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{{Short description|Animated television series}}
{{Infobox Television
{{Infobox television
| show_name = Speed Racer: The Next Generation
| image = Speed Racer The Next Generation.jpg
| creator = [[Larry Schwarz]]<br>''(based on the original series created by [[Tatsuo Yoshida]])''
| creator = [[Larry Schwarz]]
| format = [[Animation|Animated]] [[sitcom]] [[science-fiction]]
| based_on = {{based_on|''[[Speed Racer]]''|[[Tatsuo Yoshida]]}}
| starring = Kurt Csolak<br>Sahra Mellesse<br>[[Carter Jackson]]<br>[[Peter Fernandez]]<br>[[Michael Sinterniklaas]]<br>Robbie Sublett<br>David Zen Mansley
| voices = Kurt Csolak<br>Sahra Mellesse<br>[[Carter Jackson]]<br>[[Peter Fernandez]] <small>(Season 1)</small><br>[[Michael Sinterniklaas]]<br>Robbie Sublett <small>(Season 1)</small><br>David Zen Mansley<br>[[Greg Abbey]] <small>(Season 2)</small><br>Bryan Tyler <small>(Season 2)</small>
| producer = [[Larry Schwarz]]<br>Ken Katsumoto<br>James Rocknowski<br>John Rocknowski<br>Sergei Aniskov<br>Sean Lahey<br>Christopher Fauci<br>Michael Gold<br>Doug MacLennon
| producer = [[Larry Schwarz]]<br>Ken Katsumoto<br>James Rocknowski<br>John Rocknowski<br>Sergei Aniskov<br>Sean Lahey<br>Christopher Fauci<br>Michael Gold<br>Doug MacLennon
| writer = [[Ben Gruber]]<br> Allan Neuwirth<br> Marv Wolfman<br> Susan Kim<br> [[Justin Gray]]<br> [[Jimmy Palmiotti]]<br> Aaron Bergeron
| writer = Ben Gruber<br>Allan Neuwirth<br>Marv Wolfman<br>Susan Kim<br>[[Justin Gray]]<br>[[Jimmy Palmiotti]]<br>Aaron Bergeron<br>Daniel Schofield<br>Mike Yank<br>Walt Gardner<br>James Harvey
| director = [[Ozu (Kappa Mikey)| Stephen Moverly]]<br>John Holt
| director = Stephen Moverley<br><small>(pilot episode)</small><br>John Holt<br><small>(Season 1)</small><br>Jay Surridge<br><small>(Season 2)</small>
| opentheme = "Go Speed Racer Go!", rearranged by John Angier
| endtheme = "Go Speed Racer Go!" (w/o vocals)
| opentheme = "Go Speed Racer Go!", rearranged by John Angier
| endtheme = "Go Speed Racer Go!" (instrumental)
| composer = John Angier
| composer = John Angier
| country = {{USA}}
| country = United States<br>Canada
| num_seasons = 1
| num_seasons = 2
| num_episodes = 9
| num_episodes = 52
| runtime = 23 minutes (approx.)
| list_episodes = List of Speed Racer: The Next Generation episodes
| developer = [[Nickelodeon Studios]]
| runtime = 22 minutes
| network = [[Nickelodeon]] (2008)<br> [[Nicktoons Network]] (2008-present)
| company = Speed Racer Enterprises<br>[[Animation Collective]] <small>(Season 1)</small><br>Telegael <small>(Season 2)</small><br>[[Toonz Entertainment]] <small>(Season 2)</small><br>[[Lionsgate Television]]
| executive_producer= Larry Schwarz<br>James Rocknowski<br>John Rocknowski
| network = [[Nicktoons (American TV channel)|Nicktoons Network]]
| preceded_by = [[Speed Racer]]<br>[[Speed Racer X]]
| executive_producer = Larry Schwarz<br>James Rocknowski<br>John Rocknowski
| first_aired = [[April 27]], [[2008]]
| related = {{Plainlist|
| last_aired = Present
* ''[[Speed Racer]]''
| website = http://www.lionsgate.com/speedracer/
* ''[[Speed Racer X]]''
| imdb_id = 1055136
| tv_com_id = 75604
}}
}}
| first_aired = {{Start date|2008|5|2}}
'''''Speed Racer: The Next Generation''''' is an American animated children's television series based on the classic [[Speed Racer]] franchise, in which the internal events take place decades after those in the 1967 Japanese series. It is the third television adaptation of the franchise, and is executive produced by [[Lions Gate Entertainment]], [[Larry Schwarz]], and Ken Katsumoto. It is the first [[Nicktoon]] not to be based on an original property. [[Animation Collective]] produces the series. Lionsgate is marketing this show as a direct continuation of the Japanese 1967 show, but whether or not this is an accurate, canonical succeeder is debatable.
| last_aired = {{End date|2013|8|25}}
}}
'''''Speed Racer: The Next Generation''''' is an animated television series based on the classic Japanese ''[[Speed Racer]]'' franchise, in which the internal events take place decades after those in the 1967 Japanese series. It is the fourth television adaptation of the franchise, and is executive produced by [[Lions Gate Entertainment]], [[Larry Schwarz]], and Ken Katsumoto. [[Animation Collective]] produced the series, while the Flash character animation was handled by the now-defunct [[Collideascope]] Studios as their last project.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thecoast.ca/halifax/empty-frames/Content?oid=1018259|title=Empty frames|work=The Coast Halifax|accessdate=15 February 2016}}</ref> It aired on [[Nicktoons (American TV channel)|Nicktoons]] in the United States.<ref>{{cite news|title= Return Laps for the First Voice of Speed Racer|work= New York Times|date=2008-05-10|url= https://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/10/movies/10speed.html?scp=28&sq=astro%20boy&st=cse|accessdate=2008-08-12}}</ref> The last episode of Season 1 features the voice of NASCAR racer [[Jeff Gordon]], who voices Turbo McCalister.


