Episode 35:

The Pony-napolis 500

Somewhere, inside is in a area of pitch dark blackness where a certain voice is heard inside taking deep breaths inhaling and exhaling.

“Okay, here we go.” Rainbow said to herself trying to be as calm and cool as the color on her coat. “Speed! I am speed.” He briefly envisions cars on the track going at incredible speeds. “One winner. 42 losers. I eat losers for breakfast.” He envisions a very familiar car whizzing past on a racetrack. “Breakfast? Wait, maybe I should have had breakfast?” She then thought to herself now distracted from what she was focusing on. “A little breaky could be good for me.” She then shook her head. “No, no, no, stay focused. Speed!” She then envisions the cars whizzing and racing on the track at top speed briefly. “I'm faster than fast, quicker than quick! I am Lightning!”

Just then she heard a knock on the door. “Correction! You’re name’s Rainbow Dash! Silly!” Pinkie’s voice happily voiced as she giggled.

“Anyways…” Fuli spoke up continuing forward. “...you ready?”

The trailer door opened thus allowing Rainbow to emerge into the light along with whatever she has prepared and in store for what’s about to happen today. “Oh! The Dash is ready!”

Slowly and surely different parts of a body for a car emerge from the trailer. A car that is shining bright blue on the exterior, with a huge lightning bolt matching her cutie mark painted all across both sides of the car. In addition to the black and red racing tires, her racing car sports a number on the sides too. Number 1.

Upon emerging from the shadows, cameras were all over Rainbow Dash and her car as she looks on at the huge crowd in the stadium. Everyone from the Pride Lands and Equestria have all gathered here together today to watch her as she tackles on this very race. And yes, they all made sure to get her good side and good looks as she briefly posed for the cameras. All while wearing her dark blue Wonderbolt suit fit for racing.

“It’s going to be a great race.” Fuli said to the others as like Rainbow Dash, she along with Applejack and Rarity all wearing their racing suits all watched on as their friend basks in the attention she is getting right now.

“Oh, yeah!”

After a fair minute of pre-race pics and posing, the crew dispersed allowing Rainbow to speak to her friends who will be joining her in competing in this race too. “Ah!” Rainbow happily sighed. “They just never get enough of me do they?”

“Nope.”

“Not you.”

“Not in many years to come.”

“But still isn’t this sweet?!” Rainbow could hardly hold down her excitement. “The first ever Pony-napolis 500 is finally here!”

“It is sweet!” Fuli agreed before sporting an equally competitive smirk. “Because I’m also already looking forward to it myself!”

“Even sweeter…” Applejack then spoke up. “...the winner of this race wins that sweet cash prize in the end. Something that you’re already looking forward too!”

“Heck, yeah!”

“And that is by your definition, a million bits?” Rarity asked already amused herself.

“Of course, Rarity! Because it is a million bits!”

“Enough to fund you for life. Or in my case should I get lucky enough to win, money to buy me necessities for my growing fashion business along with funding for when dear Sweetie Belle goes to college.”

Applejack chuckled. “Nice to see ya’ll speaking ma language because it’s like my needs too only more of an apple farm business than fashion, of course.”

“Along with mine in being able to be set for life myself, at least with a living in Ponyville. Outside of that, I wouldn’t know what else to do with all of that money.” Fuli chimed in herself.

“Well in any case…” Twilight’s voice spoke up as she appeared with both Kion and Shining Armor following behind her. “...as long as you all are having fun and being safe, that’s all that matters, win or lose.”

“Not only that by participating and putting forward the money to help make this happen, it is all going towards a good cause as we keep raising money needed in order to keep funding this ongoing war against Scar and his followers.” Kion added.

“Right, of course. The important good stuff to always remember.” Rainbow returned in a friendly manner where if this was years ago, she would have wasted no time mocking that very wisdom word of word.

“And what about you two?” Applejack then asked. “Aren’t you two racing?”

“Nope.”

“Not us.”

“But he is.”

“Shining Armor?” Fuli asked said stallion already dressed up for the occasion.

“Yep! That’s right! I can say right now I’m already looking forward to racing alongside you all here today! It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do when growing up! Only I just never had the time do it until now.”

“Does Cadance know you’re here?” Applejack curiously and suspiciously asked. “Because it doesn’t sound like it is her kind of thing she would want to see you doing, from what I’ve heard.”

“Shh!” The older unicorn quickly hushed her. “As far as she knows I am out shopping for things I need to keep up with security for this kingdom and that alone.”

“Uh-huh. And you aren’t worried this will come back to bite you in the rump?”

“Of course not! What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her and even if she did find out later on she’ll find there is nothing to worry about.” He then added confidently. “Not only that I’ve been sure I did my homework on this race before coming in here today.”

