MALIBU, Calif. –  Not much has changed at the Willow Springs International Raceway over its 67 years, which is perhaps why it has been featured in so many films and TV projects, including the latest film by James Mangold, Ford v Ferrari.

The filmmakers used Willow Springs as a location doubling for the famous Le Mans racetrack in France. 

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Marco Beltrami, the film's composer, has been riding motorcycles for nearly 20 years. He was here recently with his son Coleman for some track time and personal coaching on what is the oldest permanent road course in the U.S.

“We usually do what's called super-moto,” said Beltrami, “which is like a dirt bike with street tires on a go kart track. But a couple times a year I like to come run the big bike here. It's a lot of fun.” 

For Beltrami, riding at high speeds is a great way to decompress from the high-pressure world of film composing. 

“It's a very zen thing in a way,” he said. “And there's no way that I could even possibly think about music or film or anything like that when you're on the track. You just focus completely.” 

The high speeds also gave Beltrami some insight into the world of racing, which he was able to draw on while scoring Ford v Ferrari. 

Beltrami and longtime collaborator Buck Sanders worked on some finishing touches on Ford v Ferrari, their fourth collaboration with director James Mangold (Logan, 3:10 to Yuma).

“It’s a lot of fun,” said Beltrami. “Part of the fun of working with Jim [Mangold] is that he really embraces this period of exploration and experimentation.”

As the film is a period piece, Beltrami and Sanders collected some 1960’s era guitar fuzz pedals to use in the film’s music score which foregoes the usual string section, instead featuring brass, electric guitars, keyboards, and percussion. 

“I just thought the combination would really blend well,” said Sanders. “There's a lot of sort of ‘sonic’ elements that we did for the racing scenes that wasn't as much about a theme.”

Beltrami, who just picked up a Creative Arts Emmy for his Free Solo score with co-composer Brandon Roberts, said Ford v Ferrari is his personal favorite film project thus far and of his passion for riding.

“When you put it together and you're able to sort of tune out from everything else and get this wide view, that's when it becomes sort of a transforming occupation. So, I don't know. I guess I'm addicted,” said Beltrami.

Ford v Ferrari premieres in theaters on November 15.