TJ’s Racing VideoShelf: July 2026

Posted on July 30, 2026 by terryjohnsen

RUSH (2013) Universal Pictures, StudioCanal, Universum Film, Buena Vista International, Exclusive Media, 123 minutes.

Formula One 1976 – Hunt for the Title (2004) Duke Video/Brunswick Films Ltd., 52 minutes.

This year (2026) marks the 50th anniversary of one of the most intense and celebrated Formula 1 Championship battles, pitting James Hunt (McLaren) versus defending F1 Champion, Niki Lauda (Ferrari). So, for the month of July, I’ve chosen another double feature, Rush (a Ron Howard film), and the 1976 season review, Formula One 1976 – Hunt for the Title.

Rush was directed by Ron Howard, and starred Chris Hemsworth as James Hunt, and Daniel Brühl as Niki Lauda. This is a wonderful depiction of the F1 scene in the 1970’s. The movie portrays the rivalry between Hunt and Lauda, but also clearly defined their two different personalities and approach to racing. This era of Formula 1 cars is my favorite, mainly from the aesthetic point of view. The 70’s had a wide range of beautiful cars, each having an individual and unique look to their design. Ron Howard’s filmmaking approach for this film incorporated a technique that features a natural look of warm and earthy tones, with a soft texture/focus quality. You really feel the era of the 70’s. Also, with the growth and renaissance of historic auto racing worldwide, there were plenty of actual F1 cars available from the 1976 season, and even more highly talented drivers eager to participate in the film. Topping it off, Hans Zimmer provided a musical score that fit the mood perfectly.

As the season unfolded, Lauda held a commanding lead in points, having dominated the first half of the schedule. Then came the German Grand Prix at the 14.189 mile Nürburgring/Nordschleife racetrack in the Eifel mountains. Heavy rain made an already dangerous track even more threatening to the drivers. Niki Lauda tried to get the race canceled in the drivers meeting, but was overruled, led by Hunt, who was second in the point standings. In one of the most horrific accidents in Formula 1 history, Niki Lauda suffered tremendous burns to his face and lungs in a fiery crash. He missed the next two races (the Austrian and Dutch GP’s) on the calendar, before making a courageous return a month later at the Italian Grand Prix.

One of the most powerful scenes is when Hunt meets Lauda at Monza in the paddock. It’s Lauda’s first attempt at racing after a long and painful hospitalization and recovery. Hunt is stunned that he’s there, planning to drive. And is equally stunned by Lauda’s appearance. He apologizes for not supporting Lauda in his attempt to cancel the German Grand Prix, due to the dangerous track conditions in the wet. Hunt said he was responsible for his accident. Lauda agrees, but adds that watching Hunt win races while he fought for his life is equally responsible for getting him back in the car. Hunt is left speechless. The season-long title fight boiled down to the final race in Japan. As fate would have it, torrential rain made track conditions even more treacherous than in Germany. After two laps, Lauda made the brave and sensible decision to park his car due to the absolute lack of visibility. After everything he’d been through, he chose safety, and the chance to fight another day. Hunt finished third and won the title by just one point (69-68). After the race, as Lauda and his wife are leaving in a helicopter she asked if he’s OK. He responded, I’m fine, no regrets, not one. Lauda went on to win his second Formula 1 Championship the following year in 1977. 

Rush is my favorite racing movie focusing on Formula 1, mainly for its amazing portrayals of Hunt and Lauda, the authenticity and attention to detail with the cars, the racing culture, and the depiction of the 1970’s. It’s truly a great achievement in filmmaking.

I’ve also included Formula One 1976 – Hunt for the Title as a nice companion watch. It’s filled with wonderful racing footage, showcasing the exciting action and raw driving talent of every driver in the field. While watching the highlights it reminded me of the limitations there were for American Formula 1 fans at the time. Rarely were there ever live broadcasts, and most of us relied on taped replays of the Monaco Grand Prix, Italian Grand Prix, or British Grand Prix on ABC’s Wide World of Sports. I used to call our local newspaper (The Akron Beacon Journal), speak with the sports desk and ask for them to check the wire service teletype and read me the results. It was funny to hear some of them struggle with the pronunciation of many of the drivers’ names, such as, Niki Lauda, Emerson Fittipaldi, Patrick Depailler, Vittorio Brambilla, Arturo Merzario, to name a few. But my primary source for the most in-depth coverage was from reading the excellent race review articles in Road & Track and On Track magazines. Ahhh, the good times.

