Born Racer

Born Racer is a riveting 2018 motorsport documentary that revolves around the life, career, and personal journey of renowned New Zealand racing driver Scott Dixon. Expertly navigated by director Bryn Evans, the film is an intense observation of one of the most successful racers in American open-wheel car history; a captivating and exhilarating dive into the very privileged and exclusive existence of a professional speed merchant.

Born Racer follows the chiseled 38-year-old Dixon as he embarks upon the 2018 Verizon IndyCar Series, gunning for, and ultimately capturing, an impressive fifth national championship, an achievement bested only by the legendary A.J. Foyt. The charismatic Dixon does not sprint this journey alone, alongside him is his wife, Emma Davies-Dixon, herself a former competitive driver in Britain. Her presence offers viewers a genuinely intimate snapshot into their relationship, one entrenched in shared passion, mutual respect, and love. The film also introduces viewers to Dixon's trusted spotter, Kenny Szymanski, whose role is to provide the driver with real-time insights and guidance during the races.

The film unreels like a thrill ride, filled with white-knuckle sequences of the world's fastest form of motorsport. Evans and his cinematic team, including award-winning cinematographer Michael 'Mikee' Carpenter and film editor James Brown, weave a tapestry of breathtaking on-track action and nail-biting close calls for Dixon. Each race is presented with appropriate intensity, truly capturing the essence of IndyCar's perfect blend of danger and speed, skill and adrenaline.

The footage is dramatic, yet the film maintains a personal intimacy by exploring more human elements of Dixon's life. With access to Dixon’s inner sanctum, it documents his meticulous preparations and grueling physical regimes while highlighting the racer's unwavering dedication. It offers glimpses into his family life and the challenges faced by Emma as the wife of a man who relentlessly races against death. The movie cleverly nestles the passion, risks, triumphs, and losses faced by Dixon in the lap of his supportive family life, bringing a profound depth to this unique sporting profession.

Fight scenes, high-end cars, and dramatic crashes are the usual go-to elements for racing films, but Born Racer surprisingly moves beyond that. The focus here is not just on the cars or the races, but on the human experience of the sport. The heart of the film is deeply immersive, delving headfirst into the mentality, the psyche of a champion. What does it take to put one's life at stake for the love of racing? Here, Dixon's introspective narration combined with candid interviews, intimate behind-the-scenes access, and raw race footage allow the viewer to experience the irrevocable addiction of speed, risk, and competition synonymous with his life.

The movie connects the uninitiated to the world of racing and introduces Dixon’s fierce, relentless character through his interactions with teammates, competitors, and friends. The competitive nature, rivalry, camaraderie, and respect among racers are palpable throughout the documentary. Through all the sweat, injuries, and fears, the film throws light on Dixon's deep-seated drive that sets him apart, that makes him a born racer.

Dixon’s story is wrapped up in the larger narrative of Chip Ganassi Racing team, one of the most successful teams in the IndyCar Series history, giving the audience a 360-view of the dynamics and challenges of a professional racing team. Born Racer explores all the elements that make up the fierce, fast-paced world of motorsports: the high stakes, the teamwork, the deadly risks, the technological marvels of the cars, and the relentless pursuit of victory.

Born Racer is a compelling testament to the life and career of Scott Dixon and a showcase of his unwavering commitment to the sport, stemming from his dedication, perseverance, and innate talent. It is a film not just for auto racing enthusiasts but also for anyone interested in the human capacity for resilience, ambition, and the drive to win.

In summary, Born Racer provides a compelling journey into the life and career of one of auto racing's most unstoppable forces who has earned his place in motorsport history. It's more than a documentary about a race car driver; it's a narrative about human resilience, speed, dedication, and a need for a thrill that exceeds every other. It's a reminder, in Dixon's own words, that "if you're not winning, you're not alive." The film is a truly exhilarating ride that captivates and thrills every minute of its duration.