Lap 14 - Iron Man Neelsen

Iron Man Neelsen is the 14th episode of the F-Zero Farukon Densetsu anime.

## Overview

A sepia-toned flashback of an early F-Zero Grand Prix is shown, with a different announcer and a focus on a younger Silver Neelsen. Silver is quickly overtaken by an unknown machine with a helmet-wearing pilot, to his surprise. In the present, a much older Silver Neelsen notices Jack Levin in the Astro Robin, noting him to be clever. The Astro Robin and the Dragon Bird compete, parallel to each other on the race track until the Night Thunder crashes into the Astro Robin. Ryu takes first place, with Mr. EAD and Dr. Stewart taking the other two places.

Jack, bitter about the loss, is soon greeted by a bunch of fangirls. However, they run past him in favor of Ryu. Silver then approaches Jack, stating that Jack lost because he was “foolish” and that the crash cost Silver his 7776th race, which was important to him. Silver strikes Jack with his cane before pointing to the Night Thunder. Jack dismisses this, but Silver suggests he knows the true reason why Jack lost to Ryu.

At the Falcon House, Clank brings up information pertaining to Silver Neelsen, revealing he has participated in the most F-Zero races. Lucy and Jack are also present, with Lucy taking interest, but Jack being dismissive of any potential advice he could gain from Silver. Ryu enters, greeting Jack, but Jack gives him a cold shoulder and exits. Meanwhile, Dr. Stewart and Jody investigate a mystery pilot with an obscured face, named Anthony Ropkin. However, they can’t seem to find any information on him besides his recent victories.

Jack shows up to the race track to meet with Silver. Silver then takes him elsewhere, where they work on Jack’s physique, claiming everything they do is part of Silver’s training regime (when it’s really to attract women). Jack insists he only wants to win races, making the entire regime null.

Jody learns of Jack and Silver’s training sessions together, in which Ryu volunteers to find Jack. Jody dismisses this, stating it would be a good opportunity for Jack to learn something from Silver. Lucy doesn’t quite understand, but Dr. Stewart states that Jack should be left to his own devices.

Jack and Silver then race together, with Jack questioning his methods. Disregarding Silver, Jack attempts to take the lead. However, Jack loses the race to Silver. Jack insists that he, like any other pilot, aims to win races. Silver, however, states that he himself is the opposite. Jack asks him why, to which Silver explains that he lost something important on the track many years prior, referring to the loss of his friend and rival, Anthony Ropkin. In another flashback, it is revealed that while Silver won races, he never could beat Anthony. One day while training, Silver got into an accident and missed his race, though he had promised Anthony that he would attend. On a screen in the ambulance, race footage reveals a machine in flames, which Silver realizes is Anthony’s machine, along with his cracked helmet. In the present day, Silver concludes his story, stating that pilots should pay attention to the race. A screen catches Jack’s eye, as a helmet-wearing pilot named Anthony is announced to have won a race. Though he seems unfamiliar to Jack, Silver recognizes him.

At sunset, elsewhere, the helmet-wearing pilot from earlier approaches Silver, which brings the latter to tears. It is indeed the same Anthony Ropkin from Silver’s past, having retained his youthful appearance thanks to cold sleep. Silver asks Anthony about the latter’s accident and if his absence was the reason. Anthony claims it wasn’t, having a flashback to the day of the accident. Hearing that Silver was absent from the race, Anthony had questioned his whereabouts, unaware of the accident. He then sped past a downed machine in flames, but slid into the wall. Soon after, someone took interest in Anthony, and he was placed in cold sleep, where he would eventually awaken in the present year of 2202.

Silver questions why Anthony didn’t tell him, to which Anthony responds that he didn’t want to find Silver until he improved. Considering Silver’s long racing streak, Anthony felt that it was right. Anthony then asks Silver if he wants to fulfill the promise from years ago, and Silver obliges. Days and nights pass, as Jack notes Silver’s strength. Silver tells him that the upcoming race may be his own last, wanting to end his career gloriously. Silver thanks Jack and grants him a piece of advice; "Don't think of others if you want to win."

At the race, Jack appears much more focused, not responding to Ryu's comment. Silver and Anthony also participate, with Anthony in a recolored red Golden Fox. Silver's advice resonates with Jack, motivating him to push forward. Anthony and Silver exchange some light banter while keeping in line with the Astro Robin and Dragon Bird. As all 4 machines reach the finish line, Jack is revealed to be the winner, with Ryu coming in second, while Anthony and Silver tied for third. At the hangar, Jack and Silver shake hands. Ryu runs over to congratulate Jack, but Jack states he won because of Ryu. The rest of the Task Force arrive to congratulate Jack as well. Jack thanks Silver for his help, just as another group of fangirls run towards them. They once again run past Jack, going for Silver and Anthony instead. Jack remarks on Silver's plan to retire, but Silver changes his mind.