elvis Facts, Speedway 3 / 3

Speedway 3 / 3

This Elvis movie was about stock car racing at the famed Charolotte Speedway in Charlotte, North Carolina, where location race scenes were filmed. Participating in the movie were several champion professional NASCAR racers including: Richard Petty, Buddy Baker, Cale Yarborough, Tiny Lund, Dick Hutcherson, G. C. Spencer, and Roy Mayne who played themselves. Sandy Reed, a professional race announcer, played the announcer for "Speedway." Christopher West, who played Billie Jo, was the reigning Queen of Laguna-Seca Sport Car Races at the time.

Among the many stunt drivers used for this film were: Bob Harris, whose credits include "Bonnie and Clyde", "Bullitt", "Magnum Force" and "The Gumball Rally." Courtney Brown, who worked on such films as "Thunderball," "Porky's" and "Ace Ventura- Pet Detective." Bud Ekins, who specialized in motorcycle stunts including some for "The Great Escape," "Then Came Bronson" and "CHiPs." Max Balchowsky who also provided stunt work for "Viva Las Vegas," "Grand Prix," "Bullit" and "The Deer Hunter."

Bob Herron, a Navy boxing champion who has done stunts in hundreds of TV shows and movies. Carey Loftin whose stunt credits range in movies from the 1940s to the 1990s.

Ross Hagen played rival race car driver Paul Dado. He might be best remembered for his role of Bart Jason on the TV series "Daktari." His credits also include writing, directing and producing.

Burt Mustin who played the janitor at the Coffee Shop, had been a salesman until he got involved in radio and barbershop harmony in mid-life. He was 68 when he had his first movie role in the 1951, "The Last Outpost." Acting roles in movies and TV began to roll in and he became much in demand. A notable role is that of Gus the Fireman o the "Leave It to Beaver" television series. He was 86 by the time he acted in "Speedway." Having just retired from his role of Arthur on the "Phyllis" TV series, Mustin died at age 95.

Principal photography for "Speedway" ended on August 18, 1967. Elvis was finished with looping by August 21 and immediately went into makeup tests for "Stay Away, Joe." "Speedway" premiered in Charlotte, North Carolina on June 12, 1968. It was #40 on Variety's movie list for the year of 1968.