Author's Note

Note: This story will be run in the background of the real life 2020 Nascar Season and therefore some events from there will be mentioned here in varying degrees. Let's get some out of the way early.

Ryan Newman's Daytona crash will not be mentioned in this chapter as the race is on a Friday while his crash happened the week after on Monday. It will come to light next week at Las Vegas.

I decided to get Kyle Larson's cut from Gannasi out of the way early. As such, Matt Kenseth will be mentioned in places where Larson would be during the season.

Some notable stories from the lower series will come up when they are relevant. Watch out for those.

And finally, this is an alternate earth where the Corona Virus did not impact the world and therefore the state of Nascar. I will write the period of which it happened accordingly.

Thank you for understanding and enjoy the story.

Race 1: Daytona

Equestrian Cup
Daytona Beach, Florida
Speedweeks: Wednesday
Daytona Equestria 250 Qualifying

“She’s held the fastest lap for almost the entire session. I shouldn’t be surprised, we have the best Toyota engines in the sport.” Spitfire noted to Rainbow Dash.

“We have the only Toyota engines in the series. All of the other teams couldn't muster up any extra cars. Besides, The only reason she still has the pole lap is because I haven’t taken mine yet. I’m the last one on track.” Rainbow replied boastfully.

Lightning Dust currently held the pole qualifying position for the Daytona race on Friday afternoon. They were scheduled to go on before the truck race at night.

It made sense that her #11 FedEx Express Toyota had the fastest lap, it was the exact same as the one Denny Hamlin ran at the Daytona 500 the year prior. Functionally, all of the cars in the Equestria Cup Series were the same as the ones in the Monster Energy Cup. She had the car to beat. Both of the Joe Gibbs teammates had already qualified, Spitfire currently settling in 7th and Fluttershy a little further back in 12th.

Rainbow was informed of her upcoming qualifying lap and was lead to her car as Pinkie Pie’s #9 Chevy just missed the pole time by a hundredth of a second which put her on the front row.

Rainbow got geared up in her racing uniform, the heat resistant suit being tailored specifically for the ponies that would be racing. She also was required to add safety padding to her wings to ensure they were protected in the cramp stock cars. It may have been annoying to her, but safety regulations were just that and she needed to accommodate herself to the changes. She strapped on her helmet as she entered her #18 Skittles Toyota Camry. Unlike Kyle’s rose red Camry, her Camry was Cyan just like her coat but sported the same livery as Joe Gibbs Racing’s two time champion. Her goal was simple, beat the pole lap set by her teammate.

She was the last scheduled qualifier for the day, once her time was done the grid would be set for tomorrow. She pulled away from the garage and out onto pit road. As she was given the go ahead onto the track she stayed on the apron as per regulation before entering on the back straight and picking up speed. She would need a perfect lap to set the new time. She took her warm up lap, which was usually much slower in Super Speedway tracks like Daytona. Coming around she had the 4th fastest first lap. This didn’t mean much, Lightning’s had been the 7th fastest.

The JGR engine was one of the best in NASCAR, and it showed bringing her to it’s top speed as she exited turn 4. The car crossed the line in excess of 190 mph. She held the bottom in turn 1 and 2, remembering Daytona’s fastest line through the corner. Trained like an expert by an expert she exited the corner and hugged the wall down the straight. Her crew chief began taking notes.

“You're ahead of the pace by a fraction of a second, no mistakes.”

She was ahead of Lightning’s pace, but only barely. Turn three was done exactly the same as turn 1. However in the middle of turn 4 the car bottomed out ever so slightly. From an outside perspective it was barely noticeable but the correction was huge for making up time. She went half a lane high and pulled slightly harder to correct it. She would be livid if this cost her lap. The exit of turn 4 was smooth and she crossed the line, awaiting the results of her crew chief.

“45.836, that’s P1. Great job, .012 seconds faster.”

“Yes! Ok I’ll pull it around.”

A solid lap, one that gave her pole. JGR also had the entire front row on lock. If everything went well, this race would go down as a win. However, this was Daytona. Rainbow had to be prepared for anything.

Qualifying times.

P1. #18 Rainbow Dash 45.836
P2. #11 Lightning Dust 45.848
P3. #9 Pinkie Pie 45.858
P4. #2 Rarity 45.862
P5. #24 Viral Velocity 45.866
P6. #48 Twilight Sparkle 45.874
P7. #40 Akula 45.892
P8. #19 Spitfire 45.909
P9. #22 Applejack 45.915
P10. #42 Sunset Shimmer 45.920
P11. #6 Scootaloo 45.923
P12. #4 Vinyl Scratch 45.928
P13. #20 Fluttershy 45.930
P14. #95 Danger Dean 45.936
P15. #88 Starlight Glimmer 45.939
P16. #1 Trixie Lulamoon 45.947
P17. #12 Sweetie Belle 45.953
P18. #14 Lyra Heartstrings 45.959
P19. #10 Octavia Melody 45.972
P20. #3 Oscura Galaxia 45.985
P21. #8 Bloothy 45.994
P22. #41 Derpy Hooves 46.007
P23. #37 Vapor Trail 46.036
P24. #47 Sky Stinger 46.083
P25. #21 Apple Bloom 46.631

Noon, Friday

“Welcome back to our live coverage of the Daytona Equestria 250, I’m Mike Joy joined today by Darrell Waltrip and Jeff Gordon. We are just a few minutes from the starting command and Darrell, I thought it would be a good idea to talk about favorites. Who do you think has the best chance winning here today?”

“Well Mike the way I see it it comes down to 2 things, experience and ability. All of these cars on the grid today are from the top teams in the Monster Energy Cup series. Joe Gibbs, Hendrick, Penske… and at Daytona any of these cars are likely to come home a winner. Looking at the grid here I’ve got two picks and it’s the cars on the front row. Rainbow Dash and Lightning Dust. They put out great times yesterday and their cars are running well. Denny Hamlin won this race the year before and Kyle Busch is the defending cup champ so these ponies have two of the best drivers teaching them. I’m sure they’ll do great.”

