Author's Note

Why did this take so long, well I am an employee in essential retail in a shortened staff. Yeah, that's a lot of work to do.

Anyway, hope you enjoyed. Really sorry I made you all wait so long.

Race 5: Atlanta

Atlanta Motor Speedway, Atlanta Georgia
Pedigree 300
Thursday Morning

"Sis, I'm fine. It wasn't even anywhere close to Daytona. I didn't even hit anything!"

"Sweetie, I'm just glad your ok. It could have been much worse."

"You don't have to he so overbearing. I'm just trying to stretch the car. Ryan Blaney has been giving me a lot of tips and after Scootaloo won in Vegas I'm ready for my time. She and Newman still haven't shut up about it."

Sweetie had come into the garage following her early stage qualifying run. She had posted a competitive first lap, but trying to push it on the second had spun out on turn four and skidded across the infield. Her #12 had minimal if any damage and her lap had been solid enough to hold a top fifteen spot on the grid for now. Her sister Rarity had been the first of her teammates to come see her. They had lucked out, Penske only had three rides available and Rarity, along with Brad Keselowski's insistence, had managed to get Sweetie Belle into the third car alongside her and Applejack. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo has also gotten rides in Ford's with Wood Brothers and Roush Fenway respectively. Penske and the other teams were in a way working between each other thanks to the connections between each pony.

However, other than Scootaloo's last lap pass at Vegas the work had yet to pay off. Daytona was a mess with every single car crashing out or going laps down. Auto Club had been dominated by Chevy's, and Phoenix has been over for Rarity and Applejack before it even really started.

Soon enough, Applejack also entered the team garage. Her face was stoic, and she had run a good lap which cracked into the top 5. The Toyota's big three of Dash, Dust, and Spitfire had dominated the lap times. Eventually Twilight split them and placed second on front row with the #19 but it was clear that JGR had speed this week. Then again, so did Penske. The two cars that did qualify were in the top ten and Rarity was to come up soon.

"Hey sugar cube, you doing alright?"

"I'm fine darling, just making sure Sweetie Belle is alright herself."

Sweetie grunted and walked away, leaving Rarity to talk either other teammate.

"Hey, don't beat yourself up over it. Apple Bloom hates overbearing siblings too."

Rarity only sighed.

"I'm not really bothered by that Applejack. It's more or less how I've been racing. Last year, I was with a mid pack team at best. We had our moments but we could never break through. Now I'm given a chance by a top team and my consistency is nowhere near solid."

"Well, I had the same problem early in my career."

Brad had somehow snuck up on the ponies in question. He had been a nice fit as a mentor for Rarity as a team leader, former champion, and even a businessman in his own right with his truck racing team BKR which had brought future talents like Ryan Blaney, Chase Briscoe, and other stars into the spotlight. The unicorn had much respect for the veteran driver, and he likewise respected her.

"Ah Brad! You caught us off guard."

"Ah no worries, just listen up. Your gonna have off weeks and all that. Remember 2011? I snuck into the Chase by the the paint on my bumper. One year later, I beat out Jimmie in his own playing field for the cup. You'll have your moments, and know this. Everything bad that has happened has not been of your own doing. Just bad luck."

"Heh, thanks"

"Don't mention it, now you have a lap to run."

"Yes of course."

Once out of her trance, Rarity placed the helmet around her head and horn properly and got suited up into her #2. This week her sponsor was Discount Tire, a sponsor that had followed Bad Brad since his days in the Xfinity series, then the Nationwide series. The practice sessions had been a good sign, she had speed for sure. But she needed to find it.

Her out lap was smooth as ever, giving her a good run out of then four on the intermediate oval. The flat front stretch allowed for a fast entrance into turn 1. Rarity getting on the brakes at a good time, keeping her momentum without getting right in turn 2. She was on pace with the pole sitters on the backstretch. Her turn three entrance was near perfect, but she barely let out of the gas feeling the car get wobbly underneath her on exit. Something she would need to work out during the race. Either way, a competitive lap. She placed fifth with a 28.854, beating Applejack's lap by a fraction of a second and only barely slotted behind Dash's #18. So long as she had a clean race Atlanta was shaping up to be a solid run for her.

