After only seven races of use, the XPT Racers are deemed too twitchy, and the NASCAR Unlimited Series switches to new Nitro Racers. The high-flux fusion units of these new cars get maximum power out of atomic fuel, something the old forced-combustion systems never could. But because it's unknown just how much power this is, the first race for the new cars is being held on the Bonneville Salt Flats. When Flyer refuses to launch his Rescue Racer in favor of attempting to save his out-of-control car, Glorie can't bear to watch him risk his life anymore, and heads to the airport to fly back to New Motor City. As fate would have it, aboard the same flight is Reed, an undercover operative for Garner Rexton who has stolen one of Fastex's fusion units for Rexcor to replicate. When a blizzard forces the pilot of the plane to turn back, Reed hijacks the flight, but only manages a crash landing atop a mountain. Flyer leads Team Fastex in a race against time up snow-choked logging trails to
