Why I hope Ron Howard's RUSH is a winner

 

[Photos:  Top:  The real Formula 1 racers Niki Lauda and James Hunt, back in the day.  The rivals were reported to be good friends, despite their competition on the track and differences in temperaments and behaviors off the track.  Bottom: Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Bruhl as Hunt and Lauda in Ron Howard's 2013 feature film, RUSH.].

Why I hope Ron Howard's RUSH is a winner....

It's not easy to be a Formula 1 fan living in the United States.  It's currently NASCAR country here with a smattering of dedicated IndyCar fans.   In this country, Formula 1 seems, in many ways, almost relegated to those who remember its heyday at Watkins Glen, the small town in upstate New York that hosted the world every crisp and colorful October for 20 years from 1961 to 1980.

Like soccer (the world's football), Formula 1 motor racing is a sport that is wildly popular around the rest of the world but not so much here.  It's difficult (but getting a bit easier) to find Formula 1 on television.  For quite some time before 2012 there was no track dedicated to the sport in this country (now Circuit of the Americas exists in Austin, Texas and hosted its first U.S. Grand Prix in November of 2012).  After the Glen, races had been tried at Indianapolis, Las Vegas, and other places, but nothing stuck.  One hopes that Austin may help change that, at least for awhile. 

The guru of Formula 1, Bernie Ecclestone, seems to be open to deals then lay in wait for them to fall through, at least according to the popular motor sports press.  A promised race in New Jersey, a street race planned against the backdrop of the Manhattan skyline, would do much for the sport in this country if held in that media mecca.  However, the on-again, off-again stories keep coming, and one wonders if it will happen or not.  Still, one recalls the same stories circulating in the lead-up to COTA, and that race eventually ran with much applause from both the drivers and the fans.

Popularity among the American public is moved collectively by many things, but certainly the entertainment industry and the media wield big influences in a country that is as large geographically and as diverse demographically as ours.  A hit movie with a popular and award-winning director gets talked about for months before it opens, then gets talked about in reviews and talked about again after it is reviewed.  The build-up to an opening includes people talking their way to a decision about whether or not to spend part of their paychecks on a night out at the cinema when they could view any number of other things that evening that they have already paid for with their various cable, Internet, and/or Netflix subscriptions.

A hit movie brings people out.  People out share a collective experience they don't get at home in front of their big-screen TVs or computer screens.  It's a 'happening' then, and one they go to work on Monday morning and talk about with their friends and colleagues.  Multiply that effect in community by community, region by region, and state by state, and you get the idea.  Word of mouth is probably the best way to market a movie -- or, one might argue, a sport -- to those who are unfamiliar with it.

So, my hopes are high for RUSH.  I want it to be a hit for whatever reason it becomes popular (I don't care, e.g., if Chris Hemsworth brings people to the theater who have no interest in cars or racing and would not otherwise be there).  Because then more of my fellow Americans will know what Formula 1 racing is -- that it is NOT NASCAR (for good or for bad, depending on how you feel about that series of motor sports) -- and that it has a history that is as fascinating and compelling as it is puzzling for the layperson who has never stepped foot inside a race car of any vintage or who has never put money down to watch a race live and in person. 

Among many other factors, the documentary film, SENNA, contributed to cementing my own commitment to studying Formula 1, historic racing, and motor racing in general for my next book.  There's just something more to this sport -- something deeper in the human experience that it expresses -- than one might first imagine.  I hope RUSH helps raise awareness, excitement, and curiosity about the second-highest watched sport around the world (behind soccer) in this country.  Selfishly, I hope it's a winner, if for no other reason, so that I don't have to begin every conversation about my work with a fellow American (even fellow Ph.D.s who study sports!) by explaining what Formula 1 racing is, and why I believe it's worth so much of my time, and is perhaps also deserving of their attention.

So, let's take a look at RUSH, America.  I don't know yet if it will flip or flop.  It's not a documentary, and it's not an art film, but if you feel any of the excitement, bewilderment, or pathos from the sport -- or curiosity about its history -- from watching the movie as I have so far from my studies, then perhaps you'll be rewarded with an experience that rushes past your expectations.  And wouldn't that be, well, just plain cool? 

