NASCAR building more than 80 race cars for Tom Cruise's 'Days of Thunder' sequel

NASCAR expects to build more than 80 race cars for the upcoming sequel to the 1990 film "Days of Thunder," the sport's chief executive said, according to a WBTV report distributed by Gray News and carried by Dakota News Now, WIS, WLBT and WABI.

NASCAR CEO Steve O'Donnell discussed the project during a live, podcast-style interview with Front Office Sports on Oct. 13, the report said. He indicated that a portion of the cars built for the production would not survive filming. "Some we don't expect to be back; they'll be wrecked," O'Donnell said, as quoted by WBTV.

According to the report, O'Donnell suggested that damaged cars from the film could later be placed at sites in the United States and abroad as a way to build interest in the sport. He described the plan as a long-term opportunity for NASCAR.

O'Donnell also said Tom Cruise, who is returning to the lead role, had asked to compete in an actual race so the film would feel authentic. The CEO said he was surprised by the request and signaled doubt that it would be granted. "I'm not sure that's going to happen," he said, according to WBTV.

The NASCAR executive said Cruise told the organization that the movie would bring the sport before a new audience and that it should prepare. O'Donnell said NASCAR plans to work with the production on helping newcomers understand elements such as the points system, the playoff format known as The Chase and the length of races. He called the film a fresh path to attracting fans.

While the original movie reflected NASCAR as it existed in the 1990s, O'Donnell said the sequel is expected to depict the sport as it is today, including its technology, the report said.

Cruise announced the sequel in an Aug. 29 social media post, according to WBTV. The report said filming is scheduled to begin in March 2027, with a theatrical release set for June 2, 2028.

Cruise will again play the driver Cole Trickle, and Anne Hathaway will also star, the report said. Cruise confirmed during an interview with Pat McAfee that his character will return as a driver.

Filming locations have not been announced, WBTV reported. The 1990 original, which ranked among the highest-grossing films of its year and became popular with racing fans, was shot at several tracks in the Carolinas and at many locations around Charlotte, North Carolina.

Compiled by True News from reporting by Dakota News Now, WIS, WLBT and WABI. Each outlet's original story is linked below.

Originally published by True News: https://truenews.bagleyenterprises.net/stories/220