Jackie Stewart documentary a fascinating look at F1's past

Jackie Stewart winning the 1971 Monaco GP where F1 drivers and fans were constantly in harm's way.

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"They've done a great job," says Jackie Stewart of the Austin organizers. "The track is state-of-the-art, and they've gotten wonderful support. It's an exciting place for Formula 1 to come."

The ever dashing Sir Jackie with Brett Ratner at the U.S. premiere of Weekend of a Champion.

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The actual racing footage is particularly thrilling—far more dramatic and visceral than anything in Ron Howard's F1 film from this summer, Rush. There are on-board views of Stewart lapping Monaco, and most amazing is the revelation of how far the sport has come in terms of safety. In 1971, the cars whipped through the streets of Monaco inches from stone curbs and stone walls. Photographers stood casually on the sidewalk, behind no barriers, and the pits, filled with people and barrels of gasoline, were completely unprotected.

The Flying Scot in his heyday.

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Here's hoping that American racing fans take the time to check out the beat of that heart in the heart of Texas on Sunday.