Documentary showcases late actor Paul Newman's passion for racing

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The late Paul Newman was an Oscar-winning movie star; almost everyone knows that. But there was another side to Newman that tended to fly under the radar. He had a successful career away from Hollywood as a racing driver.

"He was one of those guys that liked 'guys' and 'regular guys' and 'race car guys.' He probably didn't like 'Hollywood guys' that much. He wasn't interested in that lifestyle, so he spent all his time with 'dudes,' and I get it," director-producer Adam Carolla said.

In his hew documentary, "Winning: The Racing Life of Paul Newman," Carolla explores the world of the racer who went by P. L. Newman.

Using interviews with those who raced alongside Newman and were close to him in general, Carolla shows viewers a candid look at the man who drove competitively, beginning in his late 40s and continuing on into his 80s. All the while, just wanting to be thought of in a different light.

The project's director, Carolla, has had a varied career, doing everything from being a TV and radio host to appearing on "Dancing With the Stars." So what made him want to make a documentary about Newman? It all started with his love of vintage Datsun race cars.

"I was into Datsuns before I was into Newman. I started off Datsun and then it just conveniently bled into Newman," Carolla said.

The documentary also chronicles Newman's successful venture as a racing team owner, and ends with his last role in a major motion picture, fittingly voicing Doc Hudson in the animated feature "Cars."

Carolla's goal was broad appeal to those who aren't necessarily into racing, but just like a good story.

"I didn't' want it to just be a gearhead-centric movie. I wanted the wives to be able to watch it with the husbands, and even the kids to watch it with the moms and the dads," Carolla said.

"Winning: The Racing Life of Paul Newman" will be available on-demand on May 22. For more information, visit www.newmanracingfilm.com.