Days of Thunder

Cole Trickle is recruited by Chevrolet dealer Tim Daland to race in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, bringing former crew chief Harry Hogge out of retirement to lead the pit crew. After a private test at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Harry builds a new chassis and officially signs Cole to the team.

Cole makes his first stock-car start at Phoenix and struggles to adapt to the heavier cars and to communicating with his crew. He faces intimidation from Rowdy Burns, a string of crashes, and blown engines which keep him from finishing Bristol, Dover, and Rockingham. Harry implements a disciplined training program to teach Cole NASCAR terminology and strategy.

With Harry's coaching, Cole learns to use an outside-line slingshot and overtakes Rowdy Burns to win his first NASCAR race. The victory marks his breakthrough after the season's early struggles.

The Cole–Rowdy rivalry intensifies until the Firecracker 400 at Daytona, where both drivers are seriously injured in a massive multi-car crash. The incident prompts medical attention and a long recovery period.

While recovering in Daytona Beach, Cole begins a romantic relationship with Dr. Claire Lewicki, a neurosurgeon who provides medical care. The relationship gives him emotional support beyond racing.

NASCAR President Big John calls for a meeting and warns the two rivals to clean up their act. They reconcile after a dinner, then celebrate by smashing rental cars on a beach race, a playful pact that signals the start of a friendship.

Tim Daland hires hotshot rookie Russ Wheeler to fill Cole's seat while he recovers, expanding the team to two cars with Russ driving the second car. Harry disapproves of the expansion but the arrangement stands.

Cole shows signs of his old self but enters a new rivalry with Russ. The tension leads to an engine failure during a race in Atlanta, derailing his momentum.

At North Wilkesboro, Russ blocks Cole's path during a pit stop and later forces him into the outside wall on the last lap to win. Cole retaliates by crashing into Russ's car after the race, precipitating a brawl between pit crews and resulting in Cole and Harry being fired by Daland.

With Rowdy set to undergo brain surgery, Cole agrees to drive his car at the Daytona 500, and convinces Harry to return as his crew chief. The arrangement secures sponsorship and resolve to race.

Hours before the Daytona 500, Harry discovers metal in the oil pan, signaling potential engine failure, and secures a new engine from Daland. The teams work together to ensure the car is race-ready.

During the race, Cole's car is spun by Russ and suffers a transmission problem, but the pit crews manage to repair it and return him to the lead. On the final lap, Cole executes a crossover instead of the expected slingshot and overtakes Russ to win his first Daytona 500.

Cole drives into Victory Lane with Claire watching and congratulates Harry, who is impressed by his growth. They walk together back to the crowd, with Harry proposing a celebratory foot race to Victory Lane.