There are roadracing documentaries and then there is Fastest. The 2003 release of Faster dove into the world of MotoGP as no other documentary had ever done before and instantly had viewers hooked. Director, Mark Neale returned with a second look that this time featured footage from 2010 and 2011 focused around Valentino Rossi and his fight to stay competitive amongst a new school of top riders. After showing in London, Sin City was chosen for the exclusive American debut. In a posh Aria resort and casino sport’s lounge a list of big name racers to industry executives arrived for the sneak peak.
Some schmoozed but most kept...
Some schmoozed but most kept their eyes glued to the screen when not ordering drinks.
The battle of feuding racers, a profile of Rossi, high-speed wrecks and unseen interviews with top insiders made for an intense experience, occasionally interrupted by servers and hobnobbing. For a sport that deserves more respect in America, we took a moment to ask John Hopkins how he hoped this movie would further promote motorcycle racing in the states.
“Hopefully, it will open some more eyes in the U.S. and basically help the sport grow. It always has been about getting the sport to progress, to try and open it up to the American public. It’s huge in Europe so hopefully we can get some more eyes viewing it and some more media around it in the U.S.”
Moto pros from every discipline...
Moto pros from every discipline made an appearance. the ladies had no idea who Hopkins and McGrath are.
Stunters love racing too!...
Stunters love racing too! Or maybe it was just the free drink.
Producer Mitch Covington with...
Producer Mitch Covington with Producer Paul Taublieb.
When Monster Energy sponsors...
When Monster Energy sponsors a party a lot of people always show up. Now we know why.
After the credits rolled and the applauds subsided Paul Taublieb, producer of Fastest, had this to say about the Las Vegas reception, “We’ve had showings to core enthusiasts, and they have been ecstatic about the film. However, what made the Las Vegas premiere so gratifying was the fact that even non-MotoGP fans were engaged. They were entranced and pulled into the magic, danger, and thrills of the sport, not to mention the aura and story of Valentino Rossi. I think the person who liked the film the most was Jeremy McGrath whose review was, “Sick, insane, incredible, and I can’t wait to get home and watch it again.” We wanted a small, intimate setting with a select group of attendees, and it was a perfect evening and a great way to launch Fastest here in the US.”