What happens when a famous racing circuit collides with MLP, Applejack knows
Roaring around the track at 200 mphs , gunning for the checkered flag. When the humans and the Princesses agree to add events to NASCAR, one orange farmpony learns what its like to live the life of a racecar driver
Applejack sat quietly in her hauler, awaiting the signle to begin driver introductions, deep in thought. When her crew chief, Steve LeTarte, came to let her know it was time, she got up and trotted out to the stage at Daytona International Speedway. The announcers said their names two at a time to where they qualified for the race, when it came time for her name, they said:
"From Ponyville, Equestria and the first every pony to compete in NASCAR. Sitting on the pole position: APPLEJACK!!!!!!!" Said the announcer
She stepped out to a large and loud crowd of both humans and ponies. It made Applejack think of the party's Pinkie Pie threw back home.
But I'm getting ahead of myself, let me start from the beginning of this tale.
Not even 2 months before hoof, the Princesses of Equestria and the human racing circuit known as NASCAR agreed to not only hold races in Equestria but to also allow ponies to race in not only the races held in Equestria, but also in the races held in the human world. When Applejack had heard about the new racing series, well actually more like had a poster shoved in her face by the pink party pony, and one of her best friends, Pinkie Pie:
"APPLEJACK, you've got to see this" Pinkie Pie said, shoving a poster in the orange farmponys face
"Woah easy there Pinkie Pie, let me take a look without you tryin to suffocate me" said Applejack with a little chuckle
Applejack took the poster from Pinkie in her hooves. Along the top of the poster were some big, bolded white letter that spelled "NASCAR"
"What in the hay is NASCAR?" Applejack asked curiously
"Just keep reading and you'll see" said Pinkie Pie, who was bouncing up and down in excitement
Applejack kept reading. The poster described "NASCAR" as a human Motorsport where 43 "drivers" compete in races around a track, mostly in the shape of an oval. The drivers competed in things called "race cars" and the poster was basically an "invitation" for anypony who wanted to have a tryout to possibly sign a contract to compete in the "NASCAR Sprint Cup series"
"Well this sounds interestin" Applejack said with a grin
"So are you going to tryout?" Pinkie Pie asked
Applejack thought about it for a moment. The poster also said that signing a contract will give a signing bonus of whatever amount of money, or bits, was agreed apon. Applejack thought that it could give her the chance to make some extra money for the farm, and finally get Granny Smiths hips replaced.
" Sure why not" Applejack said
"I'm so super dopper excited for you AJ, I'm going to throw you a big party when you sign that contract" Pinkie Pie said before taking off like a rocket on a sugar rush
Applejack went and called the number on the poster to set up a date to begin her training in a sprint cup car. It was scheduled a few days from then. The person who answered the phone actually turned out to be the president of NASCAR, and he was very excited for her to come and train.
He told her that she would be spending 4 days with a veteran driver who will help her get the hang of the car, how it works inside and out and many other things to help her with the process.
After she was done on the phone, Applejack decided to do some research on NASCAR, to try and learn as much as she could before her tryout. She decided to go to the one pony in Ponyville who would have anything on the subject, Twilight Sparkle.
Twilight was just finishing putting away the new shipment of books that she and Spike got that morning when Applejack came trotting in
"Hello Applejack, how are you doing today?" Twilight said with a big smile, looking at her best friend
"Howdy Twilight. A'he was wonderin if you had any books on NASCAR? Ya see A'hm goin to be tryin out for one o them there contracts to see about racin" Applejack said, looking at the lavender unicorn
"Well as a mater of fact we just got the shipment of the books on NASCAR just this morning" Twilight said
"Great, mind if a'he take a look through them?" Applejack asked
"Go right on ahead feel free to stay as long as you want" Twilight said as she went and grabbed all the NASCAR books of the shelf and placed them on the table
"Thank ya kindly Twilight" Applejack said as she grabbed the top book and begain reading
The first book she grabbed talked about all the greatest drivers NASCAR has ever seen. Richard "The King" Petty was one of the most dominating drivers ever, holding the lead for career wins with 200
"That sure is a lot of wins, and trophy for that matter" Applejack thought to herself
The next driver was Dale "The Intemidator" Earnhardt. She read that he received his nickname from his aggressive driving style and his black car that when drivers saw him coming, they'd best get out of his. Tragically he lost his life in a crash in the last turn of the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500. A tear rolled down Applejacks face when reading how devastated everyone was when he lost his life, especially his son Dale Earnhardt Jr.
"A'he never even knew the man and already a'he wish I did" Applejack said, whipping the tears from her eyes.
She kept reading until she fell asleep, her head laying down against the book. Twilight used her telekenisis to move Applejack to the spare bed in her room.
"Goodnight Applejack, sleep tight" Twilight said before going to bed herself.
When Applejack arrived at the newly built speedway just on the outskirts of Ponyville, the orange farmpony saw the name of the track imprinted on a very large piece of granite. It was so sleek and shiny that it would probably make Rarity, another one of Applejacks best friends, faint:
"Ponyville International Speedway" said Applejack shine she read the words
From her research over the past few days, Applejack had knoticed that the symbol that was engraved on the granite with the name of the track, very closely resembled the symbol for Daytona International Speedway, more specifically the Daytona 500. The symbol depicted a front/sideways angle of a pony with a combination of a half circle and a triangle behind it. The banner that rapped around the combo, right beneath the pony, said the name of the track.
While she had been standing in front of the stone, a somewhat of a short man was walking towards her. Applejack knoticed the man walking towards her and she turned to look at him.
"Excuse me, are you Applejack?" The man asked Applejack
"Yes sir, a'he am" Applejack replied
"It's nice to meet you, my name is Jeff Gordon" Jeff said with a smile
Applejack had heard his name before, well more like she remembered reading about him in the books she had borrowed from Twilight. Jeff Gordon wasn't that much taller then Applejack, maybe no more then 8 inches from the top of her hat. He was smaller compared to his fellow drivers though.
"It's nice to meet you too, Mr. Gordon" Applejack said with the almost business like tone in her voice, mixed with her southern accent
" Oh please, call me Jeff. I want to be more like your friend and mentor" Jeff said with a little chuckle and smile
"Well a'right then" Applejack said, laughing a little
From what she had read over the past few days, Jeff Gordon was a veteran driver in the sport. His whole career he raced for one team and one team only, Hendrick Motorsports. He had also raced with the same number on the side of his car the whole time as well, that number being 24. She had read that this coming season would be Jeff's 23rd and final season in the sport. When it came to the wins category, there was no shortness there. She had read that he had won 92 races and 4 championships over the past 22 seasons.
"That's even more wins then what a'hve been able to do in the rodeo" Applejack thought when she was reading on Jeff just yesterday
"I'm going to be your crew chief for the next 4 days and in your tryout next week" Jeff said, adding a warm smile
He seemed very enthusiastic and excited to be able to help her with all the training that they will be doing together over the next 4 days. Applejack could already tell that she was going to have a fun time working with Jeff. She already felt like he was a close friend
"That sounds great Jeff! A'he can't wait to get started! Speakin of which, when do we get started?" Applejack asked Jeff
Jeff could hear the excitement in the young farmponys voice. It made him remember back to the day in 1992 when Rick Hendrick, the man who was the owner of his car, gave him that first chance to compete at what was then known as the Winston Cup series. He could see the fire of determination in Applejacks eyes. He could tell that Applejack will succeed in not only her tryout, but in a very lengthy career.