“Jeff?”

“You can call me biased Mike but I like the odds of Viral Velocity, she has the most off season experience in the whole field. She’s starting fifth on the grid today and I know from personal experience that the #24 is fast here at Daytona. I have three Daytona 500 wins in that car and I’m confident in her ability to grab one today. Also, don’t count out Akula. Starting 7th and has just as much experience as Viral. Kurt’s been working with him very hard to get him used to the driving style in stock cars but he has plenty of Open-Wheel experience. Juan-Pablo Montoya and Danica Patrick are both former open-wheel drivers themselves. They have plenty of experience at Daytona. His former mentor Lewis Hamilton in F1 actually once drove a cup car a few years back. Don’t count him out, he could very well be a surprise winner today.”

“Personally, The second row is promising. Pinkie Pie and Rarity. One with pure adaptability and reflexes and one who knows how to take care of one's car. That’s important here at Daytona when talking about The Big One. A multi car wreck known for showing its ugly head at Super Speedway tracks like Daytona. A driver that can avoid these wrecks and stay at the front always has a good chance. Dale, picks?”

The coverage switched to Dale Earnhardt Jr. down in pit lane with the cars about to head onto the track.

“Thanks Mike, I was having a chat with 7 time champion Jimmie Johnson the other day and we shared a similar prediction. His protege Twilight Sparkle driving his #48 Ally Chevrolet. Starting 6th today, she showed a lot of Promise in the off season. Another pony that could come from further down the pack is Vinyl Scratch mentored by former Daytona 500 winner and 2014 Cup champion Kevin Harvick. They seemed to fix the engine trouble they were having in the Stewart-Haas Ford’s so expect them to race to the front. She’s starting 12th today. Back to you Mike.”

“Thanks Dale, when we come back we will be getting the call to start engines. The Daytona Equestria 250 starts right after this.”

Rainbow could barely contain herself. After being stuck in the mandatory drivers meeting and a team meeting on top of it she was finally getting settled into her Joe Gibbs Toyota. To her right, her teammate and friendly rival. Behind her, her closest friend and likely biggest challenge today. And further back, 20 or so other cars that all wanted a chance at winning the inaugural Daytona Equestria race. She secured the helmet to her head and made sure all of the safety features were properly secured. The window net was put up and she gave the NASCAR official the all clear as did every car behind her.

“Radio check, can you hear me Rainbow?’

“Loud and clear.”

“Spotter check.”

“All good, the crowd looks great from up here. I can see your parents.”

“Please tell me they aren’t causing a ruckus.”

“No ma’am, all clear from here.”

“Check. Okay, we’ve got pole position and you have the inside lane for the start. I’m not liking the lack of Toyota’s up front but we’ll make it work. Let’s have a good race, Kyle will be watching. Let’s get this done right.”

“Driver’s… Start… Your… Engines!”

Rainbow fired up the Toyota Camry, the Joe Gibbs Racing engine brought to life. A chorus of engines fired up alongside it. Soon, the pace car pulled away. She and Lightning followed it immediately as the rest of the field followed behind. The pace laps began as drivers began to heat up the tires and brakes of their race cars for 5 laps. While they did so, Mike and Jeff took turns discussing the starting grid.

“While we are waiting for the pace laps to wind down let’s take a look at the starting grid for the race. Row One with a pair of Toyota’s, Defending champ Kyle Busch's protege Rainbow Dash on pole was the last to qualify and last year's winner Denny Hamlin has his protege Lightning Dust on the outside. Row Two, Pinkie Pie in a Chevy and Rarity on the outside taught by 2012 champion Brad Keselowski. Row Three, two Hendrick Chevy's with Viral Velocity and Twilight Sparkle piloting the famous #24 and #48 respectively.”

“On Row Four, Open Wheel veteran Akula in the #40 Chevy, mentored by veteran driver and 2004 cup champion Kurt Busch, and Spitfire in the #19, mentored by 2017 champion Martin Truex Jr. Row Five Applejack whose mentor Joey Logano has a win here at Daytona as well as the 2018 championship and Sunset Shimmer who recently got acquainted with her new mentor Matt Kenseth. Row Six the youngest driver in the field Scootaloo and Vinyl Scratch both in Fords mentored by former Daytona 500 winners Ryan Newman and Kevin Harvick.”

“In Row Seven another pair of Toyota’s with Fluttershy and recent addition to Joe Gibbs Racing, Danger Dean in the #95. Row Eight has a pair of close friends with Starlight Glimmer, mentored by Dale Jr who swept this track in 2014, and Trixie Lulamoon. Her mentor Jamie McMurray won this race in 2010. Row Nine Sweetie Belle and the pony tutored by Clint Bowyer who once finished here upside down, Lyra Heartstrings.”

“Row Ten, Octavia Melody and Oscura in the #3 with Richard Childress Racing, a team that almost didn’t make the season. Her mentor Austin Dillon won this race in 2018. Row Eleven Bloothy in the #8 and Derpy Hooves mentored by two time cup champion Tony Stewart who owns that car. Row Twelve Vapor Trail and Sky Stinger. Sky's mentor Ricky Stenhouse Jr. has two wins at plate tracks but has never won here at Daytona. And alone on Row Thirteen Apple Bloom who had a spin in Qualifying and didn’t post a fast lap. Trevor Bayne brought that #21 to a victory here in 2011.”

“Let’s have a chat with the pole sitter for this race as we get ready to start, Darrell?”

Rainbow got a key in her radio from a new setting. Kyle mentioned to her that the broadcast announcers would sometimes have in car chats with drivers before the race. She gave her crew a momentary silence and switched channels."

"Rainbow Dash, this is Darrell Waltrip in the broadcasting booth. Can you hear me?"

"Yes sir, what's up."

"Just a couple things to ask you. How does it feel to be on pole for the first race of the season?"

"Feels great, I do pride myself on being fast and I gotta thank Kyle and Joe Gibbs for the ride."

