Wheels of Fire (1973) User Reviews

interesting for drag racing fans

[glenn_peters · 7/10 · 28 July 2001]

Two year in the making, but turned down by all the major studios for release, this documentary was written and directed by Douglas Kent Hall. It focusses on the lives of five of the top drag racers during the '70s; with action shots of everything from 2,000-hp top fuel dragsters to nitro–fueled funny cars to the unique sand drags. This ambitious project, produced by Texas race promoter Buddy Boren, does a good job of profiling each racer with interviews, `home movies' and re-creations (including early street racers of the '50s & '60s). * update provided on featured racers (as of 1997): • Garlits ran for a Congressional seat in his Florida district in 1994 but lost to a woman; • Tharp sells exotic vehicles in Dallas; • Prudhomme now runs a funny car team with Chevrolet backing; • Meyer runs his big Texas Motorplex drag strip; • Muldowney still races, though not in major NHRA events.

A slice of Drag Racing Americana

[franks7 · 9/10 · 22 April 2000]

A documentary of Drag Racing history that was in it's growing stages...it is a big business today, which has helped the sport a lot, and conversely, hurt it somewhat....the innocence is gone and the players of yesteryear were innovative and resourceful... this movie captures that flavor....