Classic Games Database
ClassicGames DB

Days of Thunder

Review

This NASCAR simulation challenges you to master oval tracks and strategic pit stops against rivals who never enter the pits.

Days of Thunder for DOS was released in 1990 by Mindscape, based on the 1990 film. The game was developed by Tiertex and published for multiple platforms including DOS, with the DOS version released in 1990.

About Days of Thunder

The game adapts a NASCAR racing film into a simulation of the sport itself, using eight oval tracks modeled after real locations. Players control a character inspired by the film's protagonist, competing against rivals whose names are altered from actual drivers.

Track design varies in length and banking, requiring drivers to learn distinct racing lines to avoid collisions. The competition includes both qualifying sessions and races, with pit stops being a challenging managerial element where the player directs a five member crew. Time lost here is consequential, as opponents do not make pit stops themselves.

This title brought licensed stock car racing to a gaming audience, with its mechanics prioritizing track knowledge and pit strategy over a direct narrative from the film. The available perspective is third person.

Days of Thunder Screenshots

10 images
Title screen
Intro - The cars speeding round the track
In the pits
Your in-car view
In-car cam - Cole Trickle
Racing down the Daytona 500 speedway
Coming into the pits
Another track in Atlanta
Racing!
Complete