When the [[Speed Racer (film)|live-action film]] was in theatres, this series was partly made to promote it, and the pilot movie premiered on [[Nicktoons Network]] on [[May 2]], a week before the feature film adaptation was released in theatres.<ref>[http://news.awn.com/index.php?ltype=top&newsitem_no=22928 AWN Headline News<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> However, both projects are produced independently from one another and feature different generations of "Speed Racers" (with the film featuring the original generation), though both feature a '''Mach 6'''.
This series was partly made to promote the [[Speed Racer (film)|live-action film]], and the pilot movie premiered on Nicktoons on May 2, 2008, a week before the feature film adaptation was released in theatres.<ref>{{cite news|title= Nicktoons Network To Premiere New Speed Racer Series In May|work= Animation News Network|url= http://www.awn.com/news/television/nicktoons-network-premiere-new-speed-racer-series-may|accessdate=2010-04-21}}</ref> However, both projects were produced independently from one another and featured different generations of "Speed Racers" (with the film featuring the original generation), though both featured a '''Mach 6'''. Five three-part specials aired on [[Nickelodeon]] from March 14, 2009 to April 11, 2009.


==Premise==
==Premise==
Prior to the events of the series, the original Speed Racer has disappeared to protect his family, but the main characters know that he is alive. Initially only one of the original characters, [[Spritle]], has a major role in this show. Speed Racer is seen briefly at the end of ''The Note'' and more recently in ''Plot for Teacher'', and he makes a full appearance in the first episode of Season 2. Another member of the original cast appears at the end of Season 1, Speed Sr.'s original mechanic and friend Sparky, who shows up as an adult posing as a Russian engineer named Chezko (he assumed a false identity to protect himself from Speed's enemies). In the three-part story ''The Secrets of the Engine'', "Dr. Chezko" (Sparky) helps finally perfect the engine of the Mach 6, allowing it to run without gasoline. The rest of the original cast are so far unseen, and their whereabouts currently unknown.


Given the apparent age of Speed Sr., Spritle, and Sparky, it is likely that Mom and Pops Racer, as well as Spritle's living chimpanzee pet Chim-Chim, are likely deceased by the time of the series. Speed Sr.'s girlfriend Trixie is revealed as the mother of Speed Jr. and X, but she plays a radically different role, instead serving as one of the main antagonists of the series.
This series takes place either in the present, or in the near future. Prior to the events of the series, the original Speed Racer has disappeared for unknown reasons, but the main characters know that he is alive. Only one of the original characters, [[Spritle]], has a major role in this show. Speed Racer is seen briefly at the end of "The Note". The rest of the original cast are unseen, and their whereabouts are unknown.


The series follows the adventures of an [[orphan]] teenager named Speed who dreams of being a famed car racer like the one he is named after. He takes a bus to the elite Racing Academy, founded by the Racer family, and soon experiences the difficulties of fitting in and competing with X, the best racer/student in the school, and Speed Racer's son. Spritle himself is now the headmaster.
The series follows the adventures of an [[orphan]] teenager named Speed who dreams of being a famed car racer like the one he is named after. He takes a bus to the elite Racing Academy, founded by the Racer family, and soon experiences the difficulties of fitting in and competing with X, the best racer/student in the school, and Speed Racer's son. Spritle himself is now the headmaster. In the pilot movie, Speed discovers that he is the other son of Speed Racer, meaning that X is his brother.


