Chasing a World Record: David Martinez's New Documentary "Slowly Going Faster"

David Martinez is documenting Alp Sungurtekin, a legendary vehicle designer and land speed racer, who builds and races his own record-breaking bikes. His success on the salt inspires others to seek him out to build their motorcycles, solidifying his reputation in the racing community.

In the David's words:

"Two years deep into documenting Alp Sungurtekin, a revered land speed racer + vehicle designer, and this marks the first time I’ve taken on a documentary film alone. It’s been a revelation—just how hard it is to chase a world record when the odds are stacked against you. Opportunities to test and race at Bonneville and El Mirage are scarce, and even when they come, the elements have the final say. Last year, Alp had the bike dialed in, ready to make history, but the salt was a mess—too wet, too slick to hit the top speeds. The year before? A total washout. It’s a brutal reminder that no matter how prepared you are, the conditions can shut you down in a heartbeat. Patience isn’t just a virtue here; it’s a necessity."

Despite the challenges, this project has been an incredible journey of resilience, perseverance, and passion. David has put together an interim edit that offers a raw, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to chase this dream. It’s just the beginning, and there’s much more ahead.