"Good, speaking of. You're getting mentored by the defending cup champion. Kyle has plenty of experience at Daytona, do you think his experience that he shared with you will help today?"

"Most definitely, I'm glad to be taught by a veteran of the sport. I know the fans out there listening are split because of his racing. I'll put it to rest that I'll race like any other driver, but I will race to win."

"Great to hear. Ok, last thing. As I'm sure you are aware Daytona is known for tight pack racing. Do you plan on riding with the pack up front or dropping back if it gets too crowded"

"I'm not one to back down when it comes down to it. I'll do my best to keep the car intact but I'm not backing down when the race nears its end."

"I'm sure any driver would tell you the same thing. Good luck out there today."

"Thanks Darrell."

Rainbow turned her radio back to her standard dial.

"Back in"

"Good to hear, we will be coming around to the green shortly. You have launch control, but we still have a couple more laps."

Back in the broadcast booth, Mike and his companions gave a rundown of race strategy and talked with some reporters in the pits.

“Let’s get some late breaking stories for our drivers from pit road, Steve?”

“Thank you Mike, beginning here at the very front of pit road at the stall of the #24. The plan for today, go big or go home. Viral has yet to say a bad thing about her car all week. She’s starting on the 3rd row today, and her crew chief is very enthusiastic about the race Matt Yocum.”

“Well Steve, so to is the #9 team. Pinkie is starting 3rd this race and she has been fast all of Speedweeks, even outshining her mentor Chase Elliot in some places. Instead of trying to hold back all of her energy her team has recently adopted a new strategy. They are gonna let her have at it today on the track. Expect her to run up front all day. Krista?”

“Well let’s talk about veterans, but not the kind you would expect. I’m here at the #40 pit box for Akula who will be starting this race in row four. Being an open wheel veteran has made the transfer to stock cars challenging for the former F1 driver but he has been getting plenty of lessons from 2004 champion Kurt Busch as well as some help from his other mentor Lewis Hamilton. Back in 2012 Lewis had a chance to run a Chevy cup car at Watkins Glen. The challenge now is that the cup cars in 2020 are very different from the cars in 2012. Word has it that he was racing this track when it first opened up for Speedweeks just to get his bearings. Now he’s got confidence in his car, and he’s ready to get it done Jeff.”

“Well Krista speaking of the Busch family I’m here at the #18 box for this race's pole sitter. Defending champion Kyle Busch has high hopes this race for his protege starting up front. I also talked with last year's Daytona 500 winner and Kyle’s teammate Denny Hamlin, same story for the #11. Both drivers will be starting on the front row, and will be holding nothing back I’m sure.”

“Thanks Jeff, it’s partly cloudy here in Daytona and thankfully no rain in sight. The temperature sitting around the low 70’s while the track is just a bit hotter in the high 70’s. All races this season will be half the length of a Monster Energy Cup race and at Daytona that’s a perfect 100 laps. Fuel should not be a factor in the first two stages but the fuel window is between forty and forty-four laps. Should make stage three a one stop play for most drivers. Pit road speed here is 55mph.”

As the field paced into turn 3 Rainbow eyes up her teammate ever so slightly. The black and green #11 next to her was just as fast as her #18. Kyle made sure to tell her that at Daytona the team meant everything. Working together was a possible strategy. It was comforting to have one right next to her, but her other teammates were a few rows back. She and Lightning would get stuck in a hole with no other Toyota's around. So she made a plan. The field came around turn 4 and onto the front stretch. As they did so, Darrell said an alternate phrase of one of his iconic commentator lines.

"Boogity, Boogity, Boogity… let's go racing at Daytona every pony!"

"Ready? Green green green. Good luck today."

The Toyota's were even on the start, but Rarity's Ford was able to push the car ahead of her ever so slightly. Lightning started to inch ahead of Rainbow but it was all part of the plan. Heading into turn 1 she cleared her and pulled inside. Rainbow pulled in behind making sure the Ford to her outside had no room to fit. The Toyota's were now 1 and 2. Behind them Viral gave Pinkie a shove ahead as well and Twilight cleared low to get behind them. Now there were three Hendrick Chevrolet's behind the Joe Gibbs Toyota's. The pack scrambled behind and by the time the first lap was completed most of the pack had settled in. A large group of Ford's was starting to run the outside behind Rarity while Lightning, Rainbow, and others covered up the bottom. At Daytona the bottom was always the preferred line.

Lap 5

"Trash on the front of the #11, she's gonna want to get behind you to get that off."

"Am I clear behind?"

"Half a car length."

"I'm gonna push her and get some distance."

"I'll let 'em know… do it on the backstretch, she'll cover up in turn 3."

As planned, Rainbow eased up to Lightning's bumper. The draft allowed them to rocket ahead of The pack for a short time. Going into turn 3 Lightning pulled high and around behind her. She soon pulled in close behind, using the air to suck the trash off the grill of the #11

"Trash is off, clear behind to the #48."

Lap 9

"Clear 4 back to the #40. Double wide behind. No one has tried a third lane yet."

"How are the other Toyota's?" Rainbow asked her spotter.

"All inside lane, nose to tail behind the first group of Chevy's."

"I don't like being alone up here with just Lightning behind me. Any way that we can get the team bunched up?"

"We can bring you all in for an unscheduled stop. We'll lose track position for the first stage but you will all be nose to tail." Her crew chief mentioned.

"If everyone agrees I'm all for it."

"I'll patch it through…. Confirmation all around. Pit this time by, remember your signals."

As Rainbow rounded turn four she placed a hoof out the window to signal she was coming to pit road. So too did Lightning, Spitfire, Fluttershy, and Dean behind her. All five Toyota's pulled in for a full tank and two tires. They left in the order they entered.

"Now coming off turn four she's going to lead her fourth lap… wait she's got her hoof out the window signalling that she's heading to pit road as does Lightning behind her. In fact it looks like the entire Toyota crew is heading in, everyone else gets away cleanly and continues on. Marty?"

