PIT STOP

title: PIT STOP
year: 1969
cast: Richard Davalos, Brian Donlevy, Sig Haig, Ellen Burstyn, Beverly Washburn
writer/director: Jack Hill
rating: ****

Unlike most racing flicks that followed, this doesn't rely on boring melodrama between hot-rods going around in circles, but centers on the exciting, if suicidal, Figure-8 racing with Dick Davalos as a loner who dreams of being number one. In his way is glorious villain Sid Haig, as "Hawk Sidney", getting "boos" from the crowd and playing nasty to the hilt: including over-the-top expressions and a sore-winner persona that steals the show. And while some of the behind-the-wheel shots look fake, Jack Hill's direction puts you right in the action.