Jeff Gordon discusses Days of Thunder 2 and NASCAR’s Hollywood future, revealing he’s not set for a major movie comeback, but expressing excitement about the sport’s growing ties with the entertainment industry. Speaking as new collaborations and a potential blockbuster sequel swirl, Gordon’s candid perspective draws attention to NASCAR’s evolving pop culture presence and what this could mean for the sport’s next chapter.
Jeff Gordon’s Hollywood Connections and Racing Legacy
For decades, Jeff Gordon’s influence reached well beyond the track, with Hollywood doors opening in unique ways. After a victory at Kansas Speedway in 2003, he made his on-screen debut in Looney Tunes: Back in Action, shooting scenes in Las Vegas with his iconic No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet, chased in a comedic moment by Yosemite Sam. His film adventures continued—competing in a taxi race against the lead in 2004’s Taxi and delighting fans with a brief spot in Herbie: Fully Loaded the following year. Gordon’s impact extended to animation; in Pixar’s Cars 2 and Cars 3, he not only voiced Jeff Gorvette but contributed as a story consultant to ensure racing authenticity.
Despite these connections, Gordon has made it clear he is not returning to Hollywood stardom, even for an anticipated sequel with Tom Cruise. Days of Thunder, the 1990 film starring Cruise as Cole Trickle—a character inspired by Tim Richmond and featuring NASCAR legends like Richard Petty and Rusty Wallace—remains a cultural touchstone for NASCAR’s drama and spirit. During a recent appearance on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Gordon said,
Let’s do Days of Thunder 2, I am all for that. Tom Cruise has told me it’s gonna happen, so let’s make it happen. I can’t go back to driving, I am too old for that so gonna have to be one of our four or all four of our Hendrick drivers Alex Bowman, Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, William Byron when came into NASCAR Days of Thunder had just come out. It played a huge role in the growth of NASCAR. So let’s bring it back.
—Jeff Gordon, NASCAR Champion
Impact of Hollywood on NASCAR’s Popularity
Gordon’s forays into film and television helped propel NASCAR into the mainstream, reaching fans who might never have noticed stock car racing. As the first NASCAR driver to host Saturday Night Live in 2003 and a frequent guest on Live! With Regis and Kelly, Gordon became one of the sport’s most recognizable faces. Animated cameos on The Simpsons, interviews on the Late Show with David Letterman, and even segments on Sesame Street showcased his approachable image and connection with a diverse television audience. The buzz around a Days of Thunder sequel—especially if Gordon and Tom Cruise, who recently saw success with Mission Impossible, reunite—only adds to the excitement surrounding NASCAR’s pop culture renaissance.
The possibility of another Days of Thunder has not gone unnoticed by Gordon, who hinted at his involvement earlier this week:
I’ve absolutely talked to Tom about it because I want him to do the project, and we want to be a part of it if it were to happen.
—Jeff Gordon, NASCAR Champion
According to industry chatter, Cruise and Paramount are in preliminary discussions for the sequel, but no script or director has been secured. Gordon’s relationship with Cruise stretches back to at least 2015, when Cruise presented him with a surprise tribute at the NASCAR awards, further fueling speculation of a Hendrick Motorsports role in any upcoming project.
NASCAR’s New Hollywood Chapter: From Big Screen to Streaming
The ties between NASCAR and entertainment are deepening significantly through a new documentary effort. Prime Video is set to premiere ‘American Thunder: NASCAR to Le Mans’ on June 12, capturing NASCAR’s bold journey to compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. For the race’s 100th anniversary, Jim France, NASCAR’s chairman, chose Hendrick Motorsports to overhaul a Chevrolet Camaro, converting it from an oval-track race car to a machine fit for one of the world’s most challenging road courses.
The story follows the 18-month effort led by drivers Jimmie Johnson, Jenson Button, and Mike Rockenfeller, under Hendrick’s guidance. The documentary—produced by NASCAR Studios and executive produced by Jeff Gordon—serves as a tribute to the innovative and competitive spirit of American racing. Gordon has even offered his four Hendrick drivers—Alex Bowman, Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, and William Byron—for a possible Days of Thunder sequel, underscoring his enthusiasm for blending racing with Hollywood storytelling.
Gordon reflected on the changing landscape for NASCAR and its wider opportunities:
There’s this kind of resurgence, which is awesome, and there’s also a whole new landscape of opportunities with streaming services and docuseries and also the big screen, which I think it would be amazing to do. I am seeing just a lot more momentum in projects like this coming through NASCAR and coming to Hendrick Motorsports and just more interest. So that’s good, right? It talks a lot about where the sport is at, where it’s heading, the amazing crowd that was [at Daytona], not just today, new TV partners.
—Jeff Gordon, NASCAR Champion
The surge of content about NASCAR demonstrates a revived enthusiasm both from networks and new audiences, shaping potential big-screen projects and further documentary series. Gordon’s leadership and advocacy for driver involvement hint at more collaborative ventures ahead—both with Hollywood and within the racing world.
Chase Elliott’s Inspiring Mission in Atlanta
While Gordon looks to Hollywood for more NASCAR storytelling, star driver Chase Elliott turns attention back to the racetrack with his own meaningful project. At the upcoming Quaker State 400 at Atlanta’s Echopark Speedway on June 28, Elliott will debut a special Desi9n to Drive paint scheme created by 11-year-old cancer fighter Rhealynn Mills. This heartfelt initiative, now in its fifth year, invites a young patient from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to redesign not just Elliott’s car but also his Alpinestars firesuit, in partnership with NAPA and Hendrick Motorsports. The project transforms the race into a powerful symbol of hope and resilience for children battling illness.
Rhealynn’s artistic vision keeps the familiar blue-and-white NAPA colors while adding personal details, making both the Camaro and firesuit distinct expressions of courage. Elliott, touched by Rhealynn’s bravery, emphasized the importance of carrying her design. The annual program has raised millions for pediatric cancer care—an impact amplified by Elliott’s reputation and his 2020 Cup title. The design’s unveiling at Atlanta’s fan fest sparked emotional celebrations, as Rhealynn’s family and supporters rallied around her, with Elliott dedicated to racing in her honor.
Sitting fifth in points with two victories at his home track since 2022, Elliott is already a playoff contender. However, this event reaches beyond competition; his growing bond with Rhealynn and impressive community commitment illustrate another side to Hendrick Motorsports—a team where purpose often transcends the checkered flag. Fans have responded passionately on social media, celebrating the life-affirming message carried by Elliott’s newly designed car.
What Lies Ahead for NASCAR’s Hollywood Aspirations
The simultaneous momentum of a prospective Days of Thunder sequel and NASCAR’s expanding presence in documentaries signals a significant moment for the sport’s influence on popular culture. Jeff Gordon’s involvement at multiple levels—from the Le Mans documentary to his advocacy for a Days of Thunder revival—offers hope for fresh Hollywood partnerships and the possibility of renewed mainstream excitement. If realized, these developments promise to shape perceptions of NASCAR for new generations, blending competitive racing with drama, emotion, and storytelling that transcends the confines of the racetrack.
As Gordon’s open invitation for Hendrick’s stars to take a cinematic role suggests, the intersection of racing and entertainment is poised for a vibrant era. Whether or not Tom Cruise rejoins him for another Hollywood lap, the energy driving NASCAR’s resurgence continues both on the screen and in the heart of the sport’s community.