‘And by that, he means that I’ve been helping him memorize the rules to the T along with making sure his race car is race eligible. Which is why I am here to serve as his crew chief for this race.”

“And I will be serving as Applejack’s crew chief!” Kion added. “Not only that Ono has agreed to serve as Rarity’s crew chief too.”

Turning to Fuli, Rarity asked. “And what about you, Fuli?”

“I’ve got Kyoga backing me up for this race.” Fuli answered. “So not to wonder, I have my bases covered even knowing this race forward, reverse, neutral, sideways, front ways, back ways, along with every other direction you can think of. Either way, I’m ready.”

“Then I hope you all are hungry, because you’re all going to be eating my dust!” Rainbow boasted before moving to get his ride ready for the race.

As for how the race turns out, it’s anyone’s guess for how this race turns out whether it turns out the way one hopes. And one thing’s for sure is that it’s going to be a hay of a race for everyone involved.

The day of the race indeed attracted a significant crowd to the site of the race track, which was located in an open area a way away from both Canterlot and Ponyville. While it was a bit of a flight and walk for others, it was a necessity if they wanted to find a big enough area to be to build this their speedway and stadium. Every seat in the stands was packed, with the audience from both kingdoms both young and old.

From high above, the familiar hot air balloon carried Pinkie Pie, Bunga, and Spike, as they looked down at the race track down below as the drivers are all getting ready to get in their vehicles. From down below, Starlight is standing off to the side before moving to project her horn to generate a powerful magical projection screen.

"Hello and welcome one and all to the first annual Pony-napolis 500!" Spike greeted from up in the balloon, using a microphone! "The very first race where racing champions from all over the two kingdoms get together to show everyone how fast they are all really are! I'm Spike here with my good co-hosts Pinkie and Bunga!"

"Hello!”

“Hi!”

“As you can see, everyone here is all gathered together for what is expected to be the biggest event in the history of racing!”

“Yep!” Bunga nodded taking his turn to speak. “As you can see this whole new stadium is packed. Right here in Los Pegasus Motor Speedway! Tickets for this race are hotter than sales than the annual bake sale!”

“Right you are, Bunga!” Pinkie happily said in agreement. “43 drivers in a 500 lap winner take all race, where the winner will win the big trophy and large one million bit cash prize that comes with it!”

And I'm Pinkie Pie." Pinkie announced. “And for those who have the misfortune of being unable to watch this race not to worry, our good friend Starlight Glimmer will be broadcasting and recording this race so you can all watch it from afar.”

“That’s right!” Bunga spoke next. “And you know, I have went through a lot of missions, excitement, and action, but I can tell you right now, I’ve never seen anything so exciting like this!”

“Me neither!” Spike shook his head. “In fact, the whole country has almost shut down to watch what many experts are calling the race of the century.”

Among the audience, Cheerilee herself had a big bow tied to the back of her head, that was purple and yellow in color, and she had on a white cheerleader outfit with yellow trim, and yellow and purple stripes, as well a yellow skirt with purple lines to it. She also had two yellow pom-poms currently in her hooves, and it was obvious she was even more cheerful and upbeat than she normally was all while joining the other cheerleaders who have agreed to perform for this very race.

Pinkie beamed, as she looked down as the pace car leads the field of racers are exiting pit lane as they all line up single file. “And now for our champion racing contenders for this race as they all make up the front rows of this opening lineup. Starting with one the biggest favorites of this race and that is none other than Rainbow Dash herself. Sporting the rocking sky blue and red color scheme accompanied with her trademark rainbows in the Number 1 car hoping to take this race in flying colors from the pole position.”

“We know she does have the speed to pull it off, though she tends to struggle a little on corner entry which could be a problem if she is not careful enough.” Spike added with his analysis.

“But come on!” Bunga insisted otherwise. “Let’s not forget she has been very keen on watching on for every little detail and factor that could prove crucial here so I think it’s safe to say the Dash will be prepared for this race every straightway and every corner for this race.”

Pinkie then moved on to the next racer seeded in second place. “And as always there is always racing by her side, Fuli sporting the yellow and red paint scheme on her car. She is also a front runner hoping to have a say about that as she prepares to race it out in her number 75 car.”

“I wonder why she choose that number?” Bunga asked.

“Because that is the fastest speed she has ever recorded while running.” Spike answered. “So it makes sense since that is the current fastest record for the fastest cheetah in Savannah.”

“And she is still young, we can see more records achieved in no time at all! Who knows?! Maybe she actually reach triple digits at her peak!”

“We’ll see.” Pinkie then moved on to the next row. “Though those starting behind them might have a shot at the title, with the driver backing the one in the pole position being none other that Shining Armor himself who has come all the way from the Crystal Empire to join in on the fun! Sporting the royal purple and yellow color scheme with the number 11 on his ride to race!”

