by Norm Johnson Send Me E-mail

I must tell you, much to my sorrow, that my portion of the HBO production of "Joe Louis: America's Hero... Betrayed," did not make the final cut. I ended up in a pile on the floor of the production office. Producer Joe Levine called me personally to say how hard it was to assemble all the events that were and are Joe Louis - the Brown Bomber. I understand and hope that everyone gets a chance to see this story, about a man who was one of the great giants of our world.

Louis had many problems throughout his life, but he always stood tall-even when he was in a wheelchair at Caesars Palace. I will never forget Joe and the many little bits of advice he gave me during the years I was associated with him. Those were wonderful years. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the special reception HBO hosted last Sunday at the Palms, as I was helping my friend, Freddie Bell, pass on to the big stage in the sky. The premier program will air this Saturday on HBO. Check your local TV guide for time of airing.

When you read this column, it will be exactly six days until the arrival of the "Boys of Thunder," at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. And for the first time ever, those colorful NASCAR team haulers, transporting the Sprint Cup race cars that will compete next Friday, will parade down the Las Vegas Strip. The transporters will be staged at about 2:30 p.m. in the right lane of Las Vegas Blvd., just south of Russell Road. There should be around 50 of these giant trucks rolling down the Strip. It's about five-miles from where they start to Sahara Blvd., where they will then proceed to roll onto I-15 to the speedway. The haulers will use the middle lane of the northbound side of the Strip. It's a rare photographic opportunity, gang!

"During the week of the NASCAR event at the speedway, this entire town becomes NASCAR crazy," Chris Powell, LVMS general manager, said. "Every opportunity we get to take NASCAR to the Strip is something special. Parades of any kind are very rare on the Strip, so we are very appreciative of the support from the various public agencies that have helped make this happen."

Among those who will participate in the parade is Robby Maschhaupt, who drives the transporter for Las Vegas resident racer, Patrick Carpentier. "We are honored that the speedway would include us in one of the highlights of the race weekend," Maschhaupt said. "We have done parades before, but never down a road like the Las Vegas Strip. This is going to be exciting for the hauler drivers as it will be for the fans."

Things get going on Friday (29th) with practice for the Nationwide series (formerly Busch) at 10:30 a.m., with the Sprint Cup cars set to practice at noon. At 3:40 p.m. the Sprint drivers begin qualifying for the Sprint UAW-Dodge 400 on Sunday. Saturday the Nationwide cars have one more shot at early practice with qualifying for its race to begin at 9:05 a.m., with its race set to get the green flag at 1: 30 p.m. Sunday is all NASCAR Sprint Cup cars, with 43 of the fastest starting the race at 1:30 p.m.

Of course, there will be all kinds of entertainment going on in the Neon Garage and at the start/finish line stage. Blue Man Group, which performs at The Venetian Resort, will perform throughout Saturday and Sunday inside the Neon Garage, plus a special 15 minute show prior to the introductions of Sprint drivers Sunday. Carol Linnea Johnson from "Mamma Mia!" will sing the National Anthem Sunday, while country music artist Josh Gracin ("Nothin' to Lose") will do the honors on Saturday. The United States Air Force Thunderbirds will provide a unique flyover Sunday.

It's Thunder Time, gang!

THIS AND THAT QUICKLY: This writer, who dabbles in sculptures now and then, has been asked to be a "Featured Artist" in the 11th Annual ArtFest of Henderson on Saturday and Sunday, May 10-11.

The ArtFest is one of the most sought after venues in the west, and to be asked to participate with my sculptures is quite an honor. I will probably have about nine pieces on display (and for sale). It will be held at the new Water Street District from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. More on this next week, and the week after that and so on... Del Sol High School, 3100 E. Patrick Lane which opened in September 2004, will be presenting another play (they produce one every year), "Grease," beginning last night (Thursday, 21st) through Saturday, March 1. Helen Sax, producer/director, is the theatre instructor at the school, while Anthony Pecora is again the director/choreographer for this new production. Both instructors have an extensive background in theatre. Musical direction is under the capable hands of Jorge Lopez. Tickets may be purchased online at www.showtix4U.com. ...Just a reminder that Mary Wilson of the Supremes opens at Don Laughlin's Riverside Resort in Laughlin, NV. this coming Tuesday and will be there through Sunday, March 2nd. Wilson will be doing her favorite Supreme songs along with some songs of today, plus a special selection of Jazz favorites... Well, gang, guess that's about it for this week.

I'm outa here!

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