It's one of the most exclusive clubs in the world. There's no initiation fee, but you have to pay your dues. Millions dream of it. Tens of thousands have it as their lifelong goal. But fewer than 3,000 have been given the opportunity to join, and fewer still have earned the their way in.
Winning a Sprint Cup race. Only one of the 43 who take the green every weekend will get to the checkers first. It really is the thrill of victory, the ultimate prize. Those who have gotten there are sometimes at a loss for words to describe the achievement.
To the casual observer, every post-race celebration may look the same. Light up the tires. Climb from the car. Raise the arms. Hug the crew. Kiss the girl. Take a sip from the bottle. Thank the sponsors. But even though the destination remains the same each race, the story of each journey is unique as the drivers themselves.
So far this season, 13 drivers have won at least one race. Each has had an opportunity to share in the exclusive club that is the roll call of Cup winners, both first-timers and repeat performers. Did any of you have those dreams growing up where you WERE the man on the podium???
updated by @johnny-mallonee: 12/05/16 04:00:58PM