“You’re right about that, Pinkie.” Spike commented. “The Knight in Shining Armor himself came into this race with a desire to fulfill a fillyhood passion. And now he is finally getting to live out his dream here today.”

“Will he be able to go all the way to bring home the trophy himself and reap in all of the royal rewards that come with it?” Bunga asked as he commented.

“Who knows?” Pinkie shrugged. “The same can be said for Applejack making up the second row riding along in the tiger mobile. Sporting the number 16 with black stripes, the well known apple farmer is seeking to earn herself dough to feed the entire Apple Family.”

“And judging from the look on her face and stripes on her car, she is looking mighty serious about this race.” Bunga commented while growling like a tiger. “Hoping that she is lucky dog winner with the speed and fierceness that comes with it.” Just then they heard a real tiger’s growl from nearby. “I didn’t mean it as an insult, buddy so calm down! Geez!”

“Anyways…” Spike continued. “...it’ll take a lot of luck and power for the Apple Family’s golden girl to pull it off and win all those golden apples so let’s hope endurance can keep pace with speed itself.”

“We can only hope where time will tell, and speaking of time, we have another pony who rounds off the top five here today and that so happens to be a friend you all know." Pinkie happily exclaimed. "Rarity herself, who like Applejack has a ride built for endurance. The old fashioned or newly fashioned diamond colored car with the number 89. Completely white and divine of brightness as she would describe it.”

“That’s right, couldn’t have said it any better.” Spike commented. “Hard to believe that the pony of fashion would know a thing or two about driving a race car. But she has proven it with her qualifying times to earn her place in the starting lineup.”

“She sure has!” Bunga agreed, “Hopefully she is able to back up all of her boasts with a strong performance here in this race along with not trying to bribe her way to victory lane!”

“When has she ever done anything like that?!” Spike asked incredulous at that last statement.

“Never.” Bunga shrugged. “I was just joking around for entertainment.”

“Moving forward…” Pinkie continued. “...with the rest of the field compromised of many new and unknown faces from the mean and green Makuu in the 68, or the , there is going to be only one winner taking home the trophy here today.”

“And with things about to get underway we are getting ready to wave the green flag in just about one more lap.” Spike then said next.

“So get ready everyone because this race is about get underway!” Bunga declared as the drivers all lock eyes on the track ahead of them while side glancing each other as they round the track one more time before getting ready to race. And as the round the last corner, the pace car got off of the track allowing Rainbow Dash to lead the field while the green flag waves for the first time today. “Boogity, Boogity, Boogity, let’s go racing, boys!”

All ready in the opening laps, Rainbow felt that energy and passion while riding at top speed, from picking it up gear by gear, increasing miles per hour, and pulling out ahead, she was all ready in the zone. But she wasn’t alone thanks to both Shining Armor and Fuli both being hot right on his rear bumper. Both drivers found themselves taking turns finding openings they can seize to try to get by him.

After ten laps of Rainbow managing a slim lead, both Shining Armor and Fuli made a run on her. The former is now looking into the inside while the latter is looking in on the outside. Rainbow found herself riding the middle in an effort to keep both drivers at bay though it wasn’t easy due to having to be careful with how she maneuvers the car and maintain speed since the corners are sharp enough to send someone into the wall. But she was able to keep them both at bay and prevented them from passing.

“Ten laps in, and the pole sitter is still holding a slim lead.” Spike commented.

“Hey look, both Fuli and Shining Armor’s got a run on her!” Bunga then pointed out. “They’re looking to the inside and outside! Oh! Rainbow’s got her bases covered and she barely keeping the doors closed on them!”

“Yep!” Pinkie nodded. “Rainbow’s not making it easy on them today!”

“But wait...those two behind her have got other ideas up ahead!”

Seeing that this approach isn’t working had the two changing tactics by switching the attempts of riding the inside and outside. Upon seeing this had Rainbow react accordingly while moving to block off Shining Armor, it moves to pave way for Fuli to sneak on by the inside and pass on by for the lead.

“Huwezi!”

“Hold on there!” Rainbow moved to work her way behind Fuli’s bumper before moving to retake the lead back from her on the back straightway.

The cheetah then maneuvered her car around so that she can keep on the Peagsus’s bumper before forcing her way inside. By the time the two were rounding back onto the main straightway the two were neck and neck crossing the finish line together.

“Whoa! What a move by Fuli and just like that they are both neck and neck for the lead!” Bunga commented with excitement.

“But they’re not alone! They still got Shining Armor close behind him, but it looks like he is bidding his time right now.” Spike then commented next.

“That’s right! Pinkie noted. “Especially considering that he nearly didn’t make qualifying and nearly didn’t pass inspection beforehoof.”

All while Shining Armor keeps a close and comfortable pace behind them. And that’s because he has his crew chief guiding him from these early laps. “You’re doing great, big brother. Just keep close behind.” She advised through her headset while stationed on a booth over his pit stall.

