Before the rise of sports docuseries on streaming platforms—most recently with NASCAR: Full Speed—fictional sports movies were the dominant force in motorsports storytelling. Among NASCAR-themed films, Days of Thunder, starring Tom Cruise, stood out as a fan favorite.
The film follows Cruise’s character, Cole Trickle, a former USAC (now IndyCar) driver, as he transitions to NASCAR’s Winston Cup Series. Under the guidance of crew chief Harry Hogge, Trickle’s journey through stock car racing forms the heart of the movie’s plot.
Recently, behind-the-scenes footage from Days of Thunder resurfaced, showcasing filming locations such as Charlotte, Daytona, and Phoenix Raceway. The footage highlights scenes shot at Phoenix, where Cruise himself took the wheel. Production began in 1989, a year before the film’s release, and was initially kept under wraps with codenames like Daytona and Top Run before settling on its final title. Cruise’s character raced against real Winston Cup drivers, piloting the green and yellow #46 car in staged races. One notable sequence involved Trickle crashing and being rushed to the hospital. Filming the mock race took about an hour and attracted large crowds eager to see Cruise in action.
Directed by Tony Scott, known for Top Gun, and featuring a score by Hans Zimmer, Days of Thunder was Hollywood’s attempt to bring stock car racing into the mainstream. Though it received mixed reviews upon release, it grew in popularity over time, especially among NASCAR fans, earning the nickname Top Gun on Wheels. The film remains a cultural touchstone for racing enthusiasts and continues to fuel discussions about NASCAR’s cinematic revival.
While a large-scale NASCAR movie isn’t confirmed, the sport has gained traction in the streaming world. Rumors of a Days of Thunder sequel persist, with Cruise reportedly in talks, though no official plans have been announced. Given the 36-year gap between Top Gun and its sequel, a follow-up to Days of Thunder might take time.
For now, NASCAR’s presence in film remains limited. The NASCAR: Full Speed docuseries has been a success, with a second season expected soon. Since Days of Thunder, NASCAR has made only a few appearances in Hollywood, including Herbie: Fully Loaded (2004), Cars (2006), Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006), and Logan Lucky (2017). If Cruise manages to get a sequel greenlit, it could provide NASCAR with a much-needed Hollywood resurgence.