"Thanks Mike, Rainbow came over the radio just last lap saying she needed more help from the Toyota's up front. The problem was they were all stuck in the back. So the crew chief made the call. Everyone is coming in for two tires and fuel and they are heading out onto the track together."

"Thanks Marty. Some strategy being pulled here in the early stages of this race."

"We've seen the Gibbs cars do this exact thing on Daytona in the past. No surprise that they are utilizing the same ideas from previous races. It's gonna cost them time but together they can keep their speed up enough to stay on the lead lap."

Lap 17

All five Toyota's were now lost to the lead pack, bunched up single file with Rainbow leading them. Her spotter was taking some light work. They were crossing the line to complete lap 17. The leaders were coming into turn four. The lead pack was slightly faster but at the rate they were going they likely wouldn't catch them. He watched them come out of turn four. As they exited the corner a blue Chevrolet got loose on the inside lane and spun down towards pit road. A single car spin, uneventful but necessary to communicate.

"Spinner behind you in turn 4. Keep digging… Caution is out back it down. Stage 1 is over."

In The broadcast booth, the cameras got a much better look at the action.

"Coming this time by, it will be three laps to go in stage one… trouble! One car spinning towards pit road, Trixie. Looks like she's gonna keep it off the wall. That's gonna bring out the caution and the end to stage one with Pinkie getting the first playoff point of the race with her first stage win." Mike announced

"Great job by Trixie keeping it off the wall. Jamie McMurray must have done well coaching her during the off season." Jeff followed.

"As the results come in for stage one let's take another look at this race's first caution…"

The replay was brought up for the broadcasters to see. The view zoomed in on the back half of the field. Trixie's #1 was in full view on the right of the screen coming off turn 4. As it came onto the front stretch it lurched up just a bit and the back end came around. Consequently she spun around.

"Coming off of turn 4, everything looks good so far… Whoa, she just came around."

"You know Mike we never mentioned it in the pre-race but turn four is a hot spot for spins. It doesn't take any contact, but that banking coming off the corner can sometimes wiggle the car just enough to spin it out. It happens to veterans of the sport and no surprise it happened here."

"I expect everyone is gonna pit with the exception of the Toyota's. That's gonna put Rainbow up front for the start of Stage 2."

Stage 1 Results

1. Pinkie Pie +10/+1 Playoff Point
2. Twilight Sparkle +9
3. Viral Velocity +8
4. Akula +7
5. Rarity +6
6. Sunset Shimmer +5
7. Applejack +4
8. Starlight Glimmer +3
9. Vinyl Scratch +2
10. Sweetie Belle +1

Rainbow was feeling much more confident on the restart. Not only did she still have Lightning next to her, but every Toyota backing them up. The restart was clean, but Rainbow put up a fight off the line. Now that she wasn't worried about being left to dry she wanted the lead to keep. She got it, and Lightning pulled in line behind her as Spitfire let her in. Danger let Fluttershy into line as well making it so all Toyota's were lined up. However, the first car on the outside got plenty of momentum while they were setting up the line and Pinkie got right up to Rainbow' s corner. She tried to block the lane but the #9 Chevy that was pushed by her teammate was too quick to cover. Rainbow pulled back down to cover the bottom again. Now the lanes were even. For every car on the bottom there was one on the top. However, the odd prevailed soon enough and after a few laps the inside lane began to pull away. Soon enough the Chevy's on the outside settled in line on the bottom as the Ford's attempted to bunch up once again, still led by Rarity.

Lap 38

Two laps in the stage left and now the inside was breaking apart. The Toyota's had broken away from the initial pack and settled into their own line. In the second pack the outside lane was beginning to prevail. Rarity and Applejack would come down to cover the lane in the corner and come up in the straights to pick up the draft. Something done by veteran drivers like their mentors Brad and Joey. There was no chance of catching the lead pack so getting stage points was priority.

After two more laps the Toyota's crossed the line to end stage two, Rainbow leading the group.

"That's a stage win. First step towards the playoffs." Her crew chief noted. No cautions during the stage, it was likely that every car would come into the pits.

Stage 2 Results

1. Rainbow Dash +10/+1 Playoff Point
2. Lightning Dust +9
3. Spitfire +8
4. Fluttershy +7
5. Danger Dean +6
6. Rarity +5
7. Applejack +4
8. Twilight Sparkle +3
9. Vinyl Scratch +2
10. Akula +1

As suspected, every car came down to refuel. What was not expected was the strategy the Penske Ford's pulled off. All five of them took right side tires only while every other car took four. Rainbow barely beat Rarity off the line, maintaining the lead for the next stage. She mentally thanked her crew, as they worked lightning fast to make sure she stayed out front. Now the tables were turned. She had a Ford on her outside. While she did have Lightning still behind her in third so too did Rarity have Applejack behind her. The Ford's, which had been running on the outside line the entire day, were now fighting for the lead by doing so.

On the restart both cars on the front row put their all into the launch, as did their respective pushers in row two. It seemed as if Rarity was about to clear Rainbow and come down. Just as she was beginning to do so Rainbow got a final push. She was still under her. That didn't stop Rarity from coming down into her right front. The contact was minimal and there was no spin as both drivers corrected themselves. That didn't help with how furious Rainbow got.

"Did she just {Expletive} come right down into me?!"

"Cool it, not gonna get anywhere mad. How is it?" Her crew chief reassured her then asked.

"Nothing feels damaged, no vibrations."

"No visual damage from up here, keep digging. Still outside."

Up in the booth the commentators got a good look at the contact between the two.

"Not quite clear! Oh little contact there but they both keep it straight." Jeff pointed out.

"Darrell, I saw a puff of tire smoke there. I think that the left rear might be going down."

"I agree, and none of those Ford's took any left sides on that last stop. That tire could go at any moment."

"I wouldn't want to be in that outside lane if and when it does."

Lap 48

“Still outside… still there.”

