"Viva Talladega"
submitted by "Lolita & Louella"

M.L. Morgan (referee)

Well, race fans, we have decided to turn our Sound Off! page over to you. This will be your forum and we encourage you to submit your opinions to us. Don't be bashful.

We are happy to hear again from our newest correspondents, Lolita & Louella - they have contributed several fine columns.

Hi Race Views fans. Lolita and I had not planned on going to the race at Talladega this year. However, when Lolita guzzled the last beer in Uncle Mike's refrigerator the other night, we figured we'd better get out of town before he found nothing in there but the lightbulb.

We flew into the Atlanta airport, which is the only thing bigger in three states than the Talladega race track. Just a little hint for those considering Talladega. GET THOSE MOTEL RESERVATIONS IN EARLY! The local Holiday Inn was jammed with drivers and crew members. Our motel was the $20.00 for a short stay variety. The refrigerator was on the dresser. Didn't work. The T.V. was on the floor. Didn't work. When Lolita's hairbrush rolled under the bed, we left it there and didn't dare look. Well, you get the picture.

But the track. Ahhh! The race track to end all race tracks. Is there a race fan alive who doesn't crave a day at Talladega. You drive out into the country. All of a sudden there it is. Huge, immense.

However, even the ever chattering Lolita was quiet for a few minutes. I knew we both thinking about Davey Allison. We made our way to our seats. These must have been the $200.00, plus give them your first born, variety. They were directly across from pit road. The only thing lost from view, were the cars when they hit the middle of the backstretch.

Another word of caution. Alabama is not the Jeff Gordon mecca you will find in Las Vegas. Lolita had on a multi-colored tank top and matching short-shorts. Wrong thing to do! Luckily we had a black rain slicker left over from the Las Vegas monsoon. A couple of quick swipes with my ever present Whiteout (no reporter is ever without Whiteout), and a big 3 appeared on the front and back of the raincoat. The crowd lowered their fists and everyone calmed down.

The race was great. The noise and the speed of the cars make one dizzy. We all held our breath when the big one came. After the smoke and the cars settled, we were relieved to find no one was seriously hurt.

Lots of lead changes, lots of strategy, lots of cheering, and a lot of (good natured?) booing. After a mindboggling last 10 or so laps, Jeff Gordon was victorious.

Brooker cheered. The Rainbow Warriors cheered. One small boy, aged 3 or so, cheered. We left the race exhausted, but exhilarated. We'll be back again next year. Hey, Lolita! We'd better call Uncle Mike and tell him we're bringing back those three cases of Alabama beer we bought him this morning. LOLITA!! What do you mean, WHAT THREE CASES OF BEER!!

Bye for now. L & L

Have comments or questions? E-mail: M.L. Morgan

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