Roadracers (1994 film)

Roadracers is a 1994 American neo-noir crime film directed by Robert Rodriguez and starring David Arquette, Salma Hayek, John Hawkes, and Danny Trejo. It is the second film in the Rebel Highway anthology series, a collection of reimagined B-movies made for Showtime.

The film is set in a 1950s-era small town and follows Dude Delaney (Arquette), a rebellious greaser with a passion for rock and roll and fast cars. He clashes with the local sheriff (William Sadler) and a rival gang, led by Teddy (Jason Wiles), which escalates into violence and ultimately tragedy. Dude is torn between his ambitions to escape the town and his loyalty to his friends and girlfriend, Donna (Hayek).

Roadracers is known for its distinctive visual style, characteristic of Rodriguez's early work, and its blend of genres, including elements of drama, action, and dark comedy. The film explores themes of rebellion, youth culture, and the struggle for identity in a restrictive environment. It also features a rockabilly soundtrack. While initially a made-for-television movie, Roadracers helped to further establish Rodriguez's career and contributed to the cult following of the Rebel Highway series.