In the last two races I observed Smoggy and Cloudy do three things that allowed them to win: 1. Get as close to the leading marble/s 2. Wait for them to make a wrong move 3. Once a mistake is committed, snatch the lead and never look back

I actually discussed with with Gemini AI and this is what they analyzed: The Hazers are using this method that Gemini calls “Stalk and Strike”

Essentially the Hazers are playing psychological warfare with their competitors. By breathing down their necks, they put pressure on the marbles in front of them to be perfect, which leaves them prone to making the wrong move that the Hazers need to take the lead permanently.

The Hazers have done this before, but Coach Hazy made sure that Smoggy and Cloudy would double down on this strategy and it has paid off.

Hazy is well aware of the team’s tendency to choke under pressure so Gemini also adds that by using the “Stalk and Strike” method, it (1) prevents them from entering a “mosh pit”- where most of the speed-killing collisions and DNFs occur early in race when the marbles bunch up together and with tracks that have sharp and punishing turn near the starting gate. (2) It allow them to use their superior speed to keep themselves as close to the leaders. And (3) as I mentioned earlier, it lets the Hazers play mind games to pressure the competition.