The global coronavirus pandemic has changed our lives and has resulted in most of us spending our time at home in order to stay safe and healthy. Instead of spending your days glued to the news and social media, it is important to distract your mind during this difficult time.
For motorsports fans, there is no racing. For car enthusiasts, there are no car club events. There are no cars and coffee meet ups. That doesn't mean we cannot enjoy and celebrate our passion for cars. To help you through this difficult time, Pirelli US has compiled this list of movies, books and music playlists to remind you of your love for the road, the race and the life associated with cars.
Movies:
Ford vs Ferrari
This movie documents the true story of legendary American car designer Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) and British-born driver Ken Miles (Christian Bale) as they battle corporate interference, the laws of physics and their own personal demons in order to build a revolutionary race car for the Ford Motor Company with the goal of defeating the dominating race cars of Enzo Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France in 1966. It is must see for any motorsports fan and car enthusiast.
Apex: The Secret Race Across America
This raw documentary film takes viewers on a high-speed ride through the underground world of U.S. transcontinental racing. Narrated by legendary rapper Ice-T, APEX tells the true story of what happened when automotive journalist Alex Roy and co-driver Dave Maher attempt to break the unbreakable record – New York to Los Angeles in 32 hours and seven minutes. APEX also takes a historical look at the famous transcontinental race by showing never-before-seen footage from the Cannonball, U.S. Express and other modern day runs.
The Italian Job
This is actually two films: one released in 1969 and a 2003 reboot. Both movies are action comedies that revolve around pulling off a massive heist using Minis. The ‘60s version stars the inimitable Michael Caine as an English thief who forms a team to steal gold in Turin, Italy. The Mini chase scene is a cinema classic, while the film also includes beautiful cars from Aston Martin, Jaguar and Lamborghini. The 2003 version stars Mark Wahlberg and Charlize Theron, who lead a gang of crooks out to steal gold in Los Angeles. The movie features an incredible driving sequence inside L.A.'s subway.
Days of Thunder
Directed by the late, great Tony Scott (Top Gun, Crimson Tide) and with music by Hans Zimmer, Days of Thunder follows the exploits of racer Cole Trickle. After winning championships in open-wheel racing, Trickle earns a NASCAR seat and fights for his place in the winner's circle. The movie also stars Robert Duval, Randy Quaid and Nicole Kidman. Watch for cameo appearances from real drivers like Rusty Wallace. Turn up your soundbar for the massive crash scene. Will Cole recover in time to race the Daytona 500?
Senna
This masterful British documentary covers the career of Ayrton Senna, a three-time Formula One champion who tragically lost his life in a racing accident during the 1994 San Martino Grand Prix. Relying mostly on archived footage and home videos of Senna, this film follows his career through a back-and-forth rivalry with teammate Alain Prost, as well as his fight for stricter safety standards in the competition. The documentary received wide critical acclaim and won awards at multiple film festivals, including Sundance and Los Angeles.
Rush
Based on the real-life rivalry of Formula One drivers Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl) and James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth), this biographical film depicts their fierce competition on and off the track through the 1970s. Directed by Ron Howard and written by Peter Morgan, Rush depicts Lauda's and Hunt's distinct journeys to becoming F1 champions for the Scuderia Ferrari and McLaren teams, respectively. This story of two legendary racing rivals won several awards and was nominated for two Golden Globes, among many other accolades.
Le Mans
Based on the 24 Hours of Le Mans race – the world's oldest active sports car endurance competition – this classic film tells the fictional story of one of the race's top drivers: Michael Delaney (Steve McQueen). The story follows Delaney and his budding relationship with the widow of a late rival, Lisa. As he navigates the challenges of his personal life, Delaney continues to take on the dangerous and often deadly race, leading the Porsche team in pursuit of victory.
Books:
• Return to Glory: The Story of Ford's Revival and Victory at the Toughest Race in the World
• Car: The Definitive Visual History of the Automobile
• Engines of Change: A History of the American Dream in Fifteen Cars
• The Limit: Life & Death on the 1961 Grand Prix Circuit
• Black Noon
• The Ghosts of NASCAR
• Go Like Hell
Playlists:
Collezione
• Born to be Wild, Steppenwolf
• Racing in the Street, Springsteen
• The Power of Love, Huey Lewis & The News
• Life in the Fast Lane, The Eagles
• Running Down a Dream, Tom Petty
• Born to Run, Bruce Springsteen
• Let the Good Times Roll, The Cars
• The Immigrant Song, Led Zeppelin
• Hooked on a Feeling, Blue Swede
• Highway Star, Deep Purple
• Convoy, C.W. McCall
• One Piece at a Time, Johnny Cash
Scorpion
• I Can't Drive 55, Sammy Hagar
• Little Red Corvette, Prince
• Daddy's Cup, Drive-By Truckers
• The Distance, Cake
• Life is a Highway, Rascal Flatts/Tom Cochrane
• Here I Go Again, Whitesnake
• Enter Sandman, Metallica
• Thunderstruck, AC/DC
• Welcome to the Jungle, Guns N Roses