1. #19 Spitfire 28.843
   
2. #48 Twilight Sparkle 28.845
   
3. #11 Lightning Dust 28.849
   
4. #18 Rainbow Dash 28.852
   
5. #2 Rarity 28.854
   
6. #22 Applejack 28.859
   
7. #9 Pinkie Pie 28.862
   
8. #24 Viral Velocity 28.870
   
9. #95 Danger Dean 28.873
   
10. #6 Scootaloo 28.877
    
11. #40 Akula 28.884
    
12. #42 Sunset Shimmer 28.887
    
13. #88 Starlight Glimmer 28.895
    
14. #4 Vinyl Scratch 28.897
    
15. #12 Sweetie Belle 28.904
    
16. #21 Apple Bloom 28.915
    
17. #1 Trixie Lulamoon 28.924
    
18. #20 Fluttershy 28.930
    
19. #14 Lyra Heartstrings 28.945
    
20. #3 Oscura Galaxia 28.947
    
21. #8 Bloothy 28.956
    
22. #47 Sky Stinger 28.961
    
23. #10 Octavia Melody 28.967
    
24. #41 Derpy Hooves 28.975
    
25. #37 Vapor Trail 28.985

Friday Afternoon

"Welcome back the NASCAR's Equestrian Cup, presented by Dollar General. Good evening folks I am Rick Allen and joining me today as always retired NASCAR drivers Jeff Burton and Dale Earnhardt Jr. I don't know about you Jeff but Dale and I are excited to be here for our first race with this new series."

"Well Rick, I am excited. Just watching these drivers over the last few weeks has made me excited. Atlanta has a rich history and is known for great last lap pass finishes."

"Sure is Jeff, I have a couple ponies I'm looking out for during this race and I'm sure we will have some great racing tonight. " Jr. added to Jeff's point.

"We'll be getting the call to fire engines shortly, for the running of the Pedigree 300."

"All set Miss Rarity?"

"Yes dear, all good to go."

"Alright, let's try to have a good day. There is a lot of fast cars out there today but we know we can compete."

"Little cloud cover today, but nothing that will warrant rain. Good luck today, let's try to bring home a good finish."

"Driver's...Start, your engines!"

The engine of the #2 Penske Ford sprung into action. It was Spitfire and Twilight who pulled away first, followed by Dash and Dust. Then, Rarity and Applejack pulled away on the third row as the field joined together onto the track. As they did so, Rick, Jeff, and Dale took turns announcing the lineup starting with Rick.

"Today looking at our starting grid, Spitfire in the #19 Auto Owner's Insurance Toyota and Twilight Sparkle to her outside in the Liberty University sponsored #48. Row Two, Lightning Dust in the Sport Clips #11 and Daytona winner Rainbow Dash in the #18 with the classic M&M's sponsor. Row three Penske teammates Rarity and Applejack in the Discount Tire and Autotrader Ford's respectively."

"Row four has Pinkie Pie in the #9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet and Viral Velocity, winner two weeks ago in Auto Club, in a red and blue Hertz Hendrick Chevy. Row five has Danger Dean who had a solid finish at Phoenix starting from 9th today and Sweetie Belle in the Pennzoil/Menard's Ford alongside him. Row Six, Akula. Had last week won up until a late race crash and to his outside is his Ganasii teammate Sunset Shimmer in the Advent Health #42.

"Row seven, Starlight Glimmer and last weeks winner Vinyl Scratch. Row eight a couple of good friends, Scootaloo who won in Vegas and Apple Bloom. Row nine Trixie Lulamoon in the Gear Wrench Chevrolet and Fluttershy in the Irwin Toyota."

"Finishing up here, Row ten Lyra Heartstrings who posted a strong finish at Auto Club and Blitz. Bloothy and and Sky Stinger in row eleven. Stewart-Hass Racing's Octavia and Derpy in row twelve. and Vapor Trail will receive the tail position on row thirteen. Late breaking stories coming up. Let's start with Jamie."

"Thanks guys, let's start with both cars on the front row, the #19 and #48. Both Spitfire and Twilight are going to be pitting right here with me in the first two boxes. Twilight has had 3 top ten finishes in the last four races, but today looks like one of her best shots so far this season Regan. Fast car, on the front row. We'll see how it turns out today for the pony under the seven time champion."

"Thanks Jamie, I'm over here at the very end of pit lane at the #18 team. It's been quite a long hangover since the win in Daytona, with three crashes in the last three tracks of varying severity. Even though Dash's spot is already locked in if she has any hope on making far she'll need some good finishes. Her team has been working with her on managing her aggressiveness, similar to that of her mentor and defending champion Kyle Busch. Steve?"

