New Look, New Name for 2003 ASCAR "Days of Thunder" Series

01 May 2003

The ASCAR racing series will start the 2003 season with a new look, a new name, more drivers than ever before, and a whole raft of new initiatives to widen audience appeal and introduce new faces to motor sport. One thing though, will stay the same; non-stop excitement both on and off the track at Rockingham in Northamptonshire from round 1 on May 11, to the fourteenth and final chequered flag of the season on 28 September.

‘Days of Thunder’ – Its official!
The official title of the 2003 series is now the Days of Thunder racing series. An official agreement between Rockingham and Paramount Films in California has sanctioned the use of the movie title as a self-descriptive name for the only European racing series to use cars similar to those used in the film.

The movie, a box office hit in 1990, remains a household name. Starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, the spectacular driving action sequences on American racing ovals won the film an Oscar nomination and are truly breathtaking. The racing at Rockingham over the past few years has demonstrated that you can see the same action for real!

“We’ve chosen the title ‘Days of Thunder’ because we deliver the same as the movie, fastmoving spectacular racing entertainment” says Rockingham Chief Executive Ashley Pover. “The term ASCAR is well-known by racing enthusiasts, but we need both to deliver their expectations and also expand our audience base. ‘Days of Thunder’ is instantly recognisable and sums up exactly what Rockingham offers. We deliver what it says on the box!”

As part of Rockingham's commitment to making the Days of Thunder series an all-out entertainment feast for all the family, the opening May 11 Days of Thunder event will feature a special appearance by chartsmashing band, Busted. It is planned that the Busted stars will drop in on Rockingham by helicopter to enjoy the racing and meet fans. They will also take an adrenaline-pumping spin with professional race drivers in the ‘Days of Thunder’ V8 American racing saloons. As a part of the Corby Wheels project, local bands including BARB, Black Light Myth and Arcane Enigma will be performing at Rockingham on the race day and Busted are expected to join them on stage.

“We’re really excited to be hosting Busted, the May 11 event promises something for everyone” says Rockingham’s Chief Executive Ashley Pover. “As well as the motor racing, and entertainment from Busted, there’ll be the local bands and the Corby Wheel project’s skateboarding, BMX-ing and inline skating arena, plus the Skyline restaurant and merchandise shop. Our aim is to make May 11 at Rockingham real day to remember!”

See series calendar for ASCAR Days of Thunder Series

See events calendar for Rockingham