When bored, send hubby to the track
Sept. 17, 1996

When "Coach" star Craig T. Nelson was getting bored with golf, his wife suggested he try racing cars. Five years later he is one the most respected drivers in the Exxon World SportCar Championship series.

Last year Nelson was voted the series' most improved driver. His next event with his Screaming Eagles Racing Team is the Daytona IMSA finale Oct. 6.

Nelson said he hopes to race full-time when "Coach" goes off the air at the end of this season, but he has no interest in being an owner and have someone else drive. He wants to be the owner and driver.

Interestingly enough, he finds auto racing a form of relaxation.

An IMSA spokesperson said other drivers consider Nelson a driver who also acts instead of an actor who also races cars, which is unusual with most actors who get into auto racing.

Rock 'n' roll Neuheisel

When Colorado's Rick Neuheisel isn't busy coaching football and raising his family, he sings and plays guitar in the band "Don't Quit Your Day Job."

It started when his Mom and Dad made him take piano lessons. He made a deal with his parents that if they would let him quit piano lessons he would take guitar lessons.

When Neuheisel went to UCLA to be the Bruins' quarterback, he roomed with a guy who played guitar. They thought playing the guitar would be a great way to lure women. (Being a college quarterback wasn't enough?)

When he was an assistant coach at Colorado, Neuheisel sang and played guitar for the players at rookie night, and they were impressed.

Neuheisel would still choose coaching football over being a rock star because "I have more than three people that come to the stadium to see me coach. I'm don't think more than three people would come to hear me sing at the stadium."

"Don't Quit Your Day Job" sings for various charities, and Neuheisel sings on his radio show every Wednesday during the football season. (I bet there aren't many coaches who sing on their show).

Maybe Neuheisel can cheer up the Colorado fans with a song after the Buffs' loss to Michigan on Saturday.

Hollywood-style ending for Doc

Dwight Gooden has signed a contract with Warner Bros. to create a movie on his life.

One of the film's producers, Norman Twain, said the movie will portray Doc's struggles with drugs and his life up to May 14, when he pitched a no-hitter for the New York Yankees. (A perfect Hollywood happy ending.)

Norman said Gooden hopes that this movie will inspire young people to say no to drugs.

In case you are wondering -- Gooden will not play himself.

Rodman the TV star

Reminder: Dennis Rodman will appear on the NBC sitcom "3rd Rock From the Sun" at 8 p.m. Eastern and Pacific time Sunday.