I look forward to hearing your impressions if you do go see the movie, and I'll be sure to share mine, too!

Lime Rock Park Historic Festival 31 -- 2013: race results, car show awards, etc.

[Lime Rock Park tower.  Credit:  Connie Ann Kirk.].

Just got back from Lime Rock Park's Historic Festival 31, the 2013 edition of their annual historic races and car show. 

Wrote an article each day, back in the hotel after activities for each day were finished (well, finished the last article on Tuesday, since I had to drive back to New York Labor Day night). 

Here are the links:

Saturday:  Historics: Lime Rock Park Festival 31 puts on 20 races, escapes rain

Sunday:  Historics: Lime Rock Park Historic 31 showcases cars, history

Monday:  Lime Rock Historic 31: Collier Ferrari takes 'Best of Show,' race results

Threatening rain held off but for a few minutes mid-day on Sunday and a longer, more virulent stretch Monday morning; however, Lime Rock still managed to put on 40 races throughout the weekend, involving 10 groups of cars (these, after practice and qualifying sessions as well).  It also had its annual Concours d'Elegance with the finest collection of cars on display ever, according to LRP officials.  There were certainly several rare vehicles in attendance.

Another fun event and good weekend.  Appreciated the free beverages in the Media Center, and the well, park-like atmosphere is a pleasant way to experience a racetrack.  No grandstands -- you bring a lawn chair, picnic, and watch races from the slope of a hillside!  :)

As they say over there at the Northwest Connecticut Berkshires track, "Think fast!"

Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum: First Visit & Demonstration Day

 

 

[Photos:  Top -- Dr. Fred Simeone speaks to the audience gathered for the Demonstration Day, July 27, 2013; 2nd -- Volunteer driving Simeone's 1954 Ferrari 375MM; 3rd -- Simeone driving his 1953 Jaguar C-Type; Bottom -- the 1953 Cunningham C4R in the collection. Photo credit:  Connie Ann Kirk.].

Recently visited the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum in Philadelphia for the first time.  I rode on a bus trip sponsored by the International Motor Racing Research Center in Watkins Glen and wrote about the trip for my Rochester Motorsports page on Examiner.com.

I had never visited a car museum before.  Dr. Simeone maintains that cars (certain "historically significant" automobiles, at least) should be regarded -- and treated, apparently -- as works of art.  His museum contains 65 automobiles that he has collected over several decades.

I am more of a racer fan than a car fan, I have to admit.  I like certain cars better than others (tend to favor open-wheel race cars over closed-wheel, e.g.), but it's racers who really intrigue me about motorsports the most.  Still, the day was educational, to be sure, and Dr. Simeone was a good host to the Watkins Glen bus group that day, who had traveled so far to see his collection and the demonstration of 4 of the cars.

Read the article about the day HERE.

In the sense of a marriage between design and function, etc. I can see the automobile having artistic qualities, certainly.  But a full-fledged work of art?  I'm not closed-minded against the idea, but I'm not sure I buy the concept, quite yet, either.  Does an object made for a specific, useful function -- and not art for art's sake, as it were -- deserve the same sort of consideration as fine art -- a painting or sculpture, e.g.?  Hmm.  Still thinking about that.

Certain automobiles are a thing of beauty, to be sure.  And these can be defined in the eyes of the beholder.  The curves, color, gleam, shine, length, height, shape, etc. can be aesthetically pleasing.  Some cars can make your pulse jump (if you're at all a fan, I suppose!).  Do they make you *think* like a painting or a sculpture does, though?  Do they invite you in to dream and put yourself in the picture (car?), relate what you see to your own experience of the world, etc.  They can certainly expand your world view, I believe, enhance your knowledge and understanding.  And what about the car's history -- competing in or winning key races around the world?  What effect does that have on the "art" of that particular car, if any?  Hmm....must think more on all of this!  Ha.

While I was there, I purchased the book, The Stewardship of Historically Important Automobiles, produced by the museum.  Information about the book says it argues a preference for preservation over restoration in automobiles.  Perhaps some of the essays included there will offer more food for thought on the above questions as well.

