//------------------------------// // Chapter 3: But there's only Left turn // Story: Life in the Fast Lane // by The Wasteland Brony //------------------------------// Applejack walked beside the legend himself as they exit out through the tunnel. The amber mare glanced all around her surroundings, then gazed across the track. From where the tunnel they both exit out of, going underneath the circuit track turns three and four, she could just barely see down to turns one and two. Coming to realization, her emerald eyes widened in awe, "What in Tarnation! This is a big track!" Jeff couldn't help but chuckle due to the country mares expression and then gladly explained. "Yeah it is. They modeled it after the Daytona International Speedway. Since it really was the first track that was ever built for NASCAR, they thought the first track to be built here should be modeled after it" Applejack remembered reading from one of Twilight's books about NASCAR that the speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, USA was built in the year 1947 with the help of Bill France, the founder of NASCAR. She had also read that Daytona had some of the steepest, banked turns than any other track made for racing with 35 degrees. She had read that the first race of every season was always held at this very historic track, that race being the 'Daytona 500'. She read that the famous race was considered "The Super Bowl of NASCAR" even though she had no idea in Celestias name what a "Super Bowl" was, but she figured if it had the word "Super" in it then it must be big. "Come on Applejack, let's head down to the garage and pits. If you want to become a great NASCAR driver, then we've got to get suited up with some racing gear that'll keep you safe". Jeff explained as he begun walking towards the garages, which Applejack gleefully trotted beside him. When they arrived at the garage area, everyone stopped for a second with a quick look at the new company that just walked in. Upon noticing them, they gave a quick nod and went back to their conversations. Except for three men, who suddenly walked up to Jeff and Applejack. "Hey Jeff, how's it going?" greeted the man, who wore a blue fire suit with the company name 'Lowes'. "Who's your friend? Er… ponyfriend?" said the man in the black fire suit that labeled 'Farmers Insurance' on it. When Applejack read the front of the mans fire suit, she thought it was a company that helped insure farmers. "Just what a'he needed, A'hve been lookin' for a new insurance company for a while now..." Applejack thought to herself "Pardon me Jeff, but if I'm not mistaken… Is this the new tryout, Applejack?" said the man wearing the other blue fire suit labeled 'Nationwide Insurance' on it The NASCAR legend himself chuckled gesturing towards the element of honesty. "Yup, this is her" Applejack blushed a little. Instead of them coming down to collect racing gear for Applejack, it turned into a big introduction of his teammates instead. "Applejack, allow me to introduce you to my fellow Hendrick Motorsports teammates" Jeff said, beaming a smile with excitement. "It's nice to meet you Ms. Applejack, I'm Jimmie Johnson" Jimmie said, extending his hand out. Applejack shook his hand with her hoof. Applejack knew his name very well. She read that it was thanks to Jeff that Jimmie got started in Nascar, for the fact that it was him who introduced Jimmie to the Hendrick Motorsports owner, Rick Hendrick. She read that Jimmy had seventy-one wins in his career, which he was far short of the number of wins that Jeff had. What amazed her the most was not only had he won six championships, but that he was the first driver in Nascar history to win five in a row, quite the accomplishment she thought. He was the driver of the #48 Lowes Chevrolet SS. She later found out that Lowes was a very successful warehouse company while Chevrolet was one of the most successful automobile manufactures of all time. "Hi, my names Kasey Kahne" said Kasey. Applejack did the same with Kasey as she had done with Jimmie and shook his hand with a smile. From what Applejack had read, Kasey Kahne was the more least known driver of the 4 at Hendrick Motorsports. But from what she did read was that he was a top of the line driver, he never gave up and he always gave it his all. He also had the least career wins of the four with 17, but Applejack appreciated his drive. He drove the #5 Chevrolet SS. "It's always nice to meet a fellow Southerner, I'm Dale Earnhardt Jr" said Dale, smiling his trademark smile Immediately, Applejack's heart sank. Dale "The Intimidator" Earnhardt Sr was Dale Juniors father. But, what made her heart almost break in half was when she heard about the never forgetful day of Nascar history, the race where Dale Sr lost his life. Applejack could feel tears welling up, ready to burst at any moment. But, the saddest part of the story was that Jr watched his father die......... A small tear ran down Applejacks face, which she quickly rubbed it away with her hoof. But for the #88 Chevrolet SS driver, Dale Jr, did have some lighter moments, he had over twenty-three career wins. Even though he hadn't won a championship yet, he has won the Nascar 'Most Popular Driver Award' for the past twelve years straight. Applejack could tell that Jeff was ready to go as he tapped on his watch for time. She quickly understood and gave an agreeing nod and faced all the other drivers she just met. It was time to go. "It's nice to meet y'all. And thanks for the warm welcome, A'he mighty appreciate it!" Applejack said "No problem! If you ever need someone to talk too, have any questions or Jeff's just driving you crazy, I'm your man" Jimmie said a chuckle at the last part, Kasey and Dale laughed too and nodded in agreement. "Haha, very funny Jimmie. Just because we're teammates doesn't mean I can't put you into the wall next race" Jeff replied with a sly smile on his face. Jimmie gulped. "Anyways we've got to get back. We've got our own ponies to be training. It was nice to meet you Applejack" Kasey said. Then Kasey, Dale and Jimmie headed back to their garages. "They seemed mighty nice" Applejack said with a smile. "Yeah, they're the best teammates I could have ever asked for" said Jeff Applejack could totally agree and relate herself to that statement. "Haha yeah, that's just like me and mah friends, their best friends ah could have ever asked for" Jeff beamed a smile and nodded in understanding and agreement. "Come on, let's get to my RV. We've got to get you measured for a fire suit and helmet. Plus I can introduce to my wife and kids" Jeff said "Sounds great!" said Applejack happily They then headed off towards Jeff's RV, Applejack had a slight bounce of excitement in her trot. Ah think ah'm gonna love Nascar.