Gentlemen, Start Your Pod Racers

These are busy times for George Lucas, the original Jedi Knight. “Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace” recently hit stores as a video juggernaut, and the filmmaker is now immersed in writing and early casting decisions for the fifth installment in the “Star Wars” franchise, due in 2002.

The 55-year-old topped the Forbes 1999 tally of top celebrity moneymakers--he took in a modest $400 million last year, by the magazine’s estimates--and the assorted demands of his dream empire make it rare to catch the man standing still. That was evident last week when the sci-fi film titan visited the track of the 26th annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach for a celebrity practice race and an interview on the run.

Lucas (along with Ashley Judd, Christian Slater and others) will race for real on Saturday, the second day of the three-day Grand Prix in downtown Long Beach. He’s hoping the Force will be stronger within him this weekend--minutes after this interview he banged up his race car after hitting an oil slick. (He walked away with no scratches.)

Question: Fans of the “Star Wars” films are already lighting up the Internet with talk of the next film even though it’s two years away. Can you share any tidbits about the plot or what performers we might expect to join the cast?

Answer: We’re working on casting now. It’s really too early to talk about it all, but I’m very glad people are excited about it.

Q: Your film “American Graffiti” showed a real love of cars, and here you are today preparing to race on a professional course. Are you are a car nut?

A: I don’t have a lot of time to do that, go to races or watch them. But I still love cars, I always have. I’m not obsessed or anything, but I do love them.

Q: These race cars are great--would you ever consider buying one?

A: It’s nice. It’s not much of a family car.

Q: Are you a big professional racing fan?

A: I love to go fast, but only in competition. Today I hear the guy to beat is [former Denver Broncos quarterback] John Elway. I hear he’s pretty good at this. I’ve been a racing fan since I was a teenager. I was the president of my high school sports club in Modesto and we used to go to events, to races.

Q: Being a spectator is one thing, donning a jumpsuit and mixing it up on the track is a whole other deal. Have you ever done anything like this before?

A: A few times, maybe about 12 or 13 years ago up in Northern California where I live. It’s just a fun thing to do. I always do a lot for kids’ charities, it’s somethingI’ve tried to do through the years, and so I’m here today to help the kids and go fast. Two thing I like to do, and I get to do them together. . . . These cars today are different from the ones I raced before; the others were more modified.

Q: Each “Star Wars” film has an intense speed scene as a centerpiece moment. The Death Star trench run at the climax of the first film, for instance, or the pod race that was among the memorable images of “The Phantom Menace.” Is that a nod to your love of racing?

A: I think so, sure. I like fast things; I cut film with an eye to fast images. Those scenes had some of the feel of traveling at an intense speed, which is something that the audience likes and I like.

Q: Even though your films have become archetypes of Hollywood’s blockbuster mentality, their success has allowed you to become, in a sense, the world’s most commercially successful independent filmmaker. How does it feel seeing a crop of successful independent films win critical and commercial success in recent years?

A: I’m very pro independent filmmakers. I think it’s great.

Q: How do the ways of the Jedi help you when you’re locked in a hairpin turn with John Elway closing in fast?

A: It’s not really a scary thing, it’s more meditative. You get very much into the moment. It definitely clears your mind, makes you focus.

Q: Isn’t there anything more you can tell us about the upcoming “Star Wars” film?

A: It’s really early, it’s still taking shape. I’m sorry, I have to go I think. [Turns to race staffer] Do you know where my helmet is? I need a helmet.

BE THERE

The 26th annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach is Friday through Sunday. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster outlets or by calling (888) 827-7333. Three-day general admission passes begin at $45 while single-day passes for Sunday’s final races start at $35. Information on reserved and premier seats, along with special package offers, can be found at the race Web site: https://www.longbeachgp.com.