LMS — Royal Shakespeare Actors Experience NASCAR
CONCORD, N.C. (Feb. 12, 2007) - The cultures of 16th century William Shakespeare and 21st century NASCAR NEXTEL Cup stock car racing came together Monday when members of the London-based Royal Shakespeare Company visited Lowe’s Motor Speedway.
While at nearby Davidson College, members of the Royal Shakespeare
Company, one of the best-known theatre groups in the world, wanted to
experience local culture. That’s why they visited Lowe’s Motor Speedway
where members rode around the 1.5-mile superspeedway at nearly 150 mph in
Richard Petty Driving Experience stock cars.
“I don’t think I’ve done anything quite like that since I gave birth
to a child,” said Kate Fleetwood, the Stratford-Upon-Avon, England,
resident
who plays Hermione in “The Winter’s Tale.” “I thought if it was anything
like giving birth I would be fine, but it was much nicer. It was absolutely
wonderful.”
“That was fantastic,” said Nigel Cooke, of London, who plays
Polixenes in “The Winter’s Tale.” “I’ve never been as fast as that and the
third time around the fourth turn was just the tops.”
“The speed was amazing,” said Ashley Rolfe, of Cambridge, United
Kingdom, who plays Jamie in “Days of Significance.” “The distance you are
away from the other car is amazing as well-it’s very close. It was
fantastic.”
The thespians also drove Legends Cars and Thunder Roadsters on a
one-fifth-mile oval, courtesy of The Speedway Club Driving School.
About 65 actors, educators and technicians from the Royal
Shakespeare Company are in residency at Davidson College through Feb. 18.
They will present performances of “The Winter’s Tale,” “Pericles” and “Days
of Significance” at the Duke Family Performance Hall in addition to hosting
an extensive series of educational events.
Call (704) 894-2135 for performance dates and ticket information.
Tickets for all May races at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, including the
NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge on Saturday night, May 19, and the
Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday evening, May 27, are available by visiting
www.lowesmotorspeedway.com or calling the track ticket office at
1-800-455-FANS.
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EDITOR’S NOTE: High-resolution images to accompany this release can be
downloaded from:
www.lowesmotorspeedway.com/logos/images/shakespeare1.jpg
Suggested Caption:
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE MEETS RICHARD PETTY - Members of the Royal Shakespeare
Company experienced the thrill of NASCAR NEXTEL Cup racing Monday by riding
in Richard Petty Driving Experience cars at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. The
thespians are performing at nearby Davidson College through Feb. 18.
(Lowe’s
Motor Speedway photo by Kevin Druckenbrod).
www.lowesmotorspeedway.com/logos/images/shakespeare2.jpg
Suggested Caption:
TO SPEED, OR NOT TO SPEED - Royal Shakespeare Company actor Kate Fleetwood
climbs into a Richard Petty Driving Experience car Monday for a high-speed
ride around Lowe’s Motor Speedway. “I don’t think I’ve done anything quite
like that since I gave birth to a child,” Fleetwood said after her 150-mph
ride. The Royal Shakespeare Company is performing at Davidson College
through Feb. 18. (Lowe’s Motor Speedway photo by Kevin Druckenbrod).