Watch Speed Racer

In the mid-1960s, Japanese animation started to gain popularity in the United States. During this time, Tatsuo Yoshida created a manga series called "Mach GoGoGo". The series followed a young boy named Go Mifune who becomes a race car driver and competes in various races around the world. In 1967, the series was adapted for American audiences by combining footage from the original series with new American-made footage, creating "Speed Racer".

The show was produced by Speed Racer Enterprises and aired on TV from 1967 to 1968. The story follows Speed Racer, a young and talented race car driver, who dreams of one day winning the World Racing Championships. Speed, with the help of his family and friends, races in various tournaments around the world. However, along the way, Speed finds himself facing dangerous and challenging opponents who will stop at nothing to ensure that he doesn't win.

The voice cast for the American version of "Speed Racer" included Peter Fernandez as the titular character, Michael Sinterniklaas, Robbie Sublett, Sahra Mellesse, Kurt Csolak, David Skigen, Carter Johnson and Gregory Abbey. Peter Fernandez also served as the voice director for the series.

Speed Racer's car, the Mach 5, became an iconic symbol of the series. The Mach 5 was a technologically advanced car with various gadgets and gizmos that helped Speed during his races. These included buttons to shoot out homing missiles or a jumper to allow the car to leap over obstacles. The Mach 5 was one of the many reasons why the show became so popular and was eventually adopted by real-life automobile manufacturers.

Apart from racing, the show also explored important themes like friendship, loyalty, and family values. The Racer family, consisting of Pops Racer, Mom Racer, and Speed's younger brother Spritle and his pet chimpanzee, Chim-Chim, travel with Speed to different races, encouraging him throughout his journey. Together, they form a formidable team who help each other overcome challenges on and off the track.

The show's villains, who are often associated with notorious organizations, add a level of suspense and danger to the series. These organizations include the Car Acrobatic Team, which has a similar goal to Speed's, and the evil Shadow Organization, which will stop at nothing to control the racing world. Speed's arch-nemesis, Racer X, also appears in the show, adding another layer of intrigue to the plot as his true identity remains a mystery.

The show's animation style was simple and aimed towards younger audiences. However, it still managed to captivate a wider audience with its fast-paced action and thrilling races. Each episode featured Speed racing in different parts of the world like Japan, Africa, Europe, and the United States. The show utilized various racing stunts, including loop-the-loops, speeding through hoops of fire, and leaping over obstacles, making every episode unpredictable and exciting.

"Speed Racer" became an instant classic and still has a cult following among fans of the franchise. The series was adapted into a live-action film in 2008, directed by the Wachowskis, which further solidified the show's cultural impact. The legacy of "Speed Racer" lives on, with various video games, merchandise, and spin-offs created in recent years.

In conclusion, "Speed Racer" is a classic animated series from the late 1960s. The show follows the story of Speed Racer, an aspiring race car driver, who travels around the world competing in various races. The show's iconic Mach 5 car, lovable characters, thrilling races, and captivating villains made it an instant hit among audiences. The show's influence can still be seen in popular culture today, making it a timeless classic that will be remembered for generations to come.

Speed Racer is a series that ran for 1 seasons (64 episodes) between September 23, 1967 and on Speed Racer Enterprises