Della’s Interview in Sunday’s TV Guide Magazine
TVG: Sitting in one of downtown Atlanta’s famous sports bars, The Pitstop Bar & Grill, I had an opportunity to chat with racing sensation, Della Sachs. Looking mighty fine in a sexy purple tank top and matching pants, you would think this mocha beauty would feel more at home in a hair salon or a shopping mall. But Della Sachs is no ordinary woman. She set the racing world on its collective ass a few years ago by becoming the first female to win a major racing event, cementing her reputation as a serious competitor in once was regarded as a man’s sport. Della, thanks for sitting with us today.
DS: Thank you for having me. I have to say, doing an interview in a sports bar is probably one of the highlights of my career. (-With a chuckle, she tossed her hair back over one smooth shoulder.-)
TVG: So, Della…you are a second-gen racer, your father, Del Sachs being one of the best racers in this business. How did you get involved?
DS: I grew up around cars and racing. My momma, Shelia Sachs, was a mechanic and she taught me everything there was to know about cars: how they run, how to change parts, how to drain and engine. Most girls were worrying about hair and boys and clothes, I was worrying about engine blocks, broken axles and dirty oil. My dad, God rest his soul, took me along for his races and I got involved with the pit crew. The sights and sounds of a car going over two or three hundred miles per hour…I felt like I had found my calling. So I asked my dad to teach me to drive one of his cars. He took me out to the track and I nearly crashed the first time I tried a turn. Scared the hell out of my father when that happened. But I laughed it off and got back behind the wheel. Practice makes perfect and all that.
TVG: And you never looked back.
DS: Never even checked the rear view.
TVG: You’re racing in The Turtlewax 3000 next weekend. Are you excited?
DS: Excited doesn’t even begin to cover it. I’ve been looking forward to this race all year.
TVG: Why is that exactly?
DS: There’s a lot of new talent coming in from all over the world and this is a chance for me to prove to myself that I have what it takes to be in this business. Because when all is said and done, the one in the winner’s circle will be on top for a long time.
TVG: Being number one is important to you?
DS: Not at all. The most important thing to me is surviving the race. To reach that checkered flag. I’ve worked hard for this all my life. To even be in the top 20 finishers would be heaven in my eyes.
TVG: What do you think of the new crop of racers coming in?
DS: I’m sure they’re talented…but I’ve heard some disturbing things about a few of them. Kind of worries me how they are behind the wheel of a ton of metal and whipping around in a circle at 200 miles and hour.
TVG: I’m going to toss out a couple of names. What’s the first thing that pops into your head?
DS: Go for it.
TVG: Carlos Mendoza.
DS: Playboy millionaire who uses women as his personal toys.
TVG: Kaspars Balodis.
DS: Fried Brain Syndrome.
TVG: Rhiannon Balodis.
DS: Rookie…but she’d be excellent competition. She needs more race time.
TVG: Robbie Williams.
DS: I’m surprised he’s not dead yet to be honest with you. With all the s*#t he’s abusing his body with, he’s got to have the slowest reflexes ever. Dangerous to have behind the wheel.
TVG: Pretty strong words.
DS: I take racing very seriously. Anyone gets in my way of my goals and dreams…well let’s just say my reactions won’t be pleasant.
TVG: Hmm. Interesting. Well…I think we’re done. Thank you, Della for speaking with us today. Is there anything you’d like to tell any of our readers who may be interested in a career in race car driving?
DS: Yes. Work hard, listen, and be aware of your surroundings at all times because if you don’t, that split second your attention slacks could be the difference between life and death.