Jeff Gordon Pushes for a "Days of Thunder" Sequel with Tom Cruise
In a recent interview at Daytona International Speedway, NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon expressed his enthusiasm for a sequel to the 1990 racing film Days of Thunder, starring Tom Cruise. Gordon revealed that he has been in direct communication with Cruise about reviving the project, emphasizing his desire for the film to come to fruition. "I’ve absolutely talked to Tom about it because I want him to do the project," Gordon said. "We want to be a part of it if it were to happen." The news comes after The Hollywood Reporter stated in November that Cruise had discussed a potential follow-up with Paramount Pictures, reigniting hope among NASCAR fans and film enthusiasts alike.
Gordon, who is now the vice chairman at Hendrick Motorsports, has remained a close friend of Cruise since the actor attended Gordon’s retirement banquet in 2015. This friendship could play a significant role in bringing the project to life, especially given Hendrick Motorsports’ influence in the NASCAR world. Gordon and Cruise’s relationship, coupled with the cult following of the original film, has fans optimistic about the possibility of a sequel. Reflecting on the potential, Gordon said, "He seems to like to tease it, so I don’t know. We’ll see what happens."
The Legacy of "Days of Thunder" and Its Impact on NASCAR
Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics at the time of its release, Days of Thunder has become a cult classic within NASCAR circles. The film, which follows the story of Cole Trickle (played by Tom Cruise), a young and ambitious stock car driver, was loosely based on the real-life story of NASCAR driver Tim Richmond. Over the years, the film has gained a loyal fan base, with memorable lines like "Rubbin’, son, is racin’" (spoken by Robert Duvall’s character, Harry Hogge) becoming iconic within the NASCAR community.
The film played a pivotal role in introducing NASCAR to a broader audience, many of whom had little to no exposure to stock car racing before its release. While there had been other racing films prior to Days of Thunder, such as Thunder Road, Grand Prix, and Smokey and the Bandit, none had captured the essence of NASCAR in such a mainstream way. Gordon, who won the Daytona 500 alongside Hendrick Motorsports and driver William Byron in 2023, acknowledged the film’s significance, saying, "Hard to imagine how you pull that off today because they actually had race cars with cameras in the race, and the cameras were big. Cameras have gotten a lot smaller so maybe you could pull it off, but how do you do it and make it realistic and really authentic?"
NASCAR’s Struggles and Successes in Hollywood
Since the release of Days of Thunder, NASCAR has had a mixed record when it comes to its portrayal in films and television. For every success like Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (starring Will Ferrell), there have been far more misses, such as Kevin James’ Netflix series The Crew, which failed to resonate with audiences. Despite these challenges, Gordon remains optimistic about NASCAR’s future in the entertainment industry. "I am seeing just a lot more momentum in projects like coming through NASCAR and coming to Hendrick Motorsports and just more interest," he said. "So that’s good, right? It talks a lot about where the sport is at, where it’s heading, the amazing crowd that was here all weekend, not just today, new TV partners."
Gordon believes that the growing interest in NASCAR, combined with advancements in technology, could pave the way for more authentic and engaging storytelling about the sport. However, he also acknowledges the challenges of capturing the intensity and realism of racing on the big screen. With smaller cameras and more advanced filming techniques, it may be possible to create a more immersive experience for viewers. Still, the key to success lies in ensuring that any new project remains true to the spirit of NASCAR and its passionate fan base.
Tom Cruise and the Allure of "Days of Thunder"
Tom Cruise, who was riding high on the success of Top Gun when he conceived the idea for Days of Thunder, has long been fascinated by the world of racing. The film allowed him to combine his love of speed and drama, creating a character in Cole Trickle that has endured in popular culture. While the film was criticized at the time for its over-the-top portrayal of NASCAR, it has since become a beloved part of the sport’s history. Gordon, who was inspired by Trickle’s character during his own racing career, believes that Cruise’s involvement in a sequel could bring a new level of excitement to the project.
Cruise’s reputation as a hands-on actor who pushes the limits of realism in his films could also be an asset in creating a more authentic sequel. From performing daring stunts in the Mission: Impossible franchise to immersing himself in the world of racing for Days of Thunder, Cruise has consistently shown a commitment to authenticity. If a sequel were to move forward, fans can expect that Cruise would bring the same level of dedication to the project, ensuring that it honors the legacy of the original while introducing NASCAR to a new generation of viewers.
The Future of NASCAR in Film and Media
Looking ahead, Jeff Gordon is confident that NASCAR’s future in film and media is bright. With increased interest from Hollywood and a growing fan base, the sport is poised for a resurgence in popularity. "If that doesn’t happen, I feel pretty confident there’s a project out there that will get NASCAR back on the big screen, if not just a really cool docuseries or something beyond even what we’re already seeing right now," Gordon said. His comments reflect a broader optimism within the NASCAR community about the sport’s potential to tell compelling stories that resonate with audiences.
As NASCAR continues to evolve, both on and off the track, it’s likely that we’ll see more projects that celebrate its rich history and vibrant culture. Whether it’s through a sequel to Days of Thunder or entirely new ventures, the sport has a wealth of material to draw from. With the right approach, NASCAR could once again capture the hearts of moviegoers and inspire a new generation of fans to become part of its legacy.
Conclusion: A New Era for NASCAR and Hollywood
Jeff Gordon’s push for a Days of Thunder sequel with Tom Cruise highlights the enduring appeal of NASCAR and its potential to captivate audiences through film. While the original movie may have been flawed, its impact on the sport and its fans cannot be overstated. As NASCAR continues to grow and evolve, it’s clear that there are countless stories waiting to be told—stories of speed, passion, and the unwavering dedication of the people who make the sport what it is.
With the support of figures like Jeff Gordon and Tom Cruise, the possibilities for NASCAR in Hollywood are limitless. Whether it’s through a sequel, a docuseries, or entirely new projects, the sport is poised to reintroduce itself to the world in exciting and innovative ways. For fans of racing, film, or both, the future looks bright indeed.
