Bill Lester has a dream, too.

USA Today: Lester, 38th, learns much in Cup debut
(March 20) Wedged shoulder-to-shoulder between Mark Martin and Dale Earnhardt Jr. for a postrace interview, Bill Lester said he felt embarrassed because his 38th was undeserving of the attention. The Nextel Cup veterans on either side wouldn't have agreed.

Orlando Sentinel: Lester's debut on hold

Greensboro News-Record: Bill Lester secures spot in race

Lester Wants to Be Known As a Racer

Bill Lester doesn't want to be a footnote in history. Instead of being remembered as the first black driver to qualify for a race in
NASCAR's top stock car series in nearly 20 years, Lester would prefer to be thought of as "just a race car driver."

The 45-year-old regular in NASCAR's Craftsman Truck Series did make history, though, qualifying for Sunday's Golden Corral 500 in his first try at racing in the Nextel Cup series.

And the unassuming Lester, who left a six-figure job in corporate America 14 years ago to try his hand in racing, (Emphasis mine.) remained very composed after realizing the first step of his biggest dream.

"The biggest issue has been the age issue but, fortunately, I don't look or act my age," he said, smiling. "I'm pleased that those doubting Thomases are a little bit in the situation of re-evaluating the statements they made. There are always people who don't believe in you. But if I listened to those people, I wouldn't be where I am today."

Where he will be Sunday is starting 19th in the 43-car field for the race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. And he didn't back in.

Lester qualified at 190.502 mph, the fastest of the 15 drivers competing for eight open positions in the lineup. The other spots went to cars that were the top 35 in car owner points last year.

And now that he is in the race, Lester has some goals.

"I expect to race 500 miles," he said. "I expect to learn a lot and add knowledge to my database of information. I hope to gain the respect of my competitors. I'm hoping for a top-20 finish, but you can't predict the outcome. I'm just excited to race with the best drivers this country has to offer."