In the pilot movie, Speed discovers that he is the other son of Speed Racer, meaning that X is his brother. Through the rest of the series, Speed and his new allies set out on a quest to get through the courses, discover the mystery of Speed Racer's disappearance, and try and build the Mach Six, a car that captures the spirit and gadgets of the [[Mach 5]] for new generations, and the first car to contain a gasless engine.
Through the rest of the series, Speed and his new allies set out on a quest to get through the courses, discover the mystery of Speed Racer's disappearance, and try to build the ''Mach Six'', a car that captures the spirit and gadgets of the ''[[Mach Five]]'' for new generations, and the first car to contain a gasless engine. It is this Eco-friendly design that garners the attention of the oil tycoon Zile Zazic, who wants to destroy the car. It becomes apparent in Season 2 that the Mach 6 also possesses the power to travel through time, which becomes the primary focus for the remainder of the series as the series villains desire to use it for their own gains.


Another major plot device is the Virtual Track, a race track that transports racers to virtual racing environments known as the Virtual World. School faculty have the ability to add as many of their own obstacles as they wish, complying to school safety regulations. Whenever a racer is defeated in the track, they are automatically dispensed into the real world unharmed. However, like all programs, the virtual track can be infected with viruses or hacked, causing anyone trapped in the Virtual World to be affected.
== Main Characters ==
=== Speed Racer Jr. ===
''Voiced by'': [[Kurt Colak]]


==Mach Five and Mach Six==
The main character of the series, Speed Jr. is the second son of the original Speed Racer from the 1967 Japanese [[anime]] series. He was hidden from the public by his parents, for unknown reasons. Speed grew up in an orphanage for the majority of his childhood. His parents had left him a special key and a red ascot, both of which he kept with him. He is often awkward and shy, but being behind the wheel brings out the best in him. Speed's skills on the racetrack are on par with those of the top ranking students at the Racing Academy. Despite his amazing talent, he is generally quite modest about his abilities and claims that his maneuvers are a result of instinct rather than skill. He is not in it for money or fame - he just wants to be "the best in the world", and to have fun. His friends are Conor and Lucy. Lucy may have a crush on Speed, because in episode five she gave a jealous look at Mary after Mary kissed Speed. It is not known yet if Speed is aware of her opinion of him.
The second episode features the rebuilt [[Mach Five|Mach 5]] designed as it appeared in the original anime, only animated in CGI, like all of the other cars in the show's racing sequences. Minor changes have occurred in the Mach Five in this series. Although the function for the homing robot is present, it is redesigned to resemble more of a metal peacock than a sleek, futuristic robot dove. The Deflector is used as the roof of the Mach Five. Also revealed in this show is an ejector's seat underneath the driver's seat in case of emergencies. A parachute was made, but was forgotten to be installed at the time.


Its return is brief, as Zile Zazic destroys it successfully - the original makes a cameo in ''Plot for Teacher''. However, plans for a new car are discovered and soon the protagonists rebuild the Mach Five to form the Mach 6. The Mach 6's engine is not designed to run on gas, which is a crucial story point, even though gas is still used for it through most of the series. It has all the features of the Mach Five, but redesigned or changed in some form or another. For example, the rotary saws are kept, but they've turned into laser saws. Also, the car has become more of a silver color with a fan in front and also includes two functional jets in the back where the fans were, and are used to get out of situations like a tornado ( as seen in the episode 'The Dance') or to help with acceleration. The new car features a transparent, holographic screen (better known as the 'comp') over the dashboard that the driver can use to interact live with his crew, and with other racers. Apparently, Speed mentions it can dispense rubber spiders out the back, and also real spiders, but he has not confirmed this. In recent episodes in Season 2, a new Mach 6 feature has been revealed after the completion of the gasless engine. When the Mach 6 gets up to the speed of 250&nbsp;mph, an electrical charge causes the car to jump to another location in a matter of seconds. However, this feature can only be used three times before the car can be restarted. It has also been hinted that the Mach 6 has the ability to time travel with the right part for the gasless engine.
=== X Racer ===
''Voiced by'': [[Robbie Sublett]]


The Mach 6 succeeds the Mach 5 for the rest of the series, and more of the original gadgets were gradually revealed (such as the sludge slick) and used in future episodes.
The oldest son of the original Speed Racer, X is the number one racer at the Racing Academy. Known for his skills and abilities on the track, he is slick, handsome, and popular among the girls at school. While X appears to be a tough guy on the outside, he has a more kind-hearted personality than he leads other people to believe. He is initially shocked to find out that Speed is his younger brother, but X becomes more accepting of the fact and develops a tough, brotherly bond with him and is always there to give advice. But just because Speed's his brother, doesn't mean X is willing to go easy on him. They are constantly each others' rivals on the track. He usually hangs out with Jared, Jesse, and his girlfriend, Annalise. His race car has the number 9 on the side, like the original Racer X's did, but his is all black, and features countless cutting-edge weapons and features.


