Robert Duvall. DOUG HOKE/THE OKLAHOMAN via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Robert Duvall delivered an iconic line forever associated with NASCAR

By Samuel Stubbs | Last updated Feb 17, 2026 8:33 AM ET

Released in 1990, "Days of Thunder" is arguably the most iconic NASCAR film of all-time.

The film chronicles the rise of driver Cole Trickle, played by Tom Cruise, and his journey as he navigates the difficulties of racing in the NASCAR Cup Series.

One man is beside Trickle throughout his journey: crew chief Harry Hogge, portrayed by Robert Duvall.

Duvall died Sunday at age 95, and while "Days of Thunder" was not his most well-known role, it did spark one of the most iconic phrases in the current NASCAR lexicon.

Robert Duvall's iconic line

As Trickle, said to be a former sprint car racer looking to one day race in IndyCar, adjusts to big-league stock car racing, Duvall's character utters a line that will forever be ingrained in NASCAR lore.

Following contact with fellow driver Rowdy Burns in a race, played by Michael Rooker, an upset Trickle relays to Hogge that Burns slammed into him.

Duvall's character responds with the now-iconic line, "He didn't slam into you, he didn't bump you, he didn't nudge you. He rubbed you. And rubbin', son, is racin'."

Rest in peace to Robert Duvall.

Duvall was known as playing Crew Chief Harry Hogge in Days of Thunder and teaching the world rubbin’ is racin’. pic.twitter.com/f1bNk6lDa3
— Motorsport (@Motorsport) February 16, 2026

That line is used constantly by fans and individuals in the NASCAR industry on a weekly basis, especially at short tracks where contact between drivers isn't only tolerated or encouraged.

Rubbin' is indeed racin' and has always been, but Duvall made sure that phrase would never fade.

Robert Duvall's other iconic "Days of Thunder" moments

Duvall's character of Harry Hogge was inspired by real-life NASCAR crew chief Harry Hyde, who won 56 NASCAR races and the 1970 championship during his time atop the pit box. One of the drivers he worked with, Tim Richmond, was a loose inspiration for Cruise's character of Cole Trickle.

Duvall has several other iconic moments in "Days of Thunder," including a scene where he and Trickle's pit crew refuse to let Trickle pit while they eat ice cream in the pits.

At the end of the film when Trickle and Hogge win the Daytona 500, the pair race each other down pit road en route to Daytona's hallowed victory lane.

Samuel Stubbs

Hailing from the same neck of the woods as NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin, Samuel has been covering NASCAR for Yardbarker since February 2024. He has been a member of the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) since October of 2024. When he’s not writing about racing, Samuel covers Arkansas Razorback basketball for Yardbarker

More must-reads: