Days of Thunder (1990)
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A talented young driver must navigate the high-stakes world of NASCAR while facing intense rivalry and personal growth.
The story
Young World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series champion Cole Trickle is recruited by Chevrolet dealership tycoon Tim Daland to race in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. To lead his pit crew, Daland brings former crew chief and car builder Harry Hogge out of retirement. After a successful test, Harry builds Cole a new chassis. However, Cole faces immediate challenges: he must adjust to larger stock cars, learn complex NASCAR terminology, and contend with the intimidating presence of reigning champion Rowdy Burns. After a series of setbacks and a grueling training period, Cole eventually secures his first victory, but the intense competition and the dangers of the track continue to test his resolve and skill.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
After winning his first race at Darlington, the rivalry between Cole and Rowdy intensifies until a massive crash at the Firecracker 400 leaves both drivers seriously injured. While recovering in Daytona Beach, Cole begins a relationship with Dr. Claire Lewicki. Following a warning from NASCAR President Big John regarding their behavior, the two rivals eventually become close friends. Meanwhile, Daland hires another rookie, Russ Wheeler, creating a new rivalry. After a series of escalating tensions and a physical altercation between the teams, Daland fires both Cole and Harry. When Rowdy requires surgery, he asks Cole to drive his car in the Daytona 500. Cole accepts, reuniting with Harry. Despite mechanical failures and a malfunctioning transmission, the team manages to get Cole back on the lead lap. On the final lap, Cole outmaneuvers Russ to win the Daytona 500. The film ends with Cole and his crew celebrating in Victory Lane, and Cole and Harry sharing a moment of mutual respect.
- First release year
- 1990
- Runtime (minutes)
- 107
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Tony Scott
- Writers
- Robert Towne · screenplay; Robert Towne · story; Tom Cruise · story
- Cast and characters
- Tom Cruise · Cole Trickle; Robert Duvall · Harry Hogge; Randy Quaid · Tim Daland; Nicole Kidman · Dr. Claire Lewicki; Michael Rooker · Rowdy Burns; Cary Elwes · Russ Wheeler; John C. Reilly · Buck Bretherton; Fred Dalton Thompson · Big John
- Genres
- sports; action; drama
- Themes
- rivalry; determination; friendship
- Tone and mood
- intense; action-packed
- Setting
- NASCAR racing circuits and locations including Charlotte, Daytona Beach, and various tracks like Darlington and the Daytona 500.
- Premise and plot tags
- sports; racing; underdog
- Reception
- The film received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its racing sequences, musical score, and performances, but criticized its lack of originality. It has developed a large cult following among NASCAR fans.
- Reported review scores
- Rotten Tomatoes · score: 38% · scale: percentage · review count: 68; Metacritic · score: 60 · scale: 100 · review count: 16
- Awards and nominations
- Academy Award · Best Sound · Nominated
- Production trivia
- The character of Cole Trickle was patterned after Tim Richmond.; The film's original budget of $35 million nearly doubled.; The film's theme song 'The Last Note of Freedom' was sung by David Coverdale of the band Whitesnake.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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