Brad Pitt’s Role in the Rolex 24 Revolutionizes On-Screen Racing
In a striking fusion of cinema and motorsports, Brad Pitt stars as Sonny Hayes in an upcoming Formula 1 film that features authentic racing scenes filmed during the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway. The production utilized a Porsche 911 GT3 R in a sequence that showcases a high-octane race atmosphere, reality effectively blending with dramatization.
The initiative commenced with director Joseph Kosinski aiming to film a car on the track, equipped with cameras. This original proposal was denied; however, a collaboration with Wright Motorsports was established, allowing the film crew to utilize existing team resources while adding cinematic flair. The car donned a specially designed livery for the shoot, and team personnel were outfitted in Chip Hart Racing uniforms.
IMSA’s senior vice president, David Pettit, highlighted the logistical efforts involved, stating, "We gave them a dedicated pit box next to the real team, which facilitated the staged pit stop with Brad Pitt." This collaboration seamlessly integrated the film crew with live race operations, enhancing authenticity in the portrayal.
The shoot faced challenges, notably when producers sought to film in Victory Lane during the race. Daytona International Speedway’s president, Frank Kelleher, rebuffed the request due to authenticity concerns, stressing that filming during the real celebration could undermine the scene’s credibility. "The motorsports fan is going to watch that scene and go, ‘Wait a minute. There’s no way that car would roll in and victory lane would be that clean and pristine,’” Kelleher explained.
Ultimately, the film crew recorded the celebration after the actual GTD class winner. The Porsche driven by Pitt finished 26th in the real race, yet the endeavor successfully captured the essence of live racing events, promising an engaging cinematic experience for motorsport enthusiasts.
