ASF’s “White Lightning” Brings Racing Legends to Town
They are known as the "Alabama Gang" in stock car racing. Billy Allison, Donnie Allison and Red Farmer were in Montgomery Thursday to see a special performance of "White Lightning" that will be sure to take audiences back to the early days of racing.
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It’s set in 1947, post-World War II when the stock car racing and the moonshine trade seem to go hand in hand.
“Good race car drivers made good whiskey haulers and good whiskey haulers made good race car drivers,” said Donnie Allison.
“There were a couple drivers that were full-time big, big time moonshiners,” said Bobby Allison.
It was back when the racers like Bobby and Donnie Allison got their start.
And Montgomery was the place where Bobby even won his first race.
“Such an incredibly great feeling. You finally make that last step into big time, you know. It was really good,” said Bobby.
It was those so-called “good ol’ days” the Alabama Shakespeare Festival wants to capture in the world premiere of Elyzabeth Wilder’s “White Lightning.”
“Everyone here has been pretty concerned with authenticity of the project and that’s why we have the ‘Alabama gang’ here. And that commitment to the truthfulness of the history as been great,” said actor Matthew Goodrich, who plays “Avery” the main character.
After going on to become a NASCAR legend and winning several championship races,
Bobby Allison says he looking forward to taking a cruise back down memory lane.
“Whatever they say about it I’m sure it will be something we’ll all get a kick out of.”
“White Lightning” opens Friday, March 4. Click here for ticket information.