Rarity and Rainbow had been trading the lead for several laps. The momentum for both lanes had been equal. On the bottom, the group of Toyota’s were in full force. On the outside, the Ford’s had lined up as well. Problem was with every lap that Rarity pushed the left rear, it got worse and worse from the contact. On the eighth lap, with her leading the race on the outside, the tire blew.

"Still outside, help coming to you. Spinning outside, they're wrecking behind you! You're clear, caution out back it down."

Rainbow got a good look at the tire shred as the #2 came around right next to her. The car did a near full spin before the left front smacked the wall, The entire outside lane buckled like an accordion as Applejack hit first, then Vinyl, Then Sweetie Belle hit Vinyl enough to lift up her car. The #22 was shoved sideways into the #2 as a majority of the bottom lane got away damage free. Behind the initial four cars Apple Bloom got into the wall for some right side damage but was able to check up enough to avoid adding to the pileup. As some of the top lane was trying to get slowed down Octavia was spun into the side of Starlight on the bottom lane by Scootaloo and several cars swerved into the grass to avoid the wreck including Derpy, Lyra, and Trixie. They were lucky to not tear up their splitters and drove away.

The announcers in the broadcast got to see it all in real time.

"...and Trixie? She's recovered from the early spin and is settled in about 18th place." Mike was bringing up the earlier spin

"And I'll tell you Mike it's the final stage, you never know when these drivers are gonna… oh no!" Darrel mentioned before the wreck began to form

"Oh the #2 around, that left rear finally went! And that's gonna stack up the outside lane!"

"Big wreck…" Was all Jeff could muster up to say.

“The #22, the #4, the #12. Several cars spinning into the infield.”

As the wreck finally settled down the announcers began to account for all the cars that had damage.

“Apple Bloom in the #21, the whole right side is torn away from that car. The #88, some right front damage on that car as well as damage on the #10.”

"The #2, major damage to the left front. There's the #4… as well as Sweetie Belle in the #12. Looks like the #22 as well, she's gonna drive away."

“Holy Smoly…” Darrel spoke up.

"Well Darell, what was that you were gonna say?" Mike asked his companion.

"You never know when they are gonna wreck. There she is."

"The left rear tire of the #2 goes down, and just like that half a dozen cars have damage. That's gonna put an end to some races tonight."

When the pile up settled a few cars that simply spun out trying to avoid the wreck began to drive away. Most of the cars in the tail end had little damage. Octavia and Starlight drove away with dents where they had made contact and Apple Bloom’s entire right side was scraped away. The decals were mostly scrapped off including the Menard's sponsor sticker. Finally littered in the bottom of turn 3 were the four wrecked cars of Rarity, Applejack, Vinyl, and Sweetie Belle.

The #2 was caved in on both the left front where it hit and the right side where AJ was slammed into her. The damage to the left rear showed exactly what had caused the massive wreck. Applejack fared the best with some rear end and right side damage. She managed to re-fire the car and drove away. The damage however was severe, she would not run the front for the remainder of the race. Vinyl’s entire rear suspension was destroyed and the front end damage was enough to total the radiator, she was going nowhere. Finally, Sweetie Belle had the worst damage. The entire front of the car was destroyed beyond comprehension and the wrecker would be needed immediately.

By regulation, all three drivers that could not drive away released the window net which was a signal to the safety workers that they were all uninjured.

The pack came back around to turn three in a single file line with Rainbow still in the lead. Her spotter warned her to watch out for any debris which she did pay attention to, but she was still mesmerized by the sight. As she passed by, Rarity had already gotten out of her car and had her helmet off. The unicorn shot a glare into Rainbow’s car before she went to the ambulance as per safety regulation.

“She just eyed me up, and I don’t like it when she stares.”

“Everyone saw it, the live coverage was zoomed right on her.”

“I had a word with her spotter, he owned up. As far as I am concerned it is dealt with.”

“We aren’t in the fuel window. Don’t pit, I’m sure we’ll get more of these soon enough.”

As the coverage continued on during the lengthy caution the announcers were given several replays of the wreck. Up first was a shot from the infield going into turn 3. As it did before, the #2 went around rapidly as it got into the corner.

“Yep, I’ve seen plenty of left rear blowouts and that is exactly what happened.”

“You called it Darrell, and as the #2 goes around the entire outside lane bunches up like an accordion and there is absolutely nowhere to go.”

Next up was a head on shot from the turn 3 wall.

“Coming at you…”

The crash happened suddenly as the field blazed past at over 190mph. The view now switched to a few onboard views.

“Onboard with Rainbow Dash….”

“Still outside, help coming to you. Spinning outside, they're wrecking behind you! You're clear, caution out back it down."

The camera caught the blowout and subsequent spin, then switched to the bumper to watch the chaos in the turn. Up came another onboard.

“From Viral…”

“Still outside, push coming. Wrecking in front, stay low… low… clear. Caution’s out.”

Viral had been 8th in line on the inside lane. As she came into the turn a large smoke cloud began to build on the outside. Suddenly the outside lane buckled as she blasted past.

“That shows you how fast these wrecks can happen, almost no time to react.”

The onboard switched again.

“With Starlight…”

“Stay with it, help is coming. Spinning up top, back it down! Back it down! Low… We’re in it. Get it straight. Coming to you with right front damage.”

Being much farther back Starlight had much more time to slow down. Unexpectedly the #10 came down into her and knocked her sideways.”

“Almost through, a little right front damage but nothing serious.”

The view switched to one last onboard.

“With Applejack here, hang on.”

“Inside, help is coming. #4 is behind you… get low, low! We’re wrecked. See if you can get it going. Alright, bring it back around. What do ya got?”

As the #22 entered the corner there was no time to react as the car in front of her came around wildly. She got on the brakes but was punted from behind and spun around into the #2. As the field carried on the car slowly descended off the embankment onto the apron. As the cars settled around her, the car was re-fired and began to move along.

There was one more replay, a zoom shot of the collision between Vinyl and Sweetie Belle.

“Whoa, Vinyl on top of Sweetie Belle’s hood. That looked like something we saw at the Daytona 500 last year huh Darrell.”