"Regan it's a tense atmosphere here in the #40 box, as most of the team has not forgotten about the incident at ISM. Most certainly Akula's mentor Kurt Busch who has been coaching his driver from the box during the last few races and giving him tips. Starlight Glimmer is starting one row behind the #40, and following the crash NASCAR has warned both teams about any further incidents involving the drivers. Matt?"

"Steve I'm over here with the #24 team, who have also been quite vocal about the incident last week especially their driver Viral Velocity. I got a chance to talk to her before she got in the car and she hopes that the two can settle their difference. Starlight being a Hendrick teammate and Akula a friend going back some time. She will be starting 8th today, back to you Rick."

"Thanks Matt, cloudy day today but no rain posted on the radar, we are coming to green in just a couple laps. It's our first 300 mile race going for 195 laps. Two 55 lap stages followed by a 85 lap third stage. Fuel window is just above the cut at 58-62 laps but look at that tire window. 30-40 laps. Could we see some drivers come in for tires early to try to get ahead on the next stage Jeff?"

"It's possible Rick, and we saw it in effect at California where the #24 took tires early to gain track position later and win. We could very well see some others try to do a similar strategy. We should also look out for a lot of tire problems for those who choose to stay out. We've seen how bad some of these hits to the outside wall can get, pole-sitter Spitfire took a nasty hit in Vegas. It's gonna be a lot about managing those tires through the race."

"Pace car coming in this time by, coming to the green!"

As the field was coming to the green, Rarity had been a little nervous. It was only last week she took a nasty hit twice over in Pheonix. But, with Applejack to her outside the field was given the green flag.

"Ready...green flag. Green flag."

The start was a bit of a shock, unlike Most Atlanta starts where the inside line had a certain advantage both of the cars in the outside line got great jumps on those beside them. Seeing the jump their lane had got Dash gave Twilight a soft bump forward which allowed the Chevy to clear the #19 in turn one as Dash got alongside her teammate. Lightning also got a good jump, and dived low the first chance she got. This left the three Toyota's three wide as Spitfire gave Lightning room, which in turn side drafted Dash killing her momentum. Further back, Akula also got a good start and immediately pulled alongside Dean to get a head start on Starlight. Dean gave him room, and Scootaloo was also forced up.

As the field circled around for the lap, Twilight continued to pull away unimpeded as the three JGR cars fought to take chase of the #48. It would be Lightning who would clear them first in turn four. Then on lap two Spitfire was able to succesfully defend third from Dash. After all she did to get Twilight up front, she had gained no positions in the end.

Lap 4

Rarity had managed to hold her 5th place on the start and was trailing Dash as the field began to spread out. She was running the bottom, while Rainbow was running a middle lane experiment to see how it would work out. This made Dash a tad slower, and on lap 4 Rarity had finally caught up to her. She caught the draft down the backstretch and dipped low, Dash being conservative and giving her the lane. They went into the corner two wide, but Rarity had been feeling how loose the car had been during qualifying. Now, with the effects of a car alongside her it was amplified.

The initial bobble caught her by surprise, and as she attempted to correct it the car bottomed out on the apron. It was sent back onto the bank, and she cranked the wheel hard to avoid hitting the wall straight. Her momentum sent her into a slide, but with correct oversteer she was able to collect the car. She lost all of her momentum, and gave up her spot to the #22 in the process as Pinkie and Viral began to close.

"On your outside, outside...easy, easy. Come on come on! Good save, good save. #22 is clear, #9 is two back, closing."

"loose, very loose. I felt it in qualifying, but it's too much."

"Copy, pit early. keep the tires best you can and we'll give you some trackbar."

Lap 12

Rarity had recovered from the initial issue quite well, and had actually gained some ground on Pinkie who had been having the opposite problem she was having. Further back was the continuing battle for tenth, and by proxy for Rainbow Dash's attention, between Scootaloo and Dean. Neither having let up since the start and trading the spot between each other. Coming off turn four Dean had the advantage, but Scootaloo jumped inside as they crossed the line. She attempted to stick it in, but did not get on the brakes as much as was needed. She drove up into the #95 and they both began to go around. Dean was able to control this slide and drove the entire corner sideways before straightening it out as he exited the corner. Scootaloo was not so lucky, while managing to keep out of the wall she was not able to straighten out her car and spun into traffic. Most cars got by easily, but the #31 had to change lanes last second and ended up going around her missing the #6 by a close margin. Once she managed to lock the brakes she righted her #6 and continued on, her spin bringing out the first caution.

