla said he should help you.

SaM

This sounds weird.

LUCY

It should sound weird because it is weird. We are in Pensacola, I'm stuck with an A-hole, you are taking a long-shot to get money for school, and Mac is on his 2nd plate of Blueberry pancakes.

SaM

Wwwwha… how did you know that?

The waitress brings a second tray of pancakes to the table.

LUCY

Hey Baby. I got peoples! I'll text you his info. His name is Marty, like Marty from Back to the Future. Gotta go- bye!

SaM

Wait, wait, wait...

The waitress leaves the table and Sam sits staring out the window through the plate glass that shows "Boiled Egg Café".

A few moments pass and his phone beeps a different tone and he picks it up and stares at the screen.  

Sam's phone message is displayed and it shows an address at the Cotton Bay Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama, outside of Pensacola.

SaM

Eat up big guy. We have to do stuff with Peoples.

MAC

I'll never touch a blueberry again, wait... maybe just one more bite!

FaDE OUT.

EXT. Beach road, Orange beach - mORNING

FADE IN:

The VW is winding its way through light city traffic in Pensacola. Sam and Mac have assumed their normal positions and engage in conversation. They've managed to scrounge cheap sunglasses from a convenience store.

MAC

So where exactly are we going?

SaM

Good question, I was wondering when you'd ask! Here, check it out- about 25 miles, 'over yonder' (pointing)

MAC

You're scaring me man. Let me see that thing.

Sam clicks his phone on and holds it up. Mac takes it.

Mac

This is just a website.

SAM

Look at the address and map it Scotty!

MAC

Scotty was the Engineer, he was not the Navigator.

SaM

Chekov was the Navigator, now I remember. I didn't watch Star Wars much.

MaC

Are you serious? Star Trek.

Sam

Dr. Spock was kinda creepy to me. With the hand thing and the pointy ears. My mom thought he was a demon.

MAC

Not to be the Colonel of correctness but it was Mr. Spock. Dr. Spock was a Baby Book author.

SaM

Me thinks someone watched too much tube growing up! Beam me up Doctor!

Mac clicks away in his smartphone. He turns it sideways and studies the map.

MaC

Highway 182 West to Cotton Bayou Rd, the Marina is at the end on Cotton Bayou.

SaM

Seriously? Cotton Bayou, I guess the Confederacy didn't have a lot of creative thinkers?

MAC

Yeah, I swear to God, you can't make this stuff up. Really, turn… turn… turn right here to get onto 182, you see the sign?

SaM

Yeah, got it... 

Sam downshifts the VW bug and makes a quick left hand turn. Houses melt away replaced by scrub palms and swamp, then as they near the road that runs west along the beach, sand dunes and pastel colored vacation homes come into view.

MaC

This is more like it. It's starting to look Island Time Mon!

SaM

Yeah, I'm waiting for Gilligan to dart out in front of the bug. I'll run him over, I swear to God, Skipper or no Skipper, I'll nail him!

MaC

Jimmy Buffet does concerts at the FloraBama Lounge right up here on the border. It's on the border of Florida and Alabama...

Sam

Hence the name, yeah, I get it. Oh my God Mac, the Florabama, are you kidding me? Not THE FLORABAMA.

MAC

We're stopping. I need a selfie for my Facebook page.

SaM

For you my friend, we will stop. I may even spend some of last night's loot and get a T-shirt and some new sunglasses. These suck.

Sam tosses the cheap sunglasses out the window of the Bug.

MaC

Sam, you a fine man. I don't care what Duke has to say about you… Look, there it is… there it is… pull over, pull into the parking lot! (giddy)

The VW slows down and signals for a left-handed turn. They pause for a few seconds and complete the turn into the parking lot.

Mac and Sam jump out of the car acting like enthused tourists.

FADE OUT.

EXT. Beach road to marina - mORNING

FaDE IN:

Sam and Mac are sitting in the VW flipping through images on their phone. A bag of beach gear sits on the back seat of the bug.

MAC

We scored some good swag man. I love my T-shirts and sunglasses.

SaM

Let's head on down the road now that we look like the locals, the KGB probably will leave us alone.

Mac

Whatever man, you still mad that I bought the sunglasses you wanted?

SaM

Nahh. Hold on, we're getting out of here.

Sam starts the car, slams it in gear and pulls onto the main beach highway spinning gravel and merging in with the few cars on the road. Mac is still looking at his selfies on phone.

MAC

Look at this one, I'm a natural. Man I wish I was old enough to drink beer!

SaM

No, for the love of God. You're drunk enough without a beer.

MaC

Come on now, I can drink more than you.

Sam, looking at Mac's largeness...

SaM

Uhh... no one is arguing that one!

MAC

You're a real funny man especially in your own mind. 

They drive down the road, past the beachside condos and the beachgoers darting across their path heading to the beach. 

MAC

Hey, our turn is right up here by the Citgo station. By the Budweiser sign.

SaM

Okay, okay, got it- thanks!

The VW turns right onto Cotton Bayou Rd, and it doglegs back east. They continue on for 2 miles until the road ends in a parking lot of a marina- Cotton Bay Marina. The VW pulls into the parking lot and parks. 

The Marina Office is disgraced by years of grease, dirty hands and fish guts. Bait and tackle is sold by a fat man wearing a cowboy hat sitting in a chair in front of the office.  

Mac exits the VW first and walks towards the fat man in the chair.

MAC

Hey Mister, where can we find a guy named Marty?

Office Mgr

Yeah yeah, I should have guessed. He's down at #5 slip, the red houseboat. No smoking here, anywhere, you got me?