==Comic book miniseries==
=== Headmaster Spritle Racer ===
''Speed Racer: The Next Generation Birthright'' was a four-issue miniseries published by [[IDW Publishing]]. It ran from November 2008 to February 2009.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.midtowncomics.com/product/993349|title = Speed Racer the Next Generation Birthright #1 - Midtown Comics}}</ref>
''Voiced by'': [[Peter Fernandez]]

He and [[Speed Racer]] are the only members of the original cast from the Japanese series in a major role. Spritle was once the brother of the original Speed Racer who traveled with him in his trunk, and now runs the Academy founded by the Racer Family as the headmaster. While he is Speed and X's uncle and provides fatherly wisdom from time to time, he never bends the school rules for his nephews' sake. Help as he might with Speed's suspicions about Zile, Spritle remains clueless about him and usually sits behind the scenes during the climax of a given episode.

=== Lucy ===
''Voiced by'': [[Sahra Mellesse]]

A good friend of Speed and Conor, Lucy is the sensible one of the group. Strict, open-minded, and studious, she often assists Conor with his work, but is known to be a little bit bossy at times. While she is generally a friendly and calm individual, Lucy will occasionally insult Conor and bombard Speed with criticism. She always makes up for it by helping her friends. There are some implications of Lucy forming a crush on Speed, as in the fifth episode, where she shows jealousy when Mary kisses him. It is not known yet if Speed shares these feelings.

=== Conor ===
''Voiced by'': [[Carter Jackson]]

A poor racer, but a great mechanic like [[Sparky]], Conor is good friends with Speed and Lucy. One of his most defining characteristics is that he is a huge fan of the original Speed Racer to the point where his interest borders on obsession. He often [[cosplay]]s in his Speed Racer outfit, has tons of memorabilia and merchandise in his dorm room, and knows everything there is to know about him and the [[Mach 5]]. His nerdish, hyperactive behavior and interests prevent him from making many friends- when Speed accepts him as one, he is eternally grateful and proves to be a reliable companion. Conor clearly has a crush on Annalise, despite being completely out of his league, and despite never having the feeling returned.

=== Chim-Chim ===

Conor built this [[robot]] based on the original pet [[chimpanzee]] the headmaster used to own, but added countless gadgets and professional engineering skills. He is entirely loyal to Conor, and by extention, Speed and Lucy. Chim-Chim has a seemingly unlimited amount of uses, from transforming into a [[scooter (stand-up)|scooter]], to storing anything inside the compartment in his stomach, to repairing the Mach Six while it's moving. However, that doesn't stop him from eating necessary car parts, or creating the usual kind of mischief all monkeys make. As a [[pantomime]] character, like [[R2-D2]], he talks in electronic beeps.

=== Annalise Zazic ===
''Voiced by:'' [[Michal Friedman]]

Annalise is X's girlfriend, and the second best racer in the school. A spoiled, selfish, whiny material girl, Annalise gets whatever she wants from her father, Zile Zazic, since they come from a rich family. She immediately dislikes Speed upon meeting him, since he's the new kid who gets picked upon in every school, and calls him "Newb" and "Speed Bump". Her discovery of him being X's brother only heightens her animosity for him, as he could be a possible competition for her own boyfriend, and becomes one of Speed's top enemies. But it seems that she has taken a liking to speed making X jealous when she came to speed for help, but she denies it.

=== Zile Zazic ===
''Voiced by'': [[Dave Skigen]]

The academy would be nothing without Zile Zazic- he paid for, designed, and had the Academy's racing track "built for him". He also donated many buildings and additions to the school, and is on great terms with the headmaster and views X as the star student of the school. However, he has a vague, mysterious vendetta against Speed Racer from long ago, and once he discovers "Little Speed Jr." has built the [[Mach 6 (Speed Racer)|Mach 6]] from the [[Mach 5]], he becomes his enemy in secret, carrying out undercover hits on him from his lair. This makes sense, since he is a rich oil tycoon, and the [[Mach 6 (Speed Racer)|Mach 6]]'s eco-friendly design could ruin him. He now not only want's to destroy the Mach 6, but Speed too.

== Minor Characters ==
=== Speed Racer ===
''Voiced By'': [[Peter Fernandez]]

[[Speed_Racer#Speed_Racer| Speed Racer]] is the father of Speed and X, which makes him the second known cast member from the 1967 Japanese show to appear here. He first appeared for a brief moment in the episode, "The Note". He states that he is not able to see Speed and X now, but he hopes to see them soon. They currently know that Speed Racer is not dead or missing, but is waiting for the right time to meet them face-to-face, when the time comes.

