Hollywood actor Tom Cruise is reportedly exploring the possibility of competing in an official ARCA Menards Series race as part of his preparations for the upcoming sequel to the 1990 racing film, Days of Thunder. The potential move was disclosed by NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell during an appearance at the Front Office Sports Tuned In event.
O’Donnell noted that he was surprised by the request from the 64-year-old actor, who is known for his commitment to performing his own stunts. While no official confirmation or race date has been set, the NASCAR executive acknowledged that Cruise is determined to make the film’s depiction of stock car racing as authentic as possible.
The NASCAR CEO stated, "I was shocked. We have an ARCA racing series, and Tom wanted to go race in one of those. I'm not sure that's going to happen, but he wants it to be as authentic as it can be." The organization is currently reviewing whether the actor would meet the necessary safety and qualification requirements.
Cruise is set to reprise his iconic role as Cole Trickle in the sequel, which is currently scheduled for release in 2028. The original film is credited with significantly boosting the profile of NASCAR, and the production team is working closely with the sport to ensure the new project reflects the modern era of racing.
To support the film's production, NASCAR is reportedly constructing a fleet of more than 80 race cars. O’Donnell emphasized that the film will move beyond the garage-built aesthetics of the original, focusing instead on the advanced technology and professional systems that define contemporary stock car racing.
The actor’s history with the sport dates back to 1987, when he tested a second-tier O'Reilly Auto Parts Series car at Daytona International Speedway to prepare for the first movie. Reports from that session indicated that Cruise reached speeds of nearly 180 mph during his time on the track.
The ARCA Menards Series, which was acquired by NASCAR in 2018, serves as a prominent developmental and feeder series. The 2027 season is set to feature 20 races across 19 tracks, beginning at Daytona International Speedway on February 20. The entry requirements for the series are generally accessible.
Several professional drivers have reportedly been in communication with the film’s production team to provide technical advice. Carson Hocevar, who competes for Spire Motorsports, has been consulting with the filmmakers since January to help capture the nuances of the sport for a new generation of viewers.
O’Donnell expressed optimism about the partnership, viewing the film as a major opportunity to introduce NASCAR to a wider audience. He noted that the production aims to explain complex elements of the sport, such as the points system and race formats, to ensure accessibility for casual viewers.
The sequel is being directed by Jonathan Levine and features actress Anne Hathaway alongside Cruise. Cruise is also serving as a producer on the project, working alongside Jerry Bruckheimer and Tommy Harper to bring the high-octane world of stock car racing back to the big screen.
While the prospect of a Hollywood star competing in a national touring series has generated significant attention, NASCAR has yet to confirm any specific plans. The organization maintains strict safety protocols for all participants, regardless of their background or experience level.
The involvement of such a high-profile figure could provide a substantial boost to the visibility of the ARCA Menards Series. As the production continues, the focus remains on balancing the cinematic requirements of the film with the professional standards of the sport.
For now, fans of both cinema and motorsport will have to wait for further updates regarding whether Cruise will actually take to the track in a competitive capacity. The actor’s stated goal remains to provide an authentic look at the sport for his global audience.
The upcoming film is expected to highlight the evolution of NASCAR over the past three decades. By showcasing the technological advancements and the competitive nature of the modern grid, the filmmakers hope to replicate the cultural impact of the 1990 original.
As the 2027 racing season approaches, the collaboration between the film production and NASCAR continues to develop. The sport’s leadership remains committed to using the movie as a platform to engage new fans and showcase the excitement of professional stock car racing.
NASCAR has not released further details regarding which tracks might be involved if a filming-related race were to occur. The series schedule includes a mix of ovals and road courses, providing a variety of environments for potential filming sequences.
The production scale of the sequel, involving over 80 custom-built vehicles, underscores the significance of the project to NASCAR. The organization is treating the film as a major promotional vehicle for the future of the sport.
Ultimately, the decision rests on whether the production can safely integrate a filming schedule into the existing ARCA calendar. O’Donnell’s comments reflect a willingness to explore the idea while maintaining the integrity of the series.
The anticipation for Days of Thunder 2 remains high, with the project expected to be one of the most significant sports-related films of the decade. The potential for a real-world racing appearance by its lead actor adds a unique layer of intrigue.
Whether or not Cruise makes an appearance on the grid, the collaboration between Hollywood and NASCAR is set to be a defining feature of the sport’s promotional efforts leading up to the 2028 release.
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