NASCAR CEO: TOM CRUISE WANTS TO RACE IN ARCA FOR 'DAYS OF THUNDER 2'

"I’m not sure that’s going to happen, but he wants it to be as authentic as it can be."

Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/James Lang

Over 25 years following Days of Thunder’s original release in 1990, the cult classic’s long-awaited sequel is slated to hit theaters in 2028, with Tom Cruise reprising his role as Cole Trickle, a dirt open-wheel racer who enters the NASCAR Cup Series despite zero experience with stock car racing.

According to NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell, who discussed the upcoming film at Front Office Sports’ Tuned In conference on Tuesday, Cruise, who is famous for doing as many of his own stunts as possible, wants to get behind the wheel for real this time around.

“I was shocked. We have an ARCA racing series … Tom wanted to go race in one of those,” O’Donnell said. “I’m not sure that’s going to happen, but he wants it to be as authentic as it can be.”

While preparing for the first film in 1987, Cruise tested a second-tier O’Reilly Auto Parts Series car at Daytona, topping out at nearly 180 MPH.

ARCA is a minor, semi-professional national touring series that serves as a feeder series into NASCAR. The ARCA Menards Series will begin its 20-race schedule for 2027 at Daytona on Feb. 20, making stops at other iconic racing tracks such as Talladega.

It’ll be up to the discretion of NASCAR, which acquired ARCA in 2018, whether a 64-year-old Cruise will be qualified to race in the series. However, the barrier to entry is relatively low compared to the Truck, O’Reilly, or Cup Series, with 15-year-olds and even YouTube star Cleetus McFarland competing in the past.

O’Donnell says that the Hollywood icon wants the sequel to be as authentic as possible. Several drivers have said they’ve communicated with the filmmakers to help achieve that authenticity, answering questions about racing, and offering advice on stories and scenes, per USA Today. Carson Hocevar, who drives the No. 77 Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports, has been in communication with Cruise’s team since January for the film.

“I think if you look at the first one, it showcased what NASCAR was at the time. And so, in talking to Tom Cruise when he was at Daytona, it’s all about where we are today and going forward,” O’Donnell said. “It’s embracing, you know, instead of a car being put together back in the garage, it’s embracing the technology, everything that goes into the sport. And Tom’s message to us was, ‘I’m going to put you in front of an entirely new audience, and you need to be ready.'”

Jonathan Levine will direct the film, with Oscar-winning actress Anne Hathaway starring alongside Cruise, who is also producing the sequel with Jerry Bruckheimer and Tommy Harper.

O’Donnell is looking at the upcoming blockbuster as a prime opportunity to grow the sport.

“Do people understand the point system? How does the Chase work? How long are your races? All these things to make sure that a new fan who may come out to the racetrack understands,” the CEO said. “Because for us, this is a whole new open door for us to bring new fans.”

- Qwame Skinner