When the driver and Bernie meet at the track after a test run of the driver's skill, Bernie says 'nice to meet you' and extends his hand for a handshake. Yet the driver refuses at first citing a (bs) reason of his hands being 'dirty'. Even when he accepts we see that it's barebones non-enthusiastic handshake played masterfully by Ryan Gosling.
- Why did the driver not shake the guy's hand?
- Did he recognize him from his ties to the criminal underworld? We know he doesn't like people from that part of his life (from the diner scene later), it would probably make sense.