Ron Howard, whose long acting, directing and producing career have included auto-related movies Grand Theft Auto and American Graffiti, is in pre-production for another auto-themed film, Rush.
The film, in which Ferrari will likely be consulting, depicts legendary Ferrari race driver Niki Lauda’s perilous quest in 1976 to repeat as Formula One Champion. 
Howard was recently in Italy and met with Lauda and Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo, who was in charge of the Ferrari race team
Howard was given a tour of the Ferrari factory and nearby locations in a Ferrari — and with Lauda driving.
Rumored for a 2013 release, Rush currently may include actors Olivia Wilde, Chris Hemsworth and Russell Crowe.
Article Last Updated: October 28, 2011.
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A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004.
In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida.
An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.
Hey check out (and like) an interesting video interview with Director/Producer Ron Howard at: https://culturecatch.com/vidcast/ron_howard