“But what if I find another opening?”

“If you can find a way to clear them without getting caught in a three wide situation, go for it. If not, steer clear until them. Remember there are the times when you bring it to pit road where you can gain the advantage over them. A good pit stop could mean the difference between victory and defeat.”

“Okay, I will take your word for it, Twily.”

And sure enough the time for the first round of pit stops came after the first forty laps had passed.

“Now comes the first round of green flag pit stops where the first test of strategy comes to play in these next five laps.” Spike then said next as the first to come to pit road are both Applejack and Rarity who are both close together even when it seems that the gap would be much larger. “Up first are Applejack and Rarity who are still couple car lengths apart from each other.” Upon entering their stalls, they both got four freshly changed tires and a full tank of full. “And it looks like Rarity will beat Applejack off of pit road after a clean graceful stop here.”

“Yep. Unfortunately Applejack’s tire changer didn’t properly secure the lug nuts, and that’s going to cost her big time.” Bunga then noted.

“Oh! Tough break for the Apple Car!!” Pinkie commented upon seeing the grunts of frustration from said earth pony having to wait longer in order the tires are fully secure.

“Don’t worry, Applejack!” Kion assured over the radio. “We got a faster car now so we should be able to make up ground in no time.”

“I’d better hope so.”

Next up is Fuli and Shining Armor, both giving up the chase after Rainbow Dash so they can pit.

“Up next both Fuli and Shining Armor are both coming in, giving up their pursuit of Rainbow Dash who remains out in front.” Spike then commented next. “And they are both getting four new tires and a full tank of fuel.”

“Over forty laps in and these green flag pit stops are already heating up, just look at the speed the pit crew is working at in order to ensure they execute this perfectly!” Bunga commented next.

“And for a pony who has been playing sports, he sure has been doing his research! Or more accurately, that’s because he has the best crew chief a pony could ask for!” Pinkie giggled as they watch Twilight carefully monitoring their progress accordingly.

So far the alicorn was liking what she was seeing and soon enough, her brother was out of the gates faster than Fuli who is now a couple car lengths back herself.

After forty-five laps, Rainbow was the only one who has yet to come in to pit road. She still kept pouring the speed into her car while trying to lap the entire field, but deep down she knew was a lap to two away from running out of gas and that she had to come in.

"All right, Dash!" Spitfire's voice called out through her intercom serving as her crew chief with her fellow Wonderbolts serving as her pit crew. "Bring her in, now."

“After holding out as long as she could, Rainbow is finally going into the pits.” Spike commented first.

“And with a lot of rubber worn, she is going to hope her lead was big enough to hold on to it.” Bunga then added next.

“Here she goes...with the four-tire stop and fuel…” Pinkie then said as they all watch as the race leader’s pit stop is underway. “So far so good...all four tires are coming along nicely...and she’s off. What a pit stop by the Dash!” Rainbow carefully watched her speed until she exited pit road before taking off and getting back on the track just a few seconds ahead of both Shining Armor and Fuli. “And she’s still got the lead!”

“Amazing that actually worked since those with fresher tires tend to gain more time and speed on those who stay out longer.” Spike noted next. “But someway somehow she’s managed to make it work. Apparently she knows something we don’t know.”

“We sure don’t! And this is only the beginning now that we’ve completed fifty laps thus far with much more action and drama to come!” Bunga commented next.

"Nice job, Wonderbolts!" Spitfire complimented the team. "Keep it up!"

And sure enough there is more to come when the leaders speed is so fast that they all managed to start hitting lap traffic and that happened thirty laps later.

“Eighty laps in and we’re already starting to hit the first wave of lap traffic!” Spike then commented as the leaders first encounter the tail end of the competition up ahead.

Said competitors happen to be Basi, Laini, and Derpy who are still keeping themselves on the course even with their struggles.

“Oh, yeah! Here we go! All of the navigating, evading, and careful driving as they all rush to hold their positions!” Bunga added with a look of excitement as the top three drivers are the first to make their moves to get by.

Rainbow Dash with the swift and cocky demeanor cleared the three like he is playing a video game here. She then proceeds to move on ahead to the next three drivers in line who all happen to be Muhangus and Bulk Biceps, who both likewise were smart enough to stay clear of the faster traffic.

But the same couldn't be said for the two rhino drivers who were literally blocking off the lane. Fortunately, for her, She moved her car to ride the fence a little before moving on right in front of them much to their surprise. All while smiling and winking on to his fans watching her on the big screen.

“And look at Rainbow Dash, carrying on like this is an ordinary day on the practice field with the Wonderbolts!” Spike commented as she speeds her way through lap traffic with a sizable gap for the lead now.

