Race for Glory, the story of Audi V Lancia for the 1983 World Rally Championship finally dropped on Prime this weekend. Without a cinema release the streaming platforms are the only way you can get to see this film, though it was a week late.
Billed as Audi V Lancia it would be more accurate to describe it as the story of Lancia’s challenge for World Rally Championship. Under funded, under resourced and with a two wheel drive car at the start of the four wheel drive era, it seemed that they had no chance against the technology and clinical approach of the Audi team. If you are a fan of the Audi group B cars then this film will provide very little insight. It is firmly on the side of the Italian’s.
The film makers make it clear that some parts of the film have been added to make it more interesting. Without a detailed knowledge of Walter Rohl, the Lancia driver, it is hard to know if he did stop off during a rally to discuss honey bees with a farmer at the roadside. But I can find no reference on line to a passion for bee keeping.
As a footnote, Walter Rohl was available to drive for because Bradford born Opel team manager Tony Fall sacked him for failing to attend a sponsors event at the RAC rally. Rohl had already won the championship and didn’t want to compete in the event which he disliked.
This is a good entertaining film with plenty of driving scenes to satisfy most rally fans. I am happy suggest that you don your bobble hats, gather on the sofa and watch it with like minded friends. Accept that its not a documentary (there are plenty of those around) and revel in the past when rallying was the greatest show on earth.