“Yes it is Mike, Almirola and Ragan. And i’m gonna say it again. She’s checking what springs she’s running right there.”

"The #21 also hit the outside wall pretty good. That’s where all that right side damage came from."

A final replay was shown as the broadcast went to commercial.

"The action firing up at Daytona as some contact on a restart leads to this massive pileup in turn 3. We'll be right back."

After a few caution laps the field once again formed a double wide restart. For the third time that day Rainbow and Lightning were 1st and 2nd on the restart. Behind Rainbow on the inside lane was Spitfire, Fluttershy, and Stage 1 winner Pinkie Pie. Behind Lightning sat Danger Dean, Akula, and Viral Velocity.

The green flag was shown and the race restarted once again. Dean gave Lightning a shot immediately and Rainbow put up no effort as Lightning covered up the bottom lane. Dean in turn was shoved ahead by Akula and Viral and was pushed to the lead. Rainbow expected him to follow the team and come down low.

Going into turn one, that did not happen. Not only did the #95 clear both lead cars but so to did the #40 and #24. The three car tandem rocketed ahead down the back stretch as Lightning, Rainbow, and the rest of the pack were left in the dust by the three cars in front. Dean had not only dumped Lightning, he had dumped the entire team in one go.

Lap 62

"As the field comes back around to complete lap sixty-two let's head down to the infield where Matt Yocom is having a word with the driver of the #2. Matt?"

"Thanks Mike, I'm here with Rarity just after her release from the infield care center. How are you feeling?"

"Physically I'm fine darling, just winded after the hit. Little disappointed, Penske and Miller Lite brought me a great car here today and it could have come home a winner. Instead we ended up tearing up a lot of fellow Ford's."

"How about Rainbow Dash, any hard feelings after the run in?"

"Certainly not, yes I was upset with her at first afterwards but it wasn't her fault. I can't exactly blame her for what happened. She works hard at whatever she does and I have to give her the benefit of the doubt."

"So no grudges or anything similar?"

"No, as far as I'm concerned we are still friends."

"Alright Mike, back to you."

Lap 71

The race was now reaching the three quarter mark. All cars had last pitted on lap 40 and with fuel windows that would mean the final stop, if performed under green flag, would be in about ten laps.

Rainbow had settled in fifth behind Lightning as a way to keep pace with the three cars in front. While Dean, Akula, and Viral had maintained a sizable gap on the rest of the field but they weren't at all pulling away. With most of the Ford's that had been running the high line either being wrecked or out of race contention a sizable single file line had built up. Every so often the pack would pass by either the #21 or #22, both of which had returned on track from the first big wreck several laps down.

The lead pack went into turn three a bit bunched up. Akula tucked in behind Dean, but he did so on the right rear. The #40 bumped the #95 ever so slightly but it was enough to send the car down the embankment. Dean attempted to correct the car, but he over-corrected… majorly. The car fishtailed back and slammed the wall violently, momentarily sending it into a wild spin. Viral got down low quickly and passed Akula as he was coming down to avoid the aftermath. Behind them, the second pack was coming fast.

"..Clear all the way, they are still in line behind you. Spin up ahead, wrecking in front of you. He's gonna come down… go high, high, high."

Rainbow reacted swiftly to the directions given by her spotter. As the #95 ricocheted off of the wall, it was set on a collision course with her right front. Lightning ducked onto the apron to avoid getting clipped and Rainbow went up the track to avoid the car coming back down. Behind her Pinkie did the same and by the time the rest of the field came by the wreck was down onto the apron and out of harm's way.

"Clear, cautions out. Back it down. Phew, good work there."

"Thanks for the help, how's Dean."

"He's probably shaken up... but he just put the window net down. He's climbing out now."

"Oh thank Celestia."

While no stranger to heavy impacts at Daytona, the announcers were audibly appalled by the violent crash. It didn’t take long for a replay to be brought up. The first one focused in on both the #95 and #40.

“Alright let’s see what happened here. Coming into turn three…”

“Mike you can see the #40 pushing him, he’s right on that right rear corner. You can push here on the corners but if you push in that right rear it unsettles the car..."

As the contact was made the Toyota began to slide to the left, as it spun back around the tires caught and brought it nose first into the outside wall. The impact knocked the car on two wheels, but the car settled back down on all four tires and came to rest on the banking under turn two.

"...Wow what a hit.”

“You’re right Darell…”

The replay switched to a unzoomed angle.

“...and when the back end comes around you can’t do much but hang on.”

“As a driver who’s raced at Daytona, sometimes it’s better to ride out a spin than to correct it. Especially when you’re that far ahead of traffic. You’re less likely to get hit in the aftermath.” Jeff mentioned, having been a four-time champion in the sport.

“And Jeff, that hit right there… We call that a tank slapper. He hit that wall a ton.”

The feed was switched to a view from inside turn 2, it gave a great wide shot.

“And of course the S.A.F.E.R. Barrier doing it’s job. Dean walked away, but his chances of winning here at Daytona are done. Let’s go onboard with Viral, right behind the impact.”

The footage was brought up to the screen. Viral was tucked behind both of the cars behind her. As Dean began to go around she immediately moved down low. The #95 spun back around and she passed the #40 on the way by.

"Clear 4 lengths back… Watch it, low. Spinning behind you, still outside. Keep digging… cautions out. Big wreck behind you, #95 hit the wall hard."

“Veteran instincts being put to good use. Great job.”

The broadcast showed a second view, from further back.

“From Lightning Dust’s perspective.”

"In line behind you… Wrecking in front of you, get down down down! Clear! Cautions out."

"Whoa, that'll get your heart racing."

"Indeed Mike, glad to see he is ok."

"We've reached to three quarter mark here at Daytona, we'll be back shortly."

