CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – NASCAR is reportedly building more than 80 race cars for an upcoming movie starring one of the most iconic American actors.
Tom Cruise announced in an Aug. 29 social media post that a “Days of Thunder” sequel is set to come out in the summer of 2028.
The original 1990 film became a favorite among race fans, and was among the top-grossing films of that year at the box office.
NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell talked about the “Days of Thunder” sequel in a live podcast-style interview with Front Office Sports on Tuesday, Oct. 13.
“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,’” O’Donnell said.
“And so there’s some things we’ll work together on. You know, do people understand the points system? How does The Chase work? How long are your races? All these things kind of to make sure that a new fan who may come out to the race track understands. Because for us, this is a whole new open door for us to bring new fans.”
O’Donnell said the original “Days of Thunder” showcased what NASCAR was in the 1990s. He suggested the new one would showcase what NASCAR is like now, and would embrace the technology and “everything that goes into the sport.”
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The CEO also revealed an interesting request from Cruise.
Apparently, the legendary actor wanted to actually race in a real event to make the movie authentic.
O’Donnell said he was “shocked” by the request.
“I’m not sure that’s going to happen,” O’Donnell said of Cruise racing. “But he wants it to be as authentic as it can be. We’ll still see how the story lines, but all that’s playing out right now. I will tell you, we’re producing probably over 80 race cars that are going to be part of this. Some we don’t expect to be back, that they’ll be wrecked.”
O’Donnell said the wrecked cars may be taken and left in places across the country and globe to help grow interest in NASCAR.
“You look at this long term of, OK, you’ve got race cars, some of them have been wrecked in the movie. Where can we leave these?” the CEO said in the Oct. 13 interview. “It’s an opportunity for us across the board.”
The new “Days of Thunder” is reportedly scheduled to start filming in March 2027. It is set to release in theaters on June 2, 2028.
Starring alongside Cruise, who will reprise his role as “Cole Trickle,” will be fellow acting icon Anne Hathaway. Cruise confirmed in an interview with Pat McAfee that Trickle’s character will return as a driver.
It is not yet clear where all the movie will film. The original included many locations around the Charlotte area, and filmed at multiple tracks across the Carolinas.
NASCAR is reportedly building 80 race cars for the new “Days of Thunder” movie.(AP photos)Click here for more sports coverage
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