"Just follow me and we can get started right away" Jeff said
Applejack let out a long and loud "YEE HAW" Jeff could tell she was eager to get started
They headed off towards the tunnel that would take inside the track. As they walked, Applejack started bouncing along side Jeff. It made her look like an orange version of Pinkie Pie.
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.
"RARITY!!" Applejack's voice cried out loud with a look of shock and awe, due from meeting her friend in one of the most unimaginable places.
"Why Applejack, darling, it's so good to see you" replied her elegant friend.
Rarity was an alabaster white unicorn, she was the owner of Carousel Boutique and also known as the Element of Generosity and one of Applejacks best friends.
"Rarity, what in Equestria are ya doin here? Ah'd never expected ya to be at a race track! Ya know? With all the dirt and grim and what not..." Applejack bought her hoof to stifle a laugh from escaping. Rarity noticed the sly smile and quickly caught on with one of her friends jokes about her antics.
"Ha, ha, very funny Applejack. But, no darling I'm here to help make your fire suit" Rarity commented, adding a casual flip of her mane with a spare hoof.
Jeff added a agreeing nod and smile. "That's right Applejack, we've asked Rarity to help because how she basically has your measurements memorized by heart".
"A'he guess that makes sense...A'right let's do it!" Applejack shouted with excitement.
As Jeff began demonstrating and telling Rarity how Applejack's fire suit should be made. Applejack decided to take nice look around Jeff's RV. There were many pictures that hung on the wall. Applejack suddenly spotted a picture of a young man in a rainbow colored fire suit, in which this quickly reminded her of her best friend Rainbow Dash. The picture was slightly discolored in a yellowish hue from age. The man in the picture was holding a trophy above his head, with a smile of pure victory.
"That was his very first race that he won" said a feminine voice from behind Applejack. Her ear twitched and the amber mare slowly turned around and was met by a tall and beautiful women standing behind her.
"Oh, I'm so sorry for startling you dear. My name is Ingrid Vandebosch, I'm Jeff's wife"
"Well howdy there Ms. Vandebosch. Don't ya fret you didn't startle me. It's a pleasure to meet ya" Applejack greeted with a warm smile on her face. Great,I'm talkin' fancy now... Applejack thought to herself after saying Ingrid's last name.
"It's very nice to meet you to Applejack, and please call me Ingrid" the woman said, returning another of her kind smiles.
"And...DONE!" Rarity suddenly shouted with delight.
"Wow, that was fast!" Jeff commented on the unicorn's work with an amazed look on his face. Looking at his watch, it had only taken Rarity 10 minutes to make the suit.
"Are ya kiddin', Rarity here is the best fashion designer in all of Ponyville. Shoot, she even made five dresses for me and the others in bout' two hours" Applejack added with a proud smile that formed on her lips.
"Oh Applejack, darling, you flatter me" said Rarity, batting her eyelashes.
"Well here you go Applejack your very own fire suit" said Jeff, holding out the suit to the excited amber mare.
Applejack's jaw dropped as soon her emerald eyes fell on the lovely, detailed suit. It was a combination of black and deep crimson red, with AARP Drive to End Hunger on the front.
"Wow, A'he really like it a lot!" Applejack chirped in glee, taking it from Jeff in her hoofs.
"I also took the liberty of making your helmet as well Applejack" said Rarity as she levitated the object with her magic towards Applejack. Applejack gladly took the helmet and studied the object in awe. It had the same color combo as the fire suit but on the back was her cutie Mark, three shining red apples that sparkled a little in the sunshine. No doubt Rarity put a few little jewels into the apples, but she didn't mind.
"Thanks a bunch Rarity!. A'he really appreciate it!" shouted Applejack, she then wrapped her hooves around her best friend and gave a nice appreciative hug.
"Oh, but of course Applejack, what are friends for" Rarity said as she returned the hug.
Jeff smiled at the display of friendship, but glanced down at his watch. It was almost nine in the morning. "Better get changed Applejack. We need to get down to the garage and get you strapped into the car so you can get accustomed to it"
"A'hm on it, be right back" said Applejack, who rushed off to the bedroom to go hurry and change.
Within two minutes later, Applejack walked out of the bedroom, the fire suit fitted perfectly around her natural curves and body. Everyone smiled and complimented on the new, racer look. But, with so very little time and so much to do. Applejack had to say goodbye to her friend and get back to where she left off. They then walked out the door and back to Jeff's garage.
When they got to the garage, Applejack saw the car for the first time. It was a Chevrolet SS that was the same color as her fire suit, with a big yellow 24 on each side and on the roof. Right above the drivers window was Applejack's signature. Across the top of the windshield, on a black bar, was her name in white block letters.
"This thing is mighty beautiful" said Applejack, staring wide eyed at the machine parked right in front of her.
"Ready to climb in?" said a sudden voice just off to the left of her.
Applejack looked towards where the voice the came from. There was a tall man standing beside her, wearing a similar fire suit to hers.
"Applejack allow me to introduce you to my crew chief, Alan Gustafson" said Jeff.
"It's nice to meet ya partner" said Applejack, shaking Alan's hand.
"Nice to meet you to Applejack. Let's get you in the car, shall we?" Said Alan, pointing to the driver side window.
Applejack walked over to the drivers window and, with a little help from Jeff, climbed into the car. Applejack didn't know why but she felt like she was already accustomed to the car. In front of her was a bunch of gauges and switches.
"This is going to take some time getting use to" Applejack thought to herself.
"Just flip that switch there to start the car" said Jeff, pointing to a red switch.
Applejack flipped the switch, and the car roared to life. Applejack could feel the adrenaline kick in and pump through her veins. Jeff leaned his head in.
"What do you think? He yelled so Applejack could hear him over the roaring engine.
"This thing is really loud. A'he love it a'ready!" Applejack yelled back with pure joy.
She could hardly contain her excitement, wanting to get started as soon as possible.
Applejack shut the car off. The roar of the engine was unlike anything she had ever heard before. The blood was still rushing through her veins. Jeff saw the look on the orange farmpony's face and remembered it well.
"Yup, I had the same reaction when I first turned the car on 23 years ago" Jeff said, laughing at the memory from long ago.
Then he started pointing out and describing to Applejack what the different gauges, switches and peddles did. Once Applejack had it all memorized, she felt like she was ready to go.
"So, what's next?" asked Applejack, eagerness in her emerald eyes.
Jeff handed Applejack her helmet. "Now, it's time to get you on the track"
Applejack took her helmet and put it on properly. Jeff helped her tuck her mane back up under her helmet. He helped strap her in and attached the air tube to the back of her helmet.
Applejack flipped the switch and the car returned back to life with a loud roar. Alan helped direct her as she shifted the car into reverse. She slowly backed the car out of the garage and back out into the sunlight. Applejack had first thought that the first time the car would move she would get intimidated, yet she felt like she was use to it even though it was her first time ever in a car altogether.
