(B)aT the Movies: Days of Thunder (1990)
About this episode
A lively discussion unfolds around the 1990 film 'Days of Thunder,' featuring Tom Cruise and Robert Duvall. The Bring a Trailer team, including Alex Porter, Randy Nahnberg, Beck Diefenbach, and Tyler Greenblatt, share their personal histories with the film, revealing how it shaped their views on NASCAR and car culture. They delve into the production challenges, notable performances, and the film's legacy, while drawing parallels to other iconic movies by producers Simpson and Bruckheimer. The episode is filled with nostalgia, humor, and insights into the film's impact on automotive storytelling.
Join us, diehard cinephiles, for the third in our new series about Car Movies, wherein we wax poetic about the uncut gem Days of Thunder, starring Tom Cruise and Robert Duvall. Alex, Randy, Beck, and Tyler discuss The Randy and Alex Film Festival; the movie's (completely stacked) intro credits; behind-the-scenes drama; Cary Elwes as Iceman; Alex's deep disappointment at the film's 37% Rotten Tomatoes score; some of the film's many profoundly unlikely scenarios; drinkin' weird stuff and Bud heavies in a moving car hauler; and a surprising number of personal health jokes, but not to do with the scenes you're thinking of (which have perhaps not aged as well as some other parts of the movie);
Also covered: the gritty and impressive race cinematography; the real BAT.com; the best '90s movie parking lot; the formative way in which several of our crew learned about drafting; and, of course, the Cruise Run. Tyler reveals himself as easy to please, while Beck's godfather does not. Finally, we get a late (and exceedingly rare) name drop from our Mr. Nonnenberg.
Mentioned in this episode:
12:36 Ex–Tom Cruise 1984 Nissan 300ZX Race Car
33:48 RoW 1985 Porsche 928S 5-Speed Strosek
37:19 Search results for Monte Carlo SS Aero Coupe
Got suggestions for our next guest from the BaT community, One Year Garage episode, or (B)aT the Movies subject? Let us know in the comments below!
Chevy
"...There's the sponsors of the cars. There's Chevy. There's Hendrick..."
Chevy is short for Chevrolet, a popular car brand in the United States that makes many different types of vehicles.
Chevy is a common abbreviation for Chevrolet, an American automotive brand known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including trucks, cars, and SUVs.
Hendrick
"...There's Chevy. There's Hendrick. There's Dick Trickle..."
Hendrick is a famous NASCAR team that has won many races and championships, owned by Rick Hendrick.
Hendrick Motorsports is a prominent NASCAR team owned by Rick Hendrick, known for its success and multiple championships in the sport.
NASCAR
"...Dick Trickle, you know, RIP. But he, I mean, is just an icon of NASCAR history..."
NASCAR is a type of car racing in the U.S. where specially designed cars race on oval tracks, and it's very popular with fans.
NASCAR stands for the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, a popular motorsport organization in the United States known for its stock car racing events.
Datsun 280Z
"...obviously it was Paul Newman. A Z. Yeah, a 280 Z or something."
The Datsun 280Z is a classic sports car made by Nissan in the 1970s. It's known for being fun to drive and has a stylish design that many people love.
The Datsun 280Z is a sports car produced by Nissan from 1975 to 1978. It is part of the Z-car series and is known for its performance and styling, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts.
Datsun 300Z
"...something like that. 300."
The Datsun 300Z, later known as the Nissan 300ZX, is another classic sports car that came after the 280Z. It was known for being powerful and having modern features for its era.
The Datsun 300Z, also known as the Nissan 300ZX, is a sports car that succeeded the 280Z and was produced in the 1980s and 1990s. It is celebrated for its performance and advanced technology for its time.
F1 car
"...they put him in David Coulthart's F1 car one time and he was quick."
An F1 car is a type of race car used in Formula 1 racing, which is one of the fastest and most technologically advanced types of car racing in the world.
An F1 car refers to a Formula 1 racing car, which is designed specifically for the highest class of single-seater auto racing sanctioned by the FIA. These cars are known for their advanced technology, high speeds, and aerodynamic designs.
Formula One
"I haven't watched it in so long. I've gotten a little bit more into Formula One, unfortunately."
Formula One is a type of car racing that takes place on special tracks. It's famous for fast cars and exciting races that happen in different countries.
Formula One is a premier international auto racing sport known for its high-speed cars and advanced technology. It features a series of races, known as Grands Prix, held on various circuits around the world.
stock cars
"Stock cars are all the same."
Stock cars are racing cars that are made to be similar to regular cars you see on the road. They are all built to the same rules so that the races are fair.
Stock cars are vehicles that are built to conform to specific regulations for racing, often resembling production models but modified for performance. In racing, stock cars are typically all the same model to ensure fairness.
