There was something about racing that Audra Hicks loved. She'd always been drawn to it, even as a young car she'd knew she'd be a racer. The blue, 1970 Buick Gran Sport had missed being involved in the magical world of speed, competition, and camaraderie.

She inhaled deeply and reveled at the smell of hot asphalt and a hint of tire rubber. Those smells always seemed to linger after a race… As strange as it might seem, she loved those smells. It brought back memories of races past. A melancholy feeling rolled through her engine like a flat tire caught in a pothole. "Didn't realize how much I missed all this." Audra thought to herself as she rolled out of a pit area and onto the track.

The Smasherville International Speedway was massive, the stadium loomed above Audra with an awe-inspiring air. Hesitantly the Buick glanced around, making sure she was alone. Closing her eyes, she revved her engine softly, then louder and louder, the strong rumble from her engine echoed through the stadium like thunder. Carefully, she let her eyes slide open, her engine still rolling softly under her hood, swiftly she sidled up to the starting line. Her grey eyes scoured the stadium surrounding her, taking in the massive arena. It was so different, but somehow the same as when she'd been a racer.

Seeing that the area was still empty, she revved her engine once more. Time for a private lap around the track, just for old times sake. Her imagination expanded like an overinflated tire, filling her mind with sounds and images of races from the past. The roar of the crowds and squealing of tires rumbled through her thoughts.

"Trying to break in the track for my win?" Chick's harsh voice broke through the silence.

"Chick." Audra jerked from her memories and focused back on the present. She let her engine die down to a small thrum, forgetting her practice lap. With a silent sigh she turned to face her brother.

"Nice day for me to win, huh?"

"Not with that attitude Chick." Audra sent him a scolding look. Her baby brother never had learned manners. Despite her efforts, he remained as nasty as a flat tire in the middle of a rainstorm.

"Still a bossy old rattletrap, I see." Chick basically snarled at his sister.

"No, just older and wiser, Chick." She looked the green race car over. "Still sticking with the obnoxious green paint job. Pity, I thought you'd past that stage."

"Well, at least I didn't need to be rebuilt."

"Maybe not. But your personality could use a trip to a body shop."

"I nearly forgot how annoying you are." Chick shot her a dirty look, as if she were a measly hubcap. "You could have stayed away a few more years. Believe me, I wouldn't have minded. I bet you've come to watch me win another race."

"I'm not back because of you, Chick." Audra's tone was calm and to the point. "This is my first race as a crew chief."

"Crew chief?" The neon green racer snickered mockingly. "Oh, ha, that's a good one Audra! Crew…Chief!" He laughed as if it were the best joke he'd heard in ages.

"Yes. A crew chief. I have three Piston Cups under my hood, as well as various other wins."

"Piston Cups," he muttered with a dark glare. "You were just lucky."

"Luck isn't what makes a good race car, Chick. You should know that by now. It takes natural talent and a good engine under your hood. Tires don't make the car, it's the car that makes the tires."

"Sure," he rolled his eyes. What did she know anyway? "You're just a beat up old has been. Couldn't win a race if you tried. You crashed and 'burned' in your last race."

"You may be a veteran now Chick, but you'll always be the rookie to me. Strip is the true veteran next to you. I raced with him, long before you."

"Weathers," Chick scowled angrily. "He's nothing but a beat up old car. Just like you. Neither one of you could race."

"Experience and wins says otherwise," Audra looked at her brother with a longsuffering gaze.

"Come on old girl, ONE little crash and you both never raced again! You think you can beat me?" Chick smirked at his sister. Taunting her, he drove closer. "You're a burned-out wreck."

Audra flinched subtly at his words, memories flashing of her final race before retiring. It had been one of the worst wrecks in Piston Cup history, she wasn't proud of that moniker, but it was the truth. Chick had been rather young at that time, and he hadn't watched that race. He was too busy pouting because he couldn't race himself. There was no way he'd recall how badly she'd been injured in that wreck. It was no little wreck. She'd spent a year in and out of body shops and hospitals being rebuilt back to her former glory. Those had been rough months, months that she'd not seen her brother…because he was too busy. Audra swallowed down a bitter retort. His shunning in her time of need had hurt worse than the wreck.

"You really ought to think before you speak Chick. Don't look now but your stupidity is showing." Her voice was collected, but there was a sharp glint in her eyes. The blue Buick was a laid back car, but most definitely not a pushover.

