At the end of the 200th lap of the 1973 Oswego Fall Classic NASCAR modified race the checkered flag waved over my #2 big block powered Vega. Probably 10,000 of the 15,000 people in the stands were cheering for me. The rest either did not like me or just were hoping that their favorite driver would win. Another race win was in the books with my name on it. That was my sixth win of the season at four different tracks on the Northeast tour schedule. It was a good thing the race had ended that lap as I could feel that one of my 18-inch rear wide slicks was starting to go flat and would not have lasted a couple more laps. Waiting for me in the front stretch winner’s circle would be a trophy, a check for $10,000 and a kiss from the trophy girl.

As I climbed out of my car, my crew of two ran up and celebrated with me, and the announcer came over and asked the usual questions that they ask the winner on the PA system. I answered his questions and got in some plugs for my sponsors. I was given the trophy and oversized check by the promoter. The trophy girl gave me a kiss. It was more than a peck and I felt her tongue slid into my mouth. This week’s trophy girl at that track was a local nineteen year old beauty queen. She was dressed in her contest gown, crown and sash showing that she was Miss. Western New York Fall Festival. I whispered in her ear to come to my car in the pits in about twenty minutes.

My name is Paul. When this evening happened I was 26 and trying to make a living as a stock car driver. I had one sponsor that paid most of my cost to travel and maintain my car and a couple of other smaller ones that about paid my tire bill, entry fees and gas.