IMAX - Super Speedway (2000)

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IMAX - Super Speedway (2000)

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IMAX - Super Speedway (2000)

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Directed by Stephen Low and narrated by the late Paul Newman, Super Speedway is really two inter cutting but related stories that come together seamlessly in the end. Newman, a long time racing fan is part owner in the famous Haas-Newman Racing Company, a company that designs some of the fastest Indy cars in the business. The first story follows the design, building, and road testing or Michael Andretti's championship car Lola during the 1996 racing season. The second story line involves the long arduous process of restoring Mario Andretti's 1964 roadster, a rare race car in a period where both drivers and cars where lost in high numbers. The chances of reuniting a driver, and his original sports car is a once in a lifetime experience based on these losses of both cars and drivers.

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IMAX - Super Speedway (2000)

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When the film begins, we are introduced to Mario and Michael Andretti, a father and son that is well known to racing fans. Mario and Michael are working with engineers from the Haas-Newman Racing Company to produce Michael's race car for the 1996 season. We are taken through the beginning design, modeling, and molding process of the body of the vehicle which is an intricate and involved process. Smoke is used to test wind resistance and flow over the body of the car. Engines are tested to determine the breaking point before the engine gracefully fails, or just explodes. Once testing on a certain parameter of the car is complete, it is incorporated in to the final design of the car. That design is then tested on the track, the results evaluated, and adjustments made to the car until everything is tweaked to perfection. However, not everything is based on perfect design, as it is pointed out you can have a great driver, and the perfect car, and still not win a race.

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IMAX - Super Speedway (2000)

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We cut away to the small shop owned by Don Lyons who restores cars for a hobby. After finding Mario's wrecked 1964 roadster, he begins the difficult task of restoring it back to its old racing form. The age of the car, and the rarity of existing cars has made it tough to get parts for restoration. The most difficult part was tires, but engines were also difficult to get. None of the difficulties dampen the enthusiasm of this gentleman, as he attempts to reunite the driver with the restored car. His payoff finally comes when Mario sees the car, and takes it for a run.

Reviewed by Sir Terrence (blu-ray.com)

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IMAX - Super Speedway (2000)

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