ROCKPORT — David Wittkower has made his mark producing documentary films, from “Dead in the Water,” an award-winner about Gloucester’s dwindling fishing fleet to “Cowboy Up,” a look at extreme bull-riding.
The Rockport native’s latest documentary is “Team 28,” about short-track racing, The hour-long film follows the trials, tribulations and triumphs of a dedicated grass-roots racing team.
The film took two years for Wittkower and his company, Lighthouse Productions, to create. The work was mostly shot at and close to racetracks in Stafford, Connecticut and Asheboro, North Carolina,
Wittkower, 66, became interested in the documentary project after meeting a couple that owns a race team that competes at the Stafford track.
He figured he could create a “behind-the-scenes”-style film.
“One of the most interesting things about the film is we interviewed an 11-year-old driver whose parents drive him to the track,” Wittkower said. “He drives a car that goes 150 mph, while he competes with drivers in their 50s.”
Wittkower, who serves as executive producer, director and co-cinematographer on the film, said his production team also attempted to interview a 5-year-old driver — but he was too shy.
Open-wheeled modified racing, unlike NASCAR racing found on enormous super-speedways, typically takes place on half-mile or smaller tracks. Many top drivers cut their teeth on the local asphalt and dirt ovals before making their mark in NASCAR.
Stacey Russell, one of the film’s executive producers, said the effort to direct and edit “Team 28” goes beyond simply telling a story about racing.
“This is more than just a racing documentary,” Russell said. “It’s a story about passion, perseverance and the love of the game.”
Russell, who has been a lifelong racing fan, said the film shows the real essence of motor racing.
“Short-track racing is the backbone of motorsports, and ‘Team 28’ captures the grit, determination and camaraderie that makes this sport so special,” Russell said. “We’re excited to bring this story to the fans who live and breathe racing, just like we do, and bring it to those who know nothing of the sport.”
Wittkower’s previous works have explored topics ranging from the Coast Guard to rodeo legends Lane Frost and Joe Beaver. His films have been seen on PBS, the Discovery Network and outdoor and history channels.
Wittkower, who said he bounces “back and forth between Cape Ann and Los Angeles,” wants to do another film that is based in the area.
In the meantime, he said, “Team 28” displays the culture of racing and the work needed to maintain a race car.
“There’s a lot of money being spent for a hobby that’s very addicting to do,” he said. “Unless the owners are wealthy and can pay the crew, many of them volunteer to be on the teams. It costs a lot to play but they don’t care. They do it for the love of the sport.”
“Team 28” was developed as both a documentary and a potential series for a major motorsports network. While a GoFundMe page has helped finance the effort, additional support came from private donors.
According to Wittkower, the original budget for the film totaled $65,000 but the project lost funding during production. Much of the film was ultimately “self-financed,” he said.
“Team 28” will screen 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, at Pigeon Cove Circle (PCC), 6 Breakwater Ave., Rockport. Wittkower, his son Andrew, who served as a producer and supervisor on the film, and Dave Chamberlain, a crew member of the racing team, will be in attendance for a short Q&A after the showing.
Admission is free and donations are encouraged. All proceeds will go to the Pigeon Cove Circle.
Stephen Hagan may be contacted at 978-675-2708, or shagan@gloucestertimes.com.