By J.G. Pasterjak
Nov 19, 2019
Michael Fassbender has played roles spanning from Macbeth to Magneto, but his latest screen project—Porsche’s reality documentary web series “Road to LeMans”—eschews scripting and special effects for a raw look at a guy trying to live his dream of racing on one of the largest stages in motorsport.
Far from a vanity project, the series follows Fassbender as he works through the German Porsche Cup series with the ultimate goal of running at the LeMans 24 hour. No effort is made to hide mistakes, or gloss over the fact that although he’s a guy with plenty of racing experience in high-end gentlemen’s series, he quickly realizes that moving to a true development series stocked with hungry young racers means this is going to be a steep climb. The lows feel honest, and the gains feel earned, and the picture it paints of sports car racing feels exceedingly real.
Fassbender has always been a compelling dude to watch when he’s playing a role, but he’s equally as compelling playing himself, which he does with a refreshing lack of ego and a solid dose of humility and willingness to listen to his coaches and co-drivers. In a year that’s given us an unusually high number of “realistic” motorsports films like “Art of Racing in the Rain” and “Ford vs. Ferrari,” Porsche’s 10-minute-at-a-time web series might be the most realistic, and the most compelling.
The six-episode first season is currently streaming on Porsche’s youtube channel. Season 2 is currently shooting as Fassbender continues his campaign, but a release date has not yet been announced.
11/19/19 1:52 p.m.
I've seen these popping up on my recommended section, but haven't watched them yet. I had no idea who Fassbender was until your post that said he is an actor. I just thought he was some Porsche factory driver that I never heard of. I will check these out.
11/19/19 2:24 p.m.
Oh man, I have not seen this yet, so thanks for the heads-up. I am blocking out an hour, I know Ill need it!
11/19/19 3:41 p.m.
OK, watched the whole thing...amazing. One question, does anyone have Patrick Dempsey's email or cell? I would love to get his thoughts on the series.
11/19/19 3:43 p.m.
In reply to pinchvalve :
I'll ring him up and let you know.
11/20/19 5:18 a.m.
Managed to squeeze in the first 2 episodes last night, it's very entertaining to watch. Plus I think Fassbender is a great actor.
11/20/19 4:31 p.m.
Very interesting series, thanks for posting!
With the prominence of "Porsche Racing Experience" in the videos, I did some googling and it looks like anyone can follow in Fassbender's footsteps. Level 1, which is a six day training course in the Cup cars that gets you your racing license is 50000 Euros... Level 2 (where Fassbender seems to be) is a full season in a Cup car with support and instruction... no price listed. I guess if you gotta ask...
11/20/19 4:54 p.m.
50,000 euros? Is that all? I think I'll buy 5. I was worried I might have to get out my checkbook but I recently had Reginald clean more than that from the small cash rattling around what he called a "clothes dryer".
In all seriousness, this looks like it should be interesting to follow along with.
11/20/19 6:43 p.m.
Before this thread saying Fassbender was an actor, I was thinking Marcel Fässler switched to Porsches.
11/20/19 9:19 p.m.
JG: thanks for posting.. will check it out
11/20/19 9:41 p.m.
Thats some good intense watching there. He was pitted next to us at 2018 Chumpcar 24 at Nelson ledges, I had no idea who he was but my teammates were in complete awe. He helped put our windshield banner on our 944 and we later helped fix their crashed 944. Plan B for them was a miata that also had problems. All on the hottest most humid day ever in Ohio, actually felt pretty bad for him. But he definitely was a humble, down to earth, nice guy.
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