Author's Note

I will be using single car qualifying across every track during the season. I know this is not how they do it in the cup series but it's a shortened field and this would be much quicker.

Race 2: Las Vegas

Monday Night
Daytona 500 Closing laps

Scootaloo was one of the few ponies that had bothered to spend the night watching the race instead of either resting or getting ready for the race at Vegas that was coming soon. Along with her was only Sweetie Belle. Apple Bloom had been there to watch the #21 of Matt Dibenedetto, but after an early wreck took him out she retired for the night.

Scootaloo sat behind the pit box of the #6 team for her mentor Ryan Newman. The laps were now winding down and he was in prime position for a good finish. She had managed a top ten in her own race and after surviving the initial wreck that took out most of her fellow Ford's brought Roush Fenway Racing a solid finish as the highest placing Ford in the field.

Similarly Ryan and his teammate Chris Buescher in the #17 were both running very well. In fact, they were top 5 at the moment with Denny Hamlin leading and Sweetie Belle's mentor Ryan Blaney holding strong as well.

Heading into the final lap Newman was in the prime position, and Blaney was ready to go. The pair of Ford's pushed on and powered ahead of the #11. Going down the backstretch they were now one and two as Scootaloo cheered on Newman. Sweetie Belle also had joined in with her friend as the pack raced into turn four. Denny gave Ryan Blaney a big shot into the turn but Newman held his line. As they exited the corner he caught up to Newman and got him loose. He was able to correct it and looked to be able to hold on, but Blaney had little control over his car.

The second time Newman wasn't so lucky, he was turned into the outside wall violently coming into the tri-oval and flipped over slowly onto his side. As Sweetie watched the race to the line between Blaney and Hamlin Scootaloo witnessed the #6 spin around on its side… Right in front of a charging Corey Lajoie.

Time began to crawl as the Ford was punted into the air by a car hitting it at nearly 200mph. The impact denting the driver side of the roof severely. The scoring came in shortly after as Denny was credited with the victory. For a few seconds Scootaloo stood silent and motionless. It took a few seconds for her world to come back to her. Sweetie Belle's voice only barely registered in her mind.

"Scootaloo… You ok?"

Scootaloo had only one thing on her mind. She immediately jumped the pit wall and began running for the overturned car that sat in the entrance to turn one.

"Ryan!"

Las Vegas
Mobil 1 200, Qualifying
Wednesday

"Your last on track today squirt, good luck out there. I'll be seeing you on track Friday. I need to go find Kyle, he's gonna tour me around his hometown for a while." Rainbow encouraged her adopted sister. While racing they were competing against each other, they still treated each other with respect. Rainbow was the first to console Scootaloo after the incident involving Ryan at Daytona.

"Alright, Rainbow. Have fun." She replied as Rainbow began to walk away in search for Kyle Busch after a fourth place qualifying effort. Just as Scootaloo was about to enter her garage to get suited up she was surprised by a special person waling up to her and squatting down to greet her.

"Hey kid, looking good today." Ryan greeted his protege. He had been released from the hospital just earlier that day, posting a heart warming picture with his daughters. While he would not be cleared to race at Vegas, he was still going to spectate the weekend. That included the Mobil 1 200, the race the ponies would be in on Friday.

Scootaloo met Ryan with a strong embrace before the two entered the garage together. In the garage sat the #6 Oscar Mayer Ford. Just like the Monster Energy Cup car it was orange, but streaks of purple racing stripes adorned the side and hood of the car making it more unique and distinguished for Scootaloo. She was on track in 3 runs, the last to qualify.

Another Ford was on the pole lap, Applejack. Her car was bad fast this week, as were most of the Ford's. Rarity had qualified 5th, Sweetie Belle 8th, and Apple Bloom not much farther back in 13th. On track ahead of her were Viral, currently running her lap, and Octavia was coming on after her. Viral came around to complete her second lap which bumped her up from 7th to 4th, bumping Rarity and Rainbow both down a spot in the process as well as Lightning Dust.

The #10 pulled out on track to start it's out lap as Scootaloo got harnessed into the car she would be racing. She strapped on the helmet once again as the team rolled the car out onto pit road.

"Alright kid, I have some business to take care of while I'm here. Good luck, take care of the car tonight."

"No problem Ryan, thanks."

As Scootaloo waited for her turn on track the #10 Smithfield Ford came around to complete it's first lap. Coming off of turn 4 the back end slipped out sending the car into a spin. The car rear ended the wall hard and swung around to smack it with the right front. The bang was heard well from pit road with no other cars on track. Soon enough, Octavia climbed out of the car, visibly frustrated that she wrecked the car on the out lap. After the wreck was cleared Scootaloo was given the green to run her lap.

