Jeff Gordon, now vice-chairman of Hendrick Motorsports, shifted everyone’s attention from racing to the big screen. While speaking on Inside The Race at Phoenix, he sparked renewed speculation about a sequel to the 1990 Tom Cruise classic Days of Thunder. At its core, Gordon sees a movie project not just as entertainment but as a way to reintroduce NASCAR’s spectacle to a broader audience.

Earlier, he had stated, “There’s this kind of resurgence… we’re streaming, we’re on Amazon Prime… I think it would be amazing to do.” Gordon has confirmed he’s spoken to actor and original star Tom Cruise about the idea: “I’ve absolutely talked to Tom about it because I want him to do the project, and we want to be a part of it if it were to happen.”

And it seems like a good time as well. Filming technology is advancing rapidly, and the performance of F1: The Movie at the box office showed how the racing fever is very much alive. Plus, NASCAR itself is seeking to attract a younger, global audience. Gordon pointed out how the original movie’s production had bulky cameras and how modern filming “cameras have gotten a lot smaller so maybe you could pull it off” today.

The original Days of Thunder popularized NASCAR greatly, capturing the dramatic rivalry-driven side of stock-car racing and bringing it to mainstream cinema. Gordon referenced that legacy when he said, “Look what Days of Thunder did for NASCAR in the ’90s. I think it could very easily do the same if we were to do this again.”

Today, the appetite for motorsports content has evolved. Platforms like streaming services, social-media-driven fandom, and documentary series have raised the audience’s expectation for a high-quality film. NASCAR’s growth efforts, such as street races, global outreach, and gaming tie-ins, provide fertile ground for such a project.

For the film to succeed, many believe that on-track realism and team access will be crucial. Gordon noted challenges of making the sequel realistic: “How do you do it and make it realistic and really authentic?” he asked. If Hendrick, as a top NASCAR team, contributes cars, technical know-how, or production support, the way Lewis Hamilton did for F1: The Movie, it could elevate the film beyond typical racing cinema and into something respected by both fans and the sport’s insiders.

Despite the buzz, many details remain unclear. There’s been no official release date, no confirmed script, and limited cast information. While there were reports about Tom Cruise having the sequel talks with Paramount last year in November, the project is still in early development.

Another open question is how the story will be framed: Will it revisit the 1990s era or reflect modern NASCAR? Fans speculate about legacy characters, new drivers, or crossover appeal with other motorsports. One report even suggested a possible connection with Brad Pitt’s F1 film, though that remains speculative.

If Days of Thunder 2 comes to fruition, its impact could extend beyond the big screen. It could raise NASCAR’s visibility in international markets, attract younger viewers, and reshape public perception of stock-car racing. From a fan perspective, the very idea of Gordon and Cruise working together again brings nostalgic appeal paired with serious ambition. Fans on Reddit were quick to give their take.

Fan reactions split the garage

“It would be cool for a Days of Thunder 2 to go back and explore a previous generation. Like 2008 or something. Just for fun. Unfortunately, I think they’d definitely do the current era.” Fans are nostalgic for the late 2000s NASCAR era, the COT (Car of Tomorrow) debut, and rivalries like Jimmie Johnson vs. Jeff Gordon. They see that as the perfect time for cinematic storytelling.

The 2008 season in particular was one of high drama, with Carl Edwards’ late-season duel against Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s first year with Hendrick Motorsports marking key moments. However, Jeff Gordon’s own comments hint that the sequel will focus on the current NASCAR landscape, not a historical period.

Gordon told Road & Track in February 2025 that if Days of Thunder 2 happens, he hopes it will “showcase how modern NASCAR has evolved with new technology, Next Gen cars, and younger stars.” That aligns with NASCAR’s marketing priorities, the sport’s push to highlight its Gen Z drivers like William Byron, Tyler Reddick, and Bubba Wallace, whose presence could make the film feel modern and globally marketable.

“Only if Kosinski directs it. It needs to be as good as Top Gun: Maverick and the F1 movie. If not, don’t bother.” Director Joseph Kosinski has become Hollywood’s go-to for adrenaline-fueled, authentic motorsport visuals. His success with Top Gun: Maverick (2022), which grossed over $1.49 billion worldwide, raised the bar for legacy sequels.

The F1 movie he directed reportedly used real F1 cars and in-race filming techniques, something Kosinski was inspired by how Maverick blended cinematic storytelling with real aviation.

“The big rumor going around is that DOT2 is supposed to be a crossover with the F1 movie (really).” This rumor began circulating in early 2025 when reports surfaced that both Days of Thunder 2 and the untitled Brad Pitt F1 film are being developed under Jerry Bruckheimer Films and distributed by Apple Original Films. Fans theorized that the shared production umbrella and focus on real-world racing could lead to some crossover or cameo moments.

“I wish it would be an A24 NASCAR film.” This tongue-in-cheek comment reflects a growing trend among younger fans who crave a more grounded, introspective approach to sports movies. A24, known for its indie realism (The Smashing Machine, Uncut Gems, The Wrestler), has proven that sports cinema can thrive beyond blockbuster formulas.

The Iron Claw in particular, with its emotional depth and period accuracy, has made some fans wonder what a similarly intimate NASCAR film could look like. But given that Days of Thunder 2 will likely lean toward large-scale spectacle, especially with Bruckheimer and potentially Cruise involved, a slower, character-driven narrative feels unlikely. Yet, that comparison captures the human toll of racing in the way Ford v Ferrari did in 2019.

“You can bet if Hendrick has anything to do with this movie, I won’t be seeing it.” This jab reflects the long-standing fan divisions around Hendrick Motorsports, the powerhouse NASCAR team Jeff Gordon now helps run.

While Gordon’s comments confirm he wants Hendrick “to be part of the project” if it moves forward, some fans worry that corporate influence could overshadow authenticity. Hendrick Motorsports has deep Hollywood ties. The team provided cars, technical input, and on-track coordination for the original Days of Thunder in 1990.

Rick Hendrick himself served as a technical advisor, while his crew built the iconic No. 46 “City Chevrolet” car driven by Cole Trickle, Tom Cruise’s character. Still, skeptics argue that NASCAR films should represent the sport as a whole, not just one team’s legacy.