"Big words coming from an awfully small car, care to back those words up?" Chick revved his engine haughtily.

"I don't have anything to prove Chick. But maybe you feel insecure." Audra's cool demeanor made the tread on Chick's tires stand on end.

"Insecure," Chick scoffed, "I'm not the rundown car here." He gritted his teeth and revved his engine once again.

"Now, let's not get too upset y'all. Don't want any blowouts before the race." Junior's voice sounded from above the siblings. The red racer was peering down at the two cars from the stand where the flags were positioned for the race.

"We were just having a private discussion." Chick retorted sharply. "A discussion about how Audra here is the inferior racer."

"That's not how I heard it Chick," Junior's accent pulled the words out pleasantly. The racer's blue eyes glanced at Audra appraisingly as if trying to place where he'd seen her before. Recognition finally lit upon his face and he grinned lazily at her. "Well, I'll be a craw daddy's uncle! So Chick is related to Little Blue."

"Haven't heard that name in a long time Junior," Audra laughed softly.

"I almost didn't recognize you….what with your number missing." Junior's voice became quiet as his gaze flitted across her side. He'd heard stories about the famous female racer known affectionately as Little Blue.

"I might just have it replaced." She shrugged at the younger racecar.

"Well, that's nice and all. It looks like your trying to avoid a race 'Little Blue.' Maybe you just decided to recognize me as the better racer. Finally."

"Doesn't seem like the lady agrees with you," Junior drawled with a crooked grin.

"I don't think that's any of your bu…" Chick started only to be cut off abruptly.

"I think the fair thing would be to drive it out on the track. It's the racers way." The red car's eyes twinkled as if he knew something that Chick didn't.

"She doesn't stand a chance."

"Speak for yourself Chick. If I didn't know any better… I'd say you're scared of being beat." Audra finally spoke her piece.

"There isn't anything to be scared of." Chick shot her a dirty look.

"We have a couple hours… Why don't y'all have a nice 25 lap race, keeping it nice and friendly?"

"Sure, I always enjoy a good win," Chick let his engine roll loudly. "Don't fall too far behind Audra."

"Alright, looks like we have a race on our tires." Junior grinned and prepared the green flag. "Ready?"

"All day, every day," the green racecar smirked at his sister and inched closer to the starting line.

Tension filled the air nearly sparking between the two siblings as they waited for the wave of the green flag. Chick revved his engine loudly; he was ready for an easy win. How on earth did his rickety old sister expect to beat him?

Junior smirked to himself. This was going to be amazing, Chick facing off against a racing legend. There would be no excuses if he lost. The anticipation in the air was as thick as tar. Slowly he raised the green flag, his eyes fixed firmly on the blue and green cars below him. With an audible snap Junior waved the green flag.

Chick was off, his tires squealed like an over enthusiastic McQueen fan. The green racer laughed as he left his sibling behind him. Echoes of thundering engines rolled through the air, rattling Junior's ears causing him to drop the flag in slight surprise. The blue Buick's engine flooded the area and drowned out the sound of Chick's engine.

(Mood Music/Theme Song watch?v=Htu3va7yDMg )

Audra lazily smirked to herself as she sped up. "Ah, to be a rookie again." She savored the whipping of wind around her. The feel of warm asphalt under her tires felt refreshing. Adrenaline rushed through her engine making her paint tingle in excitement. "Oh, spark plugs, I've missed this!" Her engine roared even louder as she realized she was in her element. She was right on Chick's bumper. Without a second thought she lazily cut around to the right and passed her brother.

"Hello, Chick," Audra smirked lazily at her brother. "You'll have to pardon a poor old race car like myself. I'm a little…rusty." She winked and shot past him easily, her engine purring like a contented cat.

"Not today old girl," Chick gritted out as he tried to pass her only to find himself cut off. His sister wasn't giving him any slack. It was her time to shine.

At every turn Audra was blocking Chick from getting past her. She was going to teach her cocky brother a thing or two about the racing world. The two racers sped past Junior, ending the first lap and starting the second. It seemed just as soon as Chick would gain on Audra, she'd put on another burst of speed. Junior watched the pair, drawn in by the tension being exuded by the two competitors. The race was much like a dance, each with a different style to their moves. Chick's was flashier, showing off his skill, while Audra's was more smooth and experienced.

"What on earth is going on?" Strip Weather called out loudly in order to get Junior's attention.

"Oh, well Chick decided to challenge Little Blue," Junior's voice was full of excitement.

