//------------------------------//
// Chapter 16: The End of the Legend 
// Story: Life in the Fast Lane 
// by The Wasteland Brony 
//------------------------------//


18 Years later


Applejack, piloting the #24 Pepsi Chevrolet since her 2nd season after her mentor and now longtime friend Jeff Gordon retired, came around turn 4 and took home the checkered flag for her record setting 8th Premier Series Championship and her 110th career victory.

It had been a long, winding road for the amber farm pony. 18 years ago she had won her first career race, which kicked off one of the most legendary careers in NASCAR history. Applejack had some down years, going a couple seasons without a single victory, while other seasons she would win 6+ races. 

Applejack was the lone remaining driver from the field of drivers in her first win. Jeff, Jimmie and Dale had all been inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame with 100% of the vote. She had been crowned rookie of the year in 2015, broke Dale Jr's record for "NASCAR's Most Popular Driver" Award, winning it in all of her 18 seasons.

When she announced that she'll be retiring at seasons end, it was similar to when Jeff announced his retirement all those years ago. Tears were shed but she felt it was her time to step away from the car. 

The very next year, NASCAR inducted her into the Hall of Fame without making her wait the required 5 years post-retirement to be up for the honor. NASCAR also did something they never did before, in agreement with Rick Hendrick, they retired the #24 in both her and Jeff's honor. 

NASCAR most certiantly wouldn't be the same without Applejack behind the wheel of a race car, but she defiantly made an impact that would live on for generations to come looking to live Life in the Fast Lane



Applejack closed the cover of the biography as she finished reading it. On her lap, an earth pony filly sat beaming happily 

"Granny AJ, you are so awesome!!!!" The filly beamed brightly

"Awwww shucks, thank ya sugarcube" Applejack returned the smile of her grandfilly

"When I grow up, I want to be just like you Granny AJ!!!"

Applejack took the old, worn, beaten stetson hat off her head and placed it gently on the fillies head "You'll do great sugar cube"

The old amber farm pony looked up and standing in the door frame was the ghost of Dale Sr, who gave Applejack one final thumbs up before he disappeared. She smiled and a single tear ran down her cheek as her grandfilly had fallen asleep in her lap

"Thank you, for everything Dale"