Tom Cruise has delivered a message to NASCAR drivers, executives, and fans after revealing the release date for the untitled Days of Thunder sequel.
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Cruise appeared at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday evening. He and producer Jerry Bruckheimer took part in the Drivers Meeting, which occurred before Ryan Preece won the regular-season finale race.
It was during this meeting that Cruise took the stage and focused on the NASCAR community with a speech.
"It's a real honor for me to be here today, it's a real honor," Cruise told the drivers in a video captured by Racer's Kelly Crandall. "I used to take cars on back streets of Kentucky, racing when I was a little kid.
"...It's not just about racing. It's about the community and the people here. There's something very special about racers and the whole community. It's a culture. I was very proud to be able to reflect that in the first Days of Thunder."
Cruise continued and said that this is what they will go with for the second film. They will focus on that community and culture, which make NASCAR special. This would give the audience an opportunity to fully understand.
"We're here, we're going to do the best we can," Cruise added. "And I really respect you all. Thanks for welcoming me."
Cruise and Bruckheimer have not provided many details about the untitled sequel, which releases in June 2028. But the longtime Hollywood star showed with his speech that he is focusing on more than just the standard wins, losses, and on-track incidents.
Of course, this brings up the pressing question about filming. How will Cruise and the production team capture in-race footage? Will they have a car in the field during an exhibition race, such as the Clash at Daytona International Speedway? Will Days of Thunder just take over an existing car as the Netflix series The Crew did several years ago?
These answers will become known in the coming months and year as production ramps up on the NASCAR-centric film. For now, drivers and fans can rest assured that Cruise wants to highlight what truly makes the sport special to them.