After she caught up to the field, the announcers got a couple replays. The one that got the most attention was an onboard replay with the #31.

"#3 outside, clear up 1 back. Got a couple spinning up top, stay down, down...watch it! Woah...good one. Caution's out"

"A very close call for the bat pony. Last second decision but it worked out." Jeff Burton commented on the car he retired with in 2013.

As many suspected might happen, pretty much every team came in to change tires and top off to make sure they lasted until the end of the stage. Rarity pulled into her box, and following tires, fuel, and adjusting the trackbar to tighten up her car she was away, falling a spot to the #9. The #48's crew was swift in their work and kept Twilight out front while the Toyota's shifted their positions with Rainbow inheriting 2nd followed by Spitfire then Lightning. Further back, some pit crews did great times, most notably the #88 team who brought Starlight up three spots to break into the top ten after falling back on the start.

1. Twilight Sparkle
   
2. Rainbow Dash +2
   
3. Spitfire
   
4. Lightning Dust -2
   
5. Applejack
   
6. Pinkie Pie +1
   
7. Rarity -1
   
8. Viral Velocity
   
9. Akula +2
   10 Starlight Glimmer +3

After some caution laps green flag racing was resumed. This time Twilight got the jump on the inside line, but Rainbow held her ground until turn 2 where she fell in line behind the #48 as the field began to once again spread out.

Lap 51

The green flag racing had been going long after the initial caution in lap 12, but Rarity's #2 had become better as the race progressed. She got around Pinkie only a few laps into the run and eventually Applejack let her by after she ran down the #22. She was back in the top five.

Meanwhile, Pinkie was beginning to drop fast, first giving up a spot to the #24 and continuing to lose pace. On the back stretch she pulled down into the apron as the cameras picked up where she was. Jeff Burton was the first to notice her problem, a right front tire that was beginning to fall apart from a long green flag run and a car that was too tight. However, either by her team letting her know or just straight up sense she was able to make it to the pits before the tire shredded or she spun. This allowed the race to continue green, but put her a lap down.

As the laps ticked down, Dash would not let Twilight out of her sights. But the #48 simply managed to pace just quickly enough to stay ahead of the #18 and the other Toyota's as stage one came to a close.

Stage 1 Results

1 #48 Twilight Sparkle +10 Points (+1 Playoff Point)

1. 18 Rainbow Dash +9 Points

2. 19 Spitfire +8 Points

3. 11 Lightning Dust +7 Points

4. 2 Rarity +6 Points

5. 22 Applejack +5 Points

6. 24 Viral Velocity +4 Points

7. 40 Akula +3 Points

8. 88 Starlight Glimmer +2 Points

9. 95 Danger Dean +1 Point

Stage 2 soon followed as the field came in for stops once again to top off. No cars were lapped during the green flag and Pinkie was given the wave around to gain a lap back, but she would need to start from the back and make her way to the front once again.

Now happy with her car, and the field bunched up once again, Rarity began to make some moves. On the restart the inside line simply got going better as the #48 cruised to the lead and the #19 got alongside the #18 for second. Coming onto the back stretch Rarity got a big run but instead of jumping inside, she used her momentum to give the Wonderbolt Captain a shove into turn three. The move gave both cars enough speed to pass the other Toyota's with no problems.

Lap 63

Rarity could have easily passed Spitfire for a couple laps, but actually found from her times that both she and the #19 were gaining on the leader just running one behind the other. Eventually on Lap 63 Spitfire was the first to make a move on Twilight, jumping inside of her. Twilight gave her a lane, but as she passed by Rarity began to fall back enough that as Spitfire cleared the #48, Twilight had time to shut the door on the #2. Rarity would need to wait for another chance.

Lap 76

Rarity was stuck, simply unable to make a move on the #48. She would have to be content with third unless something happened.

Further back, around 7th, a three way battle was being waged by three drivers who knew each other very well. The #24, #40, and #88 were bunched up fighting for points as they entered the backstretch. Akula had the lead between them, having passed the #24 a couple laps before, but the Hendrick teammates used a good draft to catch the Ganasii Chevrolet.