Her run into turn 1 was near perfect, easily one of the best as she went into the corner. She couldn't quite hold the car all the way on the bottom but the car did not get too tight or loose. She got a good run off the corner on to the back straight. Hugging the wall all the way into turn 3. She about clipped the apron in the corner, but managed to make it stick, though she barely got out of the throttle. She came off turn 4 with a good pace as she crossed the line.

"28.514, that's 7th quickest. P7 on race day. Let's bring the car back."

Scootaloo would not get a chance to run two laps.

1. #22 Applejack 28.463
   
2. #19 Spitfire 28.477
   
3. #48 Twilight Sparkle 28.480
   
4. #24 Viral Velocity 28.492
   
5. #18 Rainbow Dash 28.502
   
6. #2 Rarity 28.505
   
7. #6 Scootaloo 28.514
   
8. #11 Lightning Dust 28.529
   
9. #12 Sweetie Belle 28.542
   
10. #42 Sunset Shimmer 28.552
    
11. #95 Danger Dean 28.558
    
12. #9 Pinkie Pie 28.568
    
13. #40 Akula 28.580
    
14. #21 Apple Bloom 28.588
    
15. #20 Fluttershy 28.603
    
16. #4 Vinyl Scratch 28.609
    
17. #88 Starlight Glimmer 28. 619
    
18. #3 Oscura Galaxia 28.633
    
19. #14 Lyra Heartstrings 28.652
    
20. #8 Bloothy 28.669
    
21. #1 Trixie Lulamoon 28.679
    
22. #37 Vapor Trail 28.687
    
23. #41 Derpy Hooves 28.698
    
24. #47 Sky Stinger 28.720
    
25. #10 Octavia Melody (DNQ)

Mobil 1 200 at Las Vegas
Friday Morning.

"Welcome back to the Nascar Equestrian Cup sponsored by Dollar General. Save time, save money, every day. I am Mike Joy joined today by Larry McRenolds and Jeff Gordon. Larry good to have you with us this week, what are your thoughts on both this race and last week at Daytona?"

"Well Mike I am definitely excited this week for Vegas. Last week at Daytona Joe Gibbs Racing got the Daytona weekend sweep with Rainbow Dash and Denny Hamlin. that team showed a lot of promise last week with a 1-2-3 finish. We'll see what they can do here today."

"Speaking of Dash, Jeff let's talk about sponsors. A lot of new sponsors in this week as well as some old ones returning."

"Indeed Mike, let's start with last weeks winner Rainbow Dash who struck a deal with Nos Energy Drink, a company who sponsors Kyle Busch's Xfinity series rides as well as a planned sponsor for cup driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Her teammate Lightning Dust also got a new sponsorship deal with Gatorade, she'll be running several schemes with them and FedEx throughout the season. Also, Twilight Sparkle was able to get Liberty University on board the #48 along with Lowes returning to re-sign with the team."

"Also Jeff, Viral Velocity I'm sure you're aware partnering with Hot Wheels. Applejack will be running Home Depot on her cars during the season, a company that once sponsored Joey Logano, and Derpy Hooves and Stweart-Haas partnering with UPS. Plenty more partnerships are on the way too, including Stanley, who once sponsored Marcos Ambrose's #9, returning to likely partner with the #40 team and a return from Budweiser who used to sponsor Dale Jr's #8 in the early 2000's coming back to support the #88. This is of course only a small portion of new sponsor's to come this season."

"Thanks Larry, when we come back we will be getting the call to fire engines here at Las Vegas for the Mobil 1 200."

"Checking in, can you hear me alright kid?"

"Yeah, read ya loud and clear."

"Spotter?"

"I hear ya, track looks good. No rain or wet spots, we are good to run today."

"Good... alright, 200 miles today. 134 laps, let's have another good day. Ryan is here, let's do him a favor."

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

As the #6 team finished up their check and got the command Scootaloo and the rest of the field fired up the engines of their cars. Applejack and Spitfire led the pack away, followed by Twilight and Viral, Rainbow and Rarity, and then Scootaloo rolled away alongside Lightning Dust. Eventually the entire field pulled away to begin pace laps. The announcers began to discuss the starting grid.

"Starting on pole today is Applejack in the #22 Pennzoil Ford, running an orange and yellow scheme today. Alongside her is Spitfire in the Bass Pro Shops #19, Truex will be starting 2nd as well on Sunday. Row 2 with Twilight and Viral once again starting side by side, Twilight in the Ally #48 and Viral in the Hot Wheel/Axalta #24. Row 3, last weeks winner at Daytona Rainbow Dash starting in fifth and Rarity next to her in the Blue Deuce this week."

"Row 4, Scootaloo in the #6. Mike we got word that Ryan Newman was released from the hospital on Wednesday, and Lightning Dust who had her own flip at Daytona last week is starting next to her in 8th. Row 5 and right behind Scootaloo is the #12 of Sweetie Belle as well as Sunset Shimmer to her outside in the Credit One Bank #42. Row 6 Danger Dean bouncing back from a hard crash at Daytona and Pinkie Pie in the #9 looking for a second top 5 finish."

