Tom Cruise has expressed interest in running a legit NASCAR race. The 64-year-old actor is set to star in the “Days of Thunder 2″ movie, a sequel to the hit racing movie released in 1990.
In order to make the sequel as authentic as possible, the well-renowned actor is interested in competing in a ARCA Menards Series race. Cruise’s interest in getting behind the wheel was revealed by NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell.
Although it would make for quite the story, O’Donnell is not sure yet if such a thing can happen.
Tom Cruise Expressed Interest in Running ARCA Race, Per Steve O’Donnell
O’Donnell’s comments regarding Cruise’s desire to run a legitimate NASCAR race was brought up during the Front Office Sports “Tuned In” media day. Brought to light on X by motorsports reporter Jeff Gluck.
O’Donnell is uncertain that Cruise could actually compete given he has never raced in any form of motorsports before. Cruise’s itch to get behind the wheel is wanting to make “Days of Thunder 2” seem as real as can be.
“Steve O’Donnell said at the Front Office Sports “Tuned In” media event today that Tom Cruise has an expressed an interest in running an ARCA race. ‘Tom wanted to go race in one of those. I’m not sure that’s going to happen. But he wants (Days of Thunder) to be as authentic as it can be,'” Gluck wrote via X.
Cruise appeared at the regular-season finale Cup Series race at the Daytona International Speedway to reveal that “Days of Thunder 2” is in the works. The movie will star Cruise, who played “Cole Trickle” in the original movie.
Actress Anne Hathaway will co-star in the movie alongside Cruise. The expected release for the film is June 2, 2028.
NASCAR plans to build over 80 cars and to shoot film at actual NASCAR tracks for the making of the movie. O’Donnell said Cruise is thrilled about the opportunity to bring the hit racing movie back to life.
“You better be ready for this. …People are going to tune in that have never seen a race,” O’Donnell recalls Cruise saying to NASCAR officials.
‘Days of Thunder’ Original Film Put NASCAR in The Spotlight
The original “Days of Thunder” was nothing short of a success. Released on June 27, 1990 by Paramount Pictures, the movie starring Cruise grossed $157.6 million worldwide despite a production budget of $60 million.
The plot surrounded Cruise as “Cole Trickle,” a young, up-and-coming rookie who took on the veteran driver “Rowdy Burns,” a character played by Michael Rooker. The movie was filmed at various NASCAR tracks, even during actual races.
“Days of Thunder” continues to resonate with NASCAR fans some three-and-a-half decades later. The late Kyle Busch, NASCAR’s winningest overall driver, paid homage to the movie with his “Rowdy” nickname that he was known for over his illustrious career.
There is a ton of buzz surrounding the making of “Days of Thunder 2” and how it will turn out. One thing that is for sure is that Cruise has added an extra element of excitement for the movie sequel with his intentions to possibly compete in an actual NASCAR race in the future.
Tom Cruise Expresses Interest In Running a NASCAR Race