Enjoy the films. 

TJ…2026

Posted in Auto Racing, Auto Racing History, F1, Film Reviews, Historic Auto Racing, Movie Review, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Beach, the Beat, and Bow Wows

Posted on July 25, 2026 by terryjohnsen

The yearly trip to the beach has come and gone. Once again, my wife and I happily assumed the life of beach bums for a week. For 30-plus years we’ve traveled to Dewey Beach, Delaware, along with frequent visits to Rehoboth Beach and occasionally to Lewes and Cape Henlopen State Park.

It’s so relaxing to just sit on the beach and do nothing. The intoxicating sound of the surf, with wave after wave coming ashore, produces a comforting inner calm. Life’s worries begin to slip away, while time appears to slow down, allowing me to organize my thoughts for the future. My comfort zone is to sit under the umbrella, with earbuds in place, listening to my chosen playlist for the day.

This year I prepared a collection of hits from the Flower Power/Summer of Love era, roughly 1966-1970. Three songs in particular grabbed me, as if I was listening to them for the first time all over again. The first was ‘Daydream’ by The Lovin’ Spoonful. That one fit the mood perfectly… just sitting on the beach daydreaming. The second song was ‘Get Together’ by The Youngbloods. I personally feel this may have been the best song of the Vietnam era, beseeching people to get together and make the world a better place. A timeless song which resonates just as much today as it did then. The third and most memorable song for me was ‘Love, Peace, and Happiness’ by The Chambers Brothers. It’s soulful and musically powerful, and the vocals and harmonies are so uplifting. You know you’ve connected with a song when you hit replay multiple times, keeping the moment alive. The sun, the sand, the waves, and the music took me along for a wonderful ride.

After thoroughly enjoying a day of relaxation, the fun transitions at 5:00 p.m. and ‘happy hour’ begins. The lifeguards call it a day and the dogs come out to play. It’s so much fun to watch the wide variety of dogs run and play fetch on the beach. We enjoy conversing with their owners and meeting the dogs. They’re so happy. We generally stay until the sun sets. It’s so peaceful at that time of day.

And before we knew it, it was time to go home, back to reality. It was perfect while it lasted, and who knows, maybe on one of these trips we’ll make the stay a permanent one.

TJ…2026

This is Troop (Great Dane), a gentle giant.
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What’s in a Name?

Posted on July 10, 2026 by terryjohnsen

When contemplating the new name of my blog, I drew inspiration from my all-time favorite classic rock album by Eric Clapton, Derek and The Dominos’ Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs.

In late August 1970, Eric Clapton formed a new band, Derek and The Dominos. Together with Carl Radle (bass), Jim Gordon (drums), and Bobby Whitlock (keyboards and vocals) they set out to build upon the success of Clapton’s first solo album, the self-titled Eric Clapton that had just been released. They began recording at the famous Criteria Studios in Miami, Florida, and in what can only be described as a stroke of musical good fortune, Clapton was presented with the opportunity to meet Duane Allman, lead guitarist of The Allman Brothers Band. They shared a warm mutual respect, and Clapton wasted no time inviting Allman to join in on the recording session. This was a once-in-a-lifetime pairing of two guitar masters.

Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs was released on November 9, 1970. What came from these recording sessions was like capturing lightning in a bottle. A double-album of 14 songs, filled with emotional intensity, and a fusion of creative energy produced such standouts as Bell Bottom Blues, Keep On Growing, Nobody Knows When You’re Down and Out, Anyday, Key To The Highway, Tell the Truth, Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad?, Have You Ever Loved a Woman, Little Wing, and Layla.

The album features a mix of original songs penned by Clapton, some of which were co-written with Whitlock and Gordon, along with a selection of blues standards. At the heart of the album was Clapton’s unrequited love for Pattie Boyd, the wife of his friend George Harrison. This love story screams through every note and takes us along on an intense emotional journey. The stars aligned when Derek and The Dominos recorded this musical masterpiece.

The album’s “assorted” blend of telling life stories (rock, blues, and ballads) inspired me to select the name. It offers a fresh starting point to break new ground for my writing.