"Speaking of top 5 finishes, Row 7 features the #40 of Akula who had a great run last week and the #21 of Apple Bloom to his outside. Row 8, Fluttershy who finished second at Daytona and Vinyl Scratch looking to make up for an early wreck last week. Row 9, Starlight Glimmer in the Nationwide #88 and Oscura in the Dow #3."

"Row 10, Lyra Heartstrings looking for a solid finish and Bloothy in the #8. Tyler Riddick her mentor had a show stealing performance last year in the Xfinity series, could she come from the back and be a threat? We will have to see. Row 11 has Trixie Lulamoon who feels right at home in Las Vegas and Vapor Trail to her outside. Row 12 Derpy Hooves and Sky Stinger, and bringing up the rear after a crash in qualifying is Octavia Melody."

"The rain has died down for now and no sign of it returning any time soon. Let's have a chat with a driver as we wind up the field, Let's see if we can get Spitfire on the line Larry."

The broadcast view switched to an onboard with the #19 as Larry McReynolds keyed in on Spitfire's radio.

"Afternoon Captain, this is Larry up in the broadcasting booth. How are you today?"

"I'm feeling great today Larry, but you don't have to refer to me by title."

"Alright. Anyway starting on the front row today as the highest starting Toyota. You had a third place finish last week, are you hoping to get a second win for JGR?"

"I mean why wouldn't I be? Truex gave me a lot of good pointers from his experience here. The car has been running great all week and I'd love to add on to Dash's win last week."

"Yes, speaking of Truex. He's probably one of the best drivers at a track like this. Do you think having his expertise on your side gives you and the Toyota's an advantage?"

"I can't say for certain, but that isn't a bogus statement. I remember his 2017 run he won most of his races at tracks like Las Vegas. I'd say I and the others have as good a chance as any to win today."

"Alright, thanks for the talk ma'am."

"No problem sir, any time."

"Let's get some late breaking stories from pit road starting with Vince."

"Thanks Mike, on pole position today is the #22 of Applejack who got caught up in last weeks big crash at Daytona. Today the spirits of that team are much higher thanks to a very fast race car. She set a great lap on Wednesday and has yet to say anything bad about her car. Matt?"

"Thanks Vince, the Toyota's were very good as a group last week at Daytona with Rainbow coming out on top alongside Fluttershy and Spitfire. However, Lightning Dust missed out on a good finish after getting turned coming out of turn 4. Her mentor Denny Hamlin has never won here at Las Vegas compared to Kyle Busch and Martin Truex Jr. We'll see if maybe she can break that dry spell for the #11 team. She starts 8th today Regan."

"Well we've talked about a Ford and a Toyota so let's take a look at a Chevy. Sunset Shimmer in the #42 struggled to keep the car running the high lane in qualifying. However, the team at Ganasii has since tightened the car up to better allow her to stay straight running up high. She is one of the few drivers that are comfortable running up in that groove Jamie."

"Well from one Chevy to another, the #48 of Twilight Sparkle despite starting third today was loosing her marbles over how tight her car was during her run. The exact opposite of Sunset's complaints. The car has since been loosened significantly, we'll see how she adjusts to the car when the green flag drops. Mike Joy."

"Thank you Jamie. Larry why don't you set the table for us tonight, what do you think the best strategy is?"

"Well Mike, let's take a look at my race analysis. Two thirty lap stages with a 74 lap stage to complete 200 miles here at Vegas. I see two ways of playing this out. One is pitting at the end of stage one, you know you'll make the fuel window in stage two but you're at a bit of a disadvantage coming into the final stage as you will need to pit much earlier. Stay out in stage one trying to make stage two and you run the risk of running out of fuel at the end of the stage and losing a ton of time. Also, it has been raining here at Vegas this week. The track is mostly dry, but there is not as much grip here as it normally is. Once we run a few laps I think the drivers will know what it best for their plan."

"Thanks Larry, pace car is pulling in this lap. Let's get ready for the green flag at Las Vegas."

Scootaloo's nerves were not on her side, especially so during the pace laps. She knew Ryan was watching, then again so too were all the other cup drivers. Something about it seemed different today. She sensed something in the air coming onto the backstretch. Suddenly a feeling of relief washed over her, like all the stress of the pressure was removed in an instant. She wanted to put on a good show for both Newman and the fans watching. Plenty of moments of triumph in the sport had come after tragic events. She learned about the passing of Dale Earnhardt at Daytona, and how both Kevin Harvick and Dale's son Dale Jr. had big wins after.

The field came around turn 4 as the pace car pulled in. The #22 of Applejack having taken the inside lane also had launch control.

