The question of who would triumph in a special race between a BMW M3 tuned
by Akrapovic development partner a-workx and the BMW S1000RR Superbike is
not new. But with a bold new movie, BMW has finally settled the score. Stylish
and energetic, The Chase is the story of what happens when RR rider Rico Penzkofer
and M3 driver Nico Bastian go head-to-head on the racetrack. The film opens
with the two rivals discussing their machines over dinner – with each man firmly
convinced he is fastest, they agree to race and shake hands over a bet on who
will be first to cross the line.
BMW RR and M3 tuned by Akrapovic development partner a-workx
The action quickly moves to the famous Akrapovic factory in Slovenia, where
the BMW M3 and RR are given expert fine-tuning before they take to the track.
Slick camera work brings the power and quality of the motorcycle and car to
life – we see and hear those famous Akrapovic exhausts and a team of engineers
checks, tunes and tests every detail to make sure The Chase will be completely
fair.
The M3 and RR start from opposite ends of the racetrack, each racer vying
to be the first to pass his opponent. Sounds of exhausts and a dynamic filming
style keep adrenaline levels sky-high as we finally hear the words: "gentlemen,
start your engines".
The
crucial thing to remember as they tear round the track is that while The Chase
is a movie, the race itself is for real. The two men fighting for bragging
rights are a motorcycle racer and racing driver, not actors. The action on
the track, the tension and the end result are all genuine.
Keeping it authentic meant going ahead with the race even when it began to
rain – potentially harming the RR's chances of coming first. As it unfolds
on-screen, a graphic keeps track of each machine's position on the road and
a "wet track" warning flashes up – more reminders that this is no fake.
Of course, there can only be one winner and adrenaline levels peak as he catches
up with, and finally passes, the unlucky loser. But with the trial over, the
pair shake hands on the other side of the finish line – both satisfied it was
fair.
The Chase is the perfect showcase for two of BMW's most iconic machines, as
well as the craftsmanship of Akrapovic products. Directed by the award-winning
director Ryan McManus, the film looks slick and clean, with plenty of close-up
shots of the car and motorcycle. Two different endings have been filmed – a
conventional one where the two competitors give interviews to camera and a
second conclusion with a funny twist – but race remains the same in both versions.
The competitors
Nico Bastian
Born 15 April 1990 in Heidelberg, Germany
Job: racing driver, instructor and presenter for Sport 1, Porsche Carrera Cup
and Seat Leon Supercopa, races Mini John Cooper Works and competes in the German
MINI Challenge series
Drives: anything fast
www.nicobastian.de
Rico Penzkofer
Born 8 July 1975 in Borna, Germany
Job: motorcycle racer and team manager of Penz 13, competing in the FIM World
Endurance Championship and Isle of Man TT, Macau Grand Prix
Rides: S1000RR
www.penz13.com