“Although she is still not completely out of the woods since Shining Armor and Fuli are still trying to keep up with her.” Pinkie reminded as said racers are moving their way through traffic despite not having an easier time than Rainbow Dash.

Shining Armor found himself having to be patient about passing before finally getting by and Fuli herself was finding herself a bit more agitated due to trying and failing to make moves to get by them. It helps for the former thanks to his crew chief's constant coaching on the matter.

Applejack who had managed to use this to advantage to regain ground was able to pass Rarity and then later Fuli during the clustered up parts of the race. Seeing this prompted the latter to follow her line in an effort to keep herself from losing anymore ground then she already has.

Then came the second round of pit stops, where everyone makes their way to pit stop for their next stops even during the hectic traffic and commotion all around them. Much like the last round of stops most of the competition stuck to their strategies although Fuli herself frustrated from the lost time spent in lapped traffic opted to stay out as long as she can until she had to come in. And when she did…

“Come on! Come on! Come on! Come on!” She roared as her crew got together for the quickest stop they can do. “Faster! Come on! I got to get back out there before she does…” Said someone is Rainbow Dash on the verge of lapping her. “...Hurry up!”

“You’re good! You’re good!” One of the pitties reported allowing Fuli to take off from her stall.

“Whoa! Look at the pressure Fuli’s feeling!” Bunga commented as she makes her way across pit road before furiously roaring her car back onto the track. “And yet a remarkable stop that’s good enough to keep herself from being lapped!”

“And yet Rainbow still has yet to pit!” Spike pointed out. “Which should be in another lap or two!” When the time comes. “And here she comes now after another forty-five laps!”

“Oh! Here we go!” Pinkie happily commented next. “She’s coming in strong like before!” She sees her move into her pit stall for the same stop as before. “She’s getting her tires and gas as strong and fast like before!” After a good quick stop, she was already taking off. “And she is making her out as quickly as last time!” She then sees her make her way back on the track with a larger gap over the second and third place drivers than last time. “And with a larger lead than before!”

“About a whole straightway now!” Spike added. “And we’re only a hundred laps in this race!”

“At this rate, it’s going to take something that Rainbow has no experience at to close the gap on him!” Bunga then commented next just amazed as said pony is just cruising and building her lead with every passing lap.

Said challenge happened to be Spoiled Rich who happened to be riding the 86 with her white and slightly yellow and greenish car who happened to be the most frustrating competitor who even happened to get into the racing field. The former member of the school board was managing just fine as if she was aggressively driving on the highway in another dimension. She was racing fine and had managed to work her way to around the top 10, but not without getting a little pushy with the other drivers. And by that it involves actually bumping into others to get them to spin out yet in a way that it ‘looks’ like an accident. All while carrying on with a mean grin to show no remorse for her overly aggressive attitude.

Considering of how she managed to make it convincing in an angle that the race officials didn’t quite get a solid look at it, it’s amazing that she hasn’t been black flagged for it. And that came to the test when Rainbow Dash appeared on the outside ready to lap her all while smirking and raising her eyebrows as if it’s to mock her.

Upon seeing her had the snobbish mare try to pick up the pace to avoid being lapped by the lead racer. “No, you don’t!”

After allowing her to pull ahead while on the outside, Rainbow moved to change lanes before passing on the inside lane. All while chuckling before pulling ahead. “See ya, later, alligator!” A familiar reptile, Makuu glared at her in response as the Pegasus pony passed by. “I said alligator, not crocodile! Geez! Can’t a pony say phrases that don’t involve you and your kind directly?!”

“No! But it’s still disrespectful!” He bluntly returned just as Spolied Rich moved to gain on her.

With a mean grin, she gave Rainbow’s car a bump causing her to slide off of the track and into the infield. But before that could happen, Rainbow however was able to turn her tires in a way so she is still sliding yet still moving forward without losing a lot of speed. And then she was able to hold it long enough to regain her ground and stay on the track while still maintaining the lead.

“Oh! And what a save by the Dash!”

“And she’s still got the lead by a mini mile!”

“But now she’s hungry for payback for what Spoiled Rich did and she is not happy!”

In quick time with the upcoming lap traffic, Rainbow was able to maneuver her car back up to Spoiled Rich’s back bumper before moving to find another way to get around her. And that was giving her a little ‘excuse me’ and ‘thank you’ nudge to get by her quickly along with Makuu before flying right by to prevent her from getting that chance again.

Frustrated she moved to body slam her car into another car that tried pass her from behind, someone that just had the misfortune of riding beside her, causing said driver to crash into the other drivers. "Get through that, superstar!"

“Oh! And Spoiled Rich is causing more problems for the other drivers again!” Pinkie exclaimed in shock.

“With trouble on Turn 3!”

“Along with a huge crash in the mix!”

Both Spike and Bunga added.

