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Super Speedway The IMAX Film | |
---|---|
Directed by | Stephen Low |
Story by | Alexander Low |
Produced by | Pietro L.Serapiglia |
Starring | Mario Andretti Michael Andretti Christian Fittipaldi |
Narrated by | Paul Newman |
Cinematography | Andrew Kitzanuk |
Edited by | James Lahti |
Music by | Gilles Ouellet |
Production company | Openwheel Productions |
Release date |
|
Running time | 50 minutes |
Countries | Canada United States |
Language | English |
Budget | 7 Million USD |
Super Speedway is a 1997 documentary racing film chronicling one man's quest to get his new Champ Car Lola chassis up to speed, and another's goal of rebuilding an old 1964 roadster once driven by the legendary Mario Andretti. The film was directed by renowned IMAX director Stephen Low and produced by Pietro Serapiglia. It was narrated by Paul Newman (who was himself an avid racer and co-owner of Newman/Haas Racing). It first premiered at IMAX theaters nationwide.
The entire process took well over four years to film. Overall, the car was equipped with an IMAX camera and driven by Mario Andretti. Michael Andretti drove his teammate Christian Fittipaldi's car in the film. Mario was able to get his car as fast as 240 mph at the Michigan International Speedway at director Low's request. Newman/Haas Racing was the only team interested in the project in the technical world of Indy Car racing. The effort was spearheaded by Neil Richter, the team's director of finances.
The film features Mario and Michael Andretti during the 1996 season driving for Newman/Haas Racing. During the season, Michael Andretti won a season-high five races and finished 2nd in the championship to Jimmy Vasser. At the end of the film, Mario is reunited with his old roadster for a once-in-a-lifetime experience and can be seen driving it thru the countryside.
Mario Gabriele Andretti is an American former racing driver. He is widely regarded among the most successful drivers in the history of motorsports. Andretti is one of only three drivers to have won races in Formula One, IndyCar, the World Sportscar Championship, and NASCAR. He has also won races in midget car racing and sprint car racing.
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The 1993 PPG Indy Car World Series season was the 15th national championship season of American open wheel racing sanctioned by CART under the name "IndyCar". The season consisted of 16 races. Nigel Mansell was the national champion as well as the Rookie of the Year. The 1993 Indianapolis 500 was sanctioned by USAC, but counted towards the CART points championship. Emerson Fittipaldi won the Indy 500, his second career victory in that event.
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