Stay tuned. TJ

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Turning the Page

Posted on July 1, 2026 by terryjohnsen

We’re halfway through 2026, and the calendar has flipped to July. In the spirit of a new beginning, I thought it was a perfect time for the blog to turn the page and head in a new direction.

I’ll still be writing about my exploits at the racetrack and all things auto racing, but will also be expanding the focus to include stories and recollections from throughout my life, travelogues, and the occasional work of fiction.

I’m excited to get started. There’s so much to share. But where to begin? I suppose the best course of action is to take the advice of the great Yogi Berra, who once said, “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.”

So, I will.

I hope you’ll join me.

Her Majesty and I discussing the new direction of the blog.

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TJ’s Racing VideoShelf: June 2026

Posted on June 10, 2026 by terryjohnsen

Truth in 24 (2008), An Intersport/NFL Films Presentation, 98 minutes

Truth in 24 II – Every Second Counts (2012), An Intersport/NFL Films Presentation, 83 minutes

For the month of June, it’s a double feature! This coming weekend marks the 94th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Considered one of the three most illustrious races in the world, along with the Monaco Grand Prix and the Indianapolis 500, Le Mans is the ultimate test of endurance, where man and machine stretch their limits in a race that runs twice around the clock.

This month I’ve chosen two documentaries, Truth in 24 (2008) and Truth in 24 II – Every Second Counts (2012). Both films are ‘An Intersport/NFL Films Presentation’, and features an in-depth, behind the scenes view of the Audi Sport racing team as they prepare for the race, and then navigate the unexpected challenges thrown at them in the heat of battle. Their main rival on track is the French Peugeot racing team. Both films are narrated by actor, Jason Statham. His voice perfectly captures the drama and intensity of world class sports car racing.

Truth in 24 was filmed at the 2008 Le Mans race and released later that same year. The opening line in the film by Statham, “It always rains at Le Mans”, set the stage for what proved to be a dramatic conclusion to the race. In 2008, Audi found themselves as a clear underdog. Peugeot had incredible pace, which presented a clear challenge to the Audi drivers and race engineers. As the Le Mans 24 Hours unfolded, the focus turned to Howden “H” Haynes, race engineer for the Audi R10 TDI, car #2 with the driver line-up of Dindo Capello, Tom Kristensen, and Allan McNish. Two race strategies came into play that made all the difference in Audi’s ability to catch Peugeot and secure the win.

First, they reduced time spent in the pits by lengthening both tire and driver stints, which helped minimize unnecessary stops and saved valuable seconds. Quicker stops just for fuel only helped close the gap on track. Then ultimately the rain did come, and the race engineering decision by ‘H’ for the tires used in wet conditions proved to be the difference. Against all odds, Audi won. In the end their winning car took a total of 33 pit stops during the race. This was four less than Peugeot, for a collective difference of nine fewer minutes. For Tom Kristensen (Mr. Le Mans) it was his unprecedented 8th win, the 3rd for Capello, and the 2nd for McNish.

Truth in 24 II – Every Second Counts was filmed at the 2011 Le Mans race and was released in 2012. Once again, the front of the field featured the battle between Audi and Peugeot, and this year each team came in the new cars. For Audi, the R18 TDI was revolutionary, as it was their first closed top car and featured a full one-piece monocoque designed to enhance strength and greatly improve safety for the drivers. This proved to be lifesaving for two of Audi’s cars.

