Pit Stop (1969)

This critically praised, authentic auto-racing flick was the second feature written and directed solely by the great Jack Hill (FOXY BROWN, THE BIG BIRD CAGE). It's a stunning combination of moody art house style and full throttle, steel-crunching action, as we follow the upward trajectory of ambitious driver Rick Bowman (Dick Dayalos) from drag racer to stock car champ via the insane, demolition-derby style world of "figure 8" racing. Featuring lots of brilliantly integrated authentic footage from the actual races, this gritty, well-written film delivers in speed, guts, and greatness. Brian Donlevy co-stars as Grant Willard, the owner of the track who drives the men on to their destruction. Cult favorite Sid Haig is "The Hawk" the crazy, reigning champion of the course. Beverly Washburn is Rick's gum-snapping girlfriend, and Ellen Burstyn in her third film (billed as Ellen McRae) plays the wife of a rival driver, who starts an affair with Rick. Filled with real-life stock car personalities like announcer Harry Schooler, and an electric bluesy rock score by the Daily Flash, this resonant slice of back-roads Americana is a must for fans of car culture, or just high-energy, well-crafted films.