NASCAR--The Fifty: Inherit the Win

Celebrating 50 years, NASCAR stock racing is one of the fastest-growing spectator sports, with dynastic families such as the Petty's, Allison's and Jarrett's duking it out over the years, and wonderboys such as recent winner Jeff Gordon featuring commercial advertising on just about every square inch of his car and outfit. Inherit the Win, the final tape in a five-part series originally shown on ESPN (all the break-for-commercial title cards have been, unfortunately, left in, giving the program a rather choppy feel), focuses on racing's key father/son teams (Richard and Kyle Petty, etc.) and extended families and groups (such as The Alabama Gang). The interview footage is fairly uninspired, and the script ranges from pedestrian to awful (example: "The gloom for the Alabama Gang was deep; if they only knew what lie ahead.") Precious little about the history of NASCAR is included in this particular volume, and I suspect the tale could have been told in less than five videos. Still, racing fans are sure to appreciate, so consider where interest is strong. Other titles in the series include: Sincerely, Bill France; Fields and Towers; Good Old Gods and Southern Exposure (5-part series price: $59.99). Aud: P. (R. Pitman)