Applejack breathed out quietly to herself. "Wow, this is amazing"
Once she got the car moved out onto pit road, she parked the car in the pit box that was marked for her, Jeff's voice crackled over the radio inside her helmet
"Ok you already to go, Applejack?"
She smiled and was ready for the rush. "10-4 Jeff!"
"Alright, slowly accelerate off of pit road and onto the track. Once you get on the track, put the peddle to the floor and let it hang"
Applejack slowly pressed the accelerator down and headed onto the track. Once she got on the slick and beautiful pavement, she slammed the peddle down to the floor.
As soon as she did, the car roared down the track. Applejack felt a sensation she had never felt before. She was going fast, really fast.
This must be what Rainbow Dash feels every time she goes as fast as she can... She thought.
Applejack quickly shifted through the gears like she had been doing it for years, until she was in high gear. She got down to turn three and just like Jeff taught her earlier, she slowly eased the car through the turns. Once she crossed the line, Jeff's voice came over the radio.
"Alright Applejack, we're now timing your laps so we have something to work with"
"Roger that! YEE HAW!!!!" Applejack yelled lively, as she came back through cruising with serious speeds down the track.
There were five ponies sitting in the stands. A lavender purple unicorn, an alabaster white unicorn, a cyan blue Pegasus with a rainbow colored mane, a pink earth pony and a light yellow Pegasus.
Applejacks best friends in the whole world were there to watch their friend race a car for the first time.
"She looks like she's going faster than even you Rainbow" Twilight said, turning to look at her friend
"Pa-lease, I can go faster then these cars any day" Rainbow Dash said while smiling
Applejack eased through turns one and two, on the low line and was quickly through onto the back stretch. On top of the main grandstands, far above everyone and pony else, a white colt with a black and white mane and tail was watching Applejack through a pair of binoculars. Checkered Flag was recently hired at HMS and was training to be a spotter. He radioed down to Jeff.
"She's looking real good already down there Jeff. Car looks like it's running great" Checkered Flag added.
"Copy that Checkered. Keep me posted if the car looks like it's getting loose at all"
"10-4 Jeff" the colt responded.
Applejack was already through turn four and crossed the line.
*Click* went the sound of the lap speed stop-timer.
197.001 m.p.h
Jeff's jaw dropped at hearing how fast it was. He turned to Rick Hendrick, owner of HMS, who was sitting on top of the pit box with him.
"I think we might have something here Rick"
"You know Jeff, I think you're right"
Applejack blazed through the line again after another lap.
Jeff and Rick just sat there, speechless. In no time at all, the orange mare came flying around with intensifying speed.
"CLICK"
199.998 m.p.h
"How is she doing this? This is her first time in a car ever" said the legendary driver, he simply astonished at how well Applejack was doing.
The sound of the loud, roaring engine echoed throughout the stands as she made another fly by.
"CLICK"
201.125 m.p.h
"Go on ahead and bring her on in Applejack" Jeff's voice came over the radio inside Applejacks helmet.
"Roger that Jeff"
Applejack brought the car down pit road and parked in her box. She sat there for a few moments, not even moving. She could not believe she had gone that fast. As soon as she parked a black Toyota with the #11 on it flew by and onto the track
Applejack unbuckled the safety belts and climbed out of her car. Her legs shook a little once her hooves hit the ground, not use to being held in an awkward position for a long period of time
"So, how'd ah do?" She asked, excitement clearly showed on her face
"You're fastest speed was 201.125 mph" replied Jeff.
Applejack blinked her emerald eyes, with a small glimpse of confusion on her face
"Um, it that a good thing?"
"For the fact you've never been in a car before that is absolutely amazing!" said Jeff, a look of absolute joy in his eyes
"Ah shucks it was nuthin'. Ah was just givin it mah all" Applejack said as her face blushed as red as her car.
"So what's next?" asked Applejack as Jeff climbed down off the pit box
"You're done for the day. Go on ahead and head home. Be back here at the track at 7 tomorrow morning" Jeff then kneeled down and gave the natural racer mare a hug.
"Sounds good! See y'all tomorrow"
"APPLEJACK! How'd it go?"
As soon as she walked in the door of her family's farmhouse, a little yellow filly with a big red bow in her mane jumped Applejack and gave her a hug.
"Applebloom, it went fine" said Applejack, returning the embrace.
Applebloom was her younger sister. She was a little ball of energy just like her best friends Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. Neither of the three had their cutie marks yet so they created a little group called the Cutie Mark Crusaders.
"Did you have a good time out there Applejack?" asked a big red stallion with a mackintosh apple cutie mark.
"Yeah ah did Big Mac"
Big Macintosh, or Big Mac for short, was Applejack and Appleblooms big brother.
"Well a'hm glad to see your safe Applejack" said an elderly green mare with an apple pie for a cutie mark.
"Yup ah am Granny Smith"
Granny Smith was the three apples grandmother. She was one of the first settlers of Ponyville along with her parents when she was just a filly. . . But this isn't History class.
"Well a'hm glad you had fun" said Granny Smith
"Eeyup" Big Mac added along.
"You have to tell us all about it!" said Applebloom who was basically bouncing around the room, eager to hear her big sister's time on the race track.
Applejack couldn't help but laugh at her younger sisters excitement, remembering times long since past when she too acted like her little sister.
"Ah will, if you could sit still silly. Y'all as energetic as Pinkie Pie" the element of Honesty exclaimed.
Once Applebloom settled down, Applejack told her family about the day she just had, and that she couldn't wait to go back tomorrow.
The next morning Applejack got to the track at six a.m. The orange mare was already used to getting up before the crack of dawn, and would've already been half way done bucking apples before the first of the residents of the town wake up.
"Don't any of these racers know how to wake up early?" she asked herself quietly.
Applejack had gotten plenty of sleep from the previous night and was up early that morning. She walked through the tunnel and into the infield of the racing track. A few of the drivers were already up and moving, coffee cups in hand.
A tall young driver wearing a black flannel short sleeve shirt that had "FedEx" on the left chest side walked over to Applejack. He was holding a coffee cup that also said "FedEx" on, steam coming out the top.
"Hey you must be Applejack, it's really nice to meet you" the unknown driver said.
"Howdy. Eeyup that's me. Nice to meet you too, uh..." Applejack could tell the man just woke up, but didn't quite know his name to finish the greeting.
"Oh sorry. My names Denny, Denny Hamlin" said Denny, shaking Applejacks hoof.
Applejack had read about Denny in Twilights books. He had twenty-four career wins at the top level and she read that he finished third in the championship standings the season before hand, well, hoof. He was also the only rookie driver to ever qualify for the Chase for the Sprint Cup, which was the playoffs of racing, in 2006.
"It's nice to meet you too Mr. Hamlin"
"Oh please, call me Denny" He said, after which he let out a long, loud yawn.
"Ok Denny. Have you seen Jeff around?" Applejack asked the Veteran driver.
"Yeah he's over in your garage waiting for you. By the way amazing job yesterday, you were the only pony to get over two-hundred miles per hour! " exclaimed Denny.
