“Where They Raced” Documentary Tells So Cal's Car Story
I’m not a native southern Californian and as such, I really knew little about the “SoCal Car Culture” before moving here. Like most car enthusiasts, I knew that it was the car capital of the world, but had no clue as to the immense history of automobilia residing in and around Los Angeles. As I've long worked on car history pieces, when I heard about a documentary movie based around the So Cal car culture, I was intrigued. I didn't go into it with expectations of learning too much, but boy was I wrong...
Where They Raced is one of the best documentaries that I’ve ever seen - it's amazingly informative and interesting! The filmmakers, director Harry Pallenberg and writer Harold Osmer, obviously love racing and vintage cars. But rather than have one person drone on and on about the subject, they turn to multiple subject matter experts, including Gary Wales, Leslie Kendall, Vic Edelbrock Jr., Danny Thompson (son of Mickey), NHRA Museum Curator Greg Sharp and Richard Parks, son of the immortal Wally Parks (Hot Rod magazine editor and founder of the NHRA).
All of these experts know what they’re talking about and obviously care deeply for racing and for Southern California. Sure, there are parts where they get a little long-winded, but it is a documentary and that can be expected. Even better than listening to these men talk about bygone days that established the car racing culture were seeing some of the cars themselves; absolutely stunning and significant original cars from back in the day.
Where They Raced made excellent use of old footage from as far back as the 1900s, and tons of photos that were clear and viewable. The material was obviously well researched and it was great seeing where some of the old tracks stood, some of which are still standing. I'm not sure that the title of the movie is very good, though. Although it does teach you about the old venues, there is so much more to this movie. By watching it, you will learn about the old cars, the men who drove them, and the variety of racing that went on in Southern California throughout the decades.
Not only will you learn many interesting facts about racing in the area, such as the birth of racing helmets (thanks, Wilbur Shaw) and a thorough look at the history of Harry Miller’s, and subsequently Fred Offenhauser’s, engine shop. Even if you don’t care one iota about California, if you’re a racing fan, you owe it to yourself to watch this movie! It’s that good. Watch the trailer below and then head to WhereTheyRaced.com to purchase or stream.
Where They Raced Trailer from Sunny & Mild Media on Vimeo. Where They Raced: Speed Demons in the City of Angels tells the story of a pre-gridlocked Los Angeles. A time ripe with orange groves, movie stars, year-round sun and more auto racing and innovation than anywhere else in the world. This documentary film uncovers the forgotten history with lost archival films, hundreds of vintage photos, and revealing interviews.
