Hello all GT Racers and Enthusiasts, Since a while I was thinking about how to create an online platform for all the participants of the creation of my TV series GT RACER (aka CLASSIC RACERS in the US) and its original pilot SHAKEN & STIRRED. After all we just finished the 11th episode in total. It gets hard to keep track. ("GT RACER, Season II" will air worldwide on Discovery HD as of March 2009, "Season I" and SHAKEN & STIRRED are out on DVD here: www.spiritlevelfilm.com) During the course of the production I met so many wonderful people - naturally ALL vintage car enthusiasts - that where so incredibly helpful and supportive, that it is my desire to keep in touch with them all and to give them a chance to get in touch with each other (should they so desire) so that everybody can keep exchanging stories of the experience as well as continue to network.
And I received a lot of fan mail over the last year and a half, which makes me want to put those die-hard fans in touch with the participants of the show as well.
My greatest motivation to create GT RACER was the vibe that I experienced in the historic racing scene. The scene is just so open and welcoming and the racing experience is so tangible for ALL - including the spectators. The total opposite of modern racing. And it was that vibe that I wanted to bring across the screen, so to let more people know about it existence. This is why I chose the Cinéma Vérité style: To let the 'vibe' speak.
In retrospect I can confirm that this same openess and enthusiasm made the production a wonderfull experience. Yes, it is hard work shooting on a race track - but in the end so fulfilling. And the support all around was just unbelievable.
Then this morning (January 8th 2009) by pure luck I was invited by Stephen Page (with whom I just had a long chat) to join his historic car social network and by poking around I realized immediately this place can provide the platform that I am looking for. So thanks Stephen!
I hope that as many participants as possible of the GT RACER TV Series and the SHAKEN & STIRRED production will join - be it racers, car-owners, mechanics, truck drivers, event organizers or film crew members - so that they all can share their experience and give more insight about details and histories of the featured cars, the challenges of organizing events, anecdotes from the shown races and stories that did not make it into the final cut.
On the other hand fans may join to ask questions and to find out more about anything that might interest them.
The idea is to keep the same wonderful spirit that I found track-side and take it online with us in order to deepen our friendship and camaraderie for the sake of mutual enjoyment.
But you can also check us out on Facebook. Just click the badge below.
Just got a very nice email pointing out that the Octane ‘March 2009’ dated issue has a review on page 109 which says:-
“Made for TV, the quality of this series of six one hour films, here in a boxed set of 2 DVDs, is superb. Each film is devoted to a separate GT race from 2007, and the series visits Porto, Silverstone, Nurburgring, Laguna Seca, Lime Rock and Spa for the Six Hours. There’s lots of in-car footage from multiple entrants and lots of to-camera interviews that are carefully edited to keep them short and sweet. The funky backing music doesn’t intrude; all in all, this is a great introduction to the thrill of GT historics”
I thought the GT pilots this group like to know that I am not the only one enjoying watching you!
:-) :-) :-)
Comment by Conor O'Brien on January 12, 2009 at 7:51am
Stephen- Thank you for providing the facility to show some of my videos and photos. Alexander's comments on being able to show a particular circuit in detail with a great driver, Charlie kemp, is a great privilege. If you think my videos are too long or take up to much space, or are too many, please do say so and I will adjust accordingly. I am enjoying your excellent site.
Stephen - Thanks for the very nice compliment. I very much appreciate it. And thanks for joining the group. If you have any question about the films feel free to start a discussion thread.
Comment by Stephen Page on January 9, 2009 at 10:21am
Lord Davidis
You create some of the best "Vintage Racing - Car Films" I've ever seen!!!!!!!!
I look forward to working with you.
Warmest regards - Lord P
Thanks Conor for your kind words.
Lets see if we can't get some fun while cars are being rebuilt and camera equipment is being checked.
Thanks for joining.
Comment by Conor O'Brien on January 9, 2009 at 5:14am
Many congratulation Alexander, a great idea and I wish you every success with VRL. I am sure there are lots of us who need something in the winter months to help with the withdrawal symptoms, from lack of racing.
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