First, in the early stages of the race, car #3 driven by Allan McNish was involved in a spectacular crash in the Dunlop Esses. He was clipped in the rear as he attempted to overtake a slower car, careening across the gravel trap and slamming into the safety barrier, destroying the car. Any casual or seasoned viewer would have been right to fear the worst. But after a few heart-stopping moments, McNish climbed from the car under his own power. It was an incredible testament to the design of the new car. Later, during the overnight hours, Audi car # 1 driven by Mike Rockenfeller was involved in a massive accident on the high speed Mulsanne Straight. He was clipped by another car while overtaking and slammed into and over the guardrail at a speed of over 200 mph. The nighttime scene of the crash site looked like a war zone. And yet again, thanks to the engineering of the car, Rockefeller was able to climb out with no serious injury. This left Audi’s lone entry in the hands of Leena Gade, the race engineer for car #2, driven by Benoit Treluyer, Marcel Fassler, and Andre Lotterer. Once again, excellent race strategy and tactics enabled Audi to defeat the three-car Peugeot team, this time by a mere 13 seconds. It was Audi’s 10th win in 12 years. And Leena Gade became the first female race engineer to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Both films come alive thanks to the excellent cinematography and production work by the NFL Films crew. The in-car camera footage, especially at night, gives the viewer a sense of the incredible speeds reached while racing through the French countryside. The Le Mans track, or as it is officially known, The Circuit de La Sarthe, is 8.5 miles in length, with public roads making up over half the track. In Truth in 24 (2008), there’s a very special scene in which Allan McNish is sitting in front of a laptop and narrates of a lap around Le Mans. His intensity is infectious as you feel your blood pressure building while he describes the thrill of what it’s like from the driver’s seat perspective. In the end he sits back, relaxed, and you’ve just witnessed a lap of Le Mans in 3 mins 23 seconds. Wow!

If you want to know what the 24 Hours of Le Mans is all about, being part of a cohesive team of racing professionals, and striving for the ultimate prize, these are the films for you. Enjoy!

TJ….2026

Posted in Auto Racing, Auto Racing History, Film Reviews, Le Mans, Movie Review, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

TJ’s Racing VideoShelf: May 2026

Posted on May 21, 2026 by terryjohnsen

The Roadster Era (and before) at Indianapolis (2001)

Rare Sportsfilms, Inc., 2 hours 3 minutes.

The month of May is finally here, and the Indianapolis 500 is slated to take place this weekend (Sunday, May 24th). 2026 marks the 110th running of the greatest automobile race in the world. Year after year the winner of the 500-mile classic will have their face immortalized on the famous Borg-Warner Trophy. 33 drivers from around the world will take the green flag, charging into turn one, beginning their quest for auto racing’s biggest prize. Who will it be?!

But first, let’s a look back and relive a bit of history to honor those who have paved the way and built this event into the pinnacle of racing achievement. The film I’ve chosen for this month focuses on the early years. The Roadster Era (and before) at Indianapolis takes us back to the roots of automotive competition at The Brickyard in Speedway, Indiana.  

The film is a collection of black-and-white newsreels from pre-1938 and on through the years culminating with a preview of the 1965 race. The period graphics that accompany the reels, along with the writing and announcing style of the reporters, are all part of the nostalgic charm of this film. It’s a trip into the past, capturing the look and feel of a bygone era of racing. These were the days of the big and powerful front-engine roadsters, when drivers preferred to drive without seatbelts, for fear of being trapped in a raging inferno in the event of an accident.

Year after year the grandstands were packed with fans from around the country, cheering on their racing heroes. The list of winners covered in this snapshot of Indianapolis 500 history reads like a who’s who: Wilbur Shaw, Mauri Rose, George Robson, Bill Holland, Johnnie Parsons, Lee Willard, Troy Ruttman, Bill Vukovich, Bob Sweikert, Pat Flaherty, Sam Hanks, Jimmy Bryan, Rodger Ward, Jim Rathman, A. J. Foyt, Parnelli Jones, and Jim Clark (the first driver to win the Indy 500 in a rear-engine car).

The film also captures scenes in the pits and paddock, showing mechanics working hard to prepare the cars for competition. There were also glimpses of glamorous Hollywood stars in attendance, like Loretta Young, Cyd Charisse, Shirley MacLaine, and Jane Mansfield, there to offer a kiss to the victorious driver in the winner’s circle.

And finally, the film captures the harsh reality of racing during that period. There were many horrendous, fiery accidents, and sadly, fatalities as well. The bravery of these drivers cannot be overstated. The cars may have become faster and more sophisticated these days, but the skill and passion of the drivers depicted in The Roadster Era (and before) at Indianapolis are well presented in this fabulous film. Enjoy!

TJ…..2026

PS: The B&W photo positioned next to the DVD cover shows the 1927 Indianapolis 500 winner, George Souders. That was the year my dad was born. I bought that photo for him many years ago, and he had it framed in his study. Now it’s proudly displayed in mine. 😉

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TJ’s Racing VideoShelf: April 2026

Posted on April 21, 2026 by terryjohnsen

WINNING (1969)

A Jennings Lang Production. A Universal/Newman-Foreman Picture. 123 minutes.

