BROOKLYN (May 13, 1996) - Sunday's practice session for the U.S. 500 began with a simulated race start for the IMAX IndyCar video being shot here this weekend, titled "The Art and Science of an IndyCar." The film will follow the design, fabrication and track testing of an Indy Car, investigate the technology and physics that shape the car's performance and join driver and team as they put their machine into real competition. IMAX IndyCar Film Project
By Jim DeFord - Excerpts from IndyCar©1996 SpeedCenter Internet Publishing, Inc.
Former PPG Cup champion Mario Andretti is driving a specially-adapted IndyCar with a camera mounted high above the cockpit to film race sequences for inclusion in the video, which is being directed by Stephen Low, director of six previous IMAX productions. Additional filming will take place at the U.S. 500 (May 23-26), the Miller 200 at Milwaukee (May 31-June 2), the Molson Indy Toronto (July 14-19), the Miller Genuine Draft 200 at Mid-Ohio (Aug. 8-11) and the Texaco/Havoline 200 at Elkhart Lake, Wisc. (Aug. 17-18).
The huge camera is mounted above and slightly behind the roll bar on a special mount that attaches to the sides of the cockpit and top of the engine itself.
A picture of this odd-looking contraption can be found in the U.S. 500 Gallery!.
Principal photography for the production has been on-going since December, 1995, with footage having been shot on tracks at Sebring and Homestead, Fla. Design, testing and fabrication sequences have also been filmed in England.
The project is sanctioned by Championship Auto Racing Teams, Inc. and receives technical and logistical support from the Newman-Haas racing team and sponsor Texaco. The film will be available later in the year at IMAX screens throughout the country.
This will be a definite must-see for all racing fans!