"Aw shucks thank ya kindly" she said as she walked off towards her garage.
When Applejack got to the garage she saw Jeff sitting in a chair next to the car, a coffee cup of his own in hand. Something was different about the car, it wasn't the same deep maroon red like it was yesterday. Instead it was black and had red and yellow flames on it. The sponsor was also different, it said "Axalta"
"Morning Applejack" the legendary driver said with a smile as he raised his cup to her
"Mornin' Jeff"
"So what do you think of the car?" Asked Jeff.
"Why's it on fire?"
"That's just the paint job. For the next four days you're going to be training with me and also, you're going to be driving four of my sponsors as well" he explained.
"Sounds great!"
"Here I've got something for you too" Jeff put down his cup and grabbed a fire suit and helmet and passed it her. Applejack noticed that Jeff was wearing a shirt similar to Denny's but his said "Axalta" instead of "FedEx"
The fire suit had the same flames as the car did and the helmet looked like it was on fire. Just like her helmet from yesterday, her cutie mark was on the back
"Rarity?" Applejack asked Jeff
Jeff nodded " Yup she's going to be doing your fire suits and helmets"
"Al' right then. So now what?"
"Now let's get you on the track. Today is going to be longer than yesterday and you'll be running in a group of four all day"
"Yee Haw! Finally a little competition" the Element of Honesty proclaimed, excitement and adventure gleamed in her eyes.
"It's going to be you in the #24, a mare by the name of Lightning Dust in the #11, a stallion named Flamefly in the #88 and another mare named Vinyl Scratch in the #4.
She quickly got changed and climbed into her car. She flipped the switch and the car roared to life, and her blood through her veins. She backed the car out and, just like the day before, parked in her pit box. But this time there were three other cars on pit road. She knew the #88 but instead of having Nationwide Insurance on it like yesterday, it said "Kelly Blue Book" instead. She saw the #11 that said "FedEx Ground" it was black with green. Finally she saw the #4 that said "Jimmy Johns" on it.
"You ready to go?" Jeff's voice came over the radio.
"Yup a'he am"
At once the four cars pulled off of pit road and onto the track. In no time at all, like if Applejack was maybe to be born for this sport. She already had the car at the front of the pack and was leaving the other three cars behind in the dust.
Jeff just couldn't believe how she was doing, and his special quest on top of the pit box was also very impressed.
"So what do you think Mr. Petty?" Jeff turned to the legendary and hall of fame driver.
Applejack began accelerating to some dangerous speeds, that if you blinked, you would surely miss it.
"CLICK"
198.364 m.p.h
"I think she's going to go very far, Jeff"
Richard "The King" Petty watched as Applejack roared and flew around the track. With another pass by through the checkered line, all was seen was nothing but a blur.
As Applejack came around on her 25th and final lap of the session her speed came in at 201.000 mph flat. She drove her car down pit road and parked. 2 laps later Vinyl Scratch in the 4 and Flamefly in the 88 joined her. 4 laps after them Lightning Dust finally brought the 11 down pit road. After Applejack got unbuckled and climbed out of the car, Viynl was already there in front of her.
"Yo AJ those were some sick moves out there, almost seems like you've been driving your whole life" said the albino white unicorn with electric blue mane, her ruby red eyes staring back into Applejacks emerald eyes
"Aw shucks thank ya kindly Vinyl. Y'all didn't do to bad yaself out there" Applejack said
Jeff and Richard climbed down from the pit box and headed over towards the two mares
"Well see ya later AJ looks like Octy wants to talk with me" Vinyl said and she headed off towards a gray earth pony who Applejack knew was Vinyls mare friend, Octavia.
"Applejack there's someone I want you to meet. This is Richard Petty" said Jeff
"It's real nice to meet you Applejack"
"Uhhhhhhh" was all that could escape Applejacks mouth as she stared at the legendary driver in front of her. She quickly snapped back to reality
"It's real nice to meet you to Mr. Petty"
"Oh please just call me Richard" Said Richard, giving one of his trademark laughs
"So Applejack I was thinking. Since you've meet mine and the other HMS drivers family's why don't you introduce us to your family?" Said Jeff
"Well shoot y'all like family to me now, of course y'all can meet ma family"
It took Applejack and the 5 drivers longer to get to Sweet Apple Achers then expected because all the ponies in town wanted not only autographs and pictures with the 4 HMS drivers and the Legand but they also wanted her autograph and pictures with her. They finally made it to the the farm where Big Mac was out front bucking apples off an apple tree, Apple Bloom catching the falling apples in the basket on her head and Granny Smith was relaxing in her rocking chair on the porch of the family homestead.
Apple Bloom noticed the new arrivals and a big smile appeared on the little fillys face
"Applejack Applejack!!!" Apple Bloom squealed in delight as she ran up and gave her big sister an even bigger hug
"How'd it go today Applejack?" Big Mac had asked his younger sister, giving the two a big hug
"It went great Big Mac" Applejack said, returning the embraces
Granny Smith had slowly, but surely, trotted her way over to the group and gave her oldest granddaughter a hug
"Apples a'he would like to introduce you to some new friends of mine"
"This here is Jeff Gordon. He's been the one teaching and mentoring me through this here thing" Applejack said, pointing towards Jeff
"It's nice to meet you all" said Jeff
"And these are his teammates Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne and Dale Earnhardt Jr"
"It's very nice to meet you" said Jimmie
"A pleasure to make your accaiatneces" said Kasey
"Howdy" was all that Dale Jr said, but in a friendly kinda way
"And finally here is NASCAR royalty, Richard Petty, also known as The King"
"It's my honor to meet you all" Richard said
Applejack then turned towards the drivers and introduced them to her family
"This here's the Apple family. My little sis Apple Bloom, ma big brother Big Macintosh or Big Mac and our grandmother Granny Smith"
Big Mac came up and shook the drivers hands with his hoof, Granny Smith gave them the best hug she could and all Apple Bloom did was just bounce around the drivers
"Y'all look mighty hungry. Why don't y'all come inside, a'he just finished makin up some fresh apple pies" said Granny Smtih
"Yes please I am starving" said Dale Jr
"Your always hungry" said Kasey
Once everyone and everypony was inside the kitchen and sitting down (after Big Mac brought in some extra chairs) Granny Smith served them all a big slice of homemade apple pie. The drivers started telling the apple family members about story's of their careers. But the talking wasnet all about racing, the drivers also talked about the family's, their hobbies, etc.
Then Jeff started prasing Applejack for what she was doing on the track
"She's a natural born racer" said Jeff
"I think she'd be able to beat me in a race" said Richard
Everyone started laughing, but not from what the King just said. It was at that moment that Apple Bloom decided to pull a little prank, and Kaseys face was covered in Apple pie, but he was laughing to
"It's good to finally be pranced by someone other then my teammates"
As the 5 drivers said their goodbyes and said they'd see Applejack in the morning, she headed off for bed.