MAC

No problem, 'Yo no fumo'. (mutters) Unless some Boss Hogg sets me on fire.

OfFICE MGR

Buddy, I mean it, the city has a gas leak somewhere out here. It comes and goes- no smoking!

MaC

(muttering under his breath) What part of no Fumo do you not get?

Mac

(yelling to Sam) I'd lock it dude, that guy's a screwball, I guarantee it!

He's in the red house boat in slip #5, I don't know what to do next, but let's do it!

Mac walks muttering something about Banjoes and Burt Reynolds, and motions to Sam where the #5 slip was.

They step up onto the dock and the weathered board creaks and flexes.

MAC

You fall through this and you go straight to hell...

SAM

I think a 'gator will get ya' before the devil.

MAC

You think the got gators here?

SaM

Think, look over there next to the far bank (pointing to an 8' gator).

MaC

(urgently) Let's get this over with!

FaDE OUT.

EXT. cotton bay Marina - mORNING

FaDE IN:

Sam and Mac walk past several small fishing boats with gear strewn about, on them next to a faded wooden sign that said "Rentals- Check in With Office".  Further down the dock was the row of house boats, really trailers sitting on pontoons. A couple of the boats seemed habitable but the majority were dilapidated.

At the dock they find #7. It looks like a newer single-wide trailer on large pontoons that has had some renovation.

Sam looks at Mac. Mac shakes his head.

MaC

Man, I don't know about this. Here is where Dexter opens the door and we wind up on his table.

SaM

Don't say stuff like that... it creeps me out. We're just going to ask him if he can take a look at our problem and see if he has any ideas.

MAC

If he injects me with the tranquilizer, just run and leave me!

SaM

This is not Hollywood and this is not Miami Vice.

MaC

I think it's Bubba Vice, but I really think I need a pink jacket and a .44 revolver.

SaM

Maybe I should have brought Luce instead of you!

MaC

Now you think of it! Yeah!

Sam steps onto the boat and Mac follows.

The boat rocks slightly but Mac has to grab a rail to keep from falling over.

Sam knocks on the door with 3 quick raps.

SaM

Should I shout 'DEA, we have a warrant?'

MaC

Only if you want me to have a seizure. Do it and I'm hitching back to the motel.

SaM

Oh that would be rich. See you on the 6 O'clock news… Missing Illinois black man, last seen thumbing for a ride on Beach Highway in Alabama!

Footsteps can be heard as someone approaches the front door. Sam and Mac can hear it and shift nervously from foot to foot.

Marty

Yeah, who is it. 

(annoyed)

What do you want?

SaM

Hi Marty, you don't know us... Uhh, I'm Sam and Mac is with me and we want to talk to you.

(Shouting into the door crack.)

MARTY

I don't know you guys. I don't know any Sam or Mac and I'm not buying anything!

SaM

No Marty. We were sent here by someone you know for some help with what you do.

Mac looks around nervously and motions to Sam to "keep it down" so the entire Marina did not hear.

MARTY

I don't know what you guys are talking about and I'm busy.

SaM

Yeah sorry about that. We're busy too and need to talk to you.

MartY

No time this morning. Can you come back about sunset?

SaM

Nope. Karla and Little Lucy said you'd help us.

The exchange goes quiet, as Marty thinks.

MaRTY

Oh crap, not again. Lucy Jones? I'm going to kill my sister. Hang on fellas I have to find some pants.

Sam and Mac look at each other..

SaM AND MAC

(In unison)

Yeah, most definitely, For sure, good idea!

They stand waiting for a few minutes as boats come and go. After a few minutes Sam gets restless.

SaM

(shouting)

Yo Marty, are you still with us?

Mac pounds on the door without an answer. No noise from inside.

MaC

Marty, what are you doing? Come on man you could have sewn some new pants by now!

Mac steps back from the door and looks down the side deck leading to the far side of the boat. There is a large, long-haired man wearing bright yellow surfer shorts squeezing out a window.

MaC

Look Sam! 

(grabbing Sam's shirt and pulling him over)

He's getting away! You said this was not Miami Vice Sonny!

Sam and Mac run down the side of the boat toward the window.

SaM

Marty, we're not cops! We need your help and I don't want to have to bring Lucy back out here today. No one wants that!

Marty shakes his shaggy hair and squirms apparently stuck.

MarTY

Nope. We don't want that. No, No, No! Push me back in and I'll open the front door.

Sam and Mac carefully push his upper body and ample girth back through the window and walk back to the main door they started at.

A minute passes and noises can be heard as multiple locks are opened.

SaM

Man you need a better escape plan.

MAC

Yeah, that was not easy to watch… I couldn't get out that little window either.

MarTY

Yeah, yeah, yeah… Come in, I give up. What do you need?

FADE OUT.

EXT. Marty's Houseboat - mORNING

FADE IN:

Sam and Mac are ushered into the houseboat. It looks normal, more like a college dorm bedroom than a Hacker Hole.

In the front corner of the room was Marty's Control center featuring an array of monitors displaying streams of data. On top of the desk, under the monitors are several other pieces of communication and a couple notebooks stacked up. 

A large blue waterpipe is sitting on the desk. Sam and Mac look at it laughing and pointing.

Sam and Mac huddle with Marty explaining the situation. There has been nodding and conversation and Marty has even brought out some potato chips and sodas.

MarTY

Okay guys, I get it. I mean I understand what you're saying here. 

SaM

Can you fix it?

MarTY

I have no clue, without digging in and checking the Race World system and servers out, you know more than me.

Marty rocks back in his chair and takes a drink from a Miller can.

SaM

Can you do it right now?

