The lines of people. The showering of gifts. The endless parade of media tours.

It is all uncharted territory for Clay Millican.

No stranger to the spotlight, Millican has always attracted attention in his own, special way. But following his stunning victory last weekend in Bristol, the first in his career after nearly two decades behind the wheel in NHRA, Millican has suddenly found himself the toast of the town like never before.

“Am I soaking it up? Absolutely. Has it sunk in? Probably not,” Millican joked. “We have been so busy with media, which is a wonderful thing. It’s been that way since Sunday. I very, very much appreciate that so many people knew how long it has taken me, knew all the things we have been through. The whole thing is just unbelievable.”

On Saturday alone, the lines were neverending. An hour to get an autograph, grab a selfie, or just shake the hand of NHRA’s most recent race winner. Some had him sign a shirt, a hat, a hero card. Some openly wept, describing how Millican’s win was an inspiration in their own lives. Some brought gifts. A dozen donuts. A child’s good luck charm.

All just wanting a moment to shake Millican’s hand and wish him well.

“This tells you how dedicated these NHRA fans are. The majority of them, basically everybody that came through that line today, knew it had been forever for us,” Millican said. “They knew I have won IHRA races and championships. It just tells you how great the fans are in drag racing.

“I am humbled by it all. I still can’t believe this many people care that I finally won my first NHRA race.”

So, after all the fanfare, all the interviews, all the excitement, what was it like when Millican got back behind the wheel for the first time Friday evening?

“I told myself, last week is last week. Now it is time to get back to work,” Millican said. “I honestly don’t see why we couldn’t do two in a row, but I have felt that way for 19 years. We are not planning on taking 19 years again, that is for sure.

“Until then, I am going to enjoy being the latest winning driver at least until the first round on Sunday.”