3 - The Fabulous Hudson Hornet
Over the next few weeks, word spread about the rookie's win, and the daily papers filled with pictures of the young, nineteen-year-old racer and his shiny blue Hornet. The first day, pictures of the charming young man holding a Piston Cup took the front cover. A few days later, brand new images released from the races, flooding magazines and articles. The racer possessed a daring confidence that had never been seen before in racing history. The young man was bold, daring, and always trying new things. Every race shocked fans from around the country. He was everywhere, whether it was his interviews, biographies, or his advertisements. Some papers had described him as "brash" and "cocky," while others had used "fabulous" and "marvelous." Hudson liked it all and thrived off the attention and popularity. He was calling himself The Fabulous Hudson Hornet, and it was only a few weeks later that the news reached the papers.
Smokey worked hard to train Hudson. They worked day and night, on sand, dirt, and gravel. Hudson was determined. He was persistent. He wasn't the type to give up. He still had a lot left in him. He was going to show them what he could do.
First, he was a champion in '51. Again, in '52, the shiny blue car with a daring, handsome racer cleaned up the competition with the most wins in a single season: twenty-seven.
A third season rolled around and The Fabulous Hudson Hornet claimed his third Piston Cup, taking it away for the year of '53. The media could not keep up with the hasty racer. He was here, he was there, he was all over the country. He raced day and night, on hundreds of tracks across the United States. Fans came from everywhere to watch him race. They especially loved coming to watch him race in his hometown, Thomasville, Georgia. There were races every weekend at Thomasville Speedway. Fans came to smell the burning rubber, and see the dirt kicking up as the racers drifted turns around the corner, cars just inches apart from each other. It was a thrill and an experience that nobody would ever forget. The bold racer appeared on television, the radio, the news, the papers, books, and anything they could put his car on. The rookie was off to a speedy start in his career, within a matter of months. Nothing could stop him; not even the rookies, who dared to make an attempt to race or pass Hudson. Fans marveled at the sight of the Hornet's famed maneuvers and moves across the track to pass the rookies. This was real racing, and the fans were loving it.
Hudson especially loved racing with his friends. Some races, it was neck and neck with Junior; or Lou, biting at his heels. Hud didn't slow down to let them take a season's win. He fought hard, trained hard, and did everything he could to succeed.
"I'm telling you Hud, you've come a long way now," Smokey said, a hand around Hudson as they walked along the quiet track, as the fans departed after a long day of racing.
"Three Piston Cups, to be exact," Hudson corrected, feeling a sense of pride when he mentioned his three prized possessions.
"That's for sure," Smokey said softly, "I'm glad you've been so responsible and respectful when it comes to your winnings," he said. "You're taking good care of yourself."
"See? I knew I wouldn't go off the deep end, and you told me to be careful."
"And I'm glad I told you to be careful, Hud. Now, let's head back to the racer's lounge. I'm sure your friends are going to want to hear about the race today."
Hudson smiled and nodded. "Alright Smokey, I'll do that. Thank you," he said kindly, following after his mentor.