Behind the Curtain: Crafting Bentley’s Most Explosive Cinematic Moment
Crewe, England – April 2, 2026 – The roar of the engine, the screech of tires, and a shower of titanium sparks—these elements defined the making of Bentley’s most daring film, Supersports: FULL SEND, featuring the legendary Travis Pastrana. Today, as the tire smoke clears, we pull back the velvet curtain to reveal the ambitious, ground-breaking saga behind this automotive spectacle. A newly released behind-the-scenes featurette sheds light on the meticulous three-day shoot at Bentley’s campus in Crewe, an endeavor that demanded the unprecedented closure of the facility and the coordinated effort of over 100 individuals.
The Genesis of a Concept: ‘Pymkhana’ is Born
The seeds of Supersports: FULL SEND were planted in April 2025. The launch of the new Bentley Supersports provided the perfect canvas for something radically different—a film that would shatter Bentley’s established cinematic norms. The project, internally codenamed ‘Pymkhana’ (a playful nod to the factory’s address at Pyms Lane), began with conversations with key internal departments. To the astonishment of many, the consensus was clear: the concept was not just viable, but achievable with enough preparation.
With the green light from Bentley’s Board of Management, the research and development team commenced work on modifying a Bentley Supersports into a vehicle capable of executing extreme maneuvers. This was no ordinary Supersports; this was a monster built to Dance.
Engineering Extremes: Transforming the Supersports
The task of transforming the already formidable Supersports was a monumental one. The engineering team, led by Bentley’s engineering manager Alistair Corner, embarked on a journey to remove the safety features inherent in the production model and inject it with the raw ability to handle the tight factory roads.
“The mission for our ‘Pymkhana’ car was to turn the already-capable Supersports up to 11 – to remove all the safety features that the production version must include, and to add functionality to allow the car to dance around the narrow roads of our factory,” explains Corner. “The team of engineers that developed the car was outstanding, learning on-the-fly and coming up with creative solutions to turn the car into a monster. Crucially, what that special car can now do is an extension of the inherent ability within Supersports – the Pymkhana car is a Supersports without limits, that demonstrates what our chassis and powertrain can do when taken to the extreme.”
The modifications involved a symphony of complex technical adjustments. The electronic Limited Slip Differential was recalibrated to engage earlier, ensuring maximum grip during high-speed drifts. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) was permanently disabled, and specialized software was written to allow both static and rolling burnouts.
The linchpin of the project was the design and installation of a working hydraulic handbrake. This was no trivial addition; it was integrated with the electronic control system of the eight-speed double-clutch gearbox, enabling the car to navigate sharp factory corners sideways rather than relying on brute horsepower. The team’s ingenuity ensured that the Pymkhana car could execute the complex maneuvers required for the film—an incredible feat of engineering that transformed the already powerful Bentley Supersports into an agile dance partner.
The Dance of Creation: Filming at the Crewe Campus
The Supersports: FULL SEND project demanded a level of access never before granted at Bentley’s Crewe campus. The production was scheduled for September 26–28, 2025, a period that required the entire facility to be locked down—a necessity to ensure the safety of the crew and the protection of vital infrastructure.
The Pymkhana Car: A Monster Built for Speed
In addition to the star car, a second, back-up Supersports was prepared to mitigate the risks associated with high-speed filming. Both vehicles were adorned with bespoke graphics designed by artist Deathspray, featuring a gymkhana-inspired livery and custom-painted 22-inch wheels. To generate the dramatic sparks seen in the film’s finale, a pair of titanium skid blocks were mounted beneath the star car.
The choice of driver was equally critical. The legendary Travis Pastrana, known for his fearless approach to motorsports, agreed to take the wheel. The schedule was set, and the crew prepared for three days of intense filming. Every “scene” was meticulously planned and choreographed, not only to execute the desired shots but also to safeguard the car, the driver, and the factory.
The risks were numerous. Bentley’s Crewe campus is not just a factory; it’s a complex ecosystem of gas mains, fiber optic cables, water pipes, and the entire electrical grid. Extra precautions were needed to protect these vital services. The film also incorporated thrilling sequences involving other vehicles, such as the car park chase featuring the Pikes Peak Bentleys and the Brooklands burnout. These scenes required the expertise of two precision drivers who worked alongside Pastrana.
The Crew: A Symphony of Professionals
The filming itself was a logistical masterpiece, involving a squad of over 100 people split between the production crew and the supporting teams from across Bentley. The core production crew comprised around 25 individuals, including two main camera operators, two drone operators, two minicams technicians, and a three-person crew operating a purpose-built tracking car built from a first-generation Bentayga W12, complete with a U-Crane arm.
The supporting teams were equally vital. A 10-person team of location marshals was responsible for ensuring each filming location was completely closed off. They were supported by 25 vehicle specialists (working in two teams), a factory support team, medics, a fire crew, car wranglers, heritage car drivers, and a health and safety unit.
The Masterpiece Unveiled: Editing and Easter Eggs
Filming concluded with remarkable success. Despite the demanding pace and speeds exceeding 120 mph, the only damage sustained was a single smashed wing mirror. Bentley’s Head of Product Communications, and Executive Producer for the project, Mike Sayer, reflects on the experience:
“The filming days were incredibly intense but ultimately the most fun we’ve ever had at the campus. We were fortunate with the weather, and the star car, the supporting cast of vehicles and all the teams involved performed to an exceptional standard. Despite the beyond-the-limit driving involved, and speeds exceeding 120 mph, the only damage sustained to person or machine was one smashed wing mirror! I’m grateful to every single Bentley colleague who worked so hard to deliver this unique project for us.”
After three days of filming, the project moved into the post-production phase. Under the guidance of director Jon Richards, the footage was honed over three months of editing. The final film was released in January, containing 12 “Easter Eggs”—hidden cars and details only the most observant viewers would spot.
The Hidden Gems: Supersports: FULL SEND Easter Eggs
For those who have watched Supersports: FULL SEND and are eager to catch the subtle nods to Bentley’s heritage, here are the 12 Easter Eggs hidden within the film:
Employee ID: Travis Pastrana’s Bentley employee number on his ID badge is 199, his race number.
Hunaudières Concept: The 1999 Hunaudières concept car appears in the ‘garage’ scene.
Le Mans Winner: The Speed 8 that won Le Mans in 2003 is also visible in the garage.
Pre-Embargo Reveal: The new Continental GT S is included, revealed before its official embargo.
Codename Detail: The codename for the Supersports project, ‘Mildred’, is discreetly printed into the hydraulic handbrake.
Future of Bentley: The new Bentley BEV appears twice—once in camouflage in the car park and once under a silk after Travis smashes the door.
Design Heritage: Bentley’s own 1953 R-Type Continental—the origin of the Continental GT design language and name—is featured in a glass box where Travis turns left after the fly-by of the pre-war Bentleys.
Vision Car: The 2025 EXP 15 design vision car is positioned on the roof above the long straight.
Founder’s Year: The 199 race number on the Supersports’ front grille contains a black ‘1’ between the two ‘9’ digits, creating 1919—the year Bentley was founded.
Generational Reunion: The three cars Travis stops in front of at the end of the film include an original 1926 Supersports, flanked by the two most recent generations.
Color Palette: The line-up of colorful cars in the closing aerial shot features paint shades that echo those of the painted panels on the side of the Paint Shop.
Chairman’s Touch: The person cleaning up after Travis during the credits is Bentley’s Chairman and CEO, Frank-Steffen Walliser.
Final Thoughts: An Event That Redefines Bentley
The creation of Supersports: FULL SEND was more than just a film project; it was a testament to Bentley’s willingness
