Winning: The Racing Life of Paul Newman

I've always had the greatest respect for Paul Newman, who passed away in 2008, not only for his great acting skills but also for the way he conducted himself in his personal life. This documentary confirmed, if not even enhanced, those feelings.

The film, well directed by comedian, actor, and filmmaker Adam Carolla focuses on Newman's passion for driving race cars. He started driving at the late age of 48, when most drivers are retiring. Newman started slowly, learning the ropes, but progressed into a top notch race driver, winning a number of championships in the classifications he drove under. He even finished second, as part of the race team in the 1979 prestigious Le Mans 24 hour marathon race. Later in his life, Newman formed a most successful partnership with Carl Haas, as they owned cars that won over 100 races and 8 championships.

Overall, what shined through for me in this movie was not only Newman's enormous passion for racing, but his personal traits of honesty, modesty, and possessing a wonderful sense of humor, despite all the fame and notoriety that came his way from the silver screen. Additionally, along with his wife, the superb actress Joanne Woodward, they have helped so many people, over the years, through their Newman's Own Foundation and their Hole in the Wall Gang free camps for ill children.