For the month of April, I’ve chosen a film for American open wheel racing fans, knowing that the anticipation and excitement for the Indianapolis 500 is already starting the build. The annual Memorial Day weekend classic is a central character in Paul Newman’s (1969) ‘Winning’. I can still remember going to the theater as a thirteen-year-old with my brothers and cousins, watching the action on the big screen.

The movie features Newman as Frank Capua, a racer through and through, juggling his intense desire to win with the newly acquired complication of being married, along with having now a teenage stepson in tow. Capua’s wife (Elora) is played by Joanne Woodward, Newman’s actual wife, and Elora’s son (Charlie) is played by Richard Thomas. Capua’s teammate and archrival (Luther Erding) is played by Robert Wagner.

The storyline is quite simple and predictable. It focuses on the strained relationship of Frank and Elora which develops due to the pressures of life on the road, traveling from race to race, all while trying to keep the family whole. Luther, the single ladies’ man, takes advantage of the situation, leaving Charlie caught in the middle. In the end, Capua turns his frustration into greater focus behind the wheel and wins the Indy 500. He and Elora decide to work things out, and Luther gets a well-earned punch to the jaw. But the star of the movie is the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the famous Gasoline Alley, the cars, the drivers, the racing, all rolled into one.

One of the first glimpses inside the Speedway is when Capua takes his 1968 Ford Thunderbird for a spin around the quiet and empty track. It was highlighted by the film score of noted composer Dave Grusin. Another wonderful scene was during the Indianapolis 500 race, when Capua came in for a pitstop, and the film segued into a montage of slow-motion racing images, including scenes of fans in the massive Speedway infield. Grusin’s fabulous music once again served as a fitting backdrop.

One reason I enjoy revisiting these older racing films is that it acts as a time capsule of these classic eras. ‘Winning’ shows us what it was like at Indianapolis in the late 1960’s. Capua drove a car with the same livery that was used by the actual 1968 Indy 500 winner, Bobby Unser. The film also included multiple cameo appearances by the racing greats and dignitaries of the time, such as Bobby Unser, Dan Gurney, Roger McCluskey, and Speedway owner Tony Hulman.

Another important aspect of the film is that this was where Paul Newman got his first taste of racing. He went on to be a very accomplished sports car driver in his own right and became the co-owner of the highly successful Newman/Haas IndyCar Team, which featured drivers such as Mario and Michael Andretti, Nigel Mansell, Christian Fittipaldi, Cristiano da Matta, and Sebastien Bourdais.

‘Winning’ was one of three notable racing films that came out within a five-year period. ‘Grand Prix’ with James Garner was released in 1966, ‘Winning’ in 1969, and Steve McQueen’s ‘Le Mans’ in 1971. Each one captured the authentic feel of racing in their genre of speed; Garner’s Formula One, Newman’s Indianapolis 500, and McQueen’s Le Mans endurance sports car racing. All three are worthy additions to any racing film collection. So, grab some popcorn and buckle your seat belt, the call to “Start Your Engines” is just around the corner.

TJ…..2026

Posted in Auto Racing, Film Reviews, Indianapolis 500, Movie Review, Paul Newman, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

TJ’s Racing VideoShelf: March 2026

Posted on March 26, 2026 by terryjohnsen

Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring presented by Fresh from Florida (2011, 2012, and 2013)

Sebring International Raceway, Sebring Florida; Produced by Panoz Motorsports Group

For the month of March, I’m going to focus on one of the world’s most classic endurance sports car races: The 12 Hours of Sebring. The race takes place in Sebring, Florida, using the original tarmac from Hendricks Army Airfield, the site of B-17 bomber training during World War II. The track now co-exists and sits beside Sebring Regional Airport, which is active for private and commercial flights.

Just this year (2026), Sebring International Raceway hosted the 74th running of the twelve-hour endurance classic. I’ve had the pleasure of attending the race twice; the first in 1986 and then 60th anniversary race in 2012. Due to the bumpy nature of the course, and wear and tear on the cars and drivers, many have said it’s more challenging than the 24-hour races of Daytona and Le Mans. It was a thrill to walk around this famous circuit and experience the race as they drove into the nighttime hours.

