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Petty, Jarrett, Waltrip, Labonte, Bodine--for decades these names have been synonymous with stock-car racing. This NASCAR Video production, hosted by Michael Waltrip, the youngest sibling in a racing family, delves into the ties that bond these families in the sport where death always seems to loom just ahead. The video examines the lessons passed down through the generations--such as Lee Petty's experiences, which he teaches to his son Richard Petty (the "King"), who teaches his son Kyle Petty, and the experience of father-legend Ned Jarrett broadcasting his son Dale's biggest victory ever. And what's a family without a good sibling rivalry? The Labonte brothers, Bobby and Terry; the Burtons, Jeff and Ward; the Bodines, Jeff, Brett, and Todd; and the Waltrips, Darrell and Michael, all explain how their relationships have grown and been damaged by racing each other. A kindred spirit exists, as well, allowing the drivers to share the good, the bad, and the dangerous side of the racing. Darrell Waltrip tells of watching a gut-wrenching wreck involving his brother and thinking of death in the family.
Families in the Fast Lane is a solid piece of work, with excellent anecdotes. Yet it falls short on two fronts: It never goes into depth about the women in the families and the roles they play. And there is no mention of NASCAR's most tragedy-struck family, the Allisons. Dads, brothers, and uncles of this family have died while involved in racing, yet the family still races on. Yet this video is special because it deals more with relationships than it does with the nuts and bolts of racing and cars, showing a human element rarely talked about in racing circles.
--Gordie Sholtys
