
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, May 14, 1993                   TAG: 9305140126
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B9   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: NASHVILLE, TENN.                                LENGTH: Medium

WINSTON CUP REGULARS ANNOY NASHVILLE DRIVERS

THE COMPETITION gets lopsided when NASCAR's stars show up on their off-days, and the local drivers are tired of it.

\ Local drivers say they're tired of Winston Cup regulars like Sterling Marlin competing at the Nashville Raceway in their free time and making off with victories and big money.

"If Sterling ran that car here every week, he'd probably win every race," Chad Chaffin said. "When you combine his talent and experience with what is practically a Winston Cup car, well, he's virtually unbeatable."

Marlin, a Columbia, Tenn., resident, is a former three-time champion at the Nashville Raceway. He returned to the raceway twice this year during open dates on the Winston Cup schedule and dominated both races.

Some other Winston Cup drivers, including Darrell Waltrip of Franklin, Tenn., also take advantage of racing around the country during breaks in the NASCAR season. Raceway officials say fans enjoy having a chance to watch the top drivers up close.

Racer P.B. "Chubby" Crowell said he thinks track officials should quit inviting those drivers.

"They come into town, dust everybody's butt and the track pays them $5,000 or $6,000 appearance money for doing it," he said.

Chaffin said Marlin's car has several technical advantages over other cars in the Late Model Stock Car division. But raceway inspector David Welch said Marlin has to meet the same requirements.

Marlin was en route to Sonoma, Calif., Wednesday for Sunday's Winston Cup race and could not be reached for comment.

"I understand their frustrations," Welch said. "But we don't treat Sterling any differently than we treat everybody else. Last week we made him change a rear spoiler before he qualified, and we confiscated a tire that we didn't think fit the rules.

"Everything else about his car was legal. It's just a real fast car, and Sterling knows how to drive."

Darryl Sage said it's very frustrating to be lapped by someone like Marlin even when driving his best. But he doesn't want Marlin or any other Winston Cup driver banned.

"Maybe one day we'll be able to beat them," he said.

Keywords:
AUTO RACING

by CNB