Pops Racer
From Speed Racer
Pops Racer (三船大介, Mifune Daisuke?)
- Voiced by: Teiji Ōmiya (Japanese), Jack Curtis (English)
- Speed's father, Pops, originally Daisuke Mifune is a former wrestler-turned race car owner and builder. Reluctantly quitting his job after feuding with a member of a corporate car manufacturing company who disapproved of the construction of a new engine for the Mach 5, he founded his own company, Mifune Motors (In the series' Americanization, the company was changed to Racer Motors). He is portrayed as a hothead who is overprotective of his family. His care for his family caused his eldest son, Rex (who would return as Racer X) to run away. In addition to Spritle and Chim-Chim, his attitude brings comic relief in the anime series and live action film. He wears an athletic red shirt and a beige mechanic's cap and is overweight. Despite his build, Pops is nearly unmatched in combat as he was once a champion heavyweight wrestler. His unique design skills have created very powerful engines for his cars, especially his (in the film) prized "Mach" Series, giving them the ability to travel at high speeds while at the same time sustaining maximum performance. He is portrayed by actor John Goodman in the 2008 film.
Pops in the Original series.
Mom and Pops in the movie
Pops Racer is Speed Racer's father, he was voiced by Jack Curtis in the original series. In the 2008 movie, he is played by John Goodman.
Character traits
Pops is known for constantly (as Spritle and Speed say), "blowing gaskets" and often launches into angry tirdaes but it is clear that he dearly loves the boys. He at first was a firm opponent to Speed's wanting to race professionally because he secretly feared another tragedy that separated Rex Racer from the family.
He also is a former champion wrestler going by the name of Dragon Racer and used to fight on the West Side Grunters and Groaners.