"Coming to the flag... Green, go get 'em kid!"

Scootaloo did get a good jump off the line, but not as good as Rainbow in front of her who immediately jumped inside of both Twilight and Viral attempting to take third. Her momentum was slowed by the #22 who spun the tires on the launch, allowing the #19 of Spitfire to gain the lead into the first turn. Scootaloo got under Rarity in the corner, but the Penske Ford's power was greater than its Roush racing counterpart and she pulled away down the backstretch. Viral got hung high in the third lane and fell to fifth as Twilight managed a power move to keep third from Dash. Behind them the field was scrambling two and three wide. Spitfire came around to lead the first lap.

Lap 13

The field was beginning to spread out as the laps began to pass by. Both Spitfire and Applejack had pulled away with the #22 beginning to hunt down the #19. Behind them and Twilight in third Viral was attempting to make a move on Dash but to no avail. she couldn't quite find the speed in the middle lane. Rarity was in view of Scootaloo, but behind her Lightning Dust was the problem. She was notably aggressive and had a much better long run car. She had been looking for the spot for some time. Finally, going into turn three she caught Scootaloo's draft and moved inside.

"Looking at ya, inside. Watch her coming back in front. Clear low, alright get back at her."

Scootaloo was now in 8th, but her chances were far from over.

Lap 20

"The car is holding well, little free off of turn 2 but nothing I can't handle."

"Alright keep it steady, you got 9 tenths on the #42. Let's bring home some stage points."

"Leaders are getting into lap traffic, watch for slow cars up ahead."

Lap 28

"You've stretched the gap with the #42 by an extra tenth, keep digging. Stage is over in two laps."

Scootaloo was now sitting comfortable in eighth, but a few turns ahead trouble was brewing. Both of the leaders had lapped four cars. Twilight had gotten by three of those same cars, but one was giving her problems. The #1 of Trixie, who was blocking her runs every time she tried to get by. Eventually, Twilight had enough of her antics, and going into turn 3 Trixie got on the brakes a little bit more than she should have. Twilight in turn used less brake than normal. This ended up with Twilight's #48 punting Trixie into the corner and getting her loose. As she spun around Twilight went around the outside. Trixie managed to keep from spining up the track and got the car onto the apron, spinning the car around on the bottom of turn four, bringing out the first caution. Scootaloo being in turn two did not see this happen, but her spotter did.

"Got one spinning in three, caution is out. Back it down, we got some points from that."

Up in the both, the commentators got the whole story as they followed the #1 and #48 for a few laps.

"...and Larry she is not letting the #48 go."

"At this point Mike she's already a lap down, it's more of a personal vendetta. These two have history outside the sport and I think Twilight will only tolerate this for so long...."

"Oh, there she goes. The #1 around for the second week in a row, she keeps it off the wall again. This time however, she got help. A lot of help. That will put an end to stage one here at Vegas. Spitfire will get the playoff point.

Stage 1 Results

1. Spitfire 10 Points/+1 Playoff Point

2. Applejack 9 Points

3. Twilight Sparkle 8 Points

4. Rainbow Dash 7 Points

5. Viral Velocity 6 Points

6. Rarity 5 Points

7. Lightning Dust 4 Points

8. Scootaloo 3 Points

9. Sunset Shimmer 2 Points

10. Akula 1 Point

"Let's take another look at today's first caution, bringing an end to stage one."

A replay of the first angle, a zoomed in backstretch shot, was brought up first. The contact was clear as day."

"Yep, that might have been personal." Larry pointed out first.

"Well Larry, notice the #1 getting hard on the brakes going into the turn. She checked up a lot going into the corner, and Twilight either wasn't ready or something. Either way, Trixie once again go's around, doesn't hit anything, and she's gonna get away with this one. Vapor Trail will get the free pass, as the first car a lap down not involved in the wreck. Trixie was the first car a lap down, but bringing out the caution means she is not eligible for it. Cars likely to come down pit road we'll see as we come around."

As the cars came around to an open pit road several Chevy's came down to make stops. This included all the cars from Hendrick, 2 from Ganasii, and both RCR cars.

"Looks like we got some takers, Vince?"

"Mike, Viral overall happy with the car but came on the radio early saying the car was very tight on the exits of turns 2 and 4. The #24 team will be making a wedge adjustment to the car along with 4 tires and fuel. Jamie?"

"Thanks Vince, Twilight in the #48 notably upset with the #1 following the caution but no complaints from her about the car. She's happy with the adjustments that were made, she will get four tires and fuel. Regan?"

"Sunset Shimmer complaining that the #42 is now too tight in the corners after the adjustment, they are gonna bring the track-bar back on her car and send her away with four tires and gas. Matt?"