She was walking through the halls of the NASCAR hall of fame, admiring all the history of the sport. When she turned the corner, she saw a tall man standing in front of a Chevrolet Monte Carlo that said "Goodwrench" and had a big bold 3 on the side
The man turned to look at Applejack and she stopped in her tracks and just stared at the most Legandary driver NASCAR had ever seen
Dale Earnhardt Sr
Applejack could not believe her eyes. Dale Sr was standing right in front of her
"Hello Applejack, I do believe you know who I am?" said Dale Sr
"Yes sir a'he do" Applejack replied
"I've been watching over NASCAR since that fateful day I lost my life. I've seen young rookie drivers come, old veteran drivers go. I've watched over my son Dale Jr ever since that day as well. But the one thing I've found interesting about you, Applejack, is that I've never seen anyone or anypony ever get behind the wheel for the first time and do it like it's 2nd nature. Your going to go far in this sport Applejack, and I'll be watching over you the whole way" said Dale Sr
"Thank ya kindly sir" said Applejack
"Please, call me Dale"
"A'right Dale" said Applejack
"Oh and one piece of advise Applejack" said Dale Sr
"What's that"
"Stay away from the wall"
The sound of an alarm clock going off made Applejack awake.
"A dream, it was only a dream. But it felt so real" she said to herself
Applejack reached over and shut the alarm off but she didn't move. Dale Sr's last words still echoing in her mind
"Stay away from the wall" she said to herself
Applejack arrived in the infield and just like the day before very few drivers were up and about. As she walked towards the garages she saw Denny just climbing out of his RV. Denny smiled and waved at her
"Morning Applejack" Denny said
"Mornin' Denny"
"Jeff's in the garage waiting for you"
Applejack got to her garage and just like the day before Jeff was sitting waiting for her, coffee in hand
"Top o' the mornin to ya Applejack" Jeff said as he handed Applejack her new helmet and firesuit
"Mornin' Jeff"
"What do you think of the car? asked Jeff
Applejack looked at the car. There were no flames or anything fancy, it was just a combination of silver, red and yellow with "3M" on the hood
"Looks mighty shiny"
Applejack quickly got changed and climbed in the car. She flipped the switch and the car roared to life. She grew to love the sound of the engine. She was the first one out on pit road this time, but as soon as she parked in her box Viynl drove the #4 out on the road with "Outback" on it
"What in the hay kinda sponsor is Outback?" She said to herself, but she wouldn't want to know now would she.
"Ok Applejack were going 50 laps today so your going to have to bring the car in at lap 35 for a pit stop or you'll run out of gas" Jeff's voice came over the radio
"Roger that"
The 4 cars followed the pace car out onto the track this time and did a couple of parade laps around the track. Once the pace car ducked off the track and onto pit road, a man waved a solid green flag and Applejack floored it
She was already through turn 2 by time the other 3 even got to turn 1.
Lap 35 came up quickly for Applejack, who had already put the other 3 cars more then 2 laps down. Jeff's voice came over the radio
"Ok Applejack bring the car in next time round"
"10-4 Jeff" Applejack replied
Applejack brought the car down pit road and into her pit box. As soon as she stopped, it was like a flood gate opened and crew members were over the wall and jacking the car up and replacing the tires
"What in Tarnation, these guys move fast" Applejack thought to herself
In no time at all Applejack had fresh tires and a full tank of gas and she was off and back onto the track in no time. By the time she came around and crossed the line she could see that Vinyl had brought the 4 car down pit road.
It was lap 49 and Applejack was just cursing her way along
"You are not going to put me another lap down" Lighting Dust said to herself as she saw Applejack closing in on her
Lightning Dust wrenched the wheel to the right, making contact with Applejacks front quarter panel. Lightning Dust and the 11 car ended up in the wall while the impact sent Applejack and the 24 car spinning around down the track, straight for the wall
"Hit the breaks and turn to your left" Applejack heard in her ear, but it wasn't Jeff's voice. It was Dale Sr's
Applejack hit the breaks and turned the wheel to the left, avoiding the wall and coming to rest in the infield grass just after the finish line
"What the hay just happened" Applejack asked herself
"Like I said, stay away from the wall" Dale Sr's voice said in her ear
Applejack climbed out of her car and looked around. The 4 and 88 cars were parked on pit road and both Vinyl and Flamefly were running towards her
"Holy Cow AJ are you alright?!" Vinyl asked, a hint of panic in her voice
"How in Equestria did you avoid hitting the wall?" Flamefly asked
"Ya a'hm a'right Vinyl and that's a long story Flamefly" Applejack responded
Jeff was running over to Applejack
"That was amazing Applejack, how did you avoid the wall"
"Long story Jeff. What the hay was Lightning Dust thinkin, tryin ta spin ma out" Applejack said
Applejack looked towards where the 11 car came to rest. The car was totaled, pieces and parts were everywhere.
"Why don't you call it a day Applejack. Tomorrow's the last practice before the tryout" Jeff said
"A'right Jeff. A'hel see y'all tomorrow"
Applejack was walking through the garage area at Daytona International Speedway. She noticed how similar they had made Ponyville International Speedway to it. She turned a corner and saw Dale Sr again.
"Thanks for ya help out there today" Applejack said to the Legand
"Don't sweat it, just looking out for ya. Have fun out there Applejack" said Dale Sr, and he was gone
Applejack awoke with a start as her alarm clock started going off. She reached over and shut it off and got out of bed. She grabbed her old worn brown Stetson hat that she got from her father when she was just a filly. She thought to herself
"I thought only Princess Luna could go into dreams"
Applejack arrived at her garage bright and earily like the days prior and, like the days before, Jeff was waiting for her
"Well Applejack, today's your final day of practice.......... sort of" Jeff said as he handed the amber farm pony her firesuit and helmet
"What do ya mean by sort of?" The Element of Honesty asked curiously
"Well today's practice is going to be used more as a qualifying thing for your tryout. You see the tryout is model after the Sprint Unlimited"
Applejack remembered reading in one of Twilights books that the Sprint Unlimited was held one week before the Daytona 500. It was like a heat race of 75 laps
"And your going to be doing it in the 4 cars that you have practiced in over the past 4 days. The Drive to End Hunger, Axalta, 3M and the car to your right in the Panasonic car"
Applejack looked at the car to her right. It had the usual 24 on the side but it wasnet the yellow color that Applejack had come to know, but instead it was white. The car also was a light blue in color with "Panasonic" on the sides
"Well a'right then. Let's go do this thing"
Applejack had drivin the Panasonic car out onto pit road where she was met by an assortment of colors and cars. By her pit box was the Drive to Ed Hunger, Axalta and 3M cars that she had raced the previous 3 days. The Panasonic car was backed in next to the Axalta car and she climbed out
"So how this is going to work is that qualifying will be split up into 3 rounds, and each round dosent end until you've gone and made at least one pass in each of your cars" Jeff explained
"Sounds simple enough"
"But now it's you and the other 44 ponies who have been practicing with the drivers so it's going to be real tough. Fastest 24 advance from round 1 to round 2. Then the fastest 12 go to round 3, and the fastest car/pony at the end of round 3 will win the pole for the tryout showdown tomorrow" Jeff said to his star student
"A'right. When do we begin?"
"Climb into the Panasonic car and right now"
Applejack climbed into the Panasonic car and started the engine. Jeff climbed ontop of the pit box and waited. Then all of a sudden the command came from NASCAR and qualifying was under way. Applejack quickly got out onto the track first and was quickly down the back straight
"Make me proud Applejack" Dale Sr's voice said in her ear.
