Speed Is My Need

Speed Is My Need from 2019 is a captivating documentary that dives into the thrilling world of motorcycle racing and the psychology of racers.

Directed by Mark Sloper and featuring acclaimed riders Shane Byrne, Colin Edwards, and Leon Haslam, Speed Is My Need uncovers the audacious realm of professional bike racing. The film is a high adrenaline rush and an intimate exploration that takes viewers on a thrilling ride into the psyche of some of the most celebrated stars in the world of motorcycle racing. It offers exclusive behind-the-scenes access, never-seen-before archive footage, and candid interviews from the industry's leading professionals.

Speed Is My Need opens with stunning visuals that well-define the movie's title. It is an immediate invitation to the exhilarating sport of superbike racing that attracts thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies with its intoxicating blend of extreme speed and precipitous danger. Our protagonists Byrne, Edwards, and Haslam, each lend their distinct perspectives and insider views to the narrative, contributing with their unique narratives and insights into the sport.

A notable characteristic of Speed is My Need is its emphasis on the mental facet of racing. While the physical agility and technical skill of the riders remain front and center, the movie delves into the mental strength, focus, and unwavering determination required to compete at such high stakes. The psychological aspect is where the film excels. Featuring the likes of sports psychologists, team principals, and England rugby Coach Sir Clive Woodward among others, the film underscores the psychological preparation that precedes the actual race, the mental resilience instrumental in dealing with injuries and setbacks, and the celebration or despair that follows a race.

One of the stars, Shane Byrne, is a six-time British Superbike Championship winner whose illustrious career has seen him deal with plenty of bizzare injuries, each threatening to put him out of the game permanently. Yet, Byrne exhibits an unerring perseverance and an incessant desire to get back on the track, exemplifying the mentality of these extraordinary athletes. Similarly, Haslam, a British Racing sensation and Edwards, known as the Texas Tornado in the racing world, embody the grit and mental strength that make them the icons they are.

The documentary explores the technological advances that have transformed the nature and spirit of racing over the years. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of bike design, safety gear developments, the impact of advanced analytics, simulations and other high-tech tools that have come to redefine contemporary superbike racing.

A standout feature of the documentary is the stunning cinematography. From the goosebumps-inducing, high-speed race footage to the intimate, behind-the-scenes moments, the camera captures every detail with flair and precision. The sound design complements the visual narrative superbly, amping up the adrenaline rush with the revving of engines, the screech of tires, and the roaring cheers of spectators.

Further, the documentary is well-paced, expertly balancing the adrenaline-soaked rush of the races with the deeper, introspective, quieter moments. This rhythm gives viewers a thorough understanding of the physical strains and mental fortitude required to navigate the fast-paced and danger-fraught world of superbike racing.

In addition to its professional aspects, Speed Is My Need also unravels the personal lives of the featured riders. It touches upon the concerns and worries of their dear ones, the rider's grappling with their aspirations and anxieties, and the toll that the larger-than-life world of racing exacts on their personal lives.

Speed Is My Need is a definitive watch for racing enthusiasts and a fascinating look for casual viewers into the high-octane world of motorcycle racing. The documentary doesn't merely showcase the ubiquitous thrill of the sport; it explores the complex mental space of the riders, offering a comprehensive purview of what it truly means to live life in the fast lane.