NASCAR CEO: Tom Cruise wants to race in ARCA for ‘Days of Thunder 2’

October 14, 2026

Tom Cruise’s *Days of Thunder 2* sequel, set for a 2028 release, is pushing the boundaries of authenticity—including a surprising request from the star himself. According to NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell, Cruise, known for performing his own stunts, has expressed interest in racing in the ARCA Menards Series, a developmental touring series that serves as a stepping stone to NASCAR’s top tiers.

While the 64-year-old actor’s participation remains uncertain, O’Donnell noted that ARCA’s lower barrier to entry—compared to NASCAR’s Truck, Xfinity, or Cup Series—could make it feasible, especially given its history of welcoming younger or less-experienced drivers, such as 15-year-olds or YouTube personalities like Cleetus McFarland. The film, directed by Jonathan Levine and produced by Cruise alongside Jerry Bruckheimer and Tommy Harper, aims to reflect modern NASCAR’s technological advancements, with input from current drivers like Carson Hocevar of Spire Motorsports, who has been advising Cruise’s team since January.

O’Donnell framed the project as a chance to introduce new fans to the sport, emphasizing clarity on NASCAR’s point system, Chase format, and race lengths to ensure viewers understand the game’s intricacies. The ARCA season kicks off in February 2027 at Daytona International Speedway, with stops at iconic tracks like Talladega, setting the stage for a film that blends Hollywood spectacle with real racing immersion.