Air date: September 18th, 2008 (UK), November 15th, 2008 (US)
Thomas and Diesel are to load and shunt trucks of stone for Henry, but they get sidetracked when Diesel claims diesels are faster than steamies and declares a backwards race to prove it. Unfortunately, the three heats (which end in a draw) cause Mavis, 'Arry, and Bert to be derailed after Thomas and Diesel collide with them. When Henry arrives, none of the trucks have been loaded. While Thomas arranges the train and collects Rocky to put Mavis, 'Arry, and Bert back on the rails, Diesel clears away the mess from the races. When the two are done, Diesel challenges Thomas to another race, which Thomas orders to be forward. This time, both arrive at the quarry gates at the same time.
Tropes featured in the episode:
- Rule of Three: Thomas and Diesel have three backwards races that end in three misfortunes - Thomas getting covered in stone, Mavis getting bumped off the track, and 'Arry and Bert getting smashed through the back wall of the quarry shed).
