Go Fast, Turn Left: Voices from Orange County Speedway

Short track racing, one driver explains, is the "ultimate contact sport," and the Orange County Speedway, located in rural North Carolina, is one of the places where these gladiators meet weekly to join battle. In the old days the men would sometimes interrupt their fistfights to race, but in this era of expensive, high tech cars and lucrative corporate sponsorship, it's more business-like, if not more sedate. In this entertaining and informative video, racers, track owners, journalists, and the families of drivers talk about the unique world of stock car racing, which still operates on a simple set of instructions: go fast, turn left. Although the hours are long and the rewards sometimes elusive, drivers explain that racing gets in the blood. Family support helps to keep the drivers going, and we meet the wives, girlfriends, and mothers who turn out to cheer their racers. The video might be a bit long for some viewers, and a Yankee like me had some trouble understanding the regional accents; however, most fans will enjoy the great vintage home movies of early races, the lively music, and insightful views into the world of small town racing. Recommended for public libraries, particularly in southern states. [Note: This program is also being sold to individuals at $19.95.] Aud: H, P. (S. Rees)