"Who's racing already?" Cal spoke as he rolled up beside his uncle.

"Well…I'll be. That's Audra Hicks. It's been years since I've seen her."

"What…Who?" Cal sounded utterly confused.

"Audra Hicks, I told you about her Cal. I used to race with her. Back in the day we called her Little Blue."

"What are they doing out there already?" Bobby Swift joined Cal and his uncle.

"Racing," Strip's voice held a smile. He'd missed seeing his old friend, Audra on the track. His mind flashed back to her wreck and he felt sympathy flood his engine. The King now knew exactly how she'd felt back then.

"I gathered that, but why those two?" Bobby's voice was nearly drowned out as Chick and Audra passed the finish line once more.

"Chick thought it would be smart to challenge a racing legend." Cal added with a grin.

"Racing Legend," Bobby sounded skeptical. "Her?"

"Don't sound so surprised Bobby. Audra has three Piston Cups under her fan belt. She'd have won a few more if it wasn't for her wreck." Strip smiled as if recalling an old memory. "She gave me a run for the money when she was still racing."

"So…Chick wants to beat her?"

"That's it Cal… Cause he thinks she's just a part of racing history." Strip's voice dropped low for a second. He knew that was how Chick was thinking. In fact, he knew some younger racecars might think the same about him. The former Dinoco racer smiled lazily, "Ah, rookies. Some of them never learn."

"Well, Chick looks like he's struggling," Cal snickered. "My money is on her."

"Smart move Cal," Strip sent his nephew a fond smile. "Chick has a good lesson coming. If he thinks he can beat her."

"I think…we should record this." Bobby's tone was diabolical.

"What are we recording?" Lightning McQueen's voice sounded behind the other cars.

"Chick getting beat by Audra Hicks." Cal explained quickly as he drove closer to Bobby and Lightning.

"They're racing?" Lightning sounded interested and a bit smug. "Oh he's so going to lose."

"That's why we need to get the camera's rolling! This is a historic racing moment!" Bobby looked like someone had given him an energy oil drink.

"Can we even get into the control booth?" Cal's face looked distorted as he contemplated their dilemma.

"Passcode is 4736," Junior yelled at the boys so he could be heard.

"I'm not even gonna' ask you how you know that Junior," Strip shook a front tire in fond exasperation at the younger racers. "Just don't get caught." The blue car winked at the boys.

Cal let out a whoop of excitement and raced off towards the control booth with Lightning and Bobby on his bumper. Strip turned his attention back to the track as if he never saw the boys heading away.

"What happens when that is broadcasted?" Junior questioned the older racer.

"I don't have a clue what you're talkin' about Junior. Better keep an eye on the race," Strip's eyes twinkled merrily. "Wouldn't want to miss Little Blue's historic win."

Junior smiled to himself. He always enjoyed the moments when he caught a peek into the King's sense of humor. It was nice to see Strip more relaxed.

The pair on the track continued to focus completely on racing one another. Chick was still lagging several feet behind his sister, somehow she kept him behind her and eating her dust. It was a beautiful sight to the racers that had put up with Chick's nasty attitude for years.

"Better watch your bumper Audra." Chick yelled at his sister.

This race was making Chick feel smaller and smaller. He felt his oil start boiling as she shot forward another five feet. She was making him look like an idiot. They were already ten laps into their twenty-five lap race…and he hadn't taken the lead, not once. He'd been close, he'd even drove beside her, only to have the lead slip from his grasp. It was humiliating.

"I can't watch my bumper and win Chick." Audra's voice was laid back but it held a smug smile. The Buick knew how good she was and now she was letting her little brother in on the secret.

"Well you ought to," Chick gritted his teeth. His sister's confidence was really getting under his paint.

"Nah, I think winning is all I need to think about."

"You're going to crash. Just like last time." The green Buick lazily said it as if it was nothing.

"Doubt it." Audra replied quietly. She didn't like remembering the crash.

"Crash and Burn…that should be your motto" Chick knew he'd hit a nerve when Audra faltered for a split second. "This race is mine," Chick thought to himself. He took the opening and shot past his sibling with a victorious smirk.

Audra scowled at her brother as she recovered from his underhanded comment. The elder Hicks sped up, not about to let Chick win. He was going to pay for those comments. It didn't take her long to catch up to her rude sibling. She didn't hesitate as she pulled next to the green Buick. It was high time that Chick Hicks learned some manners and common courtesy.