In no time at all Applejack clocked a speed in the Panasonic car
"CLICK"
200.000 MPH
Applejack brought the car down pit road and backed into her pit stall. She was quickly out of the Panasonic car, into the Drive to End Hunger car and was off again.
"CLICK"
202.429 MPH
The Axalta car
"CLICK"
200.001 MPH
The 3M car
"ClLICK"
200.003 MPH
It was already the 3rd round of qualifying and Applejack was the only one to get above 200 mph. For the 3rd round the ponies only got to use the car that they had been going the fastest in. For Applejack it was the Drive to End Hunger car
"Alright Applejack go get that pole position" Jeff's voice came over the radio
"CLICK"
203.000 MPH
"Word from NASCAR: Congratulations on setting the track record"
The official word came from NASCAR: Applejack and #24 Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet has won the Pole Position for the Tryout Showdown
Applejack pulled her Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet into Victory Lane after winning the Pole Position for the Tryout Showdown. As soon as she climbed out of the car the crowd erupted in applause. Reporters of both human and pony kind were surrounding her and the car. Jeff came up to Applejack
"That was absolutely amazing Applejack, outstanding" Jeff praised
Applejack couldn't help but blush at her teacher, her mentor, her friends remark
"Awww it was nothin' just doing ma best was all"
Miss Sprint Cup came up and helped Applejack applie the "Sprint Cup Pole Winner" sticker on the sides of Applejacks car. After a quick press conference Applejack headed for home
When she got to her family homestead, she was met with a big party thrown by, you guessed it, Pinkie Pie
"APPLEJACK, CONGRATS CONGRATS CONGRATS" Said the Pink Party pony at about a mile a second
Applejack looked around. Her family was there, her best friends, Jeff, Dale Jr, Jimmie, Richard and many other of her friends
"What's this all for" asked Applejack
"It's for you winning the pole for the showdown silly" replied Pinkie Pie
A big smile came to Applejacks face and tears of joy rolled down her cheeks
"Thank ya everypony.......... and one"
The party lasted long into the evening until Jeff said that Applejack needed her sleep for it was a big day tomorrow. Applejack hugged her best friends and Jeff goodbye and was off to sleep
Applejack was back at the Hall of Fame and saw Dale Sr. Sr had one very big smile on his face
"Applejack that was some of the most impressive driving I have ever seen. Your making me proud to see that the furturama of the sport is in good hands........... er hoofs I should say"
"Thank ya so much Dale. It means so much to me hearin that from you" Applejack replied
"Go win that tryout tomorrow" and with that Sr disappeared
The sound of her alarm clock woke Applejack up
"A'hll do ya proud Dale"
When Applejack arrived at the track it was way busier then previous days. The garage was a hive of activity getting the cars ready for the Showdown. The stands were also starting to fill up with fans! both human and pony alike, awaiting the start of the Showdown.
Applejack met Jeff at her pit box. With her winning the pole she got the first pit stall on pit road, close to turn 1.
"You already to go Applejack" Jeff asked
"Sure am"
Applejack got changed and climbed into her car, got strapped in and was waiting for the commend.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, mares and gentlecolts, it's time for the most famous words in motor sports. Here to give the command, please welcome Princess Twilight Sparkle"
"Drivers Start Your Engines" Twilight said into the microphone
With that Applejack flipped the switch and her car roared to life. She pulled away from her pit stall and onto the track. Every other car followed her onto the track and followed the pace car.
After 2 parade laps around the track the pace car pulled down pit road. The green flag was in the air and they were under way.
Applejack floored it and quickly pulled away from the other cars. By the time she was through turn 2 the other ponies were barely through turn 1.
"Come on. Can't anypony else even keep up with ma" Applejack said to herself
Lap 35 came and Jeff's voice came over the radio
"Time for a pit stop"
"10-4 Jeff" replied Applejack
Applejack brought the car down pit road and into her pit stall. 11.2 seconds later she was out and back onto the track
It was around lap 52 when it happened. The mare driving the 14 car got lose and slammed into the side of Vinyl in the 4 car. Vinyl tried avoiding the oncoming car but couldn't react in time. The collision sent Vinyl into Mr. Cake in the 48 car and Carrot Top in the 10.
Applejack saw the wreck happen and Dale Sr's voice came in her ear
"Brakes brakes brakes, slow down and avoid the wreck"
Applejack did as Dale Sr said and she got through without a scratch. The yellow caution flag was waving and Applejack slowed down as the wreck was cleared
They were all set back up for the restart. Applejack had led every lap up to that point and she was restarting on the front row along side the 78 car. Applejack read about the 78 car and the team that owned it, Furniture Row Racing. She had read that it was a single car team from Denver, Colorado and the driver was Martin Truex Jr. Furniture Row Racing was also the only NASCAR team west of the "Mississippi River"
Applejack hadn't met who the pony was who was driving the 78, but she could see out of the corner of her eye the name above the window, and what she read shocked her
Rainbow Dash
Lap 74 came quick for the Element of Honesty. Applejacks car was a dream to handle, her pit stops were flawless and she had put over 3/4s of the field a lap down. She came up on Lightning Dust in the 11 car again and Lightning tried the same thing
Applejack saw it coming and quickly avoided the 11 car. The white flag was out for Applejack who came around and took the checkered flag and won the Tryout Showdown. Applejack took a parade lap around the track and, like a seasoned winner, did her victory doughnuts
Applejack pulled her car into Victory Lane to the roar of applause from the people gathered there. She undid her restraints and, instead of climbing out onto the ground, she climbed up on top of the car. Hoofs raised in the air in victory, Applejack was suddenly showered in cider and confetti.
Jeff walked over and helped Applejack down, he was also the first one give her a big hug
"That was some of the best dang driving I've ever seen" said Jeff, tears of joy coming down his face
"Awww shucks thank ye kindly Jeff" Applejack said as she returned the hug
When Applejack finally realesed from Jeff's hug, she was bombarded by literally everyone else. Flash bulbs going off, interviews taking place, and finally she was handed the trophie for winning the Tryout Showdow.
Applejack finally made it home a good 2 hours after the race, due to the fact that every pony in Ponyville wanted her autograph. When Applejack walked into the kitchen of her family homestead she was met by Jeff, Dale Jr, Kasey, Jimmie and Rick Hendrick. They all had big smiles on
"Take a seat Applejack" said Rick, indicating to the chair directly across from the legendary team owner
Applejack sat down and noticed a document sitting on the table in front of Rick
"Applejack, I want to offer you a contract to drive the #25 Chevrolet SS for Hendrick Motor Spo-"
"DEAL!!! Where do a'he sign?" Said a very enthusiastic Applejack
Rick slid the paper over to Applejack and handed her a pen
"Right on the dotted line"
Applejack took the pen in her mouth and signed her signature along the bottom of the page. She was officially a NASCAR driver. As she was heading off to bed, she caught something out of the corner of her eye. When she turned to look it was Dale Sr, or his spirit. He smiled and gave Applejack a thumbs up, then he was gone.
