The Aussie star of Marvel comic adaptation Thor, Chris Hemsworth, is extremely close to signing on to the Ron Howard directed racing flick, Rush, reports Vulture.

The film is based on the real life rivalry between Formula 1 drivers Niki Lauda and James Hunt in the 70s. Lauda had a near fatal car accident during a race but still came back a few weeks later to take on his fierce rival. Hemsworth will play Lauda, who he bears more than a passing resemblance to. Highly sought after British writer Peter Morgan (Frost Nixon, The Queen) has penned the screenplay that caused Howard to shout "gee shucks" and decide to direct... probably.

Howard's last film was the dire comedy, The Dilemma, while Hemsworth is currently working on a Snow White project opposite Kristen Stewart.