To really understand why Maniac is upset with himself for
crossing the finish line backwards, you really have to understand Mars Bar. Mars Bar is
the leader of his neighborhood gang and has been bullying Maniac for some time. He is a
big talker, always bragging about himself and putting others down. Mars Bar is notorious
in the neighborhood for picking on little kids and adults
alike.
On the day the race takes place, Mars Bar is talking
trash to Maniac and showing off his new athletic shoes. He challenges Maniac to a race.
The whole neighborhood gets into the race. Traffic is blocked on both ends of the
street. The audience is composed of mothers, fathers, little kids, and high school
students--everyone's there!
As the race begins, Maniac runs
slowly. Even though he wants to win, he knows there will be consequences if he does. But
as he nears the finish line and sees Mars Bar winning, Maniac's instincts take over and
he speeds up, passing Mars Bar and crossing the finish line running backwards. The crowd
goes wild; everyone's talking about how Maniac not only beat the neighborhood bully, but
beat him running backwards!
Naturally, Mars Bar gets angry.
He gets mean. He starts making excuses and blaming others for his loss and shoving
people around. Maniac realizes that winning the race was bad enough, but having
humiliated Mars Bar in front of the whole neighborhood is going to make things a lot
worse for himself.
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