Buzz around a potential Days of Thunder sequel is building after producer Jerry Bruckheimer revealed he is prepared to reunite with Tom Cruise for another installment, sparking widespread enthusiasm within NASCAR circles. Among those expressing interest, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has made it clear that if the Dale Earnhardt Jr. Days of Thunder sequel is made, he wants to be part of it, potentially in a surprising new role.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Voices Immediate Interest in the Sequel
Ever since the word spread about a follow-up to the iconic 1990 racing film, speculation has surged about which members of the NASCAR world could appear, whether as drivers, crew members, or on-air personalities. Dale Earnhardt Jr. made his intentions obvious, sharing his excitement and desire to participate if the opportunity arises.
“No question, yes. That’s an automatic yes,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Broadcaster and former NASCAR driver
“Yeah. I would damn sure be interested in doing that. And I think that’s the way that anybody feels in the industry, right? If you’re a current driver, you’d absolutely want an opportunity to be a part of that.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Broadcaster and former NASCAR driver
Tom Cruise, who played Cole Trickle, the ambitious young racer in the original Days of Thunder, has signaled his enthusiasm for the new project. The original film grossed more than $157 million internationally and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Sound, giving it lasting recognition within and beyond the racing community.
A Unique Role for Earnhardt Jr. in Mind
Earnhardt Jr. has gone beyond simply expressing interest, mentioning the possibility of taking part as a broadcaster—an area he knows well since his transition from racing to TV commentary. He emphasized the need for real broadcasting expertise in a racing film, suggesting a natural fit for himself and hinting at opportunities for others in the field.
“This movie, if ever made, will — and I’m putting myself, putting my neck out there — but this movie, if ever made, will need, at some point in the movie, some broadcasting chops,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Broadcaster and former NASCAR driver
“So there will be a lot of people eager to find out if they’re the ones that will get called up for that.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Broadcaster and former NASCAR driver
With both major movie creators and NASCAR stars ready to get involved, the excitement continues to mount. The involvement of established names like Earnhardt Jr. would help add authenticity to the sequel and expand its appeal among fans of the sport.
Racing World Eagerly Awaits Next Steps
Momentum appears to be on the side of a second Days of Thunder film finally becoming reality. Support is strong at every level, and the addition of Dale Earnhardt Jr. could provide the credibility needed to bridge NASCAR culture and Hollywood storytelling. The wider racing community, including drivers and broadcasters, seems poised to back the project if it gets an official green light.
“I don’t know. I would do anything they would ask me to do to try to support it,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Broadcaster and former NASCAR driver
“But because I feel like it’s what you’re supposed to do.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Broadcaster and former NASCAR driver
If the project heads into production, fans can look forward to seeing real racing personalities like Earnhardt Jr. potentially bring their on-track and broadcast experience to the big screen, adding fresh depth to the sequel. For now, the racing world waits to see how the latest chapter for Cole Trickle and the Days of Thunder franchise will unfold.
