There are at least another two dozen items waiting for his attention, and the list grows each time a UPS or FedEx truck stops out front. As director of sponsor relations, Antonelli makes sure they're all signed before being returned.

Force then steps into a room that houses his show cars, including the limo he'll use to attend the 2000 American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association awards ceremony in mid-January, to be held at the NHRA's Motorsports Museum. It's a small collection of classics reflecting his taste.

Also in the room is the Mustang body with the Superman paint scheme. It's the one Force drove to victory in 1999 at the Winston Showdown, earning $200,000 by surviving a format that pitted Funny Cars against Top Fuel dragsters. While it never counted as an official victory, it was symbolic as to who ruled the roost in the sport.

On the way to his office to start the interview, he runs across Fedderly, who introduces a potential employee. He's tall with a well-chiseled physique. Force can't resist.

"You ain't gay are you?" he asks. "I don't have anything thing against gays, or anybody else for that matter, but you're way too good looking for us. Where you come from? You sure you want to work here? Did Bernie tell you the hours are long and the pay ain't that great?"

The prospective crew man, stunned into silence by the machine-gun delivery, regains his composure.

"No. Ah, Seattle. Yes and yes," he finally answers. "I would love working here."

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