Sports Letters

Thursday, May 25, 2006 | 7:17 a.m.

Fond memories of Indianapolis 500 legends Collins and Sachs

I was glad to see Ron Kantowski remember Sid Collins and Eddie Sachs at the Indy 500 ("Indianapolis 500 stirs memories of tragedy," May 22).

I grew up in Kokomo, Ind., and Eddie was my favorite racer when I was in high school. I was there when he and A.J. Foyt had their duel in 1961 and Eddie stopped for a tire and lost. My boyfriend stole the lug nut from that wheel after the race, and I carried it with me for years and years.

Collins' voice was so memorable that I once won a radio contest in Florida for guessing him as the "mystery" voice. It wasn't a mystery to me, because I'd heard that distinctive voice for years and years.

And regarding Ron's mention of Bud Tinglestad: I'm probably one of a very few of your readers who has ever seen Bud Tinglestad race.

Thanks for giving Collins and Sachs a little ink at this time of the year.

Jane Heekin, Mesquite

Ron Kantowski's column on Sid Collins and Eddie Sachs was one I shall keep in my mementos.

I was fortunate to be introduced to Eddie a few months before he was killed. Eddie Sachs was a grand guy.

Thanks for the memory.

Norm Johnson, Las Vegas

I just returned from Los Angles after visiting the Staples Center for arena football. I can tell you Las Vegas desperately needs a new arena. Staples makes the Thomas & Mack Center look like a high school gym.

If we want a legitimate chance at attracting the NBA or NHL, a new arena is a must. As a matter of fact, we probably need one to keep the Gladiators and give the team a chance to succeed here.

I've been to arenas in other major cities, too. Thomas & Mack is the bottom of the barrel.

Max Maddux, Las Vegas

I agree with Ron Kantowski's assessment of boxer Ricky Hatton ("The Elevator," May 17). The experts were ranking him one of the top 10 pound-for-pound fighters but he looked out of his element against Luis Collazo.

I believe Collazo did enough to retain the title. You are right on the money. Hatton is not ready for Mayweather Jr. I would first like to see a rematch with Collazo.

Robert Eason, Las Vegas