MarTY

I don't work for nothing… I don't work cheap… and I don't work for the helluva it. Are you feeling me? What do I get out of this?

SaM

What do you want man? We are broke and not even broke college students yet. That's why we are racing. 

MarTY

So, what's it worth to you? What do I get?

SaM

What do you want for 2 hours of your time to hack their site and beat on the Race World server?

MartY

$5,000

Sam and Marty say nothing and just stares at Marty.

Sam

Mack, would you please peel off "50 big ones" from your knot and give it to Marty?

MarTY

Really?

MaC

Aww, heck no. We don't have any money!

MarTY

Ok… Ok… how about this? If you win, you pay me $5,000.

Marty and Mac nod in agreement.

MartY

If you don't win… just keep Lucy away from me. 

MaRTY

Hey? Is this room leaning, like tilting dudes, or am I still getting some spins from last night?

Sam and Mac look up and gaze out the windows. At the end of the interior wall, water was starting to seep in slowly but steadily. 

MaRTY

No... No... No... grab something electronic and throw it out the door or window or something.

MAC

We're sinking, this is Miami Vice!

All three work feverishly to grab computer gear and try to walk out the front door. It won't open. 

They retreat to the window as water pours in but they manage to get Marty's gear onto the dock.

MarTY

The window thing again. You guys first and pull me out.

FADE OUT.

ExT. Cotton Bay  Marina - mORNING

FADE IN:

Marty and Sam sitting next to Mac at the open doors at the rear end of an ambulance. They have towels around them and are soaking wet but no one is injured. 

The fire captain walks over to the ambulance.

Fire Captain

Well, we're done here. If you have insurance, call them. Here's the report.

He hands Marty a copy of the incident report.

FIRE CAPTAIN

So, you're the owner? (to Marty)

MarTY

Nope. I'm just the renter. 

FIRE CAPTAIN

Well, if we can be of any service don't hesitate to call us. Here's a card.

Marty takes the card and begins to stick it in his pocket, realizes he is soaking wet and sets the card down.

FIRE CAPTAIN

I'd be careful messing with that boat. 

MarTY

Sure. I'm done with it. I got some clothes and my computer. Don't worry, we'll be safe.

FIRE CAPTAIN

You know the pontoons were drilled out right? Looks like someone used a hole saw- like a drill bit but two inches wide. 

The fire captain drops an electric screw gun onto the floor of the ambulance.

FIRE CAPTAIN

They dropped it on the dock. Broad daylight, they had balls. Maybe the Sheriff can use it as evidence.

Marty

Sheriff?

FIRE CAPTAIN

This is really a crime scene but since no one was hurt, nothing much will ever come of it. 

The captain walks away and joins his crew. They have finished loading up their gear and start the firetruck and drive off.

Paramedic

Guys. If you're okay, we are done here too.

The paramedic throws a stack of towels back into the Ambulance and shuts the rear doors.

SaM

Look Marty, if you can help us, and we win, the offer still stands- $5,000.

MarTY

I'll see what I can do. I think most of my gear is okay.

MaC

No one has bothered to ask the question 'Who did this'?

MarTY

Who did it fellas? Why would someone sink my crappy little houseboat?

SaM

Why bother to ask? We know what idiot did this- Duke of course.

MarTY

Makes no sense. 

SaM

Makes perfect sense. He wants to win- BAD. He's obsessed.

MarTY

That does it. I'll burn him down, what time is the race? Here, write your account name and passwords down.

He extends his arm and hands Sam a pen.

MarTY

Sorry, no paper. I won't wash today! Gimme your cell number too.

SaM

Thanks Marty, hook us up!

MAC

We could lose this race.

SaM

It's possible. 

Sam pulls his phone out and hits the Lucy preset.

LUCY

Hey Sam, how'd it go? Did you meet Marty?

SAM

Oh yeah, he'll never forget us, for sure.

LUCY

That sounds too mysterious, can't be good. Can he help you or not?

SAM

Well, he's going to look at it tonight. He's busy this afternoon after our morning swim.

LUCY

Uhh oh. What happened?

Sam

Someone sunk his houseboat with us in it.

(A pause in the conversation.)

LUCY

That's some scary stuff. You think Duke did it? Of course he did it, why am I asking?

SaM

He did this. Can't see why I don't just call the Sheriff and let them nail him. 

LUCY

I'm getting out of here. Can I stay with you guys? 

SaM

Sure, no problem. We'll be back at the motel in a couple hours.

LuCY

Well, you're going to beat him tomorrow, one way or another. 

LUCY

His +1 racing partner, Tony is driving in tonight. He might be here already. Look, I'll see you guys later on, okay?

SaM

Ok, we'll make a place for you. See ya' later on.

SaM

Let's get out of here and go get lunch at the Florabama, what do you say Mac?

Mac perks up at the idea and fist bumps Sam.

MaC

Great minds think alike my friend, let's roll!

FADE OUT.

INT. Pensacola Civic Center - mORNING

FADE IN:

A large crowded meeting room with folding chairs and tables are set-up for about 100 people- sitting and standing. A small balding man walks into the room followed by several others,

Race director

Sorry about that but I guess it worked. I got your attention the hard way! Good morning everyone, it's 6AM sharp.

The crowd is half-asleep and Star Buck's coffees are ever-present.

RACE DIRECTOR

I want to be quick with this meeting so we can drop the starters flag right at 7AM. First a few obvious things need to be said.

I'm Bruce Johnson and I run Race World. Welcome to the Pensacola Civic Center.

Sam and Mac are sitting in the last row at the back of the room. They are looking at their cell phones, tuned out to the meeting.

