Blink of an Eye

Paul Taublieb brings to the screen the life story of NASCAR race driver and Fox Sports Commentator Michael Waltrip in his documentary Blink of an Eye. At first glance, biographic documentaries are a hard sell. I hardly know who Michael Waltrip is, and also I’m not a fan of auto racing in the slightest. Yet Taublieb masterfully overcomes these obstacles and tells a compelling story of passion, courage.

“Rather than be discouraged, Michael follows his passion to race…”

Growing up on the West Coast, auto racing is not a big deal. The joke is racing is three hours of guys making left turns. That said, the stories of sports heroes are that of legends. Waltrip is one of the most celebrated drivers in NASCAR, and in 2001, Waltrip’s record was 0-462. You read that right no wins in 462 races. Waltrip is the perennial underdog. As a child, his much older brother Darrell Waltrip had already made a name for himself as a three-time NASCAR champion. When the young Michael expressed interest in racing, his father and brother told him that there was already a driver in the family, so pick something else. Rather than be discouraged, Michael follows his passion to race, no matter what anyone thought.

Waltrip is the perennial underdog. As a child, his much older brother Darrell Waltrip had already made a name for himself as a three-time NASCAR champion. When the young Michael expressed interest in racing, his father and brother told him that there was already a driver in the family, so pick something else. Rather than be discouraged, Michael decides to follow his passion and race, no matter what anyone thought.