IndyCar
"We need to talk about stock cars being confused about what IndyCar is..."
IndyCar is a racing series where cars have open wheels, meaning the tires are not covered by the body of the car. They race on different types of tracks, including the famous Indianapolis 500.
IndyCar is a type of open-wheel racing series in the United States, known for its high-speed races on oval tracks and road courses. The most famous race in this series is the Indianapolis 500.
sprint car racing
"...especially they're like, seem to be confused about sprint car racing and I'm like, what?"
Sprint car racing is a type of racing where very fast cars with big wings race on dirt tracks. The races are usually short and exciting.
Sprint car racing features high-powered cars with large wings and open wheels, designed for short, fast races on dirt tracks. These cars are known for their speed and agility.
open wheel series
"...they were actually running wheel and open wheel series."
Open wheel series are races where the cars have their wheels showing, not hidden under the body. This helps them go faster and handle better on the track.
Open wheel series refer to racing competitions where the cars have exposed wheels, meaning the tires are not covered by the car's body. This design allows for better aerodynamics and handling at high speeds.
NHRA
"...I've been to NHRA, which I feel like is hopscotching over NASCAR to even crazier. So I needed to make that middle stop on the train and get off at the brickyard or wherever."
The NHRA is a big organization that runs drag racing events where cars race in a straight line to see who is fastest. It's a popular motorsport in the U.S.
The NHRA, or National Hot Rod Association, is the largest sanctioning body for drag racing in the United States. It organizes events and competitions for various classes of drag racing vehicles, showcasing high-speed races over a short distance.
Indy 500
"...I've gone to the Indy 500. And I've seen NASCAR in IndyCar at Sonoma."
The Indy 500 is a famous car race that happens every year in Indiana. It's known for fast cars and a lot of fans watching.
The Indy 500, or Indianapolis 500, is one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world, held annually at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It features open-wheel cars and is known for its high speeds and large crowds.
Ford Galaxy
"...Four-door Galaxy. Gold. I forget what color."
The Ford Galaxy is a big car made by Ford, often used by families because it has a lot of space. It's also popular as a taxi because it's comfortable and can fit many passengers.
The Ford Galaxy is a large family car that was produced by Ford. It is known for its spacious interior and practicality, often used as a family vehicle or for taxi services.
Talladega
"That's why you'd watch Talladega. And that's why you'd watch Daytona because the sound of them coming by..."
Talladega is a famous racetrack in Alabama where cars race really fast. It's known for exciting races and is a big part of NASCAR.
Talladega Superspeedway is one of the most famous NASCAR tracks located in Alabama. Known for its high speeds and thrilling races, it is a 2.66-mile oval track that hosts several major NASCAR events each year.
Daytona
"...and that's why you'd watch Daytona because the sound of them coming by..."
Daytona is a well-known racetrack in Florida where a big race called the Daytona 500 happens. It's famous for fast cars and lots of fans.
Daytona International Speedway is another iconic NASCAR track located in Florida, famous for hosting the Daytona 500, one of the most prestigious races in the NASCAR series. The track is known for its high speeds and large crowds.
Norton
"We do sell a lot of John Player Norton's, too. One of my favorite Norton liveries."
Norton is a brand that makes motorcycles, famous for their speed and style. They have a long history in racing and are loved by bike enthusiasts.
Norton is a British motorcycle brand known for its performance bikes and rich racing heritage. The brand has a strong association with motorsport and classic motorcycle culture.
sponsorship
"And then the Mellow Yellow sponsorship"
Sponsorship is when a company pays a racing team to put their name or logo on the car. This helps the team with money and gives the company advertising.
Sponsorship in motorsport involves companies providing financial support to teams in exchange for advertising and brand visibility on the vehicles. This is a common practice to fund racing activities.
Richard Petty
"...where they showed Richard Petty. Yes, correct. Not racing, but in the pits or something, right?"
Richard Petty is a famous NASCAR driver, often called 'The King' because he won many championships. He's a big name in car racing.
Richard Petty is a legendary figure in NASCAR, known as 'The King' for his remarkable career and seven championships. He is one of the most recognized drivers in the history of stock car racing.
STP
"...if an STP car spun. There's definitely some STP."
STP is a brand that makes car products, like oil and fuel additives. They are well-known in car racing, especially NASCAR.
STP is a brand known for automotive products, including oil and fuel additives. It has a long history in motorsports, particularly in NASCAR, where it has sponsored various teams and drivers.
Pontiac Grand Prix GTP
"Oh, there's a Pontiac Grand Prix. But it's like the GTP, whatever version with the lights on it and Pontiac across the windshield."
The Pontiac Grand Prix GTP is a sportier version of the Grand Prix car, which has better performance and special features compared to the regular model.
