The filmmaker behind a character-based film and mini series about the obscure motorsport and those that take part is currently looking for funding.
Johny Mourgue, a director working within commercials, short films and docs (credits include FA Cup with Budweiser, Reebok and Channel 4’s Random Acts), is working on a film about Flat Track motorcycle racing.
Flat Track is a US sport that kicked off in the 1970s after originating from Harley-Davidson bikes riding around horse tracks.
While working on a separate film shoot, one of the crew told Mourgue about Flat Track bike racing and invited him to a test days at Rye House Speedway track in Hertfordshire.
Sensing the test day might prove photogenic, Morgue decided to team up with a cinematographer to capture some “informal portraits” from the track. He describes the location as a dusty stadium with the smell of onions and 2 stroke oil accompanied by the roar of 1000cc Harley-Davidson dirt bikes, and says he was hooked.
The riders take part for the enjoyment rather than prize money (of which there is none) and tend to build and customise their own bikes.
During his day at Rye House Speedway, Mourgue came across a 16-year-old racer called Skye Adams. This kick started the filmmaker following Adams around for her first season racing in the Dirt Track Riders Association (DTRA).
Mourgue is now editing the material shot over this time, and looking to capture footage from a range of characters during the next DTRA season, to turn into a 1 x 60-minutes documentary, followed by a 4 x 30-minute mini series.
A teaser for the film called Skye Adams Fight Like a Girl is below.
Mourgue is currently looking for funding for the film and mini series, to cover the cost of the shoot, travel and accommodation.
The aim is for the content to be character-driven and appeal to as wide an audience as possible, beyond motorsport fans.