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Where They Raced II

The film that puts auto racing in its places.

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Where They Raced II

Where They Raced II

Where They Raced II

Where They Raced II

Where They Raced II

The film that puts auto racing in its places.

The film that puts auto racing in its places.

The film that puts auto racing in its places.

The film that puts auto racing in its places.

Harry Pallenberg
Harry Pallenberg
Harry Pallenberg
Harry Pallenberg
2 Campaigns |
Los Angeles, United States
$370 USD 6 backers
7% of $5,000 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal
Highlights
Mountain Filled 2 Projects Mountain Filled 2 Projects

This page is the funding site. I will be renewing it when the time runs out on Nov. 12th. You can also visit the BLOG for more current info, updates, photos and trailers. 


Older trailers are under the Gallery tab above.


WHERE THEY RACED will not only be the definitive documentary film on the history of auto racing in Los Angeles, but also an exploration into the interrelationship between ‘car culture’ and the ‘So Cal’ lifestyle loved around the world.


Known around the world for its sunshine, oranges, bathing beauties and Hollywood blockbusters – its hard to imagine, and mostly forgotten, that more racing history has been made in Southern California than anywhere else in the world. In fact Los Angeles and the automobile really grew up together in the 20th century… each leaving its mark on the other. However the city is moving on and much of its racing history is being lost, or at least paved over for more parking! WHERE THEY RACED will give this history a victory lap by preserving and exposing these fading memories to future generations.


With research based on the doctoral dissertation turned into a book by Harold Osmer, and 15 years experience producing / directing two feature documentary films and over 800 PBS shows for Huell Howser at KCET, we have been able to assemble a large collection of rare archival photos, footage and ephemera.


More importantly the racing community has greeted us with open arms and many key players have already agreed to participate. From descendants of legendary race families that will share their memories and personal accounts, to archivists, historians, private collectors, museums, groups and clubs… people are eager to help keep this history alive.


Completed Interviews:

Danny Thompson – Son of Mickey. On Lions, Dry Lake Beds and off-road.

Judy Thompson Creach - First wife of Mickey. On Lions, lakes and the legend.

Richard Parks – Son Wally. On drag racing and the NRHA.

Chuck Griffiths - NHRA

Tom Malloy - Son of Emmett Malloy. Carrell Speedway and Fairmont Butte.

Greg Sharp - NHRA on Lions Drag.


Confirmed Interviews:

JUST ADDED: Parnelli Jones, Hila Sweet and Bob Falcon.

Harold Osmer – He literally wrote the book.

Hank Hilty – Grandson of Earl Gilmore. On Gilmore Oil and Stadium.

Chris and J.C. Jr Agajanian – Sons of JC Agajanian. On Ascot.

Jeff Baugh – Helicopter reporter & race fan. Will give us a birds-eye-view.

Matt Roth – Author / AAA Archivist. On the Auto Club of So. Cal.

Ken Bernstein – Manager, City of L.A. Dept of City Planning & Historic Resources.


Other Participants:

Doug Stokes – P.R.

Tony Thacker – NHRA Museum archives and shooting location.

Jeff Walker – Executive Director Automobile Driving Museum.

Don Gillespie – Lions Drag documentary filmmaker. Archives and advice.

Alan Moss - Archival footage.

Art Evans - Archival photos.

Brett Arena – Gilmore Archives.

Steve Lewis – Performance Racing Magazine.

Tom Fritz & Nicolas Hunziker are both working on poster / promotional art.

Rex Cook – Avatar Labs. Motion graphics, titles and digital photo restoration.


Please email me if you have photos or home movies: info@wheretheyraced.com


LIST OF TRACKS / SEGMENTS (things change)

The history and geography of each track listed below will be explored, additionally, even tracks not listed will be featured on an interactive map along with bullet point facts. Segments in bold will be featured with more in depth treatment, on site interviews, recreations and so on. Each major era or track type will have an associated sub-topic. 


The Beginnings 

Agriculture Park / Ascot Park

Altadena Hill climb

Sub-topic: Birth of auto industry


The Road Races 

Santa Monica

Venice

Corona

Sub-topic: Expansion of the city, boosterism


The Board Tracks 

Motordrome

Beverly Hills

Culver City

Sub-topic: Entertainment & Hollywood


The Ovals 

Legion Ascot

Gilmore Stadium

Ascot Park

Saugus

Sub-topic: Tracks for the everyman


Drag & Dry Lakes

Pomona

Lions

Mojave

Sub-topic: Post WWII car culture


Modern Era 

Paramount Ranch

Long Beach Grand Prix

Irwindale

Sub-topic: The future 


Thank you for choosing to participate in bringing this lost history to light! 


About the Director / Producer: Harry Pallenberg 

For the past 15 years I have produced over 800 shows at KCETPBS in Los Angeles for Huell Howser Productions and the CALIFORNIA’S GOLD series. Website.":http://www.calgold.com

I have also produced & directed two feature documentaries. The first is SHOTGUN FREEWAY: Drives through Lost L.A. Starring Buck Henry, David Hockney, Joan Didion, James Ellroy. Netflix it.

The second is WOMEN IN BOXES: A Documentary on Magic’s Better Half, is currently airing on The Documentary Channel and Netflix now. Website.

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Choose your Perk

Race Fan

$20 USD
You will be listed in the THANK YOU credits of the film.
1 claimed

Team Player

$50 USD
All the perks listed above PLUS we'll send a copy of the poster.
3 claimed

Pit Crew

$100 USD
All the perks listed above PLUS we'll send a copy of the DVD.
2 claimed

Racer

$250 USD
All the perks listed above PLUS we'll send a copy of Harold Osmer's book.
0 claimed

Pole Position

$500 USD
You will be listed as an Associate Producer, plus 2 of all the perks listed above plus a crew shirt or hat (depends which one we make).
0 claimed

Checkered Flag

$1,000 USD
Talk to me! info@wheretheyraced.com
0 claimed
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