Born Racer Review

"Born Racer" covers the life of Scott Dixon, now the five time series champion.  Dixon has been behind the wheel since he was a boy and racing truly has been in his blood.  The movie follows him from childhood through the end of the 2017 season in which he came up just short of winning the title.  It had been a season in which he walked away from one of the most horrific crashes at the Indianapolis 500 anyone has witnessed.  He walked away from the wreck, suffering a broken ankle.

In the early days his parents footed the bill, often hiding the financial burden that racing is known for. The young Dixon quickly made a name for himself and in one interview said he wanted to drive in the highest series and ultimately IndyCar. Even then Dixon knew where he wanted to be.  The now five time champion is a legend in the sport.  He's won the biggest races and with multiple championships under his belt, most feel his career is complete, however I feel he is not one of them.  The 2018 season for Dixon was one that saw a moment in Portland that could've spelled the end of the title chase, but in a cloud of dirt and dust, he kept his engine running and drove away in what was truly a stroke of luck.  He would go on to finish fifth and then wrap up his fifth title next week at Sonoma. While "Born Racer" followed the 2017 season, I think the filmmakers would've been better suited to follow the 2018 season.

This movie does an incredible job of not only following the life and career of Dixon and his family, but pulls back a curtain of what teams go through in a season in which they are battling week in and week out to win a title.  The interviews were well done and I found the storyline appealing.   I personally found the Dan Wheldon section especially done well.  Wheldon was killed in the 2011 season finale in Las Vegas.  The death shook the series.  Wheldon was well liked and respected up and down the paddock.   If you are a fan of racing or sports, I would recommend this movie.  At just under ninety minutes the movie flows nicely.  You will enjoy the in-car camera footage and behind the scenes access of the IndyCar series.