The presenter walks across the room and clicks on a projector displaying a slideshow to the large hanging screen at the front of the room.

RACE DIRECTOR

Race teams are driver and Co-Driver. No one else is allowed on the Racing floor.  I don't care how you did it at home, but here in the finals you use our driving pods, our network, our technical assistance. 

Racers are straggling in late, finding seats and trying to listen.

We have a race director and 3 judges and what the judges decide is final. You signed away your rights to sue or arbitrate earlier if you read the forms. Sorry about that!

The crowd murmurs and shuffles around and a few objections can be heard but the meeting continues.

SaM

(To Mac)

This guy is about as boring as dirt. It's like Algebra II class with Mrs. Cunningham.

Mac

(Whispering)

No one is as bad as her.

RACE DIRECTOR

Our technology is complex but racing is simple- the fastest car wins. Fastest means the person in the lead, the #1 car, the second fastest and the third fastest. We have 3 places for money. 

RACE DIRECTOR

Everyone okay, or is everyone still asleep?

The audience laughs, coughs, and someone shouts out "We feel ya!"

RACE DIRECTOR

Okay then, there is a pulse, that's good. Everyone saving their energy for the next 24 hours.

So once you enter the racing floor you can't leave and return. We have snacks, bathrooms and food for you. Of course we are cheap and you must purchase the real food.

RACE DIRECTOR

If you or your partner gets sick, and it happens, someone obviously needs to drive, but if you leave, it's a one person racing team. You can't come back into the facility. We have our reasons.

RaCE DIRECTOR

I turn you over to Carlton Blitzer who will run you through a PowerPoint on all the details. It will take 20 minutes and then we will get everyone onto the floor. The racing pods are live and have been tested.

RACE DIRECTOR

Okay. Those are the big rules for this race. All the other rules are the same as any other race. Good luck!

The next presenter, Carlton Blitzer, about 30-yrs old wearing heavy glasses and a baseball hat on backwards takes the microphone and begins to show the PowerPoint slide show.

FADE OUT.

INT. pensacola Civic center - morNING

FADE IN:

Sam and Mac wander into the racing operations area, through the security checkpoint where each racer's pass is scanned.

It is an large arena, designed for ice hockey, concerts, and trade shows. Racing operations is the center hub. In a circle around the main control area are 50 driving pods set-up, side by side in a circle, like flight simulator pods.

Sam and Mac are getting settled into their pod, #7, and talking.

SaM

At least we scored luck number 7, the racing Gods have smiled on us.

MAC

I wish the hacker God would smile on us. Still no Marty?

SaM

You'll know when I know, my friend.

MaC

Yeah, I'm not surprised. He lost his hobbit hole when the boat sank. He does not seem to be exactly flexible.

SaM

Now, now, my judgmental co-driver. He is flexible, just like a big fat Ball Park sausage. I felt sorry for him stuck in that window.

They laugh and continue to unpack their gear.

MaC

A real hacker has it all in the cloud Sam. You know that!

SaM

Did you know his brother was one of the most wanted hackers in the US during the 90's?

MaC

How do you know that?

SaM

I ran him on Google. In '96 he was arrested in connection with hacking incidents, the USAF, NASA, and NATO servers. They thought he was a foreign agent.

Mac

Well, at least Marty has a pedigree.

SaM

His brother's partner hacked into a South Korean military server and almost started a war with North Korea.

MAC

So, his brother is the real deal. Is Matt still in jail?

Sam shakes his head and plugs his racing visor into the USB port on the console.

SaM

Check this out- he hacked it all on a Commodore Amiga. 

Racing pod doors begin to close up. The 4-sided video screen cube, in the middle of Race Operations flashes a 2-minute warning advising drivers to be in their cars.

The P/A system announces:

 "All non-racers must clear the floor immediately!"

Sam opens and codes his control driver decoder and plugs it into the USB port and types in his access code. The dash comes alive and the videos display the race track. 

Sam stretches and cracks his neck.

SaM

Man, it's going to be a long 24 hours. Glad we have Dragon Fuel Energy.

MaC

I like Red Bull but whatever… here we go, we have 1 minute to Pre-Race.

FADE OUT.

INT. Pensacola Civic Center - moRNING

FADE IN:

The countdown clock displays "ZERO !!! Pre-race rules are now  in effect!"

The car's main racing monitor changes from a racetrack image to a live broadcast from the control center. The Race Director is on the screen displayed in 180 degree brilliance.

RaCE DIRECTOR

Hello Racers. The Pre-event to the Race World 24-Enduro has been streaming on-line to the world since 6am. We have done in-depth bios on the top 10 drivers and our stream in now being viewed by over 45,000,000 people, 30,000,000 in China alone. 

SaM

They're making billions!

RACE DIRECTOR

Some viewers have 'paid viewing' and are guests in virtual clubhouses and chat rooms and are able to stream candid cams real time from your race pods, so be on your best behavior. You might be on someone's monitor as you drive.

MaC

Really? They want to watch me eat Cheetos as I stare at you driving?

The main racing monitors in the car displays the top 10 racers and their car type. Pictures of the racers pop up on the monitor.

RACE DIRECTOR

We will be starting our 60 second race countdown clock, in just a moment. 

The monitors flash back to the virtual race track images, complete with the virtual fans seated in the stands and the pre-race clock counting down. "Drivers start your engines!"  is display and last 10 second countdown commences… 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1. 

He main driving monitors flash to a pair green flags being waved and the race begins.

The screen shows "T-24:55". Game on.

FaDE OUT.