The next morning, Applejack awoke to a very loud yet very familiar sound of a race car engine. She quickly jumped out of bed and grabbed her Stetson. She quickly ran over to her bedroom window and looked out to see a deep blue Chevrolet SS with the #25 along the sides and roof. It said "Pepsi" along the sides and on the hood
Before she knew it, Applejack was outside faster then Pinkie Pie on a sugar rush (and that's saying a lot)
The new car shined in the earily morning sun and Jeff was leaning against the car
"Here you go Applejack, your own race car"
Applejack was speechless until she was able to muster
"Thank you so much Jeff"
"Your welcome.mnow we need to get rolling. We need to be in Daytona Beach by day after tomorrow for speed weeks. I've got some tickets here for your family and friends"
Applejack took the tickets and, with a hoof written note, set them on the kitchen table.
When Applejack returned outside after gathering some of her belongings, she was amazed to see a BIG motor coach and 18 wheeler siting outside. The semi truck was the same color scheme as her car and it had a picture of her painted on the sides of the trailer with her name as well
"How do you like your RV?" said a man who Applejack did not know
"Oh sorry where are my manners. My names Steve LeTarte and I'm your new crew chief" said Steve
"Howdy there sugarcube, nice to met ya"
"Well we better get rolling"
With that Applejack climbed into her RV. It was very big on the inside and looked like the inside of Jeff's RV.
They started rolling and were quickly through the portal into the human world.
Chapter 12: BOGITY BOGITY BOGITY LETS GO RACING BOYS (and Ponies)
Well here we are, back in the present (took us long enough) but we're finally back
Applejack awoke from the nap she took and looked out the window. She was both surprised and shocked at the sight.
She was in the human world for the very first time, and Daytona International Speedway. They were already parked in the infield by the garages and it was about mid-morning but the garage area was super busy.
Applejack climbed out of her RV and looked around. It looked just like Ponyville International Speedway in every aspect. As Applejack was taking in the sights, a somewhat of a tall man was walking towards her. She looked and recognized him immediately from the Twilights books.
"Hey you must be Applejack. I just wanted to stop by and introduce myself. I'm Brad Keselowski" said Brad
Applejack knew of Brad Keselowski all to well from Twilights books. The 2012 Sprint Cup Champion and the driver of the #2 Ford Fusion, Keselowski was a hard racer who wasn't really respected by his fellow drivers for his cocky aditude and selfishness. Applejack didn't appreciate someone like him
"It's nice to meet you to sugarcube" Applejack said with a slight hint of a growl under her breath
A day later Applejack was placed in the 4th spot for the Sprint Unlimited by a blind draw. She was standing by her car talking with her new spotter, Checkered Flag
"Don't worry AJ, I'll keep an eye out for you from up above the grand stand"
"Thank ya kindly sugarcube, a'he really appreciate it"
Both the American National anthem and Equestrian anthem was concluded, Applejack strapped into her car and awaited the command, which was given, once again, by Twilight Sparkle
"DRIVERS, START YOUR ENGINES" Twilight said into the microphone
Applejack flipped the switch and her car roared to life. Once the pace car started rolling off pit road, she followed the 3 cars ahead of her, which ironically where 3 of her HMS teammates in Gordon, Johnson and Earnhardt Jr.
When they came around for a 2nd parade lap the lights on top of the pace car went out, singling one to go. Applejacks' heart rate went up as they approached turn 3.
Up in the broadcast both were the usual 3 men from Fox Sports who had been broadcasting for together for the past 15 years. Mike Joy, Larry McRynolds and Darrell Waltrip were joined by a new member of the broadcast booth. He was a tall stallion with a dark reddish-brown coat with dark blonde mane and tail with a darker streak of blonde through the mane. Ranch Wilder had been a broadcaster for the radios back in Equestria and had moved onto NASCAR.
"And the pace car ducks down pit road and here they come" said Mike Joy
"BOGITY BOGITY BOGITY LETS GO RACING BOYS AND PONIES" Darrell and Ranch said in unison
At the drop of the green flag Applejack floored it and quickly picked up a draft with Dale Jr, sending Dale into 1st and her in 2nd
"Woah Nelly Dales a fast guy" Applejack thought to herself
It didn't last long though as by lap 3 Dale could see that Applejack was considerably faster then him so he moved up the track a little and let Applejack take the lead, then quickly falling back down to pick up her draft
"I've got your back Applejack" Dale Jr said over the radio to Applejack
"10-4, thank ya kindly sugarcube" Applejack replied
Much of the race was uneventful as Applejack held the lead with Dale following her. They were coming up on the final lap when Brad spun out, brining out the caution
"What should we do AJ?" Steve came over the radio
"A'he think we can out run them sugarcube, stay out" Applejack replied
"10-4, go get them" said Steve
It was going to be a Green-White-Checkered
"This has been an amazing race with Applejack in that #25 Chevy leading almost the whole race. Here we go for the restart" Darrell said
The green flag dropped and once again Applejack shot out front, but it wasn't Dale in her draft this time, it was Jeff
1 lap later Applejack came around and saw the white flag waving. She put her hoof to the floor and was quickly around
"Here come through turn 4 and making NASCAR history, Applejack will win the 2015 Sprint Unlimited" said Mike
Chapter 13: The Taste of Victory, with a hint of Apples
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
Applejack sat quietly in her hauler, the sounds of the crowd growing in intensity from the outside. The past week had been one of the craziest and most busiest weeks the amber farm pony had every experienced in her whole life.
Since winning The Sprint Unlimited the week prior, she had been mobbed with reporters, fans and fellow drivers alike all wanting to get to meet the up and coming driver, whose unbridled racing talent was rare to come by.
A knock came at the door to her hauler and Steve walked in "It's time for driver introductions Applejack" Said Steve
"Thank ya sugarcube" Applejack replied as she grabbed her trusty stetson hat and trotted out of her hauler. It was a beautiful, bright sunny day in Daytona Beach, the perfect conditions for race day. As the races grand marshal, Princess Twilight was given the honor of introducing the full 40 car field for the Daytona 500. The drivers were called two at a time until she got to the top 10.
"Starting 10th in the #19 Stanley Tools Toyota, Carl Edwards" a bit of a tall man walked down the path, high fiveing his beloved fans as he did
Twilight flipped to her next card "Starting 9th in the #42 Target Chevrolet, Kyle Larson" A man around Jeff's height did as Carl did before him before climbing up into the bed of a Chevrolet Silverado, that made it's parade lap around the track
"Starting 8th in the #27 Menards Chevrolet, Paul Menard. Starting 7th in the #11 FedEx Grounds Toyota, Denny Hamlin" the two men did as Carl and Kyle had done
"Starting 6th in the #4 Jimmie John's Chevrolet, Kevin Harvick" The 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion walked down the path to a thunderous roar of applauding and cheering. Twilight flipped her cards as it was time to introduce the top 5.
"Starting 5th, in the #78 Furniture Row Chevrolet, MARTIN TRUEX JR!! Starting 4th, in the #17 Fastenal Ford, RICKY STENHOUSE JR!!!!" The two men walked down the path as the previous drivers before them and climbed into the bed of another awaiting truck. Applejack, was back behind the stage, pacing as her name was now only 2 drivers away.
