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