Here's my run down of the ten best motor racing films. Of all time. Which ones are your favourite?
10 - ON ANY SUNDAY (1971) / ON ANY SUNDAY II (1981)
If you haven’t seen either of these films I would recommend the second featuring Kenny Roberts, but if you’re a fan of Steve McQueen you can see him camping it up in the first one, they’re both pretty dated films but still great fun.
9 - SILVER DREAM RACER (1980)
Starring 70s heartthrob David Essex and Beau Bridges. This film is definitely the corniest of them all, but still worth watching. Make sure you get to see the original cinema ending which is supposed to be sad, in reality it’s utterly hilarious!
8 - THE GUMBALL RALLY (1976)
A 70s classic and this is the original road racing comedy. The Cannonball Run used the same story six years later and added some very famous names and a bigger budget but it was never as good as Gumball.
7 - DEATH RACE 2000 (1975)
Awesome film, very dated, very funny and still gets quoted today nearly forty five years on. If you’ve never seen it you might be in for a shock, half of the scenes wouldn’t be allowed in this day and age, but this was the 70s. Everyone seems to have lost their sense of humour these days! I still think to myself when I see an old person crossing the road, that’s 100 points!
6 - I, SUPERBIKER (2011)
The first and still the best I, Superbiker film. I suppose shouldn’t really say that when my name is in the credits on all the other I, Superbikers, but I didn’t join the filming team until 2013. Instead I was watching in the crowd at the final races enjoying every second, and this film captures the best BSB British Superbike season of them all. Tommy Hill vs John Hopkins it doesn’t get any better than that!
5 - FASTER (2003)
A brilliantly named film covering MotoGP. Fantastic camera shots and great interviews with all the top riders make this a must watch for motorcycle fans.
4 - LE MANS (1971)
Steve McQueen always looked good on screen but there is something special about Le Mans especially the first third of the film where not a word is spoken. It’s obvious from the outset that you’re not watching an actor trying to be a racing driver, instead you’re watching a talented racing driver who can act. This has to be one of the most atmospheric motor racing films ever made.
3 - ROAD (2014)
Another stunning motorcycle documentary focusing on the Dunlop legacy, a must watch for any motorcycle racing fan. It might not be a slick as Closer To The Edge but it’s compelling viewing from start to finish.
2 - CLOSER TO THE EDGE (2011)
'Wow' is the best word I can think of to describe this film. Great camera shots and real unscripted drama. It was supposed to celebrate the hot favourite Guy Martin but things never quite worked out in real life!This has to be one of the best racing documentaries ever made. I find it hard to choose between this and Road - Truly stunning.
1 - SENNA (2010)
It doesn’t matter whether or not you’re a fan of Formula One because Senna wasn’t really about the sport, it’s just a beautifully made and incredibly moving film about the man himself.
I don’t think anyone would deny that Ayrton Senna was a true legend and very exciting to watch in an era where Formula One was actually worth watching! This film really does deserve to be number one! It’s amazing.
