Super Speedway
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.
| Super Speedway The IMAX Film | |
|---|---|
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| Directed by | Stephen Low |
| Produced by | Pietro L.Serapiglia |
| Written by | Alexander Low |
| Starring | Mario Andretti Michael Andretti Christian Fittipaldifeaturing David Letterman |
| Narrated by | Paul Newman |
| Music by | Mark Knopfler |
| Cinematography | And Kitzanuk |
| Edited by | James Lahti |
| Distributed by | IMAX Corporation |
Release date |
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Running time | 50 minutes |
| Country | Canada United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | 7 Million USD |
Production
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.