"Thanks Regan, Akula came over on the radio complaining about the car saying quote "It's looser than Strict's grasp on sanity" referring to one of his friends from home. The #40 team making a large adjustment to the wedge to sort out the car, and he is away Mike."

"Ok, that one cracked me up a bit Mike."

"No kidding Jeff, some things you just don't expect. We'll be back for the start of stage two right after this.

With most of the Chevy's pitting during the caution Scootaloo had been bumped up from eight to a slightly more favorable sixth. Lightning Dust now on her inside with Rarity ahead of her alongside Rainbow Dash. The field came back for the green flag once again. Scootaloo now suck on the outside got a good jump as did pretty much every car around her. Rainbow took a peak at her teammate but backed off entering turn 1 allowing Spitfire to retake the lead. That didn't last long, as Dash took another look down the backstretch into turn three. She barely got underneath Spitfire, but just managed to clip her ever so slightly. the #19 drifted up the hill but held straight as Dash checked up to lay off her. This allowed the #22 on the outside to pull away and Rarity soon attempted to follow along.

Scootaloo, being right behind the action, ended up with her hooves full.

"#11 inside, contact ahead, check up... keep digging no caution."

Lap 42

Scootaloo learned something from being stuck on the #11's outside for a couple laps. She liked the outside grove. Once she had managed to pass Lightning back for fifth she began running the line. Most of the Chevy's that had pitted last caution were charging to the front quickly, with Twilight currently residing in 9th and closing in. Scootaloo was keeping her pace strong, and managed to catch Rarity down in turn 3. With most of the cars preferring the inside line and tires beginning to wear faster Scootaloo finding success in the high lane was a wild card that no pony saw coming. coming through four she came around the outside of the #2. The entered the front stretch side by side while the live camera watched the battle. The commentators were also watching.

"Here we have a battle for fourth between Rarity and Scootaloo." Mike pointed out. "Scootaloo up top in the #6, and she's been making it work so far as she clears the #2 going into one. Scootaloo picks up the fourth spot."

Lap 56

The green flag run had been going on for some time. With the field heavily spread out in terms of position. Applejack had maintained the lead all stage, Rainbow attempting to close down on her. Right behind them, Scootaloo was catching Spitfire for third place. She came out of four to complete the lap only a few tenths behind the Toyota. They took their respective lines into the corner, Spitfire on the bottom lane as usual. Scootaloo went further up, trying to find a better line into the corner than she already had.

Suddenly, the #19 shot up the racetrack in front of her. with only fractions of a second to react she cut the wheel hard left, her spotter watching as the Toyota in front of her slammed the wall in turn 2. Scootaloo slid the car down the track, keeping out of the way of oncoming cars while also staying clear of the wrecked car up top. Spitfire rode the wall all the way through the corner before coming to a halt on the exit of turn two alongside the barrier, in flames. Scootaloo caught her car and spun it back around on the bottom of the track before beginning to roll again, her spotter giving her praise for the escape.

"Close one, good work. Bring it in and we'll change the tires. We needed to stop soon anyway."

Up in the booth, Larry and Mike were watching the #22. Meanwhile, Jeff Gordon was watching the action in turn 1 and was the first to catch the #19 crashing.

"Oh Mike, we got one in the wall in turn 2 it looks like."

"Spitfire, in the #19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota, slams the wall hard in turn two. Fire! Under the hood of that car as she comes to a stop and quickly gets out. Also spinning on the backstretch is the #6 of Scootaloo, she drives away and it seems like no damage on her car."

"Spitfire looks alright but let me tell you Larry, I know what it's like to hit a wall going that speed and it hurts bad. You can see, even as strong as she is she's sitting down and catching her breath after that one."

"Caution number two, on lap fifty-six. She was running third at the time, but Larry we were getting into the part you were talking about where we weren't sure whether or not some drivers could make it."

"You're right mike, and she had that contact early in the stage and saved it. It could be perhaps that the tires got flat-spotted and it finally let go."

"Let's grab a replay and see what happened coming off of turn two."

The first shot was an aerial view following both the #19 and the #6. In turn 2 Spitfire's #19 suddenly shot up the racetrack right in front of the #6.

"Yep, that's definitely a flat tire. Looks like a left front to me...."Jeff began

The replay continued as Scootaloo swung her car around to avoid the wreck.

"...and what a great job by Scootaloo to avoid hitting her as she came up. Folks it might seem like it was easy for her but to do something like that at about 170mph takes talent and quick reflexes. Great job by the young mare."

"And Jeff, she does really well keeping it off the inside wall as well. Sometimes you turn the car so suddenly like that and you drive it into the wall but she locked the brakes and spun it around."

"Another look in real time"

They got a full speed replay from the turn two wall. the car slamming the wall a few dozen feet from where the camera was placed. They also brought up an onboard with the #19. The view from the hood showed both the sudden and violent impact as well as the fire erupting from underneath the right side of the car. By the time the live feed returned Spitfire was already in the ambulance. She was unhurt, but was still catching her breath from the crash. The wrecker pulled the #19 away while the cleanup crew cleared the track of any fluids left by the car.