INT. Pensacola Civic Center - moRNING

FADE IN:

The column of cars begin to move slowly at first and the spectator streaming version of the race is visible on a small screen in the center of the dash. 

The Tesla is 3 rows back.

Within seconds a yellow Ferrari slides across the track in front of them, bounces off of the wall and careens back across the track taking out a blue Audi trying to pass, pushing them both into the infield. Parts fly from the cars and the front end of the Audi is torn off. The Ferrari rolls over and catches fire and burns in the infield.

SaM

Holy S... That is a terrible start! That won't wash off.

SaM

There's no repair app to fix that. It probably would have killed the driver in real life.

Pan to a view of the pods on the race floor. Two pods have a red flashing light blinking brightly on top of the pod and their gull wing doors have opened. 

SaM

Can you call Marty before the interior cameras start to film us? 

Mac nods and dials Marty on his cell phone. It rolls to voicemail.

MaC

Marty... Mac, call us, the race is on. We need you.

Sam slips on his racing visor. It is a small visor that is a sophisticated heads up device. He plugs the cable into a USB port on the dash and data is displayed showing technical car information and race standing for the top 10 drivers.

MaC

Sam, we're not even at 93% transfer output. At that level we will not even be in the top 30.

SaM

Can't help it. We need Marty.

Sam shrugs not taking his eyes off of the track, hands on the wheel.

FaDE OUT.

INT. Marty's Girlfriends apt - aFTERNOON

FADE IN:

A dark room with a monitor at a desk and a large man sitting at the console muttering to himself.

There are several empty Red Bull cans and a couple empty bags of chips mixed into the pile of technical documents sitting on the desk.

MarTY

Uhh huh, very impressive little piece of bacteria there my friends… 

He clicks away on the keyboard and data streams across the monitor.

MarTY

I'm surprised their car runs at all with this… it's like a Storm Worm virus from 2006.

Marty tests some code… he sits back and looks pleased at his handiwork.

MaRTY

I am good. I am very good, Q.E.D. - right here! I just don't have a boat. 

He pulls a small thumb drive out of the computer's USB port and puts it into his pocket, stand up and shuts off the monitor.

Marty reaches for his cell Phone and dials a number, he speaks quietly so his girlfriend does not hear.

MarTY

Hey Skinner, Marty... so, so. Can you do me 10 large on Walton and McDonald at the Race World finals?

MarTY

You say '25 to 1'. Okay, sounds good. Yea I'm sure- you rock!

Fade out, and fade in to a laminating machine sealing his fake access ID together. He removes the ID card and trims it with a pair of scissors.

MarTY

Sink my battleship will you Dukey Boy?  I'll get me a bigger boat.

Marty clips his laminated ID to a lanyard and puts it around his neck and looks into a mirror with a big confident grin.

FADE OUT.

Ext. pensacola Civic Center - afTERNOON

FADE IN:

Sam is drinking a coke and Mac is in control of the steering wheel. He is running behind a Nissan and Ferrari in a tight group of cars . 

Pan the controls and the race standing results, They are in 32nd place. 

SaM

If you can get them on the straightaway we'll crack into the top 30. 

MaC

I'll get 'em, what time is it?

SaM

It's almost 6PM, we're nearly 1/2 way there.

MaC

It's 6 PM already? Man this day just rocked by. Still, it's going to be a long night.

Pan to the 180 degree screen inside the pod which reveals the race from the car's cockpit. The camera simply shows car racing for a couple minutes as car zip around the NASCAR-style oval. 

Suddenly a Ferrari spins out into the infield and a Mercedes has a blow-out that knocks a fender off and spreads debris across the track. The yellow caution flag comes out and the race slows until the virtual track crew can simulate a cleanup and tow the car back to the virtual pit.

SaM

We are now in 28th spot Mac. Let's swap during the caution.

Sam phone rings and the screen flashes "Marty". He answers it.

SaM

Hey, we gave up on you. What you got for us?

MaRTY

You had a very bad bug. It was Ebola combined with AIDS and some Rabies thrown in there just for fun. But the Marvelous Dr. Martin got you hooked up.

SaM

Awesome man. We need it.

MarTY

I have a self-installing, anti-virus macro for you, but it won't work until about 6AM Sunday morning.

SaM

What?

MarTY

Simple… if we can get my fix uploaded and linked to your profile it'll be swept up during the nightly engineering updates but it's not fully compiled and integrated until 6AM, Central Time.

SaM

Oh man, that only gives us an hour to catch up! The race ends at 7AM.

Sam had been listening to the call on speakerphone and Mac overheard it all.

MaC

That sucks but it's all good. How do we upload it?

MarTY

I'm going to just roll in actually. Me and my trash can and broom. Later on tonight Marty's Custodial will wander onto the floor and hand you the stick.

Mac

Security slows down as the people go home. Probably around midnight it'll be a ghost town.

MARTY

Well, let's shoot for midnight then. I'll text ya' when I get in.

SaM

Thanks Marty, we...

(Sam realizes Marty has disconnected)

SaM

He's gone, that's fine.

Mac continues to drive, Sam slouches back in his seat and takes a deep, stress-relieving breath and slowly lets it out.

FADE OUT.

EXT. Pensacola Civic center - nIGHT

FADE OUT.

A utility van pulls into the parking lot of the  Civic Center and drives slowly through the main parking area and past a 'Delivery and Service' sign. The van 50 yards away from the rear entrance.

He is alone in the parking lot.

MaRTY

I'm quitting those things, a waste of money.

(tamping out a cigarette)

He reaches into the van and removes a large gray Rubbermaid trash can on rollers.  He stops and lights another cigarette and waits. Dissolve to black.

