Winning: The Racing Life of Paul Newman

Radio personality turned filmmaker Adam Carolla's (co-directing with Nate Adams) engaging documentary incorporates the categories of sports, entertainment, and celebrity-bios. Based on the titular 2009 book by Matt Stone and Preston Lerner, Winning recounts film star Paul Newman's formidable second career in auto racing. Seen here in interview clips, Newman claims that he always wanted to be an athlete but never thought he had “grace” in any sport until he got behind the wheel for the 1969 track drama Winning (costar Robert Wagner is among interviewees here). Entering the arena as a serious competitor—while restricting himself to the same entry-level Datsuns as less monetarily well-off racers—Newman went from novice to expert, learning from Mario Andretti and earning the respect of motor circuit regulars and fellow drivers (a milestone moment was Newman's team gaining second place at Le Mans in 1979). At times, Newman would have gladly left showbiz for the more honest camaraderie of the racing life. Although actress-wife Joanne Woodward is notably absent, other interviewees include Andretti, Jay Leno (billed as an “automotive journalist”), actor Patrick Dempsey, racers John Morton, Willy T. Ribbs, and Lyn St. James, and Pixar animator John Lasseter. Recommended. (C. Cassady)