A Mouthful of Petrol

For years now, Wayne, father of 12-year-old JayDee, has been into banger racing, a rough style of racing in self-built cars. Now that JayDee is nearly 13, his debut race is finally in view. Wayne helps his son fix up the car in the garage, teaches him steering techniques and prepares him mentally. JayDee, meanwhile, is feeling increasing pressure to make his father proud.

This cinematic coming-of-age documentary explores a deep family connection, through which a shared passion becomes the catalyst for parental lessons. How do you deal with bullies? What does it mean to persevere even if things don’t work out right away, and why does it feel so important to make your father’s dream come true? The interactions between this father and son from an English working class community are direct, but also gentle and empathetic. The rousing music is a perfect match for this heady mix of adrenaline, speedsters and motor oil.