Stage 2 Results

1. Applejack 10 Points/+1 Playoff Point

2. Rainbow Dash 9 Points

3. Scootaloo 8 Points

4. Rarity 7 Points

5. Lightning Dust 6 Points

6. Twilight Sparkle 5 Points

7. Viral Velocity 4 Points

8. Pinkie Pie 3 Points

9. Sunset Shimmer 2 Points

10. Sweetie Belle 1 Point

Eventually pit road opened up for the field. This time it was everyone but the Chevy's that came in.

"Cars coming down onto pit road, Jamie?"

"Mike the #22 really happy with the car in long runs. She has been running up front consistently, four tires and no adjustments for her. Regan?"

"Thanks Jamie, a near disaster for the #18 team prior to the caution as Rainbow Dash came on the radio calling out a vibration in the right front, likely due to contact with her teammate. The team checking the right front to make sure there isn't any damage, four tires and she is away. Matt?"

"Rarity's #2 good on the short runs but not so much in long runs like the #22. They are gonna make a wedge adjustment and tighten up the car... oh problems with the jack on the #2 while putting on the left sides. A disastrous stop for that team."

"Yeah Mike looks like the jack fell off the #2 while they were putting on the left sides. No damage to the car but she's gonna lose a ton of time from that."

"A lot of positions too Jeff. Might even lose a lap if they can't fix it quickly enough."

After realigning the jack and lifting the car once again the team finished the stop, barely managing to keep Rarity on the lead lap. She would restart dead last. Scootaloo's team made a great stop, and with Rainbow's team checking for damage she gained an extra spot. Lightning gained two after Rarity's mishap on pit road and Dash found herself behind the #11 with Sweetie Belle next to her.

Twilight would inherit the lead with Viral on the outside, behind them Akula and Sunset, then Pinkie and Starlight in row three followed closely by Oscura and Bloothy with the lapped cars behind them. The field was given the green for stage three. At the front of the pack Akula dived into turn 3 three abreast with Hendrick Chevy's. Twilight backed off in the corner but Viral did not, leaving the two friends to battle for the lead.Sunset continued around the outside looking for third as Pinkie assumed fifth over Starlight. The action also began to heat up with Scootaloo's group. She and Applejack split the #1 ahead of them as Trixie was still a lap down. Rainbow and Lightning soon followed.

After a couple laps all the cars with fresh tires began to close on the Chevy's that pitted in stage 1.

Lap 72

Viral had finally taken control over the race, with Akula not letting up on bottom lane. Twilight was holding third from Sunset with Pinkie closing. About a second back Applejack was hot on the tail of Starlight after passing the RCR cars. Dash had worked her way ahead of Scootaloo and Lightning Dust and was in the middle of passing the RCR cars as well. They were side by side going into turn one. Dash had nowhere to move to to get by. On the backstretch she gave the #3 a big push to get clear of the #31. It worked, and also shoved the #3 way too far into the corner as Oscura had to catch the car as it drifted up. Scootaloo passed Bloothy cleanly and Lightning followed her line. After about another lap they got by Oscura as well.

Lap 81

The Chevy's were starting to pit for their final stops. both of the Ganasi cars had come in the lap before and made clean four tire stops. Twilight came in next, her pit box being a little bit behind Viral's who was coming in the next time by. Twilight completed her stop just as Viral was coming in for hers. Twilight found herself in the way of the #24 trying to get in and as a respectful teammate gassed it just a bit to allow the mare to easily enter her stall. This would be Twilight's undoing, as she would speed through one of the middle sections of pit road, receiving a pass through penalty. As much as she hated it, she complied with race control and served the penalty. It put her a lap down to the #22 who inherited the lead following the first cycle of green flag stops.

Lap 89

The field was very spread out. Scootaloo was running with cars that were either a lap down or catching up after their pit stops. Applejack had two seconds on Rainbow who in turn had three on Scootaloo, and she was another two ahead of Lightning Dust. All of the slower cars were giving the front runners room as usual. Twilight was working on getting her lap back and eventually did on this lap. Applejack put up no fight to Twilight's #48 which had much fresher tires. She was comfortable in the lead with 30 laps to go. However, all of the Ford's and Toyota's still needed to pit. That time frame was closing fast.

Lap 93

Scootaloo's crew chief made the call, she was going to pit this lap. She ran it all the way the end of her fuel run, any longer and she risked running dry on the track. She had led for two laps following Rainbow and AJ pitting on lap 90 and 91 respectively. Lightning Dust had also pitted, but received a pit road penalty for speeding on her entry. Her team put on four tires and served their penalty immediately.

