Jump to content

Super Speedway

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Super Speedway The IMAX Film
Directed byStephen Low
Story byAlexander Low
Produced byPietro L.Serapiglia
StarringMario Andretti
Michael Andretti
Christian Fittipaldi
Narrated byPaul Newman
CinematographyAndrew Kitzanuk
Edited byJames Lahti
Music byGilles Ouellet
Production
company
Openwheel Productions
Release date
  • 1997 (1997)
Running time
50 minutes
CountriesCanada
United States
LanguageEnglish
Budget7 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.

Production

[edit]

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.

[edit]