I had never heard of Wendell Scott before I saw this film. This isn't surprising considering I am not a NASCAR fan nor was Scott all that successful a race car driver. But, he was the first black driver-- and he began racing in an era of extreme overt racism, and for that reason the film clearly deserved to be made...though it does seem to paint a false image of the man when it came to winning races. He was good but he just didn't win very often.The casting in this movie is odd. After all, Richard Pryor plays Scott and this isn't a comedy. And, Pam Grier plays Scott's wife-- and this isn't an action or exploitation film. But regardless, the acting is fine, the story reasonably interesting and it's a nice little homage to the Jackie Robinson of NASCAR. Worth seeing but not the best or most exciting black American film of the era.By the way, since the film was made in the 1970s and is about (mostly) the 1950s, you'll hear a ton of politically incorrect language. I appreciate that, as racism is ugly and I don't want to see it sanitized in the least!

If you're a race fan, you may not have heard of Wendell Scott. He was one of the most under rated race car drivers of all time, and for all of the wrong reasons. It really makes a person wonder how great he might have been if someone looked beyond the color of his skin.This movie captures that struggle Wendell must of felt. This movie also shows what a great actor Richard Pryor really could have been if he was cast in more serious rolls, instead of just comedies. Sure there there was some humor in this movie, but nothing like his later movies. Richard and Clevon Little played well off of each other. Maybe this is why this movie is all but forgotten about because this movie is somewhat out of character for Richard. Sure, it is not completely an accurate account of Wendell's life, but it is one best movies Richard Pryor ever made.So if you see it, don't expect a scream fest. But may I suggest that you see it just to see what a great actor, not comedian Richard Pryor was.

The true autobiographical story of Wendell Scott (Richard Pryor), the first African-American race car driver in the 1960s, struggles through with a strange production that just never really feels right for some reason. This is meant to be a drama and Pryor just does not feel right playing an important part like this. Pryor's rival/friend Beau Bridges and Pryor's wife Pam Grier also seem out-of-place in this strained picture that seems to be suffering an identity crisis. A lot of rough drama mixes with ho-hum race sequences and waning attempts at romance and comedy that end up being more detrimental than beneficial to the overall cohesiveness and effectiveness of the film. Fair, but really no flair. 2.5 out of 5 stars.

..seeing as how there aren't that many to begin with.This is one of the best if not thee best! Partly due to the fact that it's based on a true story.The rest is due to the action/racing and the acting.I feel this is one of Richard Pryors best perfomances,by far.I don't think many people remember this movie due to this not by a Pryor type of comedy.It's more of an action/dramodey.Anyway,this is a must see for the NASCAR fan.You'll get a real glimpse of vintage NASCAR racing from the early 60's to the early 70's.Not to mention Earl Hindman aka "Wilson" of T.V.'s "Home Improvement",minus the fence.There's also a snappy soundtrack/theme song provided by one of the movies stars,Ritchie Havens.I swear you'll be humming or singing this song for a few days after you see this film.A good movie overall,I believe it was a sleeper in it's original release.Go,Wendell!!Go!!