THE FILM
Racing Grand Teton is a docuseries about the evolving drama of Michelino Sunseri’s controversial Grand Teton speed record. The new fastest known time, a record rejected, criminal charges filed, a first-amendment lawsuit by the filmmakers, U.S. Senate intervention, an outrageous plea bargain, and now a pending trial in U.S. District Court.
It’s a story of personal resilience, redemption, man vs. nature, an impossible physical feat, breathtaking landscapes, the role of Federal agencies, risk-taking by outdoor athletes, heartbreak and new romance, land use conflicts, overcriminalization, civil litigation, a rare bipartisan success, and political maneuvering.
Learn more at the Change.org petition.
FEATURED IN
THE CAST
Professional mountain runner // The North Face athlete // Grand Targhee Trap bartender
Michelino is a Teton-local, living in Victor, ID, since 2020 with his huskies Dash and Thor, and tending bar at Grand Targhee’s Trap in Alta, WY. A former collegiate cross country runner, he returned to the trail in 2017 after a brief hiatus. By 2020, Michelino joined The North Face team, the same year moving from his hometown Sierras to the Tetons, inspired by his first glimpse of the mythical, imposing Grand Teton (13,775’).
For four years, Michelino dreamed of the Grand Teton FKT, in the meantime notching first-place wins at Speedgoat 50K, Broken Arrow 46K and Run the Rut 50K, among others. In summer 2024, he went all in—amidst heartbreak, he took leave from the Trap Bar, towed his trailer to Togwotee Pass high camp (9K’), and clocked 30K vertical feet / 25 training hours weekly.
On September 2, 2024, Michelino broke the speed record of twelve years, joining the ranks of legends like Andy Anderson (2012), Kilian Jornet (2012), and Bryce Thatcher (1983). Following in the tradition of Grand Teton mountaineering achievements, controversy ensued.
Michelino Sunseri
SUPPORT MICHELINO
Order stickers and other merch at cost plus shipping to bring awareness to Michelino’s struggle against overcriminalization: an attempt to drive him out of his home via a five-year Park ban. Complimentary designs here to print your own merch.
Urge the National Park Service and Department of Justice to drop the current criminal charges in favor of a civil compromise and volunteer work—an opportunity to bring the community together instead of wasting tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars on drawn-out litigation.
Encourage your U.S. Senators, U.S. House Rep and State Governor to contact Department of Interior and Justice leadership, in your own words or using this template. USA.gov provides a list of representatives from an address form.
THE FILMMAKERS
Fior Director and Founder // Civil engineer
Raised in rural Colorado, Connor moved to Jackson Hole, WY, in 2021 to found Fior Productions, a studio focused on athletes and breathtaking natural environments. His clients include Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Bank of America, Coors, The North Face, Arc'teryx, Buff, Feathered Friends, and American Alpine Club, among many others.
Before Fior, Connor oversaw infrastructure projects in San Diego, CA, as a civil engineer. He’s an alumnus of Colorado State University.
Connor Burkesmith
Fior Executive Producer // Lawyer // Investor
Alex moved from Long Island, NY, to Jackson Hole, WY, in 2020 to found an extended-stay brand. In 2023, Alex partnered with Connor on the effort that evolved into Racing Grand Teton. He’s also a Managing Partner for DKS Capital Partners and teaches corporate finance for clients like HSBC, Global Atlantic, KBW, and U. Wisconsin, plus adaptive ski school at Jackson Hole.
Before Jackson Hole, Alex was a Vice President in J.P. Morgan’s Investment Bank. He’s an alumnus of SUNY Geneseo and Harvard Law School.