"Starting 3rd, in the #18 M&M's Krispy Toyota, KYLE BUSCH!!!!" The youngest of the Busch brothers walked out to a mix of cheers and boos "Starting 2nd, in his final season of full time competition, driving the #24 AARP Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet, JEFF GORDON!!!!" Jeff did as Kyle and walked out, but the crowd applud and cheered louder for him then for any of the other drivers
"And finally, starting on the pole, she's the first ever pony to compete in NASCAR!! Driving the #25 Pepsi Chevrolet, 2015 Sunoco Rookie of the year contender and my best friend, APPLEJACK!!!!"
She finally made her way down the path to a roaring applause from the crowd as she joined Jeff in the bed of the final Silverado
"Your going to do great today Applejack. Me, Dale, Jimmie and Kasey all have your back out there. Heck even Kevin and Larson said they'll be looking out for you" Said Jeff as the truck started making its parade lap
"Ghee, thank ya kindly Jeff. It means a whole lot to me to be hearin' ya say that" Applejack had started to cry a little before Jeff helped comfort her.
After all the parade laps were finished and both the American National Anthem and Equestrian anthem were sung, it was finally time to give the command
"Race fans, it's time for the most famous words in motor sports!!! Here to give the command, the Princess of Friendship herself Twilight Sparkle!"
The crowd roared as Twilight held the microphone in her magical grip "DRIVERS, START YOUR ENGINES!!!!"
At once the combined harmony of 40 engines roared to life as Applejack flipped the switch, bringing her car to life. The pace car, a 2015 Ford Mustang, started driving off pit road as Applejack shifted her car into gear and followed after it. The rest of the field followed suit as the pace car lead them onto the track and onto the back stretch.
Suddenly all sound was blocked out from Applejack's helmet, and a very familiar voice could be heard.
"This is it Applejack, go out there and show the world what you got" Dale Sr's voice came over the radio
"I won't let you down Dale, I won't let you down" the world came back to Applejack as the pace car ducked down pit road and they came towards the starting line
"And the season is underway, here we go!" Said Mike up in the broadcast booth
"BOGITY BOGITY BOGITY, LETS GO RACING BOYS!!!!" Said Darrell and Ranch in unison
The green flag dropped and Applejack floored it quickly getting in front of Jeff, who ducked in behind her and helped give her the draft pushing her through turns 1 and 2. Applejack quickly looked in her rear view mirror and saw the field was 3 wide behind Jeff, who had Kyle right on his bumper.
"Ok Applejack, keep it steady your looking good out there" Checkered Flag's voice came over her radio
"10-4 Checkered" Applejack kept her hoof to floor, easily reaching 200 miles per hour down the back stretch with Jeff and Kyle right behind her.
After 45 uneventful laps in which Applejack lead them all, it was coming time for the first round of pit stops "Bring her in next time by Applejack" Said Steve over her radio
"10-4 Steve" The next time Applejack came around turn 4, she pulled down to the apron and easily brought her car to pit road speeds. Once Applejack pulled off, Jeff followed her and quickly into his pit stall which was the 40th stall on pit road. Applejack soon pulled into her pit stall and her pit crew quickly got to work. Matt Kenseth had the stall behind her and quickly pulled in right behind her
"Kenseth wanted me to pass along a message to you Applejack: Keep up the great work out there" said Steve
"Tell him A'he appreciate it" Applejack replied and her pit stop finished, taking off quickly as soon as the car was dropped off the jack. Applejack didn't regain the lead right away, not until Johnson finally pulled down pit road for his pit stop.
The race had gone pretty well for Applejack. After the subsequent pit stops, she had lead about 110 of the 185 laps run at the time. Everything was looking good until Danica blew a tire and spun out, taking almost half the field with her
"What should we do Steve?" Applejack asked her crew chief. The caution happened with 3 laps to go, sending the race into overtime, and Applejack didn't know if they should take the risk of coming in and getting fresher tires but lose the lead
"Stay out AJ, even on older tires you've been much faster then the field" replied Steve
"10-4 sugarcube, thank ye kindly"
The pace car once again ducked down pit road and Applejack could see Martin Truex Jr lined up beside her. She had a flashback to the Tryout Showdown, where the #78 was lined up beside her on the final restart of the race. The green flag dropped and she floored it, but Truex Jr was able to keep beside her even through turn 1 till the amber farm pony managed to get around in front of him.
Applejack came around turn 4 and saw the white flag being waved
"Put everything you've got into Applejack!!!" Dale Sr's voice came over her radio
"This is it folks, the final lap of the Daytona 500!!! Can Applejack hold on and add her name to the list of legends who have won this legendary race for her first career win!!" All the broadcasters in the booth were cheering her on
Truex Jr was putting up one heck of a battle against her, but Applejack managed to keep him behind her as they exited turn 4 and came down the straight away
"For the first time in NASCAR history, a pony has won a race!!! APPLEJACK WILL HOLD ON TO WIN THE DAYTONA 500!!!!!"
Applejack couldn't believe it. In one week she had accomplished a feat that not only nopony had done before, but was also rare in NASCAR all-together. Winning both the Sprint Unlimited AND the Daytona 500 was fenominal. After taking an Alan Kulwicki (she remembered from her studying that he had won the NASCAR Winston Cup championship back in 1992 who had tragically lost his life in an "airplane" crash the following year) style victory lap, she ripped the wheel around and did her victory doughnuts.
The Daytona 500 win wouldn't be the only win that Applejack would record during that season. She won the July Daytona race as well, the Coke Zero 400. She won the longest race of the year at Charlotte in the Coca-Cola 600. Once September finally rolled around with the conclusion of the 26 race regular season, Applejack found herself on top of the points standings with 5 wins. Not a record for most wins by a rookie, but by pony it was.
It was now time for the start of The Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Jeff had captured a pair of wins on the season (the spring race from Martinsville and the July race from Indianapolis) and found himself sitting 2nd in points. In fact, all the Hendrick Motor Sports cars had found their way into victory lane over the season.
Applejack collected another 3 wins during the chase. The first race of the chase from Chicagoland saw her lead well over half the race, the October race from Talladega, showing that Applejack was developing quite the dominance on the Superspeedways. But the final win of the season was the most memorable.
The Championship race at Homestead-Miami Speedway. After fighting hard the first nine races of the chase had dwindled the chase field down from 16 to 4. Applejack was joined by Kevin Harvick, Martin Truex Jr and her mentor Jeff Gordon for the ones competing for the championship.
Applejack had a great qualifying effort,qualifying 5th for the race only to have an engine problem that caused her team to swap out engines, and due to NASCAR regulations that meant she would have to start from the 40th starting spot. That didn't last for long as by lap 25 Applejack found herself battling Truex Jr for the lead, and she quickly overtook him.
Applejack was again having the time of her life as she piloted her car around the track and brought home the checkered flag, with Jeff finishing right behind her in 2nd.
"What a way to cap off a historic season for the young farm pony, APPLEJACK IS THE 2015 NASCAR SPRINT CUP CHAMPION!!!"
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