=== Jared and Jesse ===
''Voiced by'': [[Michael Sinterniklaas]]'''

Two twins who are part of X's student entourage, Jared and Jesse act as a team, and share the rank as the third best racers in the school. Normally rude and unpleasant, they often act as Annalise's bullish lackies. While they do their best to get the job done, both twins are equally incompetent. On the track, Jared and Jesse are a fearsome team. Although they race together in a single vehicle, the actual car has the ability to split into two pieces which both of them can operate separately for periods of time. They use this technique to surround a single opponent from both sides on the race track.

=== Stan ===
''Voiced by'': [[David "Zen" Mansley]]

Stan is Zile's personal assistant and second-in-command, despite being clumsy and dimwitted most of the time. His large, monstrous size and gentle composure almost makes him look like a jolly giant, often getting in the way of the evil plans he is supposed to carry out. He is overly polite to everyone, and is deeply apologetic whenever he disobeys his boss. However, Stan is still serious about the job, and his mind is always on Zile's side.



=== Professor Susan Winn ===
''Voiced by'': [[Mami Kimura]]

Susan Winn is an intelligent and level-headed woman who teaches the class on defensive driving techniques at the Racing Academy. She is handicapped, and travels around in a sleek, motorized wheel-chair. Professor Winn is generally much kinder and more accepting of her students than Professor Aniskov, and is respected because of this. While displaying a sense of strict guidelines and acceptable conduct in her classes, she is a very fair individual.

== Mach Five and Mach Six ==

The second episode features the rebuilt [[Mach 5]] designed as it appeared in the original anime, only animated in CGI, like all of the other cars in the show's racing sequences. Minor changes have occurred in the Mach Five in this series. Although the function for the homing robot is present, it is redesigned to resemble more of a metal peacock than a sleek, futuristic robot dove. The Deflector is used as the roof of the Mach Five. Also revealed in this show is an ejector's seat underneath the driver's seat in case of emergencies. A parachute was made, but was forgotten to be installed at the time.

Its return is brief, as one of the antagonists destroys it successfully. However, plans for a new car are discovered and soon the protagonists retool the Mach Five to form the Mach 6. The Mach 6's engine is not designed to run on gas, which is a crucial story point, even though gas is still used for it through most of the series. It has all the features of the Mach Five, but redesigned or changed in some form or another. For example, the rotary saws are kept, but they're turned into laser saws. The new car features a transparent, holographic screen over the dashboard that the driver can use to interact live with his crew, and with other racers.

The Mach 6 succeeds the Mach 5 for the rest of the series, and more of the original gadgets will be gradually revealed (such as the sludge slick) and used in future episodes.