The crowd gasped in shock with others jeering Spoiled Rich for what she just did even when she feels she did nothing wrong. “Ah, suck up you big fillies!” But even still that was more than enough for the officials to throw her the black flag with a white “X” on it to signal to her that she has been disqualified from the race and is ordered to park it immediately. “Are you kidding me?! Why?!” She angrily demanded while moving park her car at the start/finish line with the yellow flag also being waved for the rest of the field.

“Oh boy, Spoiled Rich is now making a scene at the start/finish line!” Bunga commented first on the spectacle. “And it’s not pretty!”

“Reminds me of a time she got herself arrested shortly after being fired and she snapped at an officer for something that was also clearly her fault.” Spike then recalled. “And boy, she was red with anger as much as her eyes from the pepper spray she took in that day!”

“No kidding! And pepper spray does not taste great on eggs let me tell you!” Pinkie added while recalling her eyes getting watery and red due to actually doing just that.

The others blinked in confusion while looking at her.

“Wait?!”

“You what?!”

Back then, she had just placed it on her eggs. “Hey!” An officer quickly rushed over to the table at the cafe she was sitting it. “Give me my pepper spray back!”

“Oh, come on! One squirt and you’re south of the border!” She protested before taking a bit from her scrambled eggs. “Mmm! Incapacitating!” She said with cheery delight even while her eyes are turning red.

The cop just shook her head before gently guiding the pony away from her plate. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you get to the hospital safely!” She then muttered to herself. “Gotta learn things the hard way these days!”

“But I’m fine! Really!”

“No, you’re not!”

"Ah, yes. Good times." Pinkie blissfully thought nothing of the trip to the hospital and doctor's recommendations going forward from the whole experience.

"Okay..."

"Thank you for sharing that with us..."

Both Bunga and Spike awkwardly returned while opting not to question it any further before moving ahead with the current ongoing situation on the race track down below.

Back on the race track, most of the field is sent crashing and flying around across turns 3 and 4 of the speedway along with one losing a tire in the process. All while screaming and unable to stop the inevitable from happening.

At one point two cars stopped literally facing one another trying to share a good laugh with one another. Only for the moment to be cut short when two drivers came their way with the former being crashed by Bulk Biceps and the other being crashed by Derpy with the latter riding on top of car she crashed into.

Among the chaos are the three leaders where the former is effortlessly driving through and evading the chaos in front of him even with zero visibility in the area.

“Wait a second, Bunga, Pinkie! Rainbow along with Shining Armor and Fuli are in the wreckage!”

“What?! Really?!” Pinkie exclaimed in shock.

“There’s no way they can make it through! Not in one piece that is!” Bunga also commented while loving the craziness that is happening but feeling worried for his friends down there.

“But just look at those evasive maneuvers!” Pinkie excitably commented. “Zig-zag! Zig-zag! Zig-zag!”

“No! No! No!” Bunga shook his head. “It’s more like squiggly squigg maneuvers! Squiggle Squigg!”

Fortunately for him, those worries were quelled when the three, one by one, managed to clear every car that came right at them, going left and right, zig-zag, swerving, and even little etch and sketch here and there…

...then came a couple cars crashed and parked in the middle of road ahead of them.

Seeing this prompted each and every one them preparing themselves to jump by hopping their cars up onto said cars before using that momentum to leap themselves up into the air. From the corner of Turn 4 each and every one of them emerged from the smoke and dust that had accumulated from the massive wreck.

Rainbow made sure to give the crowd a pose and wink before landing. “Yeah!”

“Yeah! Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo cheered from the stands.

“Would you look at that! Rainbow along with Shining Armor and Fuli all made it through!” Bunga commented just amazed with what he just saw with each of the top three drivers one by one driving on towards the start/finish line where they got to witness Spoiled Rich being dragged away in cuffs after being pepper sprayed in the eyes again.

“No kidding! That was most 120% spectacular racing I have ever seen!” Pinkie happily yelled.

“You said it!” Spike agreed. “And a spectacular move by the top three drivers in this race! Fuli, Shining Armor, and Rainbow Dash!”

“Aw, yeah!” Rainbow cheered while basking in the glory of his ongoing success by her many fans in attendance.

“Rainbow Dash! Rainbow Dash! Rainbow Dash! Yeah!”

“Yeah! Rainbow Dash!”

“And with this caution coming out just around the window for scheduled pit stops 125 laps in, everyone will be coming in!”

Before the green light could be given for racers to enter pit road, a tow truck has been called to tow the damaged beyond repair vehicles into the garage to retire for the rest of the race.

Much like before the pit stops, went through with the usual stops. Rainbow Dash’s team of Wonderbolts got her out as quickly as possible so she could continue holding onto the lead. Since they knew how to work fast and well together as a team, they definitely had Rainbow’s back in ensuring the fastest car of this race stays out in front.

