OVA
Description
Phil Fritz, an orphan from the Bronx, transitioned from NASCAR racing to the 2020 Cyber Formula season after recruitment by Aoi ZIP Formula's new president, Kyoshiro Nagumo. Nagumo installed Phil as the primary driver of the experimental Al-Zard NP-1, replacing established team drivers.
The Al-Zard NP-1 utilized an illegal bio-computer system that directly controlled Phil's driving actions, turning him into a puppet. To endure the car's extreme G-forces, Nagumo forced Phil to take performance-enhancing drugs, another regulatory violation. This combination propelled Phil to dominate early races, securing four wins in the first five events. However, the physical toll forced his retirement from the French GPX due to drug-induced complications and near-unconsciousness.
As the season unfolded, Phil grew increasingly conflicted over the unethical nature of his victories. During the Japan Grand Prix, Nagumo escalated control, programming the Al-Zard to intentionally crash into rival Hayato Kazami's car – a protocol designed to eliminate competition. Witnessing this, Phil made a pivotal decision: he physically tore out the bio-computer mid-race, severing Nagumo's control, and took manual command of the Al-Zard for the first time. Moments later, the car's suspension failed, causing a catastrophic crash against a wall.
Phil survived the crash with injuries. The incident exposed Nagumo's widespread cheating, leading to an investigation, Nagumo's arrest, and a one-year racing ban for Aoi ZIP Formula. Phil was disqualified as a driver, with all his season points revoked due to the illegal modifications. He never returned to competitive driving.
Two years later, in 2022, Phil reappeared within the Aoi ZIP Formula organization, not as a driver, but as a mechanic. This role marked his continued, transformed connection to racing after the scandal.
The Al-Zard NP-1 utilized an illegal bio-computer system that directly controlled Phil's driving actions, turning him into a puppet. To endure the car's extreme G-forces, Nagumo forced Phil to take performance-enhancing drugs, another regulatory violation. This combination propelled Phil to dominate early races, securing four wins in the first five events. However, the physical toll forced his retirement from the French GPX due to drug-induced complications and near-unconsciousness.
As the season unfolded, Phil grew increasingly conflicted over the unethical nature of his victories. During the Japan Grand Prix, Nagumo escalated control, programming the Al-Zard to intentionally crash into rival Hayato Kazami's car – a protocol designed to eliminate competition. Witnessing this, Phil made a pivotal decision: he physically tore out the bio-computer mid-race, severing Nagumo's control, and took manual command of the Al-Zard for the first time. Moments later, the car's suspension failed, causing a catastrophic crash against a wall.
Phil survived the crash with injuries. The incident exposed Nagumo's widespread cheating, leading to an investigation, Nagumo's arrest, and a one-year racing ban for Aoi ZIP Formula. Phil was disqualified as a driver, with all his season points revoked due to the illegal modifications. He never returned to competitive driving.
Two years later, in 2022, Phil reappeared within the Aoi ZIP Formula organization, not as a driver, but as a mechanic. This role marked his continued, transformed connection to racing after the scandal.