Fade back in looking at the sidewalks where 3 cigarette butts have been tamped out.

Finally, the door opens and two electricians walk out. One is carrying rolls of electrical wire and the other is carrying a step ladder.

MarTY

Thanks Bud. 

(He pushes past them and into the Civic Center)

As soon as he walks in a large man wearing coveralls walks past. He then circles back and quickly tries to put a burlap sack over Marty's head.

Marty whirls around and head butts the man in the nose and he crumples to the floor. Out cold.

MarTY

Not tonight suka, saw that on the A-Team!

He puts the burlap sack over the man's head and reaches into his pocket finding two large black zip ties. He ties his hands, and his legs and drags him over behind a large stack of meeting room chairs. It's over in 60 seconds.

Marty steps back and admires his work.

MARTY

Sink my damn boat, I don't think so.

Marty rolls his trash can out onto the main floor.

The race clock shows 11:54. Mack and Sam are racing through the night. The virtual race track sky has turned to night and the race stadium is illuminated by overhead lights like a football game on the video screens.

SaM

Hey man, I'm getting a text on my phone. Check it out.

Cut to image of the screen of a cell phone.

MaRTY

(Sends text message)

Meet me at the snack bar- birthday present!

FADE OUT.

INT. PensaCOLA CIVIC CENTER - nIGHT

FADE IN:

The race clock shows 12:15 and main floor was nearly empty. The hum of the servers and illumination from the arrays of processor racks provided some sound and lighting. 

The race continues as the camera pulls back and pans the high windows in the Civic Center. The sky is lightening and more people are coming into the racing control center.

MarTY

Load it like you would any application, now, but It won't work until 6AM. You'll see it rock- trust me.

MaC

Gracias senor. Hope it works.

MarTY

Thanks, it'll work. It self-installs and is a no-brainer to you.

MaC

Thanks again. We'll be in touch.

No one saw the handoff of the thumb drive.

Mac walked back to the racing pod and opened his door, stepped in and sat the thumb drive on the dash.

MaC

Got it! Done.

SaM

Not done... upload it before we get hit by a comet or something.

Mac nods and inserts the thumb drive into the USB. The indicator light turns green for a few seconds, then red, indicating the data was transferred.

MaC

Marty said he tied some dude up in the back. He wanted us to check him when we left.

SaM

I don't have people... he's not our problem.

MaC

You're right, most people suck!

SaM

Expect nothing and you won't be disappointed I read.

MaC

Hey Socrates, keep your eyes on the track.

SaM

Copy that Maverick.

Pan to the back room as Marty leaves. He walks through the service area behind the main floor on his way out to the parking lot.

He looks behind the chairs and sees 2 cut zip ties and some blood spots. His potential abductor got loose.

Marty pushes his trash can out the door and loads it into his Van and drives off with an arm extended out the window flipping the Civic Center a bird.

FADE OUT.

INT. PENSACOLA CIVIC CENTER - niGHT

FADE IN:

Sam and Mac are in their seats focused intently on the race. There is no conversation and only the sound of the race can be heard- the cars, the noisy virtual crowd, and racing instructions coming over the network.

The Tesla is now running in 16th spot and Duke is running in 3rd. 

The race continues as the camera pulls back and pans the high windows in the Civic Center. The sky is lightening and more people are coming into the racing control center.

The announcers run a play-by-play of the race- just like the TV broadcasts of the Indy 500 or the Daytona 500:

TV Personality

Now with only a little over one hour to go the 24-hour Race World Enduro comes down to this- which team has the stamina and endurance to make a late-race charge? For the leaders, the challenge is to hold off these desperate challengers in the final hour of the biggest virtual race of the year...

Tv PERSONALITY

At stake- over $500,000 in cash and the title of the best Virtual Race Car Driver on Earth.

Camera pans out of the broadcast booth and back onto the Civic Center floor with the increasing light level streaming into the Civic Center.

The Camera shows the streaming content, the race as the world is viewing and the top 5 teams are shown as an quick individual bio for each team.

FADE OUT.

INT. PenSACOLA CIVIC CENTER - niGHT

FADE IN:

TONY CAMPO, 20-year friend of Duke Ryder who is his co-driver in the Race Word series. His role is minor and not much information is revealed about Tony.

Pan into the driving pod as the camera shoots from the back displaying the 180 degree video screen and the race from the driver's perspective. The Tesla is in 11th place, as the race clock clicks in a flashing 6:00AM message.

MaC

It's game on Sam!

Their Tesla is running on the rear end of a Maclaren Super Car and was power maxed out at 5:59AM. 

Sam pushes the accelerator and new-found performance is instantly revealed. The Tesla passes the Maclaren like it was standing still and begins to run down the next car in front of them, a Renault that is in 9th place. The Tesla catches up to the Renault within 30 seconds and drops down in the corner in an attempt to pass. The Renault drops down in front of them but Sam cuts high and blows by them. The Renault swings back and spins into the wall tearing the front end of the car off and sliding down into the infield.

The race continues under the green flag for a few minutes and restarts. They are now in 9th place. The race restarts and the Tesla continues to run down cars with ease.

Fade out and fade into the driving pod of Duke and Tony. Duke is driving and Tony is reading off standings to him.

Tony

We are in second place. There are 17 cars left in the race and the Tesla is in 9th.

DUKE

They've moved up to 9th?

TonY

8th, now and they've moved up 3 spots in 7 minutes.

Duke tightens his lips and shakes his head.

DUKE

That ain't good. I wonder if they figured it out?

ToNY

Figured out what?