The Pontiac Grand Prix GTP is a performance-oriented variant of the Grand Prix, known for its sporty features and enhancements over the standard model. It often included upgraded engines and distinctive styling elements.
BMW E30
"...the parking lot where he chases her to see all the cars. That is the car scene. And I've got the picture if you want to discuss. She's in a white E30 coupe."
The BMW E30 is a popular model from the 1980s and early 1990s known for its sporty look and fun driving experience. Many people love it for its classic design and performance.
The BMW E30 is the second generation of the BMW 3 Series, produced from 1982 to 1994. It's known for its classic styling and engaging driving dynamics, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
Honda Accord
"... Cabrio in the parking lot. There's also a Honda Accord with W124. And do you know what that 928 is?"
The Honda Accord is a type of family car that many people like because it's dependable and doesn't use too much gas. It's been around for a long time and is known for being comfortable to drive and having plenty of space inside.
The Honda Accord is a midsize car known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and spacious interior. It has been a popular choice among families and commuters since its introduction in 1976, often praised for its balance of performance and comfort.
Porsche 928
"...onda Accord with W124. And do you know what that 928 is? There is a..."
The Porsche 928 is a fancy sports car made by Porsche that was built for long drives and comfort. It looks different from other Porsche models because its engine is in the front, and it was made to be both fast and enjoyable to drive.
The Porsche 928 is a luxury sports car produced by Porsche from 1978 to 1995, known for its unique front-engine layout and grand touring capabilities. It was initially designed to replace the 911 but carved out its own niche with a focus on comfort and performance.
Mercedes-Benz 560SL
"...there's a 560SL. There's a 300E."
The Mercedes-Benz 560SL is a stylish convertible car that was made in the late 1980s. It's popular among collectors because of its powerful engine and elegant design.
The Mercedes-Benz 560SL is a luxury roadster that was part of the R107 generation, produced from 1986 to 1989. It is known for its powerful V8 engine and classic styling, making it a desirable collector's item today.
Mercedes-Benz 300E
"...there's a 560SL. There's a 300E."
The Mercedes-Benz 300E is a reliable and comfortable car that was made from the early 1980s to the mid-1990s. It's known for its sturdy construction and is a favorite among people who appreciate classic cars.
The Mercedes-Benz 300E is a model from the W124 series, produced from 1982 to 1995. It is known for its reliability, comfort, and solid build quality, making it a popular choice for both daily driving and classic car enthusiasts.
Chevrolet Monte Carlo
"...there is a Monte Carlo AeroCoupe outside of Duval's barn in the beginning. Do you even know what those are? They're NASCAR homologation special."
The Chevrolet Monte Carlo AeroCoupe is a special version of the Monte Carlo car made to meet NASCAR racing rules. It has a unique shape with a fastback rear window to help it go faster.
The Chevrolet Monte Carlo AeroCoupe is a special variant of the Monte Carlo designed for NASCAR homologation, featuring a unique fastback design for improved aerodynamics.
Ford Taurus
"...he car that they're in. Oh, dude, I was going to Taurus. Taurus, dude."
The Ford Taurus is a big family car that many people used to buy because it has a lot of room and is comfortable to drive. It was very popular in the past and is often talked about because it helped change how cars were made.
The Ford Taurus is a full-size sedan that gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s for its spacious interior and comfortable ride. It was one of the best-selling cars in the U.S. during its peak and is often discussed for its impact on the automotive market.
Holden Caprice
"...'re going to, but that's when they are in the 91 Caprice, the two of them, which notably is a pre-product..."
The Holden Caprice is a large, comfortable car that was made for people who want a bit of luxury. It's often used by government officials and is known for having a lot of space inside.
The Holden Caprice is a full-size luxury sedan produced by Holden, primarily for the Australian market. Known for its spaciousness and comfort, it has been used as a government and police vehicle, making it significant in Australian automotive history.
blows the motor
"...because Cole doesn't want to race either. He's lost his car because he blows the motor, right?"
When someone says 'blows the motor', it means the engine has broken down badly and can't be used anymore. This usually happens because of overheating or not having enough oil.
The phrase 'blows the motor' refers to a catastrophic failure of the engine, often resulting in significant damage that can render the engine inoperable. This can happen due to various reasons, such as overheating, lack of lubrication, or mechanical failure.
leaking oil
"...the engine in the car goes bad. It's like leaking oil. There's a little Robert Duvall moment pre-race where he complains that the car is doing something nasty..."
When oil leaks out of the engine, it can cause problems. If you see oil on the ground where a car is parked, it might mean there's a leak that needs to be fixed.
Leaking oil refers to the condition where engine oil escapes from the engine, which can lead to serious engine damage if not addressed. It's often a sign of worn seals or gaskets, or damage to the oil pan or other components.
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