==Episodes==
==Episodes==
{{main|List of Speed Racer: The Next Generation episodes}}
===Season 1: 2008-present===
{{:List of Speed Racer: The Next Generation episodes}}
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; margin:auto;"
|-
! width="20"| # !! Title!! Director !! Writer !! width="120"|Original Release Date !! width="120"|Production code
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=1
|Title=The Beginning, Part 1
|WrittenBy= Justin Gray, James Palmiotti
|DirectedBy= Stephen Moverley
|OriginalAirDate=[[April 27]], [[2008]]<ref>Nickelodeon aired P1 to show a sneek peak of the new series.</ref>
|ProdCode=101
|ShortSummary=Speed arrives at the Racing Academy and meets all of the main cast. With no race car of his own, Conor lets him use a junky, spare one for the Qualifying Race.<br>
|LineColor=0000FF
}}{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=2
|Title=The Beginning, Part 2
|WrittenBy= Justin Gray, James Palmiotti
|DirectedBy= Stephen Moverley
|OriginalAirDate=[[May 2]], [[2008]]
|ProdCode=102
|ShortSummary=Having discovered the remains of the Mach Five in the nearby junkyard, Speed and his friends rebuild it and test it out. However, Annalise, under Zile's orders, destroys it in a match against X. Spritle reveals to Speed that he is [[Speed Racer]]'s son.
|LineColor=0000FF
}}{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=3
|Title=The Beginning, Part 3
|WrittenBy= Justin Gray, James Palmiotti
|DirectedBy= Stephen Moverley
|OriginalAirDate=[[May 2]], [[2008]]
|ProdCode=103
|ShortSummary=Speed and his friends discover the secret plans to build the '''''Mach 6''''' and its unique engine from the remains of the [[Mach 5]]. Speed uses the new car to race once again against Annalise, and wins.
|LineColor=0000FF
}}{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=4
|Title=Low Price of Fame
|WrittenBy=Gerry Duggan
|DirectedBy= John Holt
|OriginalAirDate=[[May 9]], [[2008]]
|ProdCode=104
|ShortSummary=Speed takes advice from X on how to deal with the fame of being [[Speed Racer]]'s son from his classmates. A crazy stalker student named Mitch spreads a rumor that Speed will have a rivalry race with his brother, X, which spirals into a real race. When Annalise sees X not taking this seriously, she stands up and sabotages Speed's car so X can win.
|LineColor=0000FF
}}{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=5
|Title=Be Cruel To Your School
|WrittenBy= Marv Wolfman
|DirectedBy= John Holt
|OriginalAirDate=[[May 16]], [[2008]]
|ProdCode=105
|ShortSummary=Speed and X must work together as a team in order to win a multi-school racing tournament. Meanwhile, Zile plans to ruin Speed and X's teamwork during the tournament to also destroy the Mach 6.
|LineColor=0000FF
}}{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=6
|Title=The Note
|WrittenBy= Aaron Bergeron
|DirectedBy= John Holt
|OriginalAirDate=[[May 23]], [[2008]]
|ProdCode=106
|ShortSummary=Speed gradually receives mysterious notes signed by his father, but he suspects that they could be false. When he receives another letter asking for Speed to come meet him, Speed goes to figure out who the imposter is. Meanwhile, Zile plans to have his birthday party. At the end of the episode, Speed receives what he and X believe is a real note from their father.
|LineColor=0000FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=7
|Title=The Fast Track, Part 1
|WrittenBy= Ben Gruber
|DirectedBy= John Holt
|OriginalAirDate= [[June 27]], [[2008]]<ref>http://www.tvguide.com/detail/tv-show.aspx?tvobjectid=293428&more=ucepisodelist&episodeid=8012157 Speed Racer: TNG s1 ep7</ref>
|ProdCode=107
|ShortSummary=Thanks to Joel the lab technician, Zile takes over the virtual track to mess up Speed's race at the Redwood Rally so he doesn't survive. After Speed suspects whats going on, he decides to investigate, but in the process, Speed, Annalise and the Mach 6 all get sucked into the virtual track.
|LineColor=0000FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=8
|Title=The Fast Track Part, 2
|WrittenBy= Ben Gruber
|DirectedBy= John Holt
|OriginalAirDate= [[July 4]], [[2008]]<ref>http://www.tvguide.com/detail/tv-show.aspx?tvobjectid=293428&more=ucepisodelist&episodeid=8012162</ref>
|ProdCode=108
|ShortSummary=While Speed and Annalise are still stuck in the virtual track, they must put their differences aside to survive. Meanwhile, Conor, Lucy, and X must find a way to get them out before the track eats itself up due to the virus, or they'll be stuck there forever. Two vehicles from the original show- the [[Speed_Racer#The_Mammoth_Car|Mammoth Car]] (from episodes 7 and 8) and the X3- make cameos in this episode.
|LineColor=0000FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=9
|Title=The Fast Track, Part 3
|WrittenBy= Ben Gruber
|DirectedBy= John Holt
|OriginalAirDate= [[July 11]], [[2008]]<ref>http://www.tvguide.com/detail/tv-show.aspx?tvobjectid=293428&more=ucepisodelist&episodeid=8050587</ref>
|ProdCode=109
|ShortSummary= Speed and Annalise make it out of the track. Delighted, Zile finds out Joel installed the virus, and decides to promote him to make the track more deadly for Speed and the Mach 6. One thing Zile is not aware of is that the [[Speed_Racer#The_Mammoth_Car|Mammoth Car]], the X3, and Jungle Conor invade the real world to wreck more havoc.
|LineColor=0000FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber=10
|Title= Honor Code
|WrittenBy=
|DirectedBy=
|OriginalAirDate= [[July 18]], [[2008]]
|ProdCode=110
|ShortSummary=
|LineColor=0000FF
}}
|}


==DVD Releases==
==References==
===Season 1===
The first DVD of the new series was released on May 6, 2008 by ''[[Lionsgate]]''. It contains the first movie of the new series. The DVD was released on May 6, 2008 in ''NTSC'' ares. The ''PAL'' release date is unknown so far.
{| class="wikitable"
! Volume Name
! Release Date
! Contains
|-
|'''Speed Racer: The Next Generation: The Beginning'''<ref name="lionsgate">{{cite web |url= http://www.lionsgateshop.com/product.asp?Id=11137&TitleParentId=4996 |title= New Speed Racer Movie released on May 6th, 2008 |accessdate=2008-05-24|format= |work=Lionsgate}}</ref>
|[[NTSC]]: [[May 6]], [[2008]]<ref name="lionsgate">{{cite web |url= http://www.lionsgateshop.com/product.asp?Id=11137&TitleParentId=4996 |title= New Speed Racer Movie released on May 6th, 2008 |accessdate=2008-05-24|format= |work=Lionsgate}}</ref><br />
[[PAL]]: TBA
|
"The Beginning, Part 1"<br>"The Beginning, Part 2"<br>"The Beginning, Part 3"<br>
Interactive Racing Game<br>Creating the Next Speed Racer Featurette<br>Bloopers and Stills<ref>http://www.lionsgateshop.com/product.asp?Id=11137&TitleParentId=4996&View=SpecialFeatures Special Features from the DVD</ref>
|-
|}

== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


== External links ==
==External links==
* {{IMDb title|1055136}}
* [http://www.lionsgate.com/speedracer/ Official Speed Racer site]
* {{imdb title|1055136}}
* [http://www.animationmagazine.net/article/7541 Speed Racer Deals Cross Finish Line]
* [http://www.animationmagazine.net/article/7541 Speed Racer Deals Cross Finish Line]
* [http://uk.tv.ign.com/articles/868/868053p1.html NYCC 08: Speed Racer's Next Generation Revealed]
* [http://uk.tv.ign.com/articles/868/868053p1.html NYCC 08: Speed Racer's Next Generation Revealed]
* [[TV Guide]]'s [http://www.tvguide.com/detail/tv-show.aspx?tvobjectid=293428&more=ucepisodelist Speed Racer: The Next Generation episodes]
* [[TV Guide]]'s [http://www.tvguide.com/detail/tv-show.aspx?tvobjectid=293428&more=ucepisodelist Speed Racer: The Next Generation episodes]


{{Nicktoons}}
{{Speed Racer}}
{{Speed Racer}}
{{Nicktoons}}


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Revision as of 21:33, 26 April 2024

Speed Racer: The Next Generation
Created byLarry Schwarz
Based onSpeed Racer
by Tatsuo Yoshida
Written byBen Gruber
Allan Neuwirth
Marv Wolfman
Susan Kim
Justin Gray
Jimmy Palmiotti
Aaron Bergeron
Daniel Schofield
Mike Yank
Walt Gardner
James Harvey
Directed byStephen Moverley
(pilot episode)
John Holt
(Season 1)
Jay Surridge
(Season 2)
Voices ofKurt Csolak
Sahra Mellesse
Carter Jackson
Peter Fernandez (Season 1)
Michael Sinterniklaas
Robbie Sublett (Season 1)
David Zen Mansley
Greg Abbey (Season 2)
Bryan Tyler (Season 2)
Opening theme"Go Speed Racer Go!", rearranged by John Angier
Ending theme"Go Speed Racer Go!" (instrumental)
ComposerJohn Angier
Country of originUnited States
Canada
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes52 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producersLarry Schwarz
James Rocknowski
John Rocknowski
ProducersLarry Schwarz
Ken Katsumoto
James Rocknowski
John Rocknowski
Sergei Aniskov
Sean Lahey
Christopher Fauci
Michael Gold
Doug MacLennon
Running time22 minutes
Production companiesSpeed Racer Enterprises
Animation Collective (Season 1)
Telegael (Season 2)
Toonz Entertainment (Season 2)
Lionsgate Television
Original release
NetworkNicktoons Network
ReleaseMay 2, 2008 (2008-05-02) –
August 25, 2013 (2013-08-25)
Related

Speed Racer: The Next Generation is an animated television series based on the classic Japanese Speed Racer franchise, in which the internal events take place decades after those in the 1967 Japanese series. It is the fourth television adaptation of the franchise, and is executive produced by Lions Gate Entertainment, Larry Schwarz, and Ken Katsumoto. Animation Collective produced the series, while the Flash character animation was handled by the now-defunct Collideascope Studios as their last project.[1] It aired on Nicktoons in the United States.[2] The last episode of Season 1 features the voice of NASCAR racer Jeff Gordon, who voices Turbo McCalister.

This series was partly made to promote the live-action film, and the pilot movie premiered on Nicktoons on May 2, 2008, a week before the feature film adaptation was released in theatres.[3] However, both projects were produced independently from one another and featured different generations of "Speed Racers" (with the film featuring the original generation), though both featured a Mach 6. Five three-part specials aired on Nickelodeon from March 14, 2009 to April 11, 2009.

Premise

Prior to the events of the series, the original Speed Racer has disappeared to protect his family, but the main characters know that he is alive. Initially only one of the original characters, Spritle, has a major role in this show. Speed Racer is seen briefly at the end of The Note and more recently in Plot for Teacher, and he makes a full appearance in the first episode of Season 2. Another member of the original cast appears at the end of Season 1, Speed Sr.'s original mechanic and friend Sparky, who shows up as an adult posing as a Russian engineer named Chezko (he assumed a false identity to protect himself from Speed's enemies). In the three-part story The Secrets of the Engine, "Dr. Chezko" (Sparky) helps finally perfect the engine of the Mach 6, allowing it to run without gasoline. The rest of the original cast are so far unseen, and their whereabouts currently unknown.

