Tom Cruise Shows Interest in Racing ARCA Car for Days of Thunder Sequel

NASCAR CEO Steve O'Donnell announced that Tom Cruise, at 64 years old, has shown interest in racing an ARCA car as part of his preparation for the sequel to the film Days of Thunder, which features him as the character Cole Trickle. The sequel is scheduled for release in the summer of 2028 and will also star Anne Hathaway.

During an interview, O'Donnell mentioned that Cruise's proposal to race in the ARCA Series, which is the fourth tier of stock car racing, was surprising. He noted that while Cruise is not the oldest driver to compete in ARCA, the idea reflects Cruise's commitment to authenticity in his role. O'Donnell recalled that Cruise previously tested a NASCAR Busch Series car in 1987, reaching speeds of 178 mph.

The production of the film will involve building at least 80 cars, and O'Donnell emphasized the importance of showcasing the current state of NASCAR, including its technological advancements. He also highlighted Cruise's role in attracting new fans to the sport and ensuring they understand NASCAR's structure and race formats.