We had only one question, really, for Supercross rider Joe Oelhof: That whole "nac-nac" thing--how do you do it the first time? A nac-nac--stop smirking, it's not what you think--is a stunt frequently performed by indoor dirt-track motorcycle racers in which the rider, while flying three stories or so in the air, lifts one foot off the peg as if dismounting. It's a close cousin to the "whip it," another aerial technique in which the winner of a race whips the rear wheel to one side while waving at the crowd or maybe taking both feet off the pegs. (As far as we know, neither term appears in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, though they probably should.) We wondered: What sort of liquid courage or brass gonads are required to steel yourself to do your first nac-nac? "It's basically a gradual progression," the 27-year-old Oelhof says. "Everybody just starts off on a small, single jump" and builds up. Right. Just sitting atop a flying motorcycle gets boring, so why not do a little dance while you're three freakin' stories in the air?! Makes perfect sense now. You can see for yourself what it takes to be a top-notch Supercross rider this Saturday when the circuit hits Texas Stadium. Scores of racers will compete on a dirt track loaded with "whoops," "rhythm sections," a "tabletop" and "triple jumps." Practice and qualifying heats begin at 12:30 p.m. followed by the main event at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 to $30 and are available through Ticketmaster, 214-373-8000. If you go and see any tricks you think you might like to try yourself, please seek professional help. --Patrick Williams
My Little Ponies
4/15
And they're off! What a smashing start. Live Horse Races At Lone Star Park Kick Off This Thursday grabs the lead, but falling behind early is Daily Races Start At 6:35 p.m. While Weekend Races Start At 1:35 p.m. The audience looks stunned, which is understandable since the horse's sire, Tickets Start At Three Dollars, had been a bettor's favorite for years. But look! Live Performance At The Park By Willie Nelson Friday At 9 p.m. has broken from the pack, going neck to neck with The Beach Boys Play Saturday At 8 p.m. This one's gonna go to the wire, folks. And the winner is...Call 972-263-RACE. --Sam Machkovech
Fleet Feet
4/20
Ever had the desire to run a marathon? It could be a rewarding and life-fulfilling experience or the most agonizing mistake of your life. Either way, if you run, walk or crawl across the finish line, that's 26.2 miles of your life that you won't be getting back. If you're serious about marking "run a marathon" off your list of things to do before you die, then check out Olympian Jeff Galloway as he discusses how to train for a fun and injury-free marathon. You may want to consult your knees and feet first. It's free on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Cooper Aerobics Center, 12200 Preston Road. Call 214-923-6282. --Jay Webb
Mister Magnolia
4/16
Leaping from the lush gardening spreads in Southern Living magazine straight into the Dallas Arboretum, garden specialist Bill Slack will conduct three lively how-to sessions for Texas trowel-wielders on April 16. For seasoned and novice gardeners alike, Slack presents "Garden Design" at 9:30 a.m., "Color Border Basics" at 11 a.m. and "Living in Your Garden" at 1:30 p.m. Meet Slack for tips, a Q&A and demonstrations at the arboretum's Rosine Hall, 8525 Garland Road. Tickets are $18 per topic or $49 for all three talks. There's a discount for members. Box lunches are $10. Call 214-515-6540 or register online at www.dallasarboretum.org. --Annabelle Massey Helber
