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Theodore was a very sensible tortoise who lived in a very sensible pond. He ate sensible lettuce, took sensible sunbaths, and was, overall, incredibly slow. However, inside his sturdy shell, Theodore harbored a lightning-fast secret: he dreamed of being a professional race car driver. He didn't want a car; he wanted to be the car, but faster.

Every year, the "Rattle-Can Rally," a highly disorganized and slightly chaotic local race, took place around the edge of the wetlands. Theodore longed to enter, but he was crippled by two things: his natural slowness and a crippling shyness.

His only friend, a cynical otter named Ollie, noticed Theodore polishing his shell with a wax meant for actual racing helmets. "Ted, old pal, you're a tortoise. Your top speed is 'leisurely stroll,'" Ollie said, adjusting his tiny glasses.

"I need speed," Theodore whispered, glancing around nervously. "I need... a turbo boost!"

Ollie thought for a moment. "You know, the old gardener, Mr. Grumbles, keeps a high-powered water sprinkler hose by the track. If you could time it just right, maybe the water pressure could give you a little push."

Theodore swallowed his fear and entered the rally. His competition included a slightly tipsy duck on a skateboard and a hedgehog on roller skates who kept rolling sideways. The starting pistol fired. Theodore, naturally, took the lead for "slowest starter."

As he approached the first turn, he saw the hose lying coiled and ready. He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and yelled, "Now or never!" He waddled onto the hose just as Ollie, hiding behind a cattail, cranked the water on full blast.

WHOOSH!

Theodore was launched forward on a powerful jet of water, sliding perfectly around the corner. He became a blur of green shell and water spray. The duck quacked in surprise; the hedgehog spun into a dizzying circle. Theodore was moving so fast he felt like he was flying!

He shot past the finish line, splashing everyone, including Judge Penelope Frog, who awarded him the prize, a giant, shiny, green ribbon. Theodore, still dripping and slightly dizzy, had not only won the race but had also been cured of his shyness by sheer, watery terror and speed. From that day on, he was known as Theodore the Turbo Turtle, and he always won the rally by using the "Hydro-Assist Maneuver."