Although no one on the scene apparently thought to take any photos of Arutunoff’s very first win, this is the venerable GTU-class Lancia Stratos with which he concluded his professional career, making five starts at Sebring between 1977 and 1981, bagging a best finish of 20th overall, 7th in class in ’77.
Photo: Geoffrey Hewitt
What is it among first experiences that’s supposed to be the most unforgettable? A boy’s first kiss? I certainly remember that. First bicycle? Ditto. A boy’s first By Golly Racing Victory? That’ll do just fine.
I was going to my dozenth race and so, thoroughly steeped in the Racing Experience, I decided to prepare myself. Luckily, I had fought off the impulse to buy a used milk truck as a tow vehicle—the kind where the driver sat on a barstool. The kind with a top speed of 57 screaming mph. I chose to stick with my ’61 Corvair Monza coupe, J.C.Whitney duals and all.
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