New Docu-Series on Street Racing Legend, Big Willie Robinson: “Larger Than Life” Available Now

Lifestyle, News I By Guest Contributor I July 09, 2019

LA Times Studios has launched “Larger Than Life,” a docu-series about legendary Los Angeles street racer Big Willie Robinson. Reported and hosted by Times staff writer Daniel Miller, the seven-part podcast series tells the true story of a street racer who united Los Angeles — but left behind a tangle of questions. If you are interested in covering today’s release as a news item, you can download images here. Watch the trailer here.

In 1960s Los Angeles, after the catastrophic Watts Riots, a legendary character emerged — one who found an unexpected way to bring people together, across race and class. Big Willie, a 6-foot-6, muscle-bound gearhead, used street racing to heal a city torn apart by violence. Cops and criminals, movie stars and miscreants, even Crips and Bloods — out at the drag strip, Big Willie could get them all to see eye to eye.

His street diplomacy eased racial tensions and united L.A. But what caused Big Willie to fade into obscurity? Exploring the life and legacy of L.A.’s “King of the Street,” the series shares never-before-revealed details uncovered through Miller’s investigative work, as well as personal stories from Willie’s inner circle, including members of the International Brotherhood of Street Racers.

The first two episodes are available now, everywhere podcasts are available (Apple, Spotify, Stitcher), with episodes dropping each week. Listeners can also discover bonus content for each episode on latimes.com, including exclusive footage, images and more. An essay about the project by Daniel Miller will be available in the Sunday edition of the newspaper on July 14.

From LA Times Studios

Tags:

The Guide to Road Racing: Winding Road Magazine's ultimate guide to getting your start in racing.

Table of Contents

Related Articles

BUGATTI TYPE 35: The Making of A Champion

Setting the blueprint for all Bugatti cars that followed, the Type 35 was designed and engineered like no other, and featured world-firsts to ensure unmatched…

March 14, 2024
Revealed: Honda E-Bike

The Honda e-bike promises to bring innovation and expertise from its motorcycle business to the burgeoning electric bicycle sector.

November 10, 2023
Kia Next to Adopt Tesla’s NACS Charging Network

Kia has announced its intention to adopt Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) in the fourth quarter of 2024.

October 06, 2023
Vehicle Title Transfers: Cario’s Revolutionizing Blockchain Solution

Cario announced the launch of its blockchain-based platform, designed to fix the way vehicle title transfers is done.

September 08, 2023
Texas Pushes Forward with Tesla NACS Mandate

Texas has given the green light to a controversial plan that mandates the inclusion of Tesla NACS technology in EV charging stations.

August 17, 2023

EMAIL SIGN UP

Get the latest driving and racing news straight to your inbox.

no thanks

Begin typing your search above and press return to search.