IndyCar and DreamWorks bring the big screen to families with new movie "Turbo"
The greatest thing that happened to my family entertainment-wise in the last decade was the release of an animated movie about automobiles that ran in a stock car circuit akin to NASCAR’s Sprint Cup.
Last year the sequel came out and those two movies are among my three children’s all-time favorites.
But for those parents and children who adore IndyCar racing there haven’t been options to indulge in animated entertainment… until now.
DreamWorks Animation and IndyCar announced this week that they are indeed collaborating on a full-length animated feature film entitled “Turbo,” that is scheduled to be released on July 19, 2013.
The story revolves around an ordinary garden snail who dreams of one day winning the Indianapolis 500. When a freak accident leaves the snail with extraordinary speed, the little fellow sets out to make his dream become reality.
Jeffrey Katzenberg, Chief Executive Officer of DreamWorks Animation, explains, “The Indianapolis 500 is a one-of-a-kind live event that has fascinated people of all ages for many, many years and Turbo is a character whose biggest ambition is to add his name to its list of international champions.
“DreamWorks Animation’s alliance with the IndyCar team represents an authentic tie-in between a real-life race and an imagined adventure that is certain to culminate in a thrilling ride for the whole family next summer.”
I’m thrilled that racing will once again be the focal point of an animated full-length feature film. The commitment from DreamWorks Animation to bring this film to fruition gives validity to the sport. It entices an entire generation and more to forge a life-long infatuation with IndyCar racing.
The tie-ins, from collectible cars to bed sheets, keep the current roster of drivers and teams hot commodities to their fan base. This is the best that could have happened to IndyCar.
Randy Bernard, CEO of INDYCAR, enthused, “We’re very honored to work with Jeffrey (Katzenberg), his team, and the incredible star power of the cast to bring the Indy 500 to the world in such a unique and engaging format.
“We believe new and existing fans of all ages will be captivated by the animated depiction of Indianapolis Motor Speedway as well as the wonderful characters that inhabit the universe of DreamWorks Animation’s “Turbo.”
The title "Turbo" is relative to IndyCar's new turbo engines, kids will want the action
My children are already scouring the store shelves to be the first to own the Turbo characters and are making plans to attend the movie on opening day.
My father, a life-long IndyCar fan who never misses an Indianapolis 500, will be there as well. A movie that incorporates IndyCar racing with Dreamworks Animation in a family-friendly film is sure to be a hit.
With DreamWorks at the helm and INDYCAR working hand-in-hand with it, “Turbo”is going to delight, inspire, and ignite a passion for INDYCAR racing for those who wouldn’t otherwise be exposed.
