Racing
By GREG ZYLA

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Revisits NASCAR's Roots

Q: Greg, I really like Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s new show on Speed TV called "Back in the Day," about the old NASCAR races. I like that it combines Dale's love of racing with the show "Car and Track" that appeared in the 1960s. It's a great combination. -Benjamin K., South Carolina.

A: I agree, Benjamin. From Speed's archives and the "Car and Track" library comes the idea for "Back in the Day," which journeys through the history of NASCAR with Dale Earnhardt Jr. as host.

Through a combination of vintage racing footage and modern technology, the series reflects Dale Jr.'s own passion for the old-school style that defined stock car racing in the 1970s. Especially entertaining are the informative "pop ups" that tell the viewer what was happening in America at the time. It is similar to VH1's "Pop Up Video" format.

You might be surprised to learn that "Back in the Day" is an actual Dale Earnhardt Jr. production. He is putting his newly formed production company to work, as Hammerhead Entertainment signed a deal with Speed to deliver up to 13 half-hour episodes of "Back in the Day."

Originally hosted by Bud Lindemann, "Car and Track" is a collection of American racing footage from the 1960s and early 1970s that ran in replays on Speed from 1996-2000.

"I've always been a big fan of 'Car and Track,'" Earnhardt said. "Lindemann had the vision to bring auto racing to television over 30 years ago. I watched every episode as a kid and still watch them today. We're going to show everyone the grassroots of our sport and bring the past to the present in a fun and entertaining way."

Thanks for the question, and keep enjoying "Back in the Day."

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Q: Greg, I just saw "Talladega Nights" and was a bit disappointed. I know it was funny, but it sure didn't give a good portrayal of NASCAR racers or their families. -Gloria, Spokane, Wash.

A: Gloria, when you buy a ticket for a Will Ferrell movie, you should be ready for some crazy, sometimes disrespectful comedy. I saw the movie on opening weekend, and did enjoy it. Unlike other racing movies like "Days of Thunder," the script was based on tonguein cheek humor and even illmannered absurdity. Granted, some moviegoers feel it may have crossed the line in some areas, but a Ferrell comedy is usually a lampoon of some sort.

Sacha Baron Cohen, better known as "Ali G" in movie and TV land, is superb in his Formula One driver antagonist role, as is Bobby's childhood friend played by John C. Reilly (who also played Buck Bretherton in "Days of Thunder"). Notable performances go to Bobby's "hottie" wife, actress Leslie Bibb, and his dedicated PR person, played by Amy Adams.

Crazy? Sure, but that's what you get with a Will Ferrell movie. I guess the box office speaks for itself, as "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby" took back-to-back checkered-flag wins in the first two weeks in theaters. The pro critics have rated the movie an overall "B," and likewise the moviegoers. I also give it a "B." Write to Greg Zyla in care

of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL32853-6475, or send an e-mail to letters.kfws@hearstsc.com.

(c) 2006 King Features Synd., Inc.