A follow-up to the iconic racing film Days of Thunder is officially in the works, with Tom Cruise set to reprise his celebrated role as Cole Trickle. The sequel, provisionally titled Days of Thunder 2, is targeting a 2026 release. While specifics are still under wraps, Hollywood insiders suggest the story could see Cruise’s character navigating new challenges and confronting contemporary rivals, and rumors circulate about NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon joining the project.
Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses Intensify Buzz
Adding fuel to the excitement, Hendrick Motorsports recently unveiled 23 behind-the-scenes photos, revealing Cruise in action during production. These images capture the superstar inside a race car and mingling on set, sparking additional speculation about what the sequel might hold for fans and the racing community.
Tom Cruise’s Real Racing Experience and Rick Hendrick Racing Partnership
Tom Cruise’s connection to motorsports goes deeper than his cinematic roles—he has a history of racing on actual tracks. In 1987, he took on professional racing in the IMSA Firestone Firehawk Grand Sports endurance event at Road Atlanta. That year, Rick Hendrick joined him, forming a notable Rick Hendrick racing partnership on the endurance circuit. Cruise had previously participated in SCCA events as well, gaining firsthand experience with the intense demands placed on drivers.
During the IMSA race at Road Atlanta, a demanding three-hour event, Cruise and Hendrick faced significant challenges. A pit stop mishap, specifically a refueling problem, halted their progress and forced their team to settle for a 14th-place finish after logging 97 laps on the 2.52-mile circuit. Despite the setback, the endurance format allowed Cruise to better understand the real-life pressures racers endure each week.
“It was a lot of fun. I got a lot of seat time, and it was fun racing with those guys. The first three laps were like a demolition derby. Guys were bouncing off each other. After that, it settled down, and we had some good racing,”
said Cruise, reflecting on the experience.
Racing Challenges and Team Performance
Cruise began the event behind the wheel of a Nissan 300 ZX Turbo, starting from the 15th spot. He drove for the first 80 minutes and reached ninth place before handing over to Hendrick at lap 50. A refueling issue during their pit stop stretched their time in the pits to two minutes, which allowed competitors to gain ground and dropped the team to nineteenth place when Hendrick got behind the wheel again.
This race marked not only a milestone for Cruise but also Rick Hendrick’s first foray into street-stock racing. John Heinricy from Holly, Michigan, and Stuart Hayner from Yorba Linda, California, claimed victory at the event, while Cruise and Hendrick prioritized finishing the race and absorbing valuable lessons from the endurance challenge.
What Days of Thunder 2 Could Mean for Cruise and Motorsports
Now 63, Tom Cruise is preparing to return to racing, this time bringing his own legacy and experience to the screen as a mentor. Early reports suggest the new film’s story will see him guiding the next generation of drivers, tackling issues like advancing technology and changing competitor dynamics in the world of NASCAR. The script is set to focus on themes of legacy, redemption, and competitive spirit, while celebrating the sport’s evolving landscape.
Additional rumors hint at Margot Robbie possibly joining as a fresh face in the cast, with appearances from familiar faces from the original film a likely possibility. As anticipation builds, the Rick Hendrick racing partnership and Cruise’s return continue to drive excitement for this high-octane Hollywood comeback.
The sequel’s impact could be significant, bridging classic racing storytelling with contemporary motorsports, capturing both long-time fans and new audiences when it hits theaters in 2026.