As a racing fan, I’ve recorded many races on TV for future viewing pleasure and for my own personal archival purposes. I have stacks of VHS tapes of the Indianapolis 500, Monaco Grand Prix, 24 Hours of Le Mans, 12 Hours of Sebring, and scores of other IndyCar, Sports Car, and F1 races. Most of the endurance races I’ve recorded were just highlight packages. So of course, I was extremely excited to find at one of the American Le Mans Series races I attended at Mid-Ohio, some of the 12 Hours of Sebring races available on DVD in their merchandise tent. Without hesitation, I grabbed a few. 

These races (2011-2013) are from the TV broadcast feed, recorded flag to flag without commercial breaks. They capture a wonderful era of prototype racing featuring the factory efforts of Audi and Peugeot, along with classic GT battles between Corvette Racing, Flying Lizard Motorsports (Porsche), BMW Team RLL, Aston Martin Racing, and Risi Competizione (Ferrari). It’s been a joy to revisit these races again. 

2011 – 59th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, March 16-19, 2011. This was a combined event between the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) teams and the ACO Intercontinental Le Mans Cup competitors. Its notable for the emotional and celebrated overall victory by the Peugeot Team Oreca-Matmut team principal, Hugues de Chaunac. This was his first 12 Hours of Sebring win, to go along with many other achievements in his storied career.

2012 – 60th Anniversary Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, March 14-17, 2012. This was another combined event and featured the first ever race for the newly formed FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the American Le Mans Series. I attended this race, and it was a fantastic experience. My favorite team, Audi Sport Team Joest, with the driver line-up of Allan McNish, Tom Kristensen, and Dindo Capello were the overall winners. 

2013 – 61st Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, March 13-16, 2013. This year was a stand-alone event for the ALMS teams. Audi Sport Team Joest were once again the overall winners, this time with the driver line-up of Marcel Fassler, Benoit Treluyer, and Oliver Jarvis. The GT battle between Corvette Racing and the Ferrari team of Risi Competizione was nip and tuck the whole race. In the end the Corvette driving team of Oliver Gavin, Tommy Milner, and Richard Westbrook took top honors.

These race packages are hard to find these days. At the time I purchased these Sebring races I also grabbed the DVD packages of ALMS events at Road Atlanta and Mid-Ohio. They occupy a special place on my racing video shelf. If you find any out there, don’t hesitate to gobble them up. Happy viewing!

TJ…..2026

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TJ’s Racing VideoShelf: February 2026

Posted on February 25, 2026 by terryjohnsen

In-Car 956 (1987)

Distributed by Duke Video. Featuring Derek Bell. Running time: 62 minutes.

For the month of February, we turn our attention to a golden age of endurance sports car racing, climbing inside the cockpit of the legendary Rothmans Porsche 956. The documentary film ‘In-Car 956’ showcases this iconic machine in the steady hands of British racing driver Derek Bell, as he takes us on thrilling laps around some of the fastest and most challenging racetracks in the world. 

Filmed during the 1983 and 1984 endurance racing seasons, Bell drove these demonstration laps ‘at speed’ with an in-car camera strapped in beside him at seven racing circuits from around the world; Silverstone (England), Nurburgring-Nordschleife (Germany), Le Mans (France), Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium), Brands Hatch (England), Fugi International Speedway (Japan), and Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit (South Africa).

The Porsche 956 was introduced in 1982 and competed in the FIA Group C category of the World Sportscar Championship. It’s aluminum monocoque chassis was powered by a 2.65L twin-turbo flat-6 Porsche engine. Our guide on this adventure is the one and only Derek Bell; the 5-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, 3-time winner of the Daytona 24 Hours, and two-time World Sportscar Champion (1985, 1986). 

The film captures actual sounds from inside the cockpit, to include the road noise, tire squeal, and the glorious Porsche engine note. There were various camera angles used throughout the film. One featured the drivers-eye view directly forward, and at other times a wider view was used to include the steering wheel in the lower right corner enabling the viewer to see Bell’s steering input and gear shifting process. One of my favorite camera angles was a side view looking directly at Bell showing his intense and supreme concentration. 