Viral pulled along the outside of Akula at his corner, but Starlight attempted to use her own momentum to split the middle on both of them. Akula was only told by his spotter that he was two wide, and as he went up to side draft Viral it forced the #88 up the track. Starlight's momentum carried her into the quarter of Viral's #24 and she was turned towards the backstretch wall, but Viral was in no way helpless yet.

As her car spun, it clipped the #40. This contact was not enough to spin Akula but it was enough to move some of Viral's momentum in her favor. In a Split-Second she turned hard right away from the wall. Now she was heading away from the inside wall, but back towards the track. She turned the wheel again, and repeated a fishtail like maneuver until the car settled heading into turn three. The crowd that was watching on the big screen from the stands began to roar at such a brilliant save. It was so good, that NASCAR prematurely threw a caution as she was spinning, concerned that the Pegasus would have crashed. Even if it was for nothing, the yellow was out. Even more, as Viral caught up to her place in the field which was now 9th she was not at all happy with what had occurred.

She drove up to the door of the #88, and gave her a sturdy tap on the side to let her teammate know she wasn't happy with what had occurred before she settled back into her line. She was warned by officials, but no penalties were given to her.

The race resumed as normal, and most of the field retained their respective positions on the restart. Viral got a substantial run coming off turn two, but Starlight came down to block and cut off her momentum forcing the #24 check up. Now at a boiling point, Viral came around to the front stretch another time. Going into turn one she had another shot on the #88 This time on the outside. Once again, Starlight cut off her momentum. Without much of a choice she pushed the #88 down the backstretch, and far into the braking zone.

Starlight came around as she got on the brakes and Viral went around the outside. The #88 sliding down the embankment out of the way of every other car. Another yellow was called, and this time there was a black flag called on the #24 to put her a lap down. This didn't bother her, as her point had been made. She dropped out of line to the back of the field, complying with what she had been given. She just wanted to finish the race in one piece.

Once again, the green flag was given with no further issues.

Lap 93

The tires were beginning to wear for most of the cars on the field, and Rarity was ready for her green flag stop. She came off turn four right behind the #19 and did a near perfect entry. Her crew did their part in getting her out quickly. Soon enough more of the leaders began to come in.

As the green flag sequence continued Trixie came in to do her stop, but as it happened one of the tire changers lost a front wheel that rolled out of the box. It was recovered safely, but she was given a pass through. A more costly mistake happened to the #41 team as they had problems getting their lug nuts on the left side tires and lost a lap due to how far back Derpy already was.

Lap 110

Rarity's stop had been quick enough to gain her second during the cycles. Now, she was only behind Twilight again. Stage two came to an end, but for the first time she would be restarting on the front row for the final stage.

Stage 2 Results

1. 48 Twilight Sparkle +10 Points (+1 Playoff Point)

2. 2 Rarity +9 Points

3. 18 Rainbow Dash +8 Points

4. 19 Spitfire +7 Points

5. 11 Lightning Dust +6 Points

6. 22 Applejack +5 Points

7. 40 Akula +4 Points

8. 95 Danger Dean +3 Points

9. 42 Sunset Shimmer +2 Points

10. 12 Sweetie Belle +1 Point

The final stage was lined up, Viral given her lap back as she was the first of the lapped cars on the grid. Rarity on the outside of Twilight, who had so far dominated the race by winning both stages and leading the most laps. Behind them, Rainbow who had given Twilight her initial lead at the start, and Spitfire, the only car other than Twilight to lead thanks to working with the #2. As the green flag fell for the final time the two lead cars were pushed along by their respective Toyota's behind them.

It took a couple laps, but eventually Twilight was able to clear the #2 and take the lead. Rarity began to defend from Dash. In turn four Dash did get by her, but Rarity pulled a crossover on the front stretch and held her line. Unlike before, her car had much better handling and she was able to hold the bottom and get her spot back. She began to pull away, now it was a matter of catching up.

Lap 156

Rarity had at least kept pace with the car ahead, and at the same time had extended the gap on the Toyota's behind her. Now it was time for the final stop. Twilight had come in the lap before, but had made an air pressure adjustment to help with her car getting loose on long runs. Rarity did not need an adjustment, so if the stop was perfect they could gain some time on the leader. She came in one last time. Despite the lingering memory of the dropped jack, the stop went off without a hitch and she rejoined the track. As she got on the backstretch the #48 came around just as she crossed over the line to rejoin. it was now a matter of keeping up with Twilight and waiting for the right moment.

