That is what Balclutha man Allan Finch thought on realising he had won the NZ1 national title for Speedway New Zealand’s streetstock championships in Wellington this month.
Mr Finch, who is contracted to drive for Beachlands Speedway in Dunedin, went along to the two-day annual event the same as every other year — hoping to qualify.
The event, which takes place two years in a row in the South Island, then switches to the same for the North Island,
is based on points and whoever is on top claims the NZ1 title.
One hundred and nine drivers from throughout New Zealand competed in the streetstock contact grade this year.
Drivers started off in groups of about 20, and the top five drivers with the highest points advanced to the final heat races.
Only 26 drivers advanced, and Mr Finch was one of them.
He said he was "pretty chuffed" when he qualified.
"I had a great run, and was the driver with the highest points," Mr Finch said.
"The goal is always to qualify for me. Anything more is a bonus.
"All it takes is one flat tyre, or one small mistake, and you’re out of the competition.
"I have qualified a couple of times before, but that’s always been about it.
He said it was difficult racing against other great drivers.
"It can be a hell of a lot harder for South Islanders to win, because the top drivers from the North Island are good at taking the title."
The final heat was a 15-lap race compared to the usual eight- to 10-lap races from the previous races, and Mr Finch said he "kept clean and calm".
"When it gets announced through your headset that you’ve qualified, you go straight to scrutineering, which is very pedantic," he said.
"I tried not to stand out, because being the top driver in points means you’re more of a target."
"About halfway through the race, I was looking around but continuing as is.
"I was going around and around waiting for the chequered flag to come out."
"When they announced the placings, they go first, second and third.
"I was pretty surprised.
"When I really think about it, and when I discussed it with my workmates when I got back, it sunk in that it was a pretty cool achievement.
"I’m not much of a public speaker so I felt a bit weird having the spotlight on me.
"I would have never expected it would be me actually receiving the title, but it’s pretty cool.
"At the end of the day, I may never get something like this again.
"It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and the kids liked seeing the car get some photos."
Mr Finch received a trophy and sash and next year will race under the NZ1 title in the North Island, and will be attend various races in coming weeks.
This is the third time Beachlands Speedway has had a driver win the NZ1 title.
