Tom Cruise showcased his daredevil streak yet again by achieving a blistering speed of 178 mph in Rick Hendrick’s car at Daytona International Speedway, turning heads in the Rick Hendrick Daytona racing scene during a little-known 1987 test. The Hollywood icon, famous for performing his own stunts, has a real passion for racing and let his skills shine alongside top NASCAR and film personalities.
Tom Cruise’s Racing Ambitions at Daytona
Long before the release of the 1990 classic “Days of Thunder,” Tom Cruise was already exploring the world of professional motorsport. In January 1987, he visited Daytona International Speedway and took the wheel of a Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, immersing himself fully in the rigors of Busch (Xfinity) Series car testing. Cruise’s remarkable control during the session left onlookers stunned, especially when he posted a top speed of 178 mph, a feat few outside the professional ranks would ever attempt.
This extraordinary performance didn’t go unnoticed by established NASCAR names. The moment was highlighted in a recent social media post from @nascarman, confirming that Cruise handled Rick Hendrick’s machine with skill before engine issues ended his run prematurely. The event demonstrated that Cruise could compete as more than just a movie star—he had clear potential as a real racer.
Legends of Racing and Hollywood on the Same Track
Joining Cruise at Daytona was his friend and fellow actor, Paul Newman, whose own love for motorsport was well known. Newman didn’t just match Cruise; he surpassed him during their driving session, reaching an impressive 190 mph. Their budding partnership continued past this occasion, as Newman later introduced Cruise to Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) racing. Together, they competed in various events, most notably with the Newman/Sharp team and a Nissan 300ZX.
Cruise’s foray into the SCCA circuit saw him participate in sixteen races, chalking up several wins and fortifying his real-world racing credentials. This practical experience in motorsports became essential context for Cruise’s later portrayal of Cole Trickle, the daring race car driver in “Days of Thunder.”
The Making and Impact of “Days of Thunder”
Produced by Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Tony Scott, “Days of Thunder” assembled a notable cast including Nicole Kidman, Randy Quaid, Robert Duvall, Michael Rooker, and Cary Elwes. The movie drew inspiration from several prominent NASCAR figures such as Tim Richmond, Geoff Bodine, Bill France Jr., Dale Earnhardt Sr., Richard Childress, and Dale Earnhardt Jr., lending authenticity to its racing sequences.
Crafted on a budget of $60 million, the film experienced a mix of reviews but succeeded at the box office, ultimately grossing $157.9 million. This success stemmed in part from Cruise’s commitment, not just as an actor, but as a racing enthusiast who took genuine risks on and off the set. His chemistry with Nicole Kidman and the cast was as memorable as his willingness to push the envelope behind the wheel.
On-Set Dangers and Notorious Racing Scenes
One of the film’s most notable moments involved Cruise’s character, Cole Trickle, escorting Kidman’s Dr. Claire Lewicki on a thrilling sprint, blurring fiction and fact. Yet, a year before the movie’s release, in 1989, Cruise accepted a challenge that involved racing against NASCAR Truck Series veteran Jack Sprague, deepening his ties to the racing world.
Sprague recounted on Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s podcast how he was approached by then Hendrick Motorsports operations head, Jimmy Johnson, for a track meet-up with Cruise. Initially hesitant, Sprague arrived to find Cruise and Kidman strapped in a Late Model stock car, an experience that brought genuine concern for both, as neither had significant experience in such a high-speed machine.
“He goes out there with her, and he’s—Tom Cruise—only three-tenths slower,”
recalled Jack Sprague. — Jack Sprague, NASCAR Truck Series legend
“And he’s running by himself. I’m like, ‘Oh no.’ Yeah, that’s crazy. If he hit something, there’s going to be parts everywhere.”
— Jack Sprague, NASCAR Truck Series legend
Despite the inherent risks, Cruise’s willingness to embrace real stakes on the track earned the respect of established racers. Sprague, witnessing Cruise’s performance firsthand, emphasized that Cruise was much more than a thrill-seeking actor—he was a skilled driver who could hold his own among professionals.
Real-World Racing Experience Benefitting Hollywood
The experiences alongside legends like Paul Newman and Jack Sprague, plus racing for the Newman/Sharp SCCA team, gave Cruise unique insights into the nuances of motorsports. Not only did this shape his performance in the film, it forged connections with NASCAR greats such as Richard Petty and Rusty Wallace, further rooting him in the sport’s culture.
“Days of Thunder” remains an enduring highlight for NASCAR fans not just because of the Hollywood sheen or box office numbers, but for the authenticity and danger Cruise brought to the screen—a blend of reality and drama forged on the racetrack with figures like Rick Hendrick and his team.
Enduring Legacy and Continued Influence
The partnership between Tom Cruise, Rick Hendrick, and other real-world racing personalities underscores a cross-section of Hollywood and motorsport that few actors have fully explored. Cruise’s exploits in Rick Hendrick Daytona racing circles have left a legacy that inspires both filmmakers and aspiring drivers alike. As Formula 1: The Movie continues to garner attention, speculation abounds about whether Cruise might return to racing—and perhaps even bring back the spirit of Cole Trickle for another fast-paced lap around the NASCAR circuit.
January 3, 1987: Tom Cruise and Paul Newman tested a Busch Series car for Hendrick Motorsports at Daytona
Newman made laps over 190 mph while Cruise got up to 178 mph before pitting with engine troubles pic.twitter.com/GoWWJDRid1
— nascarman (@nascarman_rr) January 3, 2026