Given the apparent age of Speed Sr., Spritle, and Sparky, it is likely that Mom and Pops Racer, as well as Spritle's living chimpanzee pet Chim-Chim, are likely deceased by the time of the series. Speed Sr.'s girlfriend Trixie is revealed as the mother of Speed Jr. and X, but she plays a radically different role, instead serving as one of the main antagonists of the series.

The series follows the adventures of an orphan teenager named Speed who dreams of being a famed car racer like the one he is named after. He takes a bus to the elite Racing Academy, founded by the Racer family, and soon experiences the difficulties of fitting in and competing with X, the best racer/student in the school, and Speed Racer's son. Spritle himself is now the headmaster. In the pilot movie, Speed discovers that he is the other son of Speed Racer, meaning that X is his brother.

Through the rest of the series, Speed and his new allies set out on a quest to get through the courses, discover the mystery of Speed Racer's disappearance, and try to build the Mach Six, a car that captures the spirit and gadgets of the Mach Five for new generations, and the first car to contain a gasless engine. It is this Eco-friendly design that garners the attention of the oil tycoon Zile Zazic, who wants to destroy the car. It becomes apparent in Season 2 that the Mach 6 also possesses the power to travel through time, which becomes the primary focus for the remainder of the series as the series villains desire to use it for their own gains.

Another major plot device is the Virtual Track, a race track that transports racers to virtual racing environments known as the Virtual World. School faculty have the ability to add as many of their own obstacles as they wish, complying to school safety regulations. Whenever a racer is defeated in the track, they are automatically dispensed into the real world unharmed. However, like all programs, the virtual track can be infected with viruses or hacked, causing anyone trapped in the Virtual World to be affected.

Mach Five and Mach Six

The second episode features the rebuilt Mach 5 designed as it appeared in the original anime, only animated in CGI, like all of the other cars in the show's racing sequences. Minor changes have occurred in the Mach Five in this series. Although the function for the homing robot is present, it is redesigned to resemble more of a metal peacock than a sleek, futuristic robot dove. The Deflector is used as the roof of the Mach Five. Also revealed in this show is an ejector's seat underneath the driver's seat in case of emergencies. A parachute was made, but was forgotten to be installed at the time.

Its return is brief, as Zile Zazic destroys it successfully - the original makes a cameo in Plot for Teacher. However, plans for a new car are discovered and soon the protagonists rebuild the Mach Five to form the Mach 6. The Mach 6's engine is not designed to run on gas, which is a crucial story point, even though gas is still used for it through most of the series. It has all the features of the Mach Five, but redesigned or changed in some form or another. For example, the rotary saws are kept, but they've turned into laser saws. Also, the car has become more of a silver color with a fan in front and also includes two functional jets in the back where the fans were, and are used to get out of situations like a tornado ( as seen in the episode 'The Dance') or to help with acceleration. The new car features a transparent, holographic screen (better known as the 'comp') over the dashboard that the driver can use to interact live with his crew, and with other racers. Apparently, Speed mentions it can dispense rubber spiders out the back, and also real spiders, but he has not confirmed this. In recent episodes in Season 2, a new Mach 6 feature has been revealed after the completion of the gasless engine. When the Mach 6 gets up to the speed of 250 mph, an electrical charge causes the car to jump to another location in a matter of seconds. However, this feature can only be used three times before the car can be restarted. It has also been hinted that the Mach 6 has the ability to time travel with the right part for the gasless engine.

The Mach 6 succeeds the Mach 5 for the rest of the series, and more of the original gadgets were gradually revealed (such as the sludge slick) and used in future episodes.

Comic book miniseries

Speed Racer: The Next Generation Birthright was a four-issue miniseries published by IDW Publishing. It ran from November 2008 to February 2009.[4]

Episodes

Main article: List of Speed Racer: The Next Generation episodes
SeasonEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
126May 2, 2008 (2008-05-02)July 5, 2009 (2009-07-05)
226March 24, 2011 (2011-03-24)August 25, 2013 (2013-08-25)

References

  1. ^ "Empty frames". The Coast Halifax. Retrieved 15 February 2016.
  2. ^ "Return Laps for the First Voice of Speed Racer". New York Times. 2008-05-10. Retrieved 2008-08-12.
  3. ^ "Nicktoons Network To Premiere New Speed Racer Series In May". Animation News Network. Retrieved 2010-04-21.
  4. ^ "Speed Racer the Next Generation Birthright #1 - Midtown Comics".

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Speed_Racer:_The_Next_Generation&oldid=1220941585"