After James Garner starred in the 1966 John Frankenheimer epic, Grand Prix, like many other actors before and after him, he caught the racing disease. In so doing, his growing interest in the sport led him to produce his own film: The Racing Scene.
This film follows the actor on several racing adventures, as both a driver and team owner from a Bronco at Baja; to a Lola at the 24 Hours of Daytona and Sebring; to a Surtees Formula 5000 — testing at Silverstone and racing in the premier North American series. Constantly surrounded by the racing stars of the day, the amazing cameos from everyone including Mario Andretti, John Surtees, Parnelli Jones, Chris Amon, Sam Posey, David Hobbs, Bob Bondurant, Davey Jordan, Scooter Patrick, Chuck Parsons, Lothar Motsenbacher and many more.
Racing was clearly in a completely different space in this era. It was dangerous, glamorous, and the participants were much more hard-nosed professionals putting dinner on the table. There certainly were the dilettantes, but they too were there to win. Sam Posey was a descendant of the DuPont family. In contrast, one of Garner’s regular drivers, Davey Jordan, was a heating and air conditioning guy during the week.
Narrated by Garner himself, in the iconic tone that made him so famous for playing “James Garner” in every role from Pete Aaron to Jim Rockford, this is a very fun time machine trip to 50 years ago and that glorious racing scene.
Other Films you may have missed:
