Rick Hendrick Says Days of Thunder Sequel Boosts NASCAR

Rick Hendrick, a key figure in the production of the original 1990 film, recently shared insights regarding the upcoming Days of Thunder sequel.

“Rick Hendrick says Tom Cruise’s sequel can open NASCAR up to fans around the world,” reported Yahoo Sports.

The film is officially scheduled to arrive in theaters on June 2, 2028, with Tom Cruise reprising his iconic role as Cole Trickle.

During an appearance on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Hendrick reflected on his long-standing friendship with the actor and producer Jerry Bruckheimer.

“We’ve been friends before the first Days of Thunder,” Hendrick noted, as cited by MotorBiscuit.

Hendrick emphasized that the new production aims to portray the human side of the sport rather than focusing on historical tropes like moonshine.

“It is going to showcase our sport,” Hendrick said regarding the official sequel project.

The production remains committed to a contemporary setting, ensuring the story feels upbeat and relevant to today’s racing world.

Hendrick noted that Cruise is deeply dedicated to the project, having consulted with various drivers and team owners to ensure the film accurately represents the industry.

“Anything he’s in, I can tell you, he pours his heart and soul into making a movie,” Hendrick stated, according to the reporting from MotorBiscuit.

While details regarding Hendrick’s specific involvement remain limited, the broader NASCAR community is actively engaging with the film’s development.

Several notable figures, including Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Denny Hamlin, have expressed interest in contributing to the narrative or securing potential cameos.

“He was assuring them that he was going to make them proud,” Hendrick added, referencing Cruise’s outreach to the racing community.

As the sport continues to evolve, stakeholders believe this cinematic venture could mirror the growth seen during the release of the original film.