DUKE

Figured out that I make my own luck. Keep your eyes on them while I run down the Andrews and their 'Rice Burner'… we need to make a move now.

Duke swings high on the track and steadily gains on the #1 car. They are running neck and neck on the turn. Once down from the bank Duke accelerates and passes the #1 car on the left. He is now in first place.

ToNY

They are in 7th, just passed The Geico Mercedes. I wonder if the Gecko is driving?

DUKE

I think the Camel has the wheel if Sam just passed them... dumbasses.

ToNY

Dumbasses that are gaining on us.

FADE OUT.

INT. PenSACOLA CIVIC CENTER - mORNING

FADE IN:

The video stream broadcast to the world was being narrated by the lead analyst as he sits in his virtual control room giving the play-by-play with the camera on him. The feed shoots back to the where the Tesla is being featured as it moves into 6th place.

TV PERSONALITY

The number 3 car, the Tesla Fairview Heights Team is on fire, not literally of course, but they are moving up fast. With only 35 minutes to go in this race they have moved into 6th place. Their car seems to be revving at 104% - a statistic that they have not matched until this point in the race.

TV Personality #2

They are playing a very delicate balance of time left versus disposable energy. It will be close if they run this hot through the end of the race. They have to parse the stored energy with the remaining time.

TV PERSONALITY

'Parse', wow, but we'll will keep an eye on them, but right now its the St. Louis Team that is blowing the doors off of this racing event in first place.

The streaming video cuts to Duke's Ferrari as it still leads the tightening pack.

TV PERSONALITY #2

Racers are closing the spread and waiting for the final 5 minutes to run at maximum output.

The race clock on the Tesla's console show T-9:00. Sam is grasping the steering wheel tightly and Mack is focused on the car's data stream coming across his visor.

Mac

We have 8:32 minutes left. Our numbers are solid and we should be able to finish at this 104% output. But I ain't going to lie, it's going to be close.

Sam passes the 5th place car to gain the spot.

MaC

That's 5th... get 'em.

SaM

Looks like Marty's virus-killer worked but I don't know if we have enough time to catch Duke.

MaC

Just drive, we have time. Don't think, just pass.

SaM

No sweat man, It's what I do! We are about done! Win or lose.

MaC

I vote 'win'- go for it Sam.

FADE OUT.

INT. PENSACOLA CIVIC CENTER - mORNING

FADE IN:

5 minutes is displayed on the race clock in the Civic Center control room. Pan back to the race as the Tesla moves into the 4th position.

SaM

Talk to me, we got the juice to win?

MaC

Just floor it Sam, who knows, it's all a crap shoot.

SAM

At least we won't wind up with a soap box racer on our head, it has been worse, much worse!

The Telsa passes a Ferrari and moves into the 3rd position.

MAC

Keep going, we are running out of time… we have 3 minutes, about two laps.

They moves into 2nd position never backing off the accelerator after grabbing 3rd place.

Mac

There he is, right there!

(pointing to Duke's car)

The Tesla blasts past a cluster of 3 cars they just lapped.

SaM

Two minutes, we gotta go now! That's all we got. Turn off the analytics and see if we pick up any rev.

Mack flips a couple switches and the Head's up visor goes dead.

SaM

We have less than a minute we are gaining.

Just then the Ferrari, Duke's car, starts to smoke.

MaC

Look, look, what's happening to them! What the...

SaM

Bizarre, gnarly!

Duke's car is beginning to pixelate on the video screen. Slowly at first, then back tires begin to dissolve and the rear end begins to smoke and drag on the pavement and then the tires simply pixelate off of the car as the car continues to electronically disintegrate. It begins to dig a trough into the pavement.

Mac

Pass him before the junk takes us out! He's coming unglued!

The Tesla passes the Ferrari as the Ferrari continues to disintegrate. Suddenly it has stopped as other cars race by. The Ferrari's front end rises off of the track and the rear end begins to sink slowly into the asphalt until all that remains is the front grille. Then a flag pole pops up and a flag raises that says 'I sunk your Battleship!'

Pan back to the announcers and the world video feed.

FADE OUT.

INT. PENSACOLA CIVIC CENTER - mORNING

FADE IN:

The two announcers are seated in front of the video sfeed from the virtual race.

TV PERSONALITY

And the Fairview Heights Tesla team takes the checkered flag and wins the Enduro. Car #16, the Mercedes from Geico comes in #2, and the #9 Car, the Honda Super Car from the Tokyo Team comes in third.

Tv PERSONALITY #2

We've never seen anything like that finish. Obviously they had a fatal error in their operational software- something went way wrong at the finish line but the judges have certified the finish. It's final.

TV PERSONALITY

To say the least, we saw action and excitement and humor. You don't see that at the Daytona 500. We had the chills, spills, wrecks and action and no one hurt and no wrecks to tow off!

Pan back as the racing pods begin to open and the support teams, fans and family stream in from the surrounding seats.

A red flashing light and an annoying air horn giving short blasts is sounding loudly over the Tesla racing pod as their doors open and they step out. Sam and Mac are surrounded by the fans and the racing officials.

Lucy steps out from the crowd and finds Sam. She grabs him and gives him a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

LUCY

Marty is such a screwball- that was pretty funny.

SaM

That was crazy, he certainly balanced things out! Thanks for hooking us up.

LUCY

No problem. Congrats Mac!

Mac

Thanks Luce and thanks for Marty!

Pan the audience milling around and the camera catches Duke and Tony walking away.

LUCY

Duke technically didn't even finish the race… That's awesome, but I'm sure I'll need a lift back home.

SaM

No problem but we are staying an extra day!

