Racing Stripes, or 'Race', to his friends, is a bouncy, cheerful pegasus who seems to always be willing to lend somepony a smile, or take a minute out of his day to give a hoof. A red-furred pegasus with a black mane, he seems to be nearly incapable of sitting still for long periods of time, practically brimming with energy, a personality that seems to be reflected in the mark on his flank, that of a shooting star.
He wasn't always so friendly, though. At one point in time, Race was obsessed with speed. Every day was, in his eyes, a chance to push himself harder, faster. He built an entire business on speed; the Racing Stripes Express Delivery Service promised the fastest delivery around to any city in Equestria, without the hassle of magic. For the longest time, he was happy that way, confident that he was the second-fastest flier in Equestria (Though it grieved him to admit it, he did have to admit that
that award went to a certain bearer of the Element of Loyalty.), and happy to lord that knowledge over those around him. What did it matter that putting so much effort into his image and his financial success left him friendless? He had a totally sweet flat in Cloudsdale and a thriving business. Why would he need anypony mooching off of him?
An encounter with a gryphon named Zephyr changed his outlook drastically. The gryphon found Race bragging to a group of acquaintances that he could beat anypony in a race, and that he could almost match the famous Rainbow Dash herself in feats of sheer speed. Of course, he never expected a random gryphon passing by to call him out on it, though when Zephyr decided to up the ante by making a bet out of it, the arrogant young pegasus was intrigued.
The bet was made: if Race won, Zephyr would part with two hundred bits, and if Zephyr won... Race would be his slave for a week.
Race was confident that the gryphon couldn't beat him, and started out strong, easily overtaking the gryphon at first... But as the contest wore on, Zephyr's superior endurance won out. Not only did Zephyr win, but he finished the race several seconds ahead of his opponent, and did so with energy to spare, while Race was left exhausted and barely able to stand...
Had he been left as he was, he might not have recovered, as his self-image came crashing down around his head... but Zephyr proved to be much gentler than his earlier demeanor had suggested. He supported Race through a difficult time, and did his best to teach the pegasus about that whole 'Magic of Friendship' thing. Zephyr proved to be affectionate, teaching the intended lesson with a gentle hand... And by the end of the week, Race found that he didn't much want to leave.
The difference was staggering. Race seemed to be much more well-adjusted, and much more willing to approach other ponies. It's been a few years since, but he's still quite close to Zephyr, and has even managed to make a few friends since then, including his current coltfriend
Green and a unicorn named Candi Sweet, among a few others.
Perhaps due to Candi's influence, he's also developed what some would politely call a 'sweet tooth' and more rudely call a 'complete sugar addiction', which may or may not have something to do with the seemingly boundless energy he now exhibits. Either way, Racing Stripes is a much friendlier pony than he ever was before, and will more often than not approach someone just because they look lonely, ready to offer a hug and a friendly ear.
So feel free to say hi! Race loves to make friends.
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Alt of
Loxagn