NASCAR Builds More Than 80 Cars for Days of Thunder 2

NASCAR is preparing an expanded fleet of more than 80 race cars for Days of Thunder 2, the upcoming sequel starring Tom Cruise and Anne Hathaway. NASCAR CEO Steve O'Donnell disclosed the production plans during an October 12, 2026, interview with The Wall Street Journal, as the racing organization seeks to introduce stock car competition to a broader audience through the film.

The project is scheduled to reach theaters on June 2, 2028, according to reports from Yahoo Sports, Heavy, and Motorsport.com. Filming is planned at actual NASCAR tracks, although the production has not disclosed which venues will appear or how the vehicles will be divided among racing scenes, stunts, and camera work.

The scale of the new fleet exceeds the requirements of the original Days of Thunder, released on June 27, 1990. According to the American Film Institute's production history, filmmakers purchased 60 race cars for that movie, with Hendrick Motorsports helping prepare vehicles for filming.

NASCAR's involvement in the sequel extends beyond providing access to tracks. O'Donnell sees the production as an opportunity to attract viewers who have not previously followed the sport, continuing an effort to increase its mainstream visibility.

Recalling Cruise's message to NASCAR officials, O'Donnell described the actor's expectations for the film's potential audience.

"You better be ready for this. …People are going to tune in that have never seen a race," O'Donnell recalled Cruise telling officials.

Cruise appeared at Daytona International Speedway in August 2026 to announce the sequel and address members of the NASCAR community. Motorsport.com reported that the actor also emphasized his intention to represent the sport's teamwork, culture, speed, and risks authentically.

"Give the audience that opportunity to understand what it is as a team, as a community, what it is for NASCAR -- the speed, the excitement, and all of that danger and stuff," Cruise said, according to Motorsport.com.

The film's creative team has also consulted people with direct racing experience. Dale Earnhardt Jr. has discussed meeting with members of the production team and providing input on the story, while Carson Hocevar has shared ideas and racing footage with filmmakers, according to Heavy and Daily Downforce.

The original production established a precedent for close cooperation between Hollywood and NASCAR. Hendrick Motorsports built specially prepared cars, including five vehicles fitted with camera equipment, while NASCAR permitted two movie cars to participate in the opening 40 laps of the 1990 Daytona 500 before withdrawing them.

Rick Hendrick previously described how his involvement in the original movie developed after meeting Cruise and actor Paul Newman. Hendrick recalled discussing a Corvette he owned and inviting Newman to stay for a test session.

"We started talking about the GTP car I had — the Corvette," Hendrick said.

Hendrick explained that the conversation led to an invitation to test the car on Monday, eventually bringing Cruise into contact with the team. He also recalled Cruise spending time in Charlotte while learning more about the racing operation.

"I told him, I said, 'Look, we're gonna stay Monday and test. Would you like to stay and drive the car?' He said, 'Oh, man, sure!'" Hendrick said.

In August 2026, Hendrick praised Cruise's commitment to the sequel and his efforts to consult team owners and drivers. His comments reflected the production's emphasis on engaging with people inside the sport.

"Anything he's in, I can tell you he pours his heart and soul into making a movie," Hendrick said.

NASCAR has pursued additional exposure through documentary and digital productions, including NASCAR: Full Speed, which followed Cup Series competitors through the 2023 and 2024 playoffs before returning with a Daytona 500-focused documentary in 2026. The organization has also produced YouTube projects featuring drivers and promoting racing events.

Details about the sequel's individual race venues, vehicle builders, and the precise uses of its more than 80 cars remain undisclosed. The film is scheduled for release on June 2, 2028.