Days of Thunder (1990)
- Today, Jun 27
Director: Tony Scott Run Time: 107 min. Release Year: 1990
Starring: Cary Elwes, Nicole Kidman, Randy Quaid, Robert Duvall, Tom Cruise
‘Thundering’ Toward the Future: The Social Science of Stock-Car Racing
Dr. Clay Harshaw will be in attendance following the screening on Wednesday, June 24 for a discussion on the social science of motorsports and his role in studying this field at Winston-Salem State University. “Days of Thunder” was a groundbreaking portrayal of the sport of NASCAR when it premiered in 1990, but the business of the sport has evolved into an ever-greater economic force during the decades since then – we’ll take a look at this evolution during our post-show Q&A. A former student of Dr. Harshaw’s and current a/perture employee, Juana Ramirez, will help moderate the discussion.
A rich supply of character actors, including the late, great Robert Duvall, John C. Reilly, Randy Quaid, and Michael Rooker supply the backdrop to Tom Cruise’s reunion with Top Gun director Tony Scott. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer, writer Robert Towne (Chinatown, The Last Detail), and composer Hans Zimmer all work together in unison to provide an ideal summer blockbuster experience, even if their depiction of Charlotte outside of the Motor Speedway could have used just a little more research.
Talented but unproven stock car driver Cole Trickle gets a break and with the guidance of veteran Harry Hogge turns heads on the track. The young hotshot develops a rivalry with a fellow racer that threatens his career when the two smash their cars. But with the help of his doctor, Cole just might overcome his injuries– and his fear.
“The film’s real glory is Duvall. His duplicitous, ruthless streak hovers just below the surface, giving a sense of inner danger to the racing scenes in which he coaches the untrusting Cruise by radio from trackside.” ~ Variety
Remembering Robert Duvall (1931-2026)
Screening June 24 (Science on Screen event) + 27 (encore screening)
Clay Harshaw is Associate Professor of Motorsport Management at Winston-Salem State University where he teaches courses in sponsorship, media relations, and marketing in the motorsports industry. Dr. Harshaw coordinates and supervises extensive field experiences of students majoring in motorsports management. His research interests are focused on business aspects of the motorsports industry including sponsorship, competitive balance, and fan experiences. He is currently the editor of the International Journal of Motorsports Management, an online, peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to management and business research of the motorsports industry.