The roar of the engines had faded into the background hum of cheering fans, but Kiwi Cookie wasn't focused on the crowd. He slid off the seat of his customized bike, the steam rising gently from the exhaust pipe. He pulled off his helmet, shaking out his wild ponytail, and ran a gloved hand over the plating.

"Another day, another victory lap, huh?" Kiwi Cookie murmured, leaning in close to the windshield. "You held up wonderfully, even when I may have pushed the throttle a little past the danger zone on that final curve."

A tiny peep came from the shadow of a large toolbox nearby. It was Kiwi Bird, who usually watched the races from a safe distance. It took a hop toward the bike's still-hot wheel, then recoiled with a chirp.

Kiwi Cookie chuckled, scooping up the fluffy pet and placing it gently onto his shoulder pauldron, where it nestled instantly.

"Easy, little squirt," he teased, giving the bike a playful slap on the gas tank. "She’s just cooling down. Nothing a little polish can't fix. But look at this tire!"