AT THE ALTAR OF SPEED

After a heart-wrenching opening sequence on the accident that killed NASCAR legend Earnhardt, this production settles down into a more or less chronological recap of previously published stories and interviews. There's very little new here, and virtually nothing about Earnhardt's personal life before or during his top years on the circuit. Grover Gardner's sharp vocal tones and clear enunciation could belong to a network sportscaster, although not to a NASCAR commentator. He occasionally mispronounces a major NASCAR name and never attempts the enthusiastic Southern drawl "required" of anyone remotely involved in stock car racing. Even casual Earnhardt fans and NASCAR followers will find the text and performance disappointing. R.P.L. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 02]