Another night done and Lightning Dust was once again heading to the garage to meet up with McClare, as well as Neon. Neon was going to show her how to drive a car or more specifically, how to drive a car like a street racer would. She was a bit uneasy for two reasons, the first being she had no idea how to even work a vehicle. She had made glances at how McClare did it while he was testing the Toyota Supra but she only ever glanced once or twice. Secondly, she was already aware that once she started racing, she was considered a criminal due to the fact that street racing was indeed illegal. McClare had made that very clear the morning prior. She was no stranger to being reckless at the risk of others, although it pained her to think about those early days, never mention she hadn't ever considered doing anything illegal in her life due to her strive to become a professional flier. Now that was not only a thing of the past, but so was her ability to fly which made Lightning ever more willing to take risks. She arrived at the garage where Neon and McClare were waiting out front alongside Neon's GT-R, her new Toyota Supra, and what she recognized as a dark grey Nissan 180 SX which she presumed McClare would be driving. Neon spoke up first.

"Finally your here, i'm sure you're aware which one belongs to you. I'll show you how it works and then we'll make our way to the track so you can get the real feel for it, and by the way I asked McClare to add a little extra for you to try when you got a hold on the basics. We'll show you when your ready for it but for now let's get you situated in."

She and Lightning walked around to the driver side of the Supra while McClare entered the 180. Lightning entered the Supra for the first time on the driver side and got herself comfy in the seat while Neon buckled her in.

"Just remember to always buckle up whether your racing or not, it's a good habit. Not to mention it could save your life when it comes to crashing, especially at high speeds like how racers do it." Neon reassured. Lightning made a mental note of it and Neon handed her a radio.

"What's this for exactly?" She asked.

"Just so we can talk to each other without having to scream through an open window at high speeds, works wonders."

"I hadn't thought of that."

Neon closed the door and headed over to her GT-R, jumping in and fired up the V8 in the Nissan which roared to life, McClare followed suit in the 240 which made a slightly softer but nonetheless roaring sound. Neon came in on the radio.

"Lightning, McClare, check in."

"Read you Neon." McClare responded

"Loud and Clear." Lightning followed

"Now Lightning usually these things have keys that start them up like mine, however since i'm certain only unicorns can handle a key properly both you and McClare's cars have a push to start button located just off to the right and level with the steering wheel. Once you find it press the button and hold until it fires. When I hear your engine start up we'll move on."

Lightning didn't waste her time and quickly located the button in the exact location where Neon stated, then proceeded to press it as instructed, the engine coming to life at her hooves brought the old beast back from it's slumber.

"Good, alright to your right is where you shift gears, and since you have an automatic transmission you only have the four directive options. Each letter on the stick corresponds to the function with D for drive, P for park, R for reverse, and N for Neutral. To switch gears you have to hold the brake down first before you move the shift stick. The brake is the horizontal facing pedal beneath you. Keep the brake down after you shift into drive and let us know when you're ready."

She did as instructed, holding down the brake with her right leg and switched into drive leaving her hoof in position. She also noticed a concealed button a bit further forward that was labeled "NO2."

"All good, what's the other button for?"

"We'll be getting to that later, it's that little special addition McClare added. we'll go single file with you in between me and McClare, wait for me to pass by to the exit and then give it some gas. Not too much though, the pedals are very sensitive."

Neon then proceeded to pull up to the exit, waiting for Lightning to follow. Lightning didn't want to keep her waiting so she applied a mediocre amount of pressure to the gas, which in turn jerked the car forward suddenly much to Lightning's surprise and Neon's enjoyment.

"Like I said, very sensitive."

With the basic functions handled and Lightning finally getting a feel for the steering wheel in front of her it wasn't to far of a drive for the trio towards the abandoned oval. With Neon leading the three cars towards their intended destination is was a quite simple drive with Lightning in the middle and McClare behind making sure she kept pace with the unicorn in front. They pulled up to a four way intersection with a red stoplight intending to go left. Neon activated her blinker.

"Lightning, it's daytime so we don't need any any unwanted attention. That means we follow road rules, so don't forget your blinker."

When did you become so overly cautious?” McClare replied with heavy sarcasm.

