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Days of thunder sos
2026

a/perture cinema Winston-Salem, NC

with

Dr. Clay Harshaw

Associate Professor of Motorsport Management at Winston-Salem State University

and

Leigh Dyer

Executive Director, a/perture cinema

moderated by

Juana Ramirez Manriquez

Team Member, a/perture cinema

Days of Thunder— Thundering toward the Future: The Social Science of Motorsports

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. 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. A former student of Dr. Harshaw's and current a/perture employee, Juana Ramirez, will help moderate the discussion.

a/perture cinema Winston-Salem, NC

Film Synopsis

A young hot-shot stock car driver gets his chance to compete at the top level.

    In the fast-paced world of NASCAR, a rivalry brews between rookie hotshot Cole Trickle (Tom Cruise) and veteran racer Rowdy Burns (Michael Rooker). When both of them are seriously injured in competition, the former bitter rivals become close friends. With Cole's spirits restored by a romance with neurosurgeon Dr. Claire Lewicki (Nicole Kidman), and Rowdy still sidelined by injuries, Cole decides to race Rowdy's car in the Daytona 500 against underhanded newcomer Russ Wheeler (Cary Elwes).

    Photo credit: Paramount Pictures

    About the Speaker

    Dr. 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.

    Leigh Dyer is Executive Director of a/perture cinema and has more than a decade of experience leading nonprofits in the areas of arts, culture, and education. Prior to that she worked as a print journalist covering topics including film, business, and local governments. She grew up in Charlotte surrounded by NASCAR fans and has enjoyed following the sport's evolution.

    Juana Ramirez Manriquez recently graduated from Winston-Salem State University with a degree in Motorsport Management and is a valued team member at a/perture cinema who also recently served as the Box Office Manager for Winston-Salem's RiverRun Film Festival. More info is available on LinkedIn.