Other stops varied like before since some of the drivers decided to opt for two-tire strategy's in an effort to gain some short term speed to compete with Rainbow. Said change up caused both Shining Armor and Fuli to be caught up in the pits.

“While Rainbow Dash once more retains the lead, both Shining Armor and Fuli got caught up in the pits!” Spike commented first.

“That’s right, with the excellence and awesomeness Rainbow has shown others are now changing up their strategies opting for only two tires this time around going forward.” Bunga commented next.

“And with others like Shining Armor and Fuli still sticking with four tires, they're going to have to hope that this race stays green because they’ve got a lot of ground to make up.” Pinkie added as the lights on the pace car come off after crossing the start/finish line once more. “Get ready everybody and everypony, we’re coming to the restart!”

Upon rounding Turn 4, the pace car pulled over to the pits, and the race official at the start/finish line waves the green flag. Upon seeing it had Rainbow Dash driving out through the gates and in full throttle in the lead.

The race itself continued to progress with little to no problems which proved to be just the kind of racing both Shining Armor and Fuli needed as they worked their way up through the field.

After 20 laps of racing, the two tire stop strategy has worn thin for the half dozen drivers that pursed that move, allowing Shining Armor to make his move back into the top 5 on lap 146. Fuli would then follow suit on lap 148.

Ten laps later, both Applejack and Rarity are finding themselves working their way back up into the top 15 though both of them had to find themselves being patient in dealing with them which thankfully only took a few more laps at best.

After another round of pit stops, Rainbow finds her excelling lead has grown into a half a straightway once more before beginning lap 188 of the race. At the same time, Shining Armor managed to make his way back up to third while Fuli manages to make her way into fifth.

By lap 230, Rainbow’s lead has amounted to a full straightaway once more. By then Shining Armor and Fuli are now back up to second and third respectively. In addition both Applejack and Rarity having traded places in the long term have managed to get back into the top 10 placing eighth and ninth respectively.

“Oh boy! Just look at Rainbow Dash! She is clearly in a class of her own! And just driving through this like it’s an ordinary Sunday flight at flight camp!” Bunga commented with amazement as they watch her drive and pit with speed and style.

“No kidding! And yet there is still plenty of racing left here today!” Spike commented next. “Question is can anyone challenge Rainbow Dash at all here today?”

“I don’t know!” Pinkie returned feeling unsure herself. “It depends on what it all comes down to when we reach our closing laps of this race! And that’s still a way’s away! And who knows maybe that’s a question she wouldn’t have to answer herself.”

Sure enough, that last statement is proven true come lap 499 of the race where Rainbow Dash is still leading. On Turns 3 and 4 most of the remaining lead lap drivers, which is now amounted to a half dozen drivers, Shining Armor, Fuli, Rarity, Applejack, Bupu, and Laini. In addition, Makuu, Derpy, the hippos, and the rhinos are all still on the track even while a couple to few laps back from the lead lap drivers as they all cross the start/finish line once more.

Just seconds afterwards, Rainbow Dash rounded the last corner before driving across the start/finish line with the race official standing there waving the white line looking equally ecstatic at the excelling performance of said pony now.

“This is it! One lap to go in this marathon long length of racing and Rainbow Dash has a huge lead.” Spike commented first as said pony beginning to round of turns 1 and 2 just right behind the entire race field.

“After all of that green flag racing, changing strategies and tactics, and navigating through all of that traffic it all comes down to one more go around of 120% awesomeness!” Bunga cheered already excited to see of how close his friend is from pulling off an absolutely dominating performance here today.

“Oh yeah! She’s got this in the bag! Call in the dogs and put out the fire! We’re gonna crown us our first Pony-napolis 500 winner here as she makes her way out onto the back straightaway!”

As Rainbow moved to do just that, the crowd all cheers and whistles for her as she moves closer and closer to victory that is now less than a mile away for her.

“Checkered flag, here I come!” Rainbow confidently declared while rounding Turn 3…

POP!

...Courtesy of a left rear tire on Rainbow’s car blowing out causing her nearly spin out of control before regaining control. But not with said rim skidding on the ground much to the shock of everyone watching.

“Oh, no! Rainbow’s blown a tire!”

“How did this happen?! She performed her stops perfectly!”

“And with only one turn to go! Can she make it!”

“Spitfire!” Rainbow voiced through the radio while she still kept pushing as fast as she can but not without panic in his voice. “Any advice here?!”

“Just keep doing what you are doing, Dash! You can still make it from here!” She voiced while keeping her cool yet determined to want to find out how this tire malfunction happened after all is said and done.

While Rainbow rounds the last turn with one less tire, both Shining Armor and Fuli are rounding Turn 2 and are both just getting word of this shocking development.

