//------------------------------// // Chapter 13: The Taste of Victory, with a hint of Apples // Story: Life in the Fast Lane // by The Wasteland Brony //------------------------------// As soon as the checkered flag had dropped, it was time to celebrate. Applejack just couldn't believe how she had almost led the entire race and practically nobody was even close to being a match for her unbridled talent. Doing what Jeff had taught her after getting the checkered flag and holding it out the window, the amber farm pony ripped the wheel around and started doing her victory doughnuts. "That was some of the best racing I have ever seen Applejack!!!" Said Steve, clearly excited over the headset "YEEEEEEEEEEEEEE HAW!!!!!" was all that Applejack could reply, she was too busy having the time of her life. Applejack finally pulled her car into victory lane and shut off the engine. She climbed out of her car with ease and stood on the roof. She was immediately showered in a wave of confetti and shampaign, with most of the confetti being supplied by the pink party pony herself, Pinkie Pie. Flash bulbs were going off all over the place, literally every news station and newspaper company from both the human world and Equestria were trying to be the first ones to report this historical event. Applejack jumped down from her car and was immediately swarmed by her crew members and best friends. "That. Was. AWESOME!!!!!!" cheered Rainbow Dash "I must say darling you did an absolutely fabulous job out there" exclaimed Rarity "Ahh shucks thank ye all so much. A'he couldn't 'ave done it without y'all's support" the amber element of honesty said. Ranch Wilder had made his way down from the broadcast booth to do an interview with Applejack. Ranch and Applejack were already good friends, having met during Ranch's days announcing the rodeos that Applejack competed in. "Applejack that was some fine racing ya did out there!" Ranch boasted as he arrived "Well a'hll be. Ranch Wilder, it's great ta see ya partner!" Applejack and Ranch exchanged a quick hug "So Applejack, how does it feel to get your first ever win in something other then the rodeo?" "Let me tall ya Ranch it's a wonderful feelin' and I didn't do it on mah own. Mah crew for working their tails off to keep the car running perfectly, Jeff for teachin me everythin' he knows, Mr. Hendrick for giving me the opportunity and most importantly mah best friends for their support in this!!!" Applejack had tears of joy running down her face as she named off everyone she wanted to thank, and her friends gave her the biggest group hug ever. Later that night, Applejack was walking back towards her RV after finally getting away from all the celebration, when a familiar man was standing there at the door to her RV. "Damn Applejack, that was some incredible racing you did out there today" Dale Sr proclaimed as Applejack walked up "Well ghee, thank ye kindly Dale. That means a lot to me to hear that comin' for y'all!" Applejack couldn't help but blush "Just keep up the good work Applejack, you'll do great things in this sport" "A'hll sure give it mah all Dale, for you" Dale Sr couldn't help but smile at young farm pony's determination "You know, you remind me of a younger Jeff. So filled with spirit and passion and will to give it your all. I'm proud of you Applejack" Dale Sr gave her a thumbs up before vanishing right before her eyes "I won't let you down Dale, I promise"