[Muse:  What do you think, dear reader?  Should automobiles be regarded as works of art, like paintings and sculpture?  Why or why not?  If you think so, should they be preserved and kept on exhibit in public museums and not driven; exhibited but driven occasionally for demonstration purposes; or kept on the road or at tracks, driving to their limits in their "normal" lives as a car until they face a "natural" death?  What do you think?].

SCCA: Announcer tells it like it is at Watkins Glen International

(Photo:  Sign on door to the announcer's booth, Watkins Glen International.  Credit:  Connie Ann Kirk).

It�s a high-profile job, given that one�s voice carries out onto the racetrack, in the paddock, up the steps of the grandstands, into the garage, and nearly everywhere else for all to hear, but somebody�s got to do it � announcing at Sports Car Club of America�s (SCCA) race events when they are held at Watkins Glen International. The latest man to occupy the seat at the SCCA microphone is Josh Ashby, 29, who hails from Watkins Glen............

..........See my story of SCCA's announcer at WGI, here at Examiner.com.

[Muse:  Thank you to Josh Ashby and WGI for allowing me to view a "behind the scenes" look at announcing at WGI].

Emmy Awards 2013 include nominations for Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld car programs on the Internet

 

(Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld are both nominated for a 2013 Primetime Emmy Award for their Internet programs about cars.  Credit:  Getty Images.)

When the 2013 Primetime Emmy Awards were announced Thursday morning, included in the 71-page full press release of nominations were 2 that most people might not expect -- comedians Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld were nominated for shows they produce on the Internet. 

READ MORE ABOUT IT HERE...

If you're interested in the full list of nominations, check out this other article on Examiner.com from my TV  Over 20 page.

I guess I never thought of the Internet as being eligible for television awards.  Am I behind the times in that?  I know there is more and more original programming happening online; however, I would not have thought that the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences would have put these programs under its umbrella.  This year, Netflix is actually making news because it also has Emmy nominations.  Is our definition of television changing?  Perhaps.

As far as cars go -- Leno's show, "Jay Leno's Garage," features cars, but he also chats with motor sports book authors, which I like.  Check out an article about his interview with Watkins Glen's Michael Argetsinger and his book about Formula 1 at the Glen here.

Seinfeld continues his comedy about "nothing" theme with his online show, "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee."  He picks up a fellow comedian in a car he describes, talks with him/her about the car, and then they go get coffee and chat some more there and on the way back.

Interesting how both of these comedians enjoy their sporty cars. 

[Muse:  Do comedy and cars go together?  What do you think!].

DreamWorks TURBO gets quick start with IndyCar help

 

 

(Photo:  Turbo the racing snail from Turbo the animated movie by DreamWorks, distributed by Twentieth-Century Fox.  Credit:  Twentieth-Century Fox.).?

Going to see this movie this weekend (opening weekend).  I may be the only woman there without a child in tow!  Ha. 

Here's the Examiner.com article I wrote about the movie on its opening day. 

Interesting to note that IndyCar supports the film -- including racer Dario Franchitti who served as a technical consultant.

[Muse:  Racing's action and drama seem like they would make the sport a natural for film treatments; however, many race fans say that few race films earn their respect and appreciation.  What does it take for a movie about racing to earn high marks from the motor racing community?  Apparently, one important criteria (in speaking with longtime motor racing fans) is an authentic rendering of the action on the track.  Apparently, this is more complicated and tricky to achieve in a feature film than one might expect.].

Let me know if you like TURBO! 

A historic Fangio, Moss Mercedes race car sold at a historic auction price at Goodwood Festival of Speed -- over $29M

[Photos:  Mercedes-Benz W196 raced by Juan Manuel Fangio, Stirling Moss and others.  Competed in 1954, 1955 Grands Prix.  To date, holds the world record for the highest amount paid for a car at auction -- over $29 million.  Sold at Goodwood Festival of Speed, July 12, 2013.  Photo credit:  Goodwood, Bonhams].

What an historic race car, and what a price!

See the article about this here.

[Muse:  I hope the person or organization who bought this will make it available for people to look at and see.  So historic.].