Days of Thunder 1990

As the spotlight shines brightly on the world of USAC racing, a talented young driver named Cole Trickle (played by) emerges as the top pick for Chevrolet dealership tycoon Tim Daland. With his sights set on conquering the NASCAR Cup Series, Daland recruits Cole and pairs him with former crew chief Harry Hogge, who had retired from the sport just a year prior to avoid an investigation into the tragic death of driver Buddy Bretherton.

As Cole makes his debut at Phoenix, he faces stiff competition from Winston Cup Champion Rowdy Burns, whose aggressive driving style leaves no room for error. Despite initial struggles to adjust to the larger NASCAR stock cars and communicate effectively with his team, Harry Hogge brings Cole’s pit crew back into action by building him a new chassis.

However, Cole’s learning curve is steepened by crashes, blown engines, and a lack of understanding about common NASCAR terminology. In a breakthrough moment, Harry puts Cole through rigorous training to get up to speed, which pays off in a big way at Darlington when he pulls off an impressive slingshot maneuver from the outside line to pass Rowdy and claim his first victory.

The rivalry between Cole and Rowdy continues to intensify throughout the season, with both drivers facing setbacks and near-misses. Their intense battles on the track eventually take a toll on their physical health, as they suffer serious injuries in a massive crash during the Firecracker 400 at Daytona.

Recovering in Daytona Beach, Cole finds solace in a romantic relationship with Dr. Claire Lewicki, a talented neurosurgeon who helps him to heal both physically and emotionally. Meanwhile, NASCAR President Big John steps in to address the escalating tensions between Cole and Rowdy, bringing them together for a stern warning about the consequences of their behavior.

In a surprising turn of events, the two bitter rivals put aside their differences over dinner and settle their scores by engaging in a high-energy car-smashing competition on the beach – a move orchestrated by Big John himself. As they walk away from the wreckage, Cole and Rowdy have finally found closure and a newfound sense of camaraderie, marking a turning point in their tumultuous racing careers.

As the stakes are heightened, Daland takes a calculated risk by recruiting Russ Wheeler, a young and ambitious driver, to replace the injured Cole. The addition of Russ’s sleek machine means that Daland now fields two cars, with Russ behind the wheel, much to Harry’s dismay. Meanwhile, Cole is struggling to regain his top form, but a renewed rivalry with Russ simmers beneath the surface. When disaster strikes at Atlanta, Cole’s engine failure leaves him stuck in neutral. But instead of offering aid, Daland remains steadfast in his support for his new protégé, Russ.

As tensions escalate, a confrontation unfolds on the pit road at North Wilkesboro, where Russ deliberately blocks Cole’s path during their pit stop and then forces him into the outside wall on the final lap to secure the win. The aftermath is marked by a violent clash between Harry, Daland, and both of Cole and Russ’s pit crews, resulting in a severe consequence: Daland terminates both Cole and Harry from his team.

In the midst of this turmoil, Rowdy faces an unforeseen challenge when he learns that he must undergo brain surgery to address a critical issue. He implores Cole to drive his car at the Daytona 500, hoping that his sponsor will foot the bill for the entire season. Reluctantly, Cole agrees and convinces Harry to rejoin him as crew chief. In the hours leading up to the race, Harry discovers ominous signs of engine failure in the oil pan and manages to procure a replacement from Daland, who still believes in Cole’s potential.

As the Daytona 500 unfolds, Cole’s car is spun out by Russ and suffers a transmission malfunction. However, the combined efforts of Harry’s and Daland’s pit crews prove crucial in diagnosing and repairing the issue, allowing Cole to reclaim his position on the lead lap. On the final lap, Russ anticipates Cole’s signature slingshot maneuver from outside, but Cole cleverly outmaneuvers him with a crossover, swooping past from the inside lane to claim his first Daytona 500 victory.

As Cole celebrates in Victory Lane alongside Claire and his pit crew, he approaches Harry, who is sitting alone, clearly impressed by Cole’s performance. Cole asks Harry to join him on a symbolic journey to Victory Lane, and Harry agrees, sparking a playful foot race between the two old friends.