“Rainbow Dash’s blown a tire! Rainbow Dash’s blown a tire! Go, go, go, go, go go!” Twilight voiced through the intercom.

“Get her!” Kyoga also voiced through Fuli’s intercom as both drivers are quick to drive a gap away from the others heading onto the back straightway.

By then, Rainbow was able to make onto the front straightaway but not without struggling grunts along the way…

POP!

“Ahh!”

“How is this even possible?!” Bunga exclaimed in further shock.

“She’s lost another tire!” Pinkie exclaimed while completely thrown off by what is happening. “Not only that Shining Armor and Fuli are coming up fast!”

“They’re entering Turn 3!” Spike reported as said drivers are doing just that right now.

“Come on!” Rainbow grunted before shifting her body weight so that the rims on her back wheels are hardly touching the ground allowing her to have some speed heading into the final stretch.

“I don’t believe what I’m watching!”

“Me neither! And yet Rainbow is still making her way to the finish line and is not giving this up!”

“And right now she is 100 feet from her victory!”

By then both drivers are rounding Turn 3 before tackling Turn 4. Upon rounding the last corner, Fuli who was tailing Shining managed to make a move inside to allow herself to get beside him as they approach the main straightaway.

“Both Shining and Fuli are now rounding Turn 4!”

“It’s going to be close! Oh! I can hardly watch!”

“And down the stretch they come! And it’s… And it’s…”

Rainbow had just managed to lunge her car just in front of both drivers as they just managed to get on by her after crossing the start/finish line.

“And against all odds, Rainbow Dash has actually done it!”

“By just one car length, too! Way to go, Rainbow Dash!”

Both Bunga and Pinkie cheered along with the rest of the crowd.

On the track, Rainbow could only sigh in relief that she actually did before parking her car just in front of the start/finish line before turning to everyone all cheering her name and basking in her hard-fought victory. Even with the near-costly miss towards the end.

She then moved to obtain the checkered flag from the booth before posing and waving to everyone in the stands. In addition, both Shining Armor and Fuli were quick to congratulate her with hoof and paw shakes all around.

“The most spectacular, amazing unequivocally, unbelievable ending in the history of the world!”

“And it was still won by the most dominant driver making the impossible possible!”

“Thank goodness for all of the miracles in the entire kingdom!”

Afterwards, the awards ceremony along with the podium standings for the three drivers have been held. Pictures, trophies, and prizes all handed out accordingly.

But at the same time, a thought had been stirring Rainbow’s head that prompted her to fly off ahead back onto the track to investigate the source of her tire malfunction back on Turns 3 and 4 on the very last lap of the race. She then scouted out the ripped up shreds of tires before spotting out something that proved to be the culprit.

A bullet! Not just a bullet! Two bullets! One for each tire!

“Interesting…” She thought to herself as she examined said culprits in question.

“What’s interesting?” Twilight asked as she moved to catch up with her. Upon seeing said items had Twilight’s curious and positive demeanor vanish into a grim and serious one. “I see.”

“Do you happen to recognize these?” She asked as her friend levitated the items for a closer inspection.

“I wish I knew.” She replied as she moved her hoof to give herself an accurate trajectory of how those bullets managed to puncture the tires of Rainbow’s race car. “Along with how this race was nearly manipulated to become a race you almost lost.”

“But who?! Who wanted me to lose this race?!”

As she look at the bullets and towards the sky of darkness she could say. “That’s what I need to know…”

As for the answer to that question, the only clue they could get out of that on cue is sound a whistle that sounded awfully familiar to them yet new at the same time, as if supernatural forces of nature are at large lurking around. One disguised in the shadows of the black colored darkness with ominous and sinister blood red eyes.

“Twilight…”

“Yeah?”

“Did you hear what I thought I just heard?”

“Yep.”

“Shall we get out of here while we still can?”

“Let’s.”

Both ponies looked around before slowly backing away from where they stand now before bolting away from the track itself not wanting to stick around for whatever danger is lurking around them anymore...

Author's Note

As you have read it's the Pony-napolis 500 here in Equestria with some of the main characters engaging in the equivalent of the Indianapolis 500 with inspiration from a Pixar movie written into how this race plays out. A nice little filler in place of "The Cart Before the Ponies." which had Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity all acting uncharacteristically (too much at this point in the story) in hijacking their little sisters rides in pursuit of their selfish desires.

In short, true to the film these scenes are based on, it paves way for a great race with multiple events of action and drama at every turn and every lap, all to make the inaugural running of this race a sight to behold. And as for the mysterious tire malfunction, that is another mystery for another day.

Next up upon the new year, Starlight will get another focus episode when "Every Little Thing She Does." comes around, and as for those who think what is going to happen, please do not start a riot because I have something different in mind for it so stay tuned until after the new year and Merry Christmas everyone.