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

DATE: THURSDAY, March 2, 1995                   TAG: 9503030085
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: FROM ASSOCIATED PRESS REPORTS
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

THE HEAVIEST SHOW ON EARTH

Charlotte Motor Speedway president H.A. ``Humpy'' Wheeler often is compared with P.T. Barnum for his zany promotional stunts to stir up interest in stock car racing.

Wheeler borrowed a page from the circus legend to hype the track's record $1.4 million purse for the upcoming Coca-Cola 600 Winston Cup race.

Joining Wheeler and other CMS officials was King Tusk, who at 14,000 pounds is the largest elephant in captivity. He's also a featured performer in the 124th edition of the Greatest Show on Earth, which is running this week at the Charlotte Coliseum.

``With this jumbo-size purse posted for the Coca-Cola 600, we thought it was only appropriate to bring in King Tusk to illustrate the point,'' Wheeler said. ``We have a lot in common with Ringling as a provider of bigger-than-life entertainment.''

Also appearing at a news conference at the track was Dale Jarrett, who drives the No. 28 Ford Thunderbird. He was joined by crew chief Larry McReynolds, who got into the mood by donning a red nose, oversized bow tie and floppy shoes.

The Coca-Cola 600 will be run on May 28 at the superspeedway.

Keywords:
AUTO RACING

by CNB