Watch Racing Through the Forest

Racing Through the Forest is a documentary film directed by Dean Kirkland, released in 2018. It tells the story of the Pebble Beach Road Races, one of the most prestigious motor sports events in the world that took place in the late 1940s and early 1950s. The documentary is centered around the Knoop family, particularly Fred and Rick Knoop. The Knoops are a father and son duo who have an enduring passion for motor racing. Through interviews with the Knoops, the film captures the excitement, danger and passion that characterized the Pebble Beach Road Races during their heyday. The Knoops talk about their experiences and memories of the race, which they both were a part of in the 1950s.

The Pebble Beach Road Races were held annually from 1950 to 1956 on the Monterey Peninsula, California. The course was a challenging mix of straightaways and curves, making it one of the most demanding races for drivers. The film features archival footage of the race, which gives viewers an idea of the speed and intensity of the races. The footage is interspersed throughout the film and gives the viewer a glimpse into the heart-pumping action that characterized the Pebble Beach Road Races.

Apart from the Knoops, the film also features interviews with other drivers and enthusiasts of the race, including Phil Hill and Derek Hill, who share their memories of the race. The Knoops recall their experiences of driving some of the most iconic cars of the era, such as the Maserati A6GCS Monofaro, Ferrari Tipo 166 and 225, and the Talbot Lago.

The film is not just an ode to fast cars and exciting races; it also offers a glimpse into the history of motor racing in America. Racing Through the Forest offers a historical perspective on the Pebble Beach Road Races, looking at how it emerged as a popular event in the post-World War II era. It offers a nostalgic look back at the golden age of motor racing, a time when drivers raced without any constraints and when speed was paramount.

Aside from interviews and archived footage, the film also features modern-day footage of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, an annual event that allows owners of classic cars to show off their prized possessions. The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is renowned for being one of the most important classic car events in the world, and the modern-day footage shows how the event has evolved over time.

The film also highlights the contributions of philanthropist Samuel F.B. Morse, the founder of the Pebble Beach Road Races. Morse was an ardent automobile enthusiast who saw the potential of racing events to raise money for charity. Morse transformed Pebble Beach into a racing venue and provided funding for the event, which went to support local causes.

In conclusion, Racing Through the Forest is an informative and enjoyable documentary that offers a nostalgic look back at a time when motor racing was pure and exciting. It presents the Pebble Beach Road Races as they were in their heyday, capturing the excitement of the race and the passion of those who participated. It also offers a historical perspective on the race and its place in American motor racing history. So, if you are a fan of motor racing or simply have an appreciation for classic cars, Racing Through the Forest is definitely worth a watch.

Racing Through the Forest is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.