Tom Cruise wants to race in NASCAR’s ARCA series as part of preparation for a potential “Days of Thunder” sequel, according to NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell. O’Donnell discusses the idea in an interview where he says Cruise has expressed that desire.
O’Donnell also indicates that a fourth “division romp” or film project may not happen, though he does not rule it out definitively. Reporting notes that the sequel would star Cruise as fictional NASCAR driver Cole Trickle, with Anne Hathaway also set to appear. The film is described as targeting a summer 2028 release, while outlets differ slightly in emphasis—some focus on Cruise’s stunt-driven approach and the racing preparation angle, others on O’Donnell’s comments about whether the project will move forward.
Overall, the sources agree that Cruise’s ARCA interest has been raised publicly via O’Donnell, but they present uncertainty about whether the racing and the sequel itself will ultimately proceed.
