Chase Elliott, a prominent figure in NASCAR, has expressed his support for the upcoming sequel to the classic film Days of Thunder, hoping that his team, Hendrick Motorsports, will play a role in the production. This excitement follows a memorable encounter with Tom Cruise at Daytona International Speedway, where the actor confirmed the sequel to the 1990 film.
During a special event at the speedway, Cruise announced that he would reprise his iconic role as Cole Trickle in the new film, which is set to hit theaters on June 2, 2028. Joining him will be Anne Hathaway, who has been cast as a team owner and engineer. The production is expected to commence early next year, generating buzz among fans of both NASCAR and the original movie.
Elliott met Cruise during a drivers' meeting at Daytona, where he was part of the Cup Series field gathered for the race weekend. When asked about the potential involvement of Rick Hendrick, the founder of Hendrick Motorsports, in the film, Elliott expressed his hopes. "I hope that he’s the first one they call to want to help do that again," Elliott stated. He reminisced about the original film's connection to Hendrick Motorsports, which played a significant role in building and repairing the stock cars used during filming.
The legacy of the original Days of Thunder is well-known among NASCAR enthusiasts, despite its mixed reviews from critics. The film has become a cult classic, with its memorable quotes and scenes still resonating within the racing community. Elliott highlighted the significance of the City Chevrolet sponsorship on Cole Trickle's car, noting how iconic it was for both the film and Hendrick Motorsports. "Seeing some of those things in his museum and whatnot was really neat," he added.
Tom Cruise's visit to Daytona also included interactions with the drivers and military personnel, where he posed for photographs and engaged with fans. His presence at the event was a nod to the film's enduring popularity and its connection to the sport. Notably, four-time NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon, who now serves as vice chairman at Hendrick Motorsports, has long advocated for a sequel, even attending a banquet in 2015 to honor Gordon's retirement.
As Elliott prepares for the upcoming NASCAR playoffs, he is currently seeded eighth, trailing leader Denny Hamlin by 60 points. The title chase kicks off at Darlington this Sunday, and Elliott remains focused on his racing goals, leaving the excitement of the movie for later. While the film's production is on the horizon, Elliott's priority is clear: competing for the Cup title.
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