“'Death Car' was shot on a freeway that's under construction. It's called 'Chips' Freeway' because it's where they shoot the NBC series. We bring out our own traffic, too. This is true in all such scenes, even the car chase in 'The French Connection.' You have to work in a controlled situation, otherwise there would be numerous lawsuits.”

American stuntman, film director, actor, writer, and NASCAR team owner

Hal Needham was an American stuntman, film director, actor, writer, and NASCAR team owner. He became known for his long association with Burt Reynolds and for work on action comedies built around cars and speed. His best-known credits include Smokey and the Bandit, Hooper, The Cannonball Run, and Stroker Ace. Across those films, his reputation grew from stunt work into directing and other screen roles, often in projects centered on automobiles and high-energy action.