Lap 162

As Rarity continued to catch up, the broadcast caught up with #48 team, as well as Jamie who had been hanging close to their pit stall throughout the race.

"...and Rick out of all the teams so far without a win this one has been very consistent..."

Daytona 6th
Las Vegas 2nd
Auto Club 4th
ISM 16th

1st in Points

"...and despite not having a win yet, she carries the points lead with 3 top ten and 2 top five finishes."

"Thanks Jamie, but don't start the celebration yet cause here comes the #2."

Lap 179

Rarity's moment came more than 20 laps after pit cycles. Twilight's adjustment had done what she needed, but by the time Rarity had caught up it was too late for her to stretch the gap. With no other cars around other than some light lap traffic Rarity finally caught up to her going into three. She once again looked low, finding all night that it was her best shot at passing Twilight. Twilight did not let up on the outside and they were two wide coming off four. They both went to side draft at the same time.

Shades of Jimmie and Brad in 2012, they collided on the front stretch and bounced off each other as they crossed the line. Both drivers kept going straight, and continued to fight in turn three as Rick, Jeff, and Dale watched them battle on.

"Side by side, they touch as they cross the line!"

"If that was the finish right there it would have been to close to call Rick."

"Now, still side by side going into one. Rarity in the #2 on the inside, the #48 up high."

"Look at these two go at it! Close friends fighting for everything on the line tonight!"

"Neither of them have one a race so far this season, and they don't want to wait for another shot to fight in the playoffs."

Neither pony wanted to let the other by, but with her preferred lane and Twilight being stuck out of the grove Rarity was able to complete the pass on turn 2. It was the first time all season she had the lead. She came back around to lead the lap now with only about fifteen laps to go. It was now about holding off Twilight.

Twilight made her first move on lap 183, getting a good run off turn 2. This time it was Rarity that had to give way. Once again they were side by side, but the #48 had a loose exit and dropped behind the #2 once again. Then on lap 186, Twilight went for a similar trick, but faked high thinking Rarity would block. When she didn't, Twilight checked up and lost the momentum she had. What they were not aware of was Rainbow Dash closing on them quickly, about 2 seconds back.

On lap 190, Twilight gave it one more try. This time she went for the move to the outside on the front stretch and did get alongside the #2, but Rarity still had the preferred line and with how much wear was on the tires Twilight could not hold the outside line and fell back. This time there was no catching up. She now had to be worried about defending her own spot from a group of hard charging Toyota's.

5 laps to go, and Rarity extended her gap on the cars behind her. It was now almost certain. She began to settle into a rhythm and made sure to not make any costly mistakes. about a second and a half behind was Twilight now with a mirror full of rainbow candy, and Lightning hot on both of their trails.

4 laps to go, further back Pinkie and Viral had climbed back from being a lap down and were now fighting for the tenth spot. Viral pulled the last move on her teammate to secure the stat as Rarity continued to pull away.

3 laps to go. Lightning went to the outside of Rainbow for third, but Rainbow made a block. It defended third for herself, but it allowed Twilight to pull away. Not that it mattered, she wouldn't catch the #2.

2 laps to go, and Rarity could all but feel it. Bad Brad was up in the box with her crew chief watching as the laps counted down. She came around three and four, the cars behind her too far away to make a difference.

"...One lap to go, and four more corners away from her first win of the season. Big gap back to the #48 as she enters turn one. Brad Keselowski, the 2012 champion watching from the box, you see him there on the side of your screen as Rarity comes down the back stretch. Through three and four... win number one of the season for Rarity! The fifth different winner this season and the first of the season for Roger Penske and his team."

"Yes, fabulous driving there Rarity. You really showed 'em what we do here."

"Fabulous? Oh dear, you flatter me."

Rarity completed a cool down lap, receiving a nod from both the #22 and #12 on the backstretch as they made their way back around. She spun the car around on the front stretch before collecting the flag, a ritual done by Brad as well, and performing her burnout driver side facing the crowd.

It wasn't long before she arrived in victory lane, where Matt Yocum was waiting as she climbed free of the car and took off her helmet.

"That was a great piece of driving Rarity, and congrats on the first win of the season. Can I get your thoughts?"