Pit stops were largely uneventful. However Rainbow and Lightning both managed to grab a spot from Akula on the cycle. This left Rainbow on the outside lane of Viral Velocity. Viral was likely going to be Rainbow's biggest challenge during any race. A veteran driver and driving one of the best cars in the field. Sure, she was a good sport and Rainbow respected her as well as many other drivers did, but winning meant everything to her and she wasn't gonna let some random pegasus steal her spotlight today.

After a few caution laps, the field was lined up with less than twenty laps to go. It was now or never for Rainbow. She needed the lead on this restart or it was gonna be an uphill battle for the win. The green flag was waved once again.

While Rainbow had a good launch, she did not get the push she was looking for as Akula spun his tires behind her. Viral and Lightning locked bumpers and they were off, Spitfire following close behind. Rainbow had to settle into line in 4th, when Fluttershy gave her the space to line up. After that restart, she was now her determined partner.

"We just got dumped by the #19."

"Yeah, no {expletive}."

"#20 in line behind you."

Lap 87

The field raced into turn four just about three wide. The Gannasi Chevrolet's of Akula, Sunset, and Trixie were working the top lane to try and get a run but to not avail. Some of the remaining Ford's were working the second lane and some other Chevy's were joining that lane. Meanwhile Viral and the Toyota's kept the pace. As the field exited turn two Rainbow felt the car bobble. That subtle bobble soon became a sliding car. She had to slide up the track to hold it, which thankfully was not occupied as she was far enough in front. Fluttershy checked up slightly and moved up to pick Rainbow back up, but in doing so lost the inside lane.

"Hold on to it... dig, dig, dig. #20 is with you, keep digging."

"Holy {expletive} that was close."

"You certainly can handle a car like Kyle."

In the booth, the commentators had the same idea. As they watched the field came off turn 4 the #18 wiggled and went up the track but stayed straight.

"Less than ten laps to go this time by... oh, oh."

"Oh, hang onto it." Darrell encouraged.

"Wow, great save by Rainbow there. Fluttershy is gonna pick her up but that's gonna slow up the whole outside lane."

"Ha ha, you wouldn't know that Kyle wasn't driving that car. Great job keeping off the wall and and going straight."

It wasn't long before they had a replay.

"Again, coming off turn four like with Trixie earlier. The car jumps out and look how sideways she gets."

"Practically drifting in a stock car, and she keeps it off the wall."

"Hey, Jeff. You think Kyle taught her how to do that. I've lost track of how many times Kyle has Managed to save his car."

"I'm not sure how he does it Mike, but she's gonna lose a couple spots from that. Meanwhile Viral now pulling away with Lightning and Spitfire."

Lap 92

It was truly surprising how well the outside lane was doing with two Toyota's leading the lane. Withing a few laps Rainbow had caught up to and passed Spitfire. Now she was running in third, only a nose behind Lightning going into turn 1. Viral came up a little to catch Rainbow's draft in the tri-oval. It was at this exact moment that Lightning got a huge push. Coming in Viral went to cover the bottom and there was contact. The #24 began to spin on the apron of turn 1, but Viral powered it through and kept it down. If she lost the car now, it would go up the track and collect the entire field.

"Still inside, keep digging it's not over. Oh, #24 spinning in front stay high. Keep digging she's still spinning behind you. Wreck, caution's out. Got one in the wall in turn 2."

Miraculously, Viral kept the car on the apron until most of the field went by. As the car finally came of the baking it spun back around. the #47 of Sky Stinger was the last car, and he didn't make it. He hit the #24 hard with the left front. The pair of Chevy's slammed the outside wall and came back down the racetrack into the infield.

Sky's left front was KO'd, the front wheel being completely bent inwards and not responding at all. He quickly put down the window net. His day was done. Viral fared a bit better, but had severe left rear damage from the hit. Luckily, it wasn't terminal nor did it hinder the cars ability to drive. For the #24, aerodynamics was the problem that needed to be solved. She got back running again and headed for pit road.

The commentators once again reviewed the crash, watching the contact between the #24 and #11.

"Right there, that turn Viral down the field. Great job on not wrecking the entire field but couldn't hold the car and Sky with nowhere to go. Well Jeff, that's a bummer."

"Sure is Mike, she was running very well."

"We'll be coming around with five laps to go this time. Buckle up folks it's not over yet."

After a couple laps, Viral rejoined the field in eighteenth. Now two laps down, it was a matter of finishing the race. For Rainbow, as the field came back for the green flag with five laps to go, it was all too familiar. Lightning to her inside, Fluttershy behind her, and Spitfire on her left corner. behind the four Toyota's a series of Chevy's and Ford's that also wanted a win in the first race of the season.

They came back around for what she hoped would be the last green flag of the day. 5 laps to go.

The leaders were dead even on the launch as well as all the way around onto the backstretch. Two wide behind was constant throughout the entire field. Lightning and Rainbow came around in a dead heat, Lightning leading the lap.

4 laps to go.

Now the field was getting wild. Pinkie was done waiting and moved into the middle and made a third lane between Twilight and Akula. Forcing the issue worked and she got right in behind Fluttershy. She gave the #20 a push down the back which transfered into the #18. The middle lane began as the once again crossed the line.

"Still inside, push coming from the #20."

"I know she's still inside. Just let me know what's happening behind me and when I'm clear."

3 laps to go.

Akula started getting some help in the third lane as Sunset Shimmer lined up behind him, but Trixie had been forced out of the pack and was now barely keeping up. Now Viral was third in line running the outside lane, after the quick repairs brought her car back up to speed. She wanted to finish the race proud.

"Look at the #24 up there Jeff, she's fighting back."

"Not racing for position but she's not just gonna lie down and let the pack race."

Now Rainbow was clear of the #11, she had pace control now. It was up to her to block the lanes as they advanced, and she had three lanes to block.

2 laps to go.

"Two laps this time by and Rainbow has the whole field behind her."

"I don't know if they'll make it back Mike."

Another couple big pushes down the backstretch brought Fluttershy to the door of Lightning Dust. Akula was not falling back either, determined to make a statement at Daytona with an early win. The entire field behind Rainbow was coming fast, and now the white flag was coming down.

