Drew M

So I was looking for something entirely unrelated and I came across this list. There are several movies that are very good but also a few that blow chunks. Of course the ones that suck are rated higher than the ones that don't suck but at least Grand Prix is on the top where it belongs. At least Driven didn't make the list . . .

1) Grand Prix
Arguably the best movie ever made about auto racing, this 1966 film directed by John Frankenheimer stars James Garner in one of his most memorable roles. The plot is good (unlike many racing movies!) and the racing action is superb. This is how racing was and Grand Prix still remains the model for how racing movies should show racing action. It's a must have! Read Review

2) The Fast and the Furious
If you don't have a DVD player, use this movie as your excuse to buy one. Director Rob Cohen's talk through of the entire movie is worth the price of a player. Then add the special effects and music video bonus goodies and you have an exceptional value. This movie captures speed better than any other. *EDIT* You also get a lesson in the little-known black art of double-clutching on the upshift. A bonus in itself!

3) Days of Thunder
Tom Cruise met more than Nicole Kidman in this 1990 Tony Scott flick. This movie defines the "rubbin' is racin'" thrill of stock car action. Forget about the plot, the love story and the intrigue and focus on the auto racing action. Cruise's character, Cole Trickle, was an open wheel racer before making the move to stock cars. The differences in driving styles between open wheel and stock cars are one of the things that make this a good addition to your video library.

4) Formula 1 Saga
This four-volume series takes you deep into the world of Formula 1 racing. Although it was made in 1992 and there have been many changes since, the series is a superb look into F1 history. Great drivers such as Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell, and Ayrton Senna are profiled. Although you can buy each of the tapes (The Cars, The Drivers, The Thrill of Formula 1, and The Grand Prix) individually, don't. Get the complete set. You won't be disappointed.

5) Le Mans
This 1971 movie directed by Lee Katzin stars the late, great Steve McQueen in a fast-paced, exciting look into the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans race. While not considered one of McQueen's greatest movies, it gave the star the opportunity to act his personal racing passion. The racing scenes are exceptional. This is a movie every auto racing fan needs to have in the video collection.

6) Winning
One of the great husband-wife duos in film history, Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, teamed up for this look into the world of auto racing in this 1969 James Goldstone flick. Newman's passion for auto racing is well-known as both a racer and a team owner. In this movie he epitomizes the driver who will let nothing, not even love and family, stand ahead of his will to win. Richard Thomas appeared in one of his earliest roles.


Just out of curiosity has anyone ever seen the ESPN Special "Secrets Of Speed - The Unfair Advantage" about the 1988-1989 Audi Trans Am team? Anyone know where I can get it?


[Modified by Cobra, 12:47 PM 2/21/2002]

ZygSpeed

Might have been AutoWeek.

WRT to the Audi tape -- Might be able to find something on/about it through Motorbooks international.
I think I've seen it in their catalog in the past, though you might have to call and ask. Ed
http://www.motorbooks.com/cgi-bin/We...woa/wa/default

.RJ

What about Super Speedway? It was originally an IMAX movie about CART cars, with help from Mario Andretti.... its a very cool flick to own

Willard

If I had 2 working vcr's I would make a copy...

Will
-who watches a black and white tv...

slowSER

The best racing movie starring Tom Cruise was one I saw a few years ago ... when he was racing (for real) in the SCCA. It was documentary of sorts following a season of SCCA club racing; had footage from Summit Point; showed that Tom Cruise *** actually winning a race somewhere along the line.

XR4racer

What?? No "Death Race 2000"?????

Drew M

I was surprised about that as well. I am also saddened that The Wraith didn't make the list either.

Willard - We need to do something about this. I have wanted a copy of that video for quite some time now.

Gotta love those cars . . .

Warren

I have the ESPN special on tape. It's fabulous. Complete with early 90's commercials. I also have Rendezvous and the Yellowbird testing on another tape. I can bring the Audi tape this weekend, as long as you don't f it up.

Oh, and that list sucks. They don't have Herbie Goes Racing on that list.

Warren

XR4racer

Death Race 2000 video clip
For those of you who don't know.

SPiFF

Too bad there is no DVD version on Grand Prix. The movie was shot in 70mm. There is a widescreen VHS though.



I saw a cool film on Speedvision's Late night drive in one night called I think "Fire and Ice". It is a documentary shot in the 60s about top fuel drag racing. Awesome camera work. I don't know if it can be purchased anywhere .. but it is worth a look.

Willard

I guess my version is different... it does not have commercials...

hrrmmm... maybe I don't have the "ESPN" one... just the "Unfair Advantage" one.

Hans Stuck is the man.
"J00 must left f00t brake to keep zee b00st and revs up"

Will
-who will watch it this evening after packing #154....

Drew M

Sounds like the same movie. I think for a while you could purchase the movie without the commercials. Warrens is most likely recorded from an ESPN broadcast.

Grumpy

SCCA stands for "See Cruise Crash Again"

Vracer111

"Wheels of Fire" you mean SPiFF...with Don "the snake" Prudhomm (sp?) and other Pro Funny Car/ Top Fuel Dragster drivers... Was a cool documentary I think...kind of funny with those insane comments from that goofy groupy type dude every now and then...LoL.

...And with this post I break the 599 post mark, previously thought unbreakable by man...lol


[Modified by Vracer111, 11:35 AM 2/21/2002]

Crazydave

Ooh...... they forgot Driven

WRXRacer111

The new version of Gone in 60 Seconds is a much better "racing" movie than The Fast and the Furious. That particular film qualifies as "****" in my book. At least there's some actual DRIVING done by Nicolas Cage, much more than the 1 maybe 2 straightline races in F&F. Although, those guys in F&F can park pretty damn fast.

[Edit: even Driven had more worthwhile driving than F&F... that's not saying much, but the point remains. Besides, you ECHC guys can learn something from that movie. In order to win, use full throttle and shift gears! Since naturally nobody else will. )


[Modified by WRXRacer111, 9:44 AM 2/21/2002]

madhatter

My God. I feel soiled having watched that....and dumber.
Aahhh, B movies. What would late night TV be like without them?


[Modified by madhatter, 12:54 PM 2/21/2002]

RineRacing

Although it goes against everything I like about sanctioned racing, I can't get enough of the ORIGINAL Gone in 60 Seconds.

As for the Fast and the Furious at number 2, I would rather watch Driven over The Fast and the Furious and day of the week. Both suck but I got more problems with F&F becuse how often for someone say to you while talking about cars "Like in The Fast and the Furious"? never "Like in Driven"?

MaddMatt

Hmm. I think they are confusing "best movie" with "made a lot of money"

When describing F&F, the word "best" does NOT come to mind about anything in that movie.

barnoun

Ah haha...I never thought it would be anything like that...