Clark drives out on to the track 6th in line out of around twenty cars. Over thirty cars didn't qualify fast enough to make the field. Clark lines up his car on the outside of row three, waiting for the green flag.
The green flag flies and Clark puts the pedal to the floor, taking off. He beats the car next to him on the start and cuts in front of him before the first corner. Clark coasts around the corner and accelerates down the backstretch, catching fourth place. Within a few laps, he passes the fourth place car.
The third place car, #42 sees Clark coming and tries pressuring the car in front of him to move over. By the next lap, #42 gets tired of being blocked and pushes his way through. His bumper gets caught cutting him off, and both cars spin out into the wall.
Clark sees the wreck and turns down low on the track to miss them. At the last second, the #42 car slides down the track, right into Clark's path. The car slams into his door, putting Clark into a spin. He saves the car from hitting anything, and puts the car back into gear. Luckily, the caution comes out before any cars pass Clark.
The green flag comes back out and Clark is in second place. Clark stays with the leader, #24 and they drive away from the rest of the pack. Ten laps to go and Clark is right on his back bumper. He goes harder into the corner and tires passing him high. The #24 car blocks him. The next lap, Clark tries passing him high as he goes into the corner. Clark slows down early, expecting a block. The #24 car does exactly that. While the leading car blocks him from going high, Clark turns the wheel left and slams his foot down on the gas. Clark flies past and takes the lead.
Clark leads the rest of the race. It's the last lap and the 24 car tries one last time to pass Clark. He gets beside Clark coming out of the last turn and they race toward the checkered flag. Clark beats him there by half a car-length and wins the race.
Clark can hardly believe it. His first win and it's under the eyes of many nascar superstars and probably recruiters too. Clark has a huge smile on his face as he takes a victory lap to the cheers of the crowd. He stops the car on the finish line and a small crowd gathers around his car. Clark climbs out of the car and gives a wave to the crowd. Todd is there to congratulate him.
"Clark, you did it! I knew you had it in you." Todd tells him and pats his shoulder.
"Yeah, it can't happen any better, can it?" Clark smiles. A man with one of those big checks steps up to Clark and shakes his hand.
"Congratulations on winning the Little Miami 25. On behalf of the Homestead-Miami racing complex, here is two thousand dollars." He smiles and hands him the check.
"Thank you." Clark thanks him.
"And don't forget about the trophy." The man steps out of the way of the trophy girl. She's carrying a trophy, but that isn't where Clark's eyes are. It's the girl he saw earlier in the victory lane crowd after the Busch race.
She clears her throat quietly and Clark gives her an embarrassed smile.
Way to look like an idiot, Clark.
"Thank you." Clark thanks her and receives the trophy. Clark holds the trophy and Todd holds the check in front of the car while they take the picture. The crowd around the car begins to retreat and Clark starts to climb back in to the car.
"Wait a minute, Clark. Don't worry about the car. I think there is a young lady over there that wants to talk to you." Todd tells him. Clark looks over and the trophy girl smiles at him.
"What does she want with me?" Clark asks.
"I have an idea." Todd smiles and climbs in to the car.
Who cares what she wants. She's waiting for you.
Clark smiles and walks over to her. "Uh, hi." He says, not really knowing what to say.
"Hey." She says with a smile.
"Sorry for staring at you like that, I saw you earlier and was just surprised to see you again." Clark apologizes.
"Are you sure it wasn't for… other reasons?" She asks with a seductive smile that just about makes his heart stop.
"Uh…" Clark laughs, searching for something to say. "Well, it could have had something to do with other reasons."
She gets up off the wall and steps closer. "How 'bout we get something to eat and you tell me about these other reasons?"
Clark starts to get uncomfortable, realizing what he got himself in to. "I'm sorry, but I don't want to give you the wrong impression. I'm not looking to get involved with anyone." He tells her.
"Oh, ok." She says, acting disappointed.
"But, we could still get something to eat… if you want." Clark offers, feeling bad.
"Sure, that will work." She smiles.
"First, I need to get changed. I'm staying here, at the hotel. I'll meet you outside… at nine?" He asks.
"Ok, see you then." She agrees.
-