The entire film is an amazing display of driving at an elite level, but there are three specific tracks that really brought out the wow factor. The first being at the Nurburgring-Nordschleife, with its mind-bending 157 corners, spread out over 13.2 miles in the Eifel mountains of Germany. Derek Bell took the viewer on a roller-coaster ride in six minutes 41 seconds, with an average speed of 120 mph. The concentration required to drive this twisty and technical circuit was impressive. He narrated this lap (post-production) with incredible detail, naming each corner, and indicating what gear was being used. Amazing.

Next was Le Mans, home of the historic 24-hour endurance race, featuring the legendary 3.7-mile Mulsanne Straight (before the current day chicanes were installed). The narrator for this portion of the film said that in the 1983 Le Mans 24-hour race, the Rothmans Porsche was timed at 246 miles per hour in the Mulsanne speed trap. The view of Derek Bell at these speeds was a sight to behold. The French countryside was but a blur out his side window. In the 1983 race, Bell‘s teammate Jacky Ickx took pole-position with the time of.3:16.56, and an average speed of 152 mph. 

Finally, the 2.673-mile Fugi International Speedway, featured a wet, but drying racing surface. Bell narrated while driving, describing a very bumpy, but fast track. It was slippery, and we saw his extraordinary car control throughout the lap. Once, he went wide in a corner and you could hear him traveling over the rumble strips, all the while maintaining his speed and powering on. It was an impressive display.

This is a wonderful film. I usually watch it at this time of year to get my juices flowing, stirring up excitement and anticipation for the upcoming racing season. I highly recommend it. Just make sure you have your seat belt secured tightly. You’re in for a wild ride!

TJ…..2026

Posted in Auto Racing, Derek Bell, Film Reviews, Le Mans, Porsche 956, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

TJ’s Racing VideoShelf: January 2026

Posted on January 26, 2026 by terryjohnsen

Super Speedway (1997)

Steven Low, Director; Pietro L. Serapiglia, Producer (Openwheel Productions), Narrated by Paul Newman (50 minutes)

Happy New Year! I can’t believe January has flown by so quickly. 

So, as a change of pace for this year I’m switching from book reviews to a series film and video reviews from my DVD collection. Like many racing enthusiasts its startling how many I’ve accumulated over the years. This would include major release films, racing documentaries, season reviews, and tv race broadcasts.

The first on the list to discuss is Super Speedway! It was filmed with IMAX technology in 1996 and released for the big screens in 1997. I remember taking my kids to see the film and witnessing their excitement of experiencing IndyCar racing in such vivid and thrilling detail.

It’s a story of racing, race car design, and the technology behind the scenes to bring everything together for a race-ready car. It also has a secondary storyline of a race car ‘barn find’ restoration. Old meets new. The team chosen for the film was the Newman/Haas race team, owned by entrepreneur and Lola Cars distributor Carl Haas, and legendary actor Paul Newman. The team’s principal driver is Michael Andretti, son of legendary racer, Mario Andretti.

The film takes the viewer through the journey of race car development at Lola Cars, engine development at Cosworth Engineering, aerodynamic testing, crash testing, and the on-track testing stages to hone the car into a winner. At the same time, we are following the storyline of a vintage Indy roadster being rebuilt in a country barn garage and the supporting story of racing in the 50’s and 60’s. The comparison and contrast as to how far racing has come in technology, safety, and speed is amazing.

The viewer is given the treat of seeing real-time, in-car footage of IndyCars, racing on track. Mario Andretti plays a lead role in the film and was the IMAX car driver when much of the footage was filmed during actual practice sessions during the 1996 season. Other in-car TV broadcast film footage along with traditional trackside vantage points were included to give the viewer a real sense of the excitement and intensity of IndyCar open-wheel racing.

The film draws to a close by showing the Newman/Haas team achieving success with race wins, bringing the storyline of car development to a successful culmination. Then the film transitions to the unveiling and rolling-out of the completed Indy Roadster renovation, with Mario Andretti being reunited with his 1964 Dean Van Lines Special. The final scene shows Mario strapping in, starting up the engine, and driving down a long country road with autumn leaves scattering as he speeds along.

This is a fantastic film and a perfect subject for the IMAX camera technology. I recommend everyone to see it and experience the thrill of racing from the inside.

TJ…..2026

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