The race officials grab Sam and Mac and direct them to the stage where the 2nd and 3rd place team has assembled. 

Fade back and the stage is in the distance. Two large cardboard cut-out sized checks are handed to Mac and Sam. Pictures are snapped and hands are shaken and the scene fades out.

FADE OUT.

EXT. Hyatt hotel - mORNING

FADE IN:

Sam and Mac are standing on the curb at valet parking area of the Pensacola Hyatt Hotel downtown. 

SAM

A great idea to swap hotels. The Hyatt IS a lot nicer than Motel 6. And it free, thanks to Duke.

MaC

The hot tub was awesome. I could get used to that.

Sam

You can buy one for your Aunt.

MAC

Aunt, Schmant! I need one for me! I can! I will!

SaM

I don't know how you got them to deliver the Rambler, but I'm glad you were able to talk them into it.

Mac

Yeah, they'll pickup the bug and take it home too. All part of their service Tyrone said.

SAM

Where's Lucy, we're ready to roll as soon as the car gets here!

Mac

I'm glad Duke cut out. His suite worked out great, for us!

SaM

Sore loser. I have a few other words to describe him, but let's go with sore loser.

Mac

At least with this race we didn't have to go to the hospital like the other times. Pays to do virtual racing in more ways than one.

Sam

At least Lucy got to see the real Duke. She done with him. He flew commercial home and did not even speak to her.

Mac

So, you're a couple now?

Sam

Just a couple of friends. That's enough for now. We'll see… but her wanting a lift back home might be a good sign if we can not break down this time.

MaC

Oh, I'm pretty sure we'll be okay.

LuCY

What's a good sign?

(Lucy walks up from behind)

MaC

Hey Luce...

LUCY

What's a good sign.

SaM

Clear skies, should be a straight shot drive home!

Lucy rolls her eyes.

LUCY

Whatever...

Mac

Nothing's a straight shot in a '68 Rambler. Hey, here comes the truck!

A large red flat bed tow truck rolls into the front entrance to the hotel. 

Sam stares at the flat bed and his newly customized car.

SaM

What the heck is that thing?

The truck driver extends the ramp and climbs up onto the platform and backs the car down. He starts it up and smoke is discharged through the new exposed exhaust side pipes. The car makes a hearty "thump thump thump" pounding to expose a new hot rod engine.

SaM

Tyrone did this? It musta' cost a fortune. Look at that paint and the wheels.

MaC

Don't sweat it, I got ya.

SaM

Ahh hah! This is why he liked you so much, Tyrone that is.

MaC

You got me pal. As you know, Money talks and blah, blah, blah.

SaM

How'd you know we'd win?

MaC

I didn't. We could be driving that VW home.

SaM

Some of that Montgomery mojo must have rubbed off on you then!

Sam takes the key from the driver and Mac signs paperwork. Lucy walks around the car running her hands across the new paint.

Sam opens the drivers door and steps in and sits in the driver's seat.

SaM

What does this button...

He pushes the button and the right front end of the car jumps up 12 inches. He pushes it again and the left side pops up. Pushes it again and the rear pops up displaying the hydraulics the car has had added to it.

SaM

Gotta make sure not to do that in traffic. Stereo? Oh yeah... Subwoofer too... check, check, check!

(Stereo cranks up)

LUCY

Yeah, no jumping on the Interstate doing 70 mph! For sure... amazing.

Sam steps out and opens the hood. A new engine and suspension system has replaced the old Rambler engine and it's clear a complete miracle has occurred.

SaM

Let's roll! Fast car, bag of money and a pretty girl!

He points to Lucy who smiles.

Mack and Lucy throw their bags and suitcases into the rear of the station wagon and buckle in for the ride.

LUCY

That's funny! My Dad always wanted a pretty girl, a fast car and a bag of money for his birthday! No wonder my Mom moved out.

SaM

We have to swing by Marty's new place! We have a bag of money for him, literally.

MAC

No. Really we have a bag of money!

Mac produces an over-stuffed McDonald's Restaurant bag from his Gym Bag and shows Lucy.

LUCY

You know Marty made some bucks off of you, don't you?

MaC

$5,000 does not make him exactly rich.

LUCY

No, Vegas had the odds of you winning at 25:1. So, he figured out if he put $10,000 on you guys, and if you won, he could make $250,000.

SaM

That son of a...

MaC

Man he really wanted to beat Duke, but he must have really believed in his programming- that's nuts.

Sam looks at Mac and Mac shakes his head.

Mac

Where'd he get $10,000? He was living on a floating single-wide.

LUCY

That's partially how he got it, he's cheap as dirt. And his brother has money. I'll bet his brother made even more! Really he bet on his programming.

Mac

He's got peoples! Bookie Peoples!

LUCY

Duke lost $25,000 too, but deserves it. He bet on himself!

Everyone laughs and the camera zooms out to the sound of very loud Jimmy Buffet music and the roar of the new engine. The car drives across the same bridge that they came in on. Fade to drone shot of the car exiting the Pensacola area.

SaM

Wait, we have to get off here- Marty's apartment is on the right.

MAC

There he is. Let's pay the sucka'

(pointing to a man in the distance)

The camera fades back out of the car to show Marty standing by the road. The car slows down to about 20 MPH but does not stop. They throw the bag of money out the window to him and it hits him squarely in the chest and rips open spilling dollar bills into the wind.

The movie ends as dollar bills get swept up by the wind and float skywards as the Purple Hot Rod Rambler floors the gas pedal and speeds away as Lucy, Mac and Sam do a group high five in the car!

FADE TO BLACK.

                  

By Michael Prongue

From: United States

Twitter: vertiguy