"Matt, your such a gentleman. The team worked really hard today to get me out front. Brad has been great to work with, and I'm just glad every one's hard work today payed off. Twilight and I had a good race, but we came through in the end."

"Yes, very good work today. I'll let you celebrate."

"Yes, thanks Matt."

"Jamie?"

"Thanks Matt, Twilight so close today. another great race I'd say."

"Yeah, I'm happy with how it turned out in the end. We had the car to beat today and well, Rarity beat it. She's a good pony, I tried racing her clean as possible. I know we got into it a little back there but no hard feelings. Rubbing is racing."

"You have been putting up good finishes, hoping it all comes together for a win?"

"Well, the win is the first step towards the playoffs. Helps that Jimmie is finding ways to make me better every week. Got to thank Liberty University for hopping on board today, been an honor having them on the car. We were this close to getting it done today, but we'll be back next week."

"Thanks for your time Twilight."

"No problem."

"Steve?"

"Here with the driver of the #24, Viral can we got your thoughts on the race?"

"I'll get it out of the way, yes I'm gonna be the first to admit I was in the wrong. I let myself get out of control. The team deserves better than that, but they also deserve a better driver than what Starlight is becoming. She's...."

Viral was awkwardly cut off by Akula jumping her from behind in an embrace. Likely coming from their now shared resentment of the unicorn driving the #88.

"Well, I'll leave you two to your own devices."

"Yeah....thanks Steve." Viral acknowledged, as she turned her attention to the changeling that had come from nowhere.

"Alright Rick, I'll let you take it from here."

"Alright thanks Steve, thanks for joining us tonight here from Atlanta Motor Speedway. Take care everyone and from Dale Jr. and Jeff Burton I am Rick Allen. Have a good night."

Finishing Positions:

1. 2 Rarity 40 Points (+5 Playoff Points)

2. 48 Twilight Sparkle 35 Points

3. 18 Rainbow Dash 34 Points

4. 11 Lightning Dust 33 Points

5. 19 Spitfire 32 Points

6. 40 Akula 31 Points

7. 22 Applejack 30 Points

8. 42 Sunset Shimmer 29 Points

9. 95 Danger Dean 28 Points

10. 24 Viral Velocity 27 Points

11. 9 Pinkie Pie 26 Points

12. 20 Fluttershy 25 Points

13. 12 Sweetie Belle 24 Points

14. 88 Starlight Glimmer 23 Points

15. 6 Scootaloo 22 Points

16. 14 Lyra Heartstrings 21 Points

17. 3 Oscura Galaxia 20 Points

18. 10 Octavia Melody 19 Points

19. 8 Bloothy 18 Points

20. 21 Apple Bloom 17 Points

21. 4 Vinyl Scratch 16 Points

22. 37 Vapor Trail 15 Points (1 Lap Down)

23. 1 Trixie Lulamoon 14 Points (1 Lap Down)

24. 47 Sky Stinger 13 Points (1 Lap Down)

25 #41 Derpy Hooves 12 Points (2 Laps Down)

Standings:

1. Rainbow Dash 190 Points (6 Playoff Points-1 Win)

2. Rarity 174 Points (5 Playoff Points- 1 Win)

3. Viral Velocity 168 Points (5 Playoff Points- 1 Win)

4. Scootaloo 154 Points (5 Playoff Points-1 Win)

5. Vinyl Scratch 135 Points (5 Playoff Points- 1 Win)

6. Twilight Sparkle 218 Points (3 Playoff Points)

7. Akula 196 Points (3 Playoff Points)

8. Lightning Dust 166 Points

9. Applejack 165 Points (1 Playoff point)

10. Spitfire 160 Points (1 Playoff Point)

11. Pinkie Pie 160 Points (1 Playoff Point)

12. Sunset Shimmer 160 Points

13. Fluttershy 159 Points

14.Danger Dean 155 Points

15.Sweetie Belle 139 Points

16.Lyra Heartstrings 128 Points

1. Starlight Glimmer 127 Points

2. Octavia Melody 125 Points

3. Apple Bloom 117 Points

4. Bloothy 108 Points

5. Oscura Galaxia 107 Points

6. Trixie Lulamoon 104 Points

7. Vapor Trail 97 Points

8. Derpy Hooves 90 Points

9. Sky Stinger 81 Points