"Can't get rid of me that quick Chick," Audra's grey eyes were snapping with quiet indignation. Chick had crossed the line with her; he'd mentioned her wreck with such callousness…His comments only reaffirmed what she already knew of her brother. He was still most definitely a pain in the bumper and every time he spoke it reminded her of someone that needed a knock in the hood.

The blue Buick sighed mentally at her brother. Chick had never gotten along with her…In fact he never seemed to get along with anyone other than himself. He resented her success; he resented everyone who was more successful than himself. She'd done her best to influence her baby brother positively. Alas, it had proven impossible to influence him. "It's high time he learn his lesson." Audra thought to herself as she rounded a corner and passed Chick. She could feel Chick's annoyance rolling towards her in waves.

Chick wasn't about to let his sister win. He'd smash her into a wall if he had to. There was no way he'd be humiliated by a car that was, in his opinion, "A broken down wreck." The arrogant car accelerated and pushed himself forward, he was going to win. He managed to pull beside of Audra as they crossed the finish line to start the final lap.

In the control room the boys had already turned on the cameras located around the track. This footage would be broadcasted just before the starting of the actual race. Their plan was sneaky but it was no less than Chick deserved. It was all the boys could do to control their laughter at Chick's expense; he was being beat by one race car.

"He'll never live this down." Cal said very quietly as if it was an awful thought. A small giggle escaped from the young car before he laughed heartily.

"We have to broadcast this before the race. It will be a sensation!" Bobby joined in on the laughter.

"Look! It's the last lap!" Lightning nudged Bobby and Cal to get their attention.

The three focused back on the racetrack as the two Buick's drove side by side. One second Chick would pull ahead and then Audra. It seemed that she was taunting her brother…and Chick was letting it get under his paint.

"She's great," Cal cackled. "Oh man, I need to get her autograph."

"Chick looks like he's going to bust a tire." Lightning commented casually.

The tension and anticipation in the control room and on the track was as thick as old oil. Audra was calmly waiting her brother out; he was bound to make an arrogant move. That's when she'd make her final move. She waited patiently till they were nearing the last stretch of the track.

Chick was sure that he had the race in the bag; he smirked to himself, "Finally learned you can't win Old Girl?" Victory filled his tone and his paint seemed to glow in his apparent win.

"Our family seems to have thick hoods." Audra yelled back at Chick, passing him easily and rushing towards the finish line. "Not today Chick!"

Audra felt the thrill of adrenaline rush through her engine and the smoothness of the track. This was her race. She saw Junior waving the checkered flag and another burst of speed came over her. The taste of victory was on the end of her tongue and the thrum of pride deep in her tires made her giddy as she crossed the finish line.

Chick screeched to a halt as his sister zipped across the finish line. How? How had Audra, of all cars beaten him? In his mind she was broken down and simply a part of racing history. No one should be able to beat him; at least that was his opinion. Suddenly, a voice that was painfully familiar echoed through the loudspeakers.

"And the crowd goes wild! Audra Hicks, Little Blue, has just won the championship race against Chick Hicks ego!" Lightning turned away from the microphone to hide his laughter. "Don't look now but I think your age is showing Chick."

Smoke should have been rolling out of Chick's engine, he was furious. How dare Audra humiliate him in front of his competitors!? He turned around and glared at the Speakers, only to catch sight of him on the big TV screen used during the races. Spinning on his tires Chick's eyes landed on a smug looking Junior and a calm Strip.

"Good race out their Chick." Strip's voice grated on Chick's grill.

"It was the nicest thing to do for a wreck of a car. She needed a win." Chick gritted out.

"That's not how I heard it Chick." Junior piped up with a smile. "You challenged Little Blue. She won. It's as simple as that."

"This better not be on the air." The green Buick seethed in Strip's direction.

"I ain't got a say in this. I'm just a spectator." Strip smiled lazily.

"Man, I didn't realize how much I missed a good race." Audra was beaming from fender to fender. Chick scowled at his older sister and drove past her in a huff.

"You're still just a broken old rust bucket!" He shouted at them. "All of you belong in a junkyard."

And that is how Audra Hicks returned to the racing circuit, not as a racer but as a crew chief. Chick didn't learn his lesson, but he most definitely got a good serving of humble pie. The footage captured of the one on one race was broadcasted on the news for months and months, making it impossible for Chick to ever live it down.

Humble pie was most definitely not Chick Hicks favorite dish to eat.