1 lap to go.

Fluttershy and Lightning got one last good push coming down the backstretch, but Rainbow managed to block the low lane and come back up to grab the push for herself. Spitfire gave Lightning one more shove into turn 3 as a last ditch effort. The push was too much, and exiting turn 4 the back end came around. As the #11 spun into the infield the rear end lifted, and the roof flaps did little to help as the car overturned onto its roof and slide across the pavement coming off turn 4. Ahead of that, the race to the line was on.

"Coming off turn four, it's now a race."

"Oh, got one spinning off of four! Upside down, the #11."

"Here they come to the line, and leading them all back, the Rainbow Rocket. Rainbow Dash and Joe Gibbs... get the victory at Daytona with a 1,2,3 finish."

Eventually as the field settled down Lightning's Toyota calmly flipped back over. Not wanting to be embarrassed by not finishing she started the car back up to cross the line, finishing 17th. The car died just as she did so and she parked it in the infield. Exiting the car to face the grandstands, she extended her wings and bowed. The fans cheered on the display, and as she finished she was brought to the ambulance for a check up.

Meanwhile, the field came back around into the pits, all except for one car. Rainbow began to spin the worn tires of her Toyota before doing several burnout spins in front of the starters stand. After a few spins, she began to drive the car back to victory lane. As she exited the vehicle to greet her crew and others Krista was there for her post victory interview.

"As we finish up the results, let's head down to victory lane where Krista is with this races winner. Krista?"

"Thanks Mike, indeed I'm here with Rainbow Dash and the #18 team in victory lane celebrating the first win of the season. Rainbow how does it feel?"

"It's unlike anything I've felt before really. It was great having Skittles on board for the first race and I'm hoping to get my own sponsor soon enough. Again, gotta thank Kyle, Gibbs, and the team. The guys did great on pit road today keeping me up front and it payed off in the end. I'm gonna go look for Fluttershy after this, I owe her one after all she did to help me out at the end there."

"Well, guys. Rainbow celebrating the only way she can. Steve?"

"Thanks Krista, I'm here with Viral Velocity on pit road after an 18th place finish. Viral you were running up front until the very end how was it?"

"Nothing like it, car was great all day. Shame we about wrecked it with less than ten laps. Axalta and Hendrick have a great car for me this year, and I can't wait to bring it next week. Looking forward to Las Vegas."

"Thanks for your time. Matt?"

"Steve, I'm here with Lightning Dust as she is just getting released from the infield care center. Lightning you had a rollover coming to the finish, what was going through your head as the car came over."

"Well aside from the initial 'oh no' feeling it wasn't that big of a deal. I was more concerned about finishing the race at the time. We were running up front all day with Rainbow and the other Toyota's. Shame we couldn't come home with a better finish than we had. FexEx was looking for a good finish today."

"How about that bow at the finish line, what was that about?"

"Just showing off for the fans. I like putting on a show for everyone watching."

"Jeff?"

"Thanks, down here with the #40. Great performance for you today, a top 5 finish in your first ever Nascar start. How does it feel?"

"It feels amazing, having just come from a season of Open Wheel racing, to racing in cars in circles where the slightest tap could mean the difference between control and a Big One. Bit of a rocky transition during the off season, but I'm getting there."

"I see you have your old F1 team Mercedes sponsoring you this season. Anything you want to mention about that?"

"I'm just glad that the Mercedes-AMG Petronas team came out to support my car and Chip Ganassi Racing. I have no doubt with my driving skill, the combined Mercedes-Chip Ganassi teams and with Kurt Busch's tutelage, great things will come from this season,"

"Good luck to you, have a nice weekend."

"I will, cheers."

"Back to you Mike."

"Well as we close out today, thank you all for tuning in today for the Daytona Equestria 250. Join us next week at Las Vegas for the next race of the series. I've been Mike Joy with Darrel Waltrip and Jeff Gordon and we'll see you this Sunday for the running of the Daytona 500.

Finishing Positions:

1. Rainbow Dash +40/+5 Playoff Points
2. Fluttershy +35
3. Spitfire +34
4. Pinkie Pie +33
5. Akula +32
6. Twilight Sparkle +31
7. Sunset Shimmer +30
8. Starlight Glimmer +29
9. Scootaloo +28
10. Lyra Heartstrings +27
11. Octavia Melody +26
12. Bloothy +25
13. Derpy Hooves +24
14. Oscura Galaxia +23
15. Vapor Trail +22
16. Trixie Lulamoon +21
17. Lightning Dust +20
18. Viral Velocity +19 [2 Laps Down]
19. Apple Bloom +18 [15 Laps Down]
20. Applejack +17 [15 Laps Down]
21. Sky Stinger +16 [DNF Lap 92]
22. Danger Dean +15 [DNF Lap 71]
23. Rarity +14 [DNF Lap 48]
24. Vinyl Scratch +13 [DNF Lap 48]
25. Sweetie Belle +12 [DNF Lap 48]

Standings

In Playoffs by wins
In Playoffs by points

1. Rainbow Dash 50 Points (6 Playoff Points-1 Win)
2. Pinkie Pie 43 Points (1 Playoff Point)
3. Twilight Sparkle 43 Points
4. Fluttershy 42 Points
5. Spitfire 42 Points
6. Akula 38 Points
7. Sunset Shimmer 35 Points
8. Starlight Glimmer 32 Points
9. Lightning Dust 29 Points
10. Scootaloo 28 Points
11. Applejack 28 Points
12. Lyra Heartstrings 27 Points
13. Viral Velocity 27 Points
14. Octavia Melody 26 Points
15. Bloothy 25 Points
16. Rarity 25 Points
17. Derpy Hooves 24 Points
18. Oscura Galaxia 23 Points
19. Vapor Trail 22 Points
20. Trixie Lulamoon 21 Points
21. Danger Dean 19 Points
22. Apple Bloom 18 Points
23. Vinyl Scratch 17 Points
24. Sky Stinger 16 Points
25. Sweetie Belle 13 Points