“What, it’s not like I do everything illegally! Do you want Lightning in trouble before she can even go a day in that Supra?”

“Well it’s not like it will matter in the long run.” Neon could only sigh heavily before replying.

“McClare, I know what i’ve gotten myself into. In fact if I get caught out in the open with my GT-R i might have to jump ship. With all the heat I have I can’t risk pulling you both down with me. Now, let’s get on with…” Neon suddenly paused. She and Lightning both caught a glimpse of a vehicle pulling to the light on the opposite edge of the intersection. A Dodge Viper SRT10, with matte black paint and a red stripe with matching rim coloring. The pony inside wasn’t visible due to the heavy tint on the windshield, though Neon seemed to know exactly who the driver was as the Viper rounded a left and crossed in front of them. It took a second but eventually Neon pulled her own turn towards their intended destination while the Viper headed towards downtown. Lightning and McClare quickly followed, both unfazed and heavily confused as to why the standoff just occured. Lightning seemed to have the most curiosity between them and broke the awkward silence.

“Neon, who was driving that car? You went really quiet there?” Neon reply could have killed with how venomous she sounded.

“That Stallion is not to be mentioned again, nor trifled with dear Lightning for he is a sore loser… however i’ll give you the courtesy since you were polite. McClare, remember two weeks ago when I visited your place with a flat tire?”

“Yes, you had a hole punched in the left rear. Why?”

“That stallion is why there was a hole in my tire, well it was actually his friends but that is not the point. His name is Rogue Rush. He stopped by town no more than one month ago to sign up for the league and had the dumbest idea of challenging me in a best out of three sprint. Beat him twice in a row without much trouble and when we started the third race I come to find out his buddies have cut a hole in my rear just so he could get one over me. Lesson learned, he is an over confident brat who uses cheap tactics. So, I managed to get myself in a qualifier with him. They inspect the cars so foul play is impossible.”

“He deserves a kick in the teeth.”

“Mind your words Lightning. We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it, right now you have to get some practice in.”

The rest of the ride to the track was uneventful as the entered the long abandoned oval and into the pit lane where Neon and McClare parked their respective vehicles. Lightning continued to take slow rounds on the oval waiting for Neon to give her further instructions.

“Alright Lightning, next time you pass by us I want you to start increasing your speed to what you feel is the limit of your comfort. We’ll continue once your there.”

Slowly Lightning increased the speed of her Supra. 35… 45… 60… 85… she started getting uncomfortable around 90. The pace she was keeping gave her goosebumps, she had gone much faster before while flying but this feeling had no air resistance and she had little control over where the car would go. For a good twenty minutes or so Lightning attempted to increase her speed past 100, every attempt was met with her releasing pressure too much and having speed back up. It was starting to test Neon’s patience. What about Lightning was different when it came to driving. She hadn’t been like this on the road.

“Celestia dangit, Lightning what is going on with you?!” Neon was at the limit of her patience.

“Easy for you to say, you’ve been doing this your entire life!” Lightning’s response was cut short as she entered another left turn. “Just because I can’ fly anymore doesn’t mean I’m not used to flying. No wind resistance, i’m not even moving my body!”

Wind resistance? Neon didn’t pay attention much in school but pegasi seemed to know a lot about aerodynamics and how to use them to their advantage. Not much Lightning could do with herself sealed behind the windows, unless. An idea sprouted in the rational side of Neon’s brain.

“Lightning, I have an idea but you might want to stop over here before you try it.”

“Oh, now you tell me to stop?”

Lightning’s voice was irritated at best but nevertheless she complied and stopped on the pit lane next to her partners. She hopped out clearly rattled by the experience she had just underwent inside the Supra. McClare was concerned for Lightning Dust while Neon began overlooking the interior of the car. She seemed to be searching for something.

“McClare, was it really that bad when you learned to drive?” Lightning asked. She had no idea how the earth pony and unicorn were so comfortable behind the wheel of such high powered machines.

“Not even close, then again it was years ago. Not to mention My parents started me off slow. I practiced for months before I let everything pass. Still, I don’t know what it’s like to be behind the wheel of a car like Neon’s.”

