Running on Empty (1982)

"I like cars." - Mike

aka: Fast Lane Fever
A young man gets caught up in the dangers of street racing.
Starring: Terry Serio, Deborah Conway, Max Cullen, Gerry Sont, Richard Moir

Link to IMDB

Mike

Illegal street racing is a dangerous and deadly game, but that's just how the Ace Club likes it. They're a gang of rowdy young adults with suped-up muscle cars, and they live for the thrill of recklessly driving in the city streets.

Mike is a local mechanic that dreams of becoming a professional racer, but when he starts dating Julie he finds himself in trouble with the Aces. Julie is the ex-girlfriend of Fox, the cruel leader of the gang, and he forces Mike into accepting the challenge of a street race.

Mike loses the first race, but since they're competing for best 2 out of 3 he's given a week to fix his car and try again. Desperately in need of new parts for his engine, Mike decides to go to the country and race some of the inexperienced kids to win their money. Julie and their pal Tony pile into the car and join Mike on this road trip.



At first things are going as planned, Mike's car is fast enough to earn him some money and they meet a cool old racer named Rebel that offers them advice and hospitality. But when they piss of the wrong rednecks, Mike's car gets destroyed and he barely escapes with his life!
Luckily, Rebel comes to his rescue, and with one car-fixing montage later he helps Mike get his car back on the road and faster than ever. He heads back into the city, now prepared to beat Fox in the next race... The third act goes where you least expect when tragedy strikes again!

"You're puttin' on the agony, mate, but you're missin' all the style!" - Rebel

Julie                                            Rebel                                                      Fox

The final half hour does get a bit needlessly convoluted and there's an unnecessary subplot about two wacky police officers, but it is refreshing to see Mike's story take some unexpected twists.
There's a certain desolation and brutal honesty that American films of the same genre rarely seem to have. The movie shows a realistic portrayal of growing up in the dangerous subculture of racing, instead of just glamorizing speeding. Yet it's still an energetic (and often humorous) adventure with beautiful cars getting the chance to shine in some satisfying racing scenes.

It may be a bumpy ride in a few places, but it remains a cult classic story about cars, rebels and the bonds of friendship.

Be sure not to miss:
- The philosophical musings of Rebel.
- Fox and the gang constantly call Mike "Piss Off" to the point where it becomes normal.
- The final moment is a bit bonkers, to say the least.

Internet review:
"sweet muscle car racing and pulpy eighties australian cool." - sly3

Should I watch it?
Yeah, the vibes here are good.

Where can I find it?
Here on YouTube.

Running on Empty gets...