"You want 2 tires kid? We can make it quick..."

"Hold up, one in the wall in turn 2. Cautions out, did we make the commitment cone?"

"Yeah I got there."

"Four tires, four. Looks like luck is on our side today."

The #6 team quickly grabbed an extra set of tires and serviced the car, replacing all the tires and adding a full tank of gas. She would not need another stop for sure.

The commentators figured out who it was that hit the wall in turn two. The #14 of Lyra Heartstrings, who clipped the apron and spun the car around, catching the outside wall with her left front. The damage was mitigated by her low speed as she spun and she was able to drive away from the wreck.

Pit road opened, and some of the front running Chevy's stopped for tires and to top off. Twilight managing to get her lap back allowed her to regroup with most of the front runners. Scootaloo would restart with the lead.

"Pick a lane, you have launch control."

"Outside lane this time."

Picking the outside lane put Rainbow beside her on the restart. On lap 98 the race once again went green. Rainbow proved to get a better start and pulled ahead slightly on the inside. Scootaloo came down slightly to side draft her bigger sister opening the door for the #22 to charge to the outside on the backstretch.

"Middle of three, three wide."

Scootaloo had little choice but to back off, or risk wrecking three of the best cars including her own. She checked up and pulled low. She had an advantage, she had four tires while the #18 and #22 only had two.

Lap 120

The three lead cars had stretched out their gap on the cars behind. A full two seconds back to the #48 which had fought it's way back into the top 5, and she was coming fast. Applejack still held the lead, but Rainbow was right there waiting for the opportunity to go back to back. Scootaloo waited it out, hoping to not have to defend from the charging Hendrick Chevrolet.

Lap 129

Twilight was right behind them now, and Scootaloo did not want to risk making a move. She could go around the outside, but she held the bottom in order to make sure that she kept pace with the two leaders. They came around to complete lap 129.

Five laps to go.

One the backstretch Rainbow took a glimpse outside, eventually pulling out of line and getting alongside the #22. With two tires this did not work. Scootaloo seized her oppurtunity and got under the #18. She cleared her for second, but Dash wasn't gonna let it go. She cut back for a crossover and got back underneath the #6. Applejack began to pull away and Twilight inched ever closer. Dash passed Scootaloo back in turn four.

Four Laps to go.

Now Rainbow was playing catch up again. Scootaloo knew that they weren't gonna catch the #22. On the backstretch she gave Rainbow a push. It worked, and Rainbow once again caught Applejack's draft going into turn three. She closed in on the front stretch.

Three laps to go.

Dash wanted the lead bad, and Twilight was now a big threat in Scootaloo's mirror.

"Don't pay attention to her, just keep going. you still got a couple tenths before you need to worry." Her crew chief encouraged her.

She took the words to heart, no more looking in the mirror.

Two laps to go.

Rainbow pulled a zig-zag move down the back stretch going down then up and Applejack covered both sides of the move. It was the third move that worked for Rainbow as she got underneath her quarter going into three. Scootaloo was right there behind her should she make the move. The #22 fought back on the outside and she nosed ahead lead the lap.

Final Lap.

Going into turn one Applejack intended to take the low line in the corner, Rainbow wouldn't let her. She stuck her nose in under the Ford. The pressure of the #22 coming down onto the #18 shoved the Toyota onto the apron and caused it to wiggle. As Dash caught the car it clipped the car above her and they began a dual slide. Dash caught her car, keeping it mostly intact, while Applejack slid up the track a little more and kissed the wall with her right side.

This gave the lead to Scootaloo, with Twilight riding right behind her. Scootaloo needed to outrun the #48 through two more corners.

The broadcasters called every shot like a play by play all the way from the backstretch.

"Dash looking for the lead, going for two in a row. She looks inside, now outside, inside again!"

"She's there, she's there going into three."

"The #22 fighting back on the outside, Scootaloo waiting behind them with the fresher tires and Twilight closing fast. On lap to go here at Las Vegas and it's gonna be a fight! Going into turn one... contact! Both of the leaders slide, the #22 into the wall! That will give the lead to the #6. Two more corners!"

"This is great!"

"Track is clear, no caution coming out. Scootaloo down the back stretch. What an emotional roller coaster for that #6, following the injury of Ryan Newman. Roush Racing has never won on a non-superspeedway since 2012. The last time the #6 went to victory lane was with David Ragan in 2011. Coming through three and four that's gonna change now. Scootaloo, wins in Las Vegas! What a finish."

"What a great effort by that team, even after last week they never gave up on her."

"You're serious?!"

"Girl you are a NASCAR winner here at Las Vegas."

"Thank you, thank you everyone. I'm so glad Ryan could see this!"

Scootaloo pulled the #6 Ford Mustang onto the front stretch. She spun the tires and brought the car around, first making a #6 with the smoke before doing a couple spins. Eventually she stopped, with the car facing towards turn 4 and away from the crowd. She took off her helmet and climbed onto the side of the car. She put her hooves up before the cheering crowd as her crew raced up to meet her. She followed it up with a back-flip off the car, a celebration she learned from former Roush Racing star Carl Edwards. Jamie Little met her on the track to interview her.

"Scootaloo, this must mean so much to you after last weeks events. How are you feeling?"

"Oh, I... I just don't know what to say. I really can't find the words. I know Jack Roush and Ryan Newman are somewhere in the back watching this whole thing. Luck was on our side through the whole day, and we pulled through in the end."

"What was goinng through your head as you entered the backstretch after taking the lead?

"I really wasn't ready for it. I expected it to be between Rainbow and Applejack and I was ready to bring home a top five. When they slid up the track I took what I was given."

"Alright, I'll let you celebrate with the guys. Scootaloo, first win here at Las Vegas. Regan?"

"Jamie I'm here with Twilight who weaved her way through for a second place finish. You ran into some trouble early in the race with the #1, anything to say?"

"What is there to say about her that isn't obvious. She's full of herself and she hates me, not much else. She brake checked me into the corner and payed for it."

"You had to battle back from a speeding penalty, and fought back up for a second place finish. How did it work out?

"I had a great car all race, we ran up front for most of the day. I'm still a little upset about the penalty since i was trying to give the #24 some room on pit road, being respectful, but it all worked itself out. Got a great finish for Ally and Hendrick today."

"Matt?"

"Here with Rainbow Dash after finishing 5th following the last lap contact. You were racing for the win, what happened?"

"Pulled inside of the #22 and she pinched me into the corner. Car got loose on the apron and I slid up. Real shame, had an awesome car today. Gotta thank NOS for hopping on board this week, and we'll get at 'em next week."

"So you're saying the #22 caused the accident?"

"Well yeah, what do you want from me?"

"He wants the truth sugarcube, and don't think I forgot about Daytona either."

"That was Rarity, not you or me."

"She forgave you, so did I. I ain't gonna let you talk your way outta this one. You run me or any of my Teammates like that again and I'm not letting you go for any reason. Ya hear?"

Her point made, Applejack walked back to her garage spot. Rainbow excused herself as Matt gave coverage back to Mike.

"Congratulations to Scootaloo and the #6 team for a triumphant win here at Las Vegas. As always, I'm Mike Joy for Larry McReynolds and Jeff Gordon. Good night."

Finishing Positions.

1. Scootaloo 40 Points/+5 Playoff points

2. Twilight Sparkle 35 Points

3. Viral Velocity 34 Points

4. Sunset Shimmer 33 Points

5. Rainbow Dash 32 Points

6. Applejack 31 Points

7. Pinkie Pie 30 Points

8. Rarity 29 Points

9. Fluttershy 28 Points

10. Starlight Glimmer 27 Points

11. Danger Dean 26 Points

12. Akula 25 Points

13. Oscura Galaxia 24 Points

14. Sweetie Belle 23 Points

15. Vinyl Scratch 22 Points

16. Apple Bloom 21 Points

17. Octavia Melody 20 Points

18. Bloothy 19 Points

19. Lightning Dust 18 Points (1 Lap Down)

20. Vapor Trail 17 Points (1 Lap Down)

21. Derpy Hooves 16 Points (1 Lap Down)

22. Trixie Lulamoon 15 Points (2 Laps Down)

23. Sky Stinger 14 Points (2 Laps Down)

24. Lyra Heartstrings 13 Points (3 Laps Down)

25. Spitfire 12 Points (DNF Lap 56)

Standings

In Playoffs by wins
In Playoffs by points

1. Rainbow Dash 98 Points (6 Playoff Points-1 Win)

2. Scootaloo 79 Points (5 Playoff Points-1 Win)

3. Twilight Sparkle 91 Points

4. Applejack 78 Points (1 Playoff Point)

5. Pinkie Pie 76 Points (1 Playoff Point)

6.Sunset Shimmer 72 Points

7.Viral Velocity 71 Points

1. Fluttershy 70 Points

2. Rarity 65 Points

3. Spitfire 64 Points (1 Playoff Point)

4. Akula 64 Points

5. Starlight Glimmer 59 Points

6. Lightning Dust 57 Points

7. Oscura Galaxia 47 Points

8. Sweetie Belle 46 Points

9. Octavia Melody 46 Points

10. Danger Dean 45 Points

11. Bloothy 44 Points

12. Derpy Hooves 40 Points

13. Lyra Heartstings 40 Points

14. Apple Bloom 39 Points

15. Vinyl Scratch 39 Points

16. Vapor Trail 39 Points

17. Trixie Lulamoon 36 Points

18. Sky Stinger 30 Points