Behind them a slow buzz could be overheard from where Neon was inspecting the Supra, slowly the windows that had been covering the view inside were winded down allowing one to see inside or outside.

“Found it. There you go Lightning, that should be as close as you can get to feeling the air.”

“The windows go down?! Why wasn’t I told this earlier?”

“I thought it was pointless since it didn’t give anything but a better experience. Personally I drive better with them up since it keeps my mane out of my eyes.” A smirk cracked across Neon’s face. “Want to give it a try?”

“Better than giving up now.”

With renewed confidence Lightning once again buckled up in the Supra and set off. With the windows down her cruising speed seemed much more reliable as she could feel the wind once again move through her mane like it used to not even a week ago. It was a new feeling for her, and her confidence grew exponentially. She began to increase her speed and as she did so the wind grow in strength against her, but i could not slow her down. Before she could realize it she was going 130… 140… 150… she was overcome with joy. She felt like herself again, sure she couldn’t pull an acrobatic tricks like before but she had the feeling of speed once again. Neon seemed proud of her and herself, Lightning kept going around the track every time getting slightly faster. It felt like she could go on forever, but Neon had one more thing to show her.

“McClare, keep an eye on her. It’s time I test her myself.”

Without even giving the stallion time to respond Neon quickly made her way into her Nissan GT-R and made her way out onto the track just as Lightning was entering the first turn. Neon knew that the size of the track would limit her speed just enough to make the impromptu race as even as possible. She caught Lightning by surprise on the backstretch and rocketed in front. As they got into the third turn she kicked the clutch and spin the rear tires, turning just enough to initiate a remarkable powerslide. Lightning was mesmerized by the maneuver as the smoke that came the the rear tires of the GT-R enveloped the high line of the course. Upon exit Neon relaxed the throttle and straightened out once again pulling ahead. Blue flames pouring out from the twin exhaust. McClare same through the radio.

“Lightning, I think it’s time to press that button you asked about earlier. I think you’ll like what I did.”

She need not be told twice. Of course pressing the button engaged the nitrous tanks that were installed in the trunk. The sudden boost of acceleration forced lightning back in her seat. She had felt alive again as the dual flames came from her Supra’s own exhaust. As quickly as it began the thrill was over and after a few more laps both the Nissan and the Toyota were parked once again. Lightning was as eager as a young filly and without hesitation hugged the breath out of McClare. Neon was amused by this but still had her trademark straight forward attitude.

“Lightning, don’t make me fight you for him.” It was an obvious joke, but in a serious enough tone to make Lightning Dust release the poor stallion from her grip.

“I think she like the addition McClare.” Neon claimed. McClare only chuckled at the mention.

“A little nitrous oxide never hurts any pony. Nice powerslide by the way.”

“Thanks bro, i’ve been practicing that one in particular for some time now. Just thought i show it to you and Lightning while we're still here.”

“Yeah, well we better get home before it becomes dark. We all have a long night tomorrow, you especially. You want to sleep at my place tonight?” McClare asked the unicorn.

“Of course, keep an eye on my ride for me will you?”

“It would be my pleasure.”

Lightning was far to distracted by her own thoughts to pay attention the the conversation that was occuring. She was only brought out of her mind by Neon saying her name.

“Lightning, take care of yourself tonight okay. Go home and get some sleep, we’ll be waiting at the garage for you tomorrow morning.”

“Thanks, i’ll see you both then.”

With that the two ponies parted ways from the pegasus as Lightning retraced the mental map in her head towards her residence. She parked the Toyota Supra out front making sure to lock it. She immediately made herself a meal and bathed. Entering her room once more but this time with renewed self confidence. She had made friends, she was content with what she had, but she needed plenty of rest. After all, qualifying was to begin the night of tomorrow and she would need to be fully focused.

Author's Note

That took a lot longer than I was expecting, though I'm glad I took my time. I worked out some inconsistency in chapter 2 and 3 before I put this up to make sure I had it edited properly. I did notice a continuity error so I made a subtle edit in chapter 2

However chapter 4 is already in editing stage and I should have it ready to go fairly soon. Thank you for tooning in. Next up is the big night for Neon and Lightning Dust. The qualifying races for Perfect Shift.