The NASCAR Movie That Almost Never Happened—Inside ‘Days of Thunder’s’ Secret Filming Locations!

While sports docuseries have become a staple on streaming platforms in recent years, particularly with shows like NASCAR: Full Speed, there’s a nostalgic charm to the fictional sports movies of the past. Among the most iconic films celebrating NASCAR’s thrilling world is Days of Thunder, the Tom Cruise-starring 1990 blockbuster that became a cult classic.

For fans of the film, it’s a trip down memory lane to revisit the thrilling world of stock car racing, where Cruise’s character, Cole Trickle, races in the prestigious NASCAR Winston Cup Series. As Trickle, a USAC driver recruited to compete in the Cup Series, Cruise’s character faces an uphill battle in the world of high-stakes racing. His journey is marked by intense rivalries, personal struggles, and plenty of adrenaline-fueled action, with the help of his veteran crew chief, Harry Hogge (played by Robert Duvall).

Recently, new footage from the making of Days of Thunder emerged, offering a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes, including scenes filmed at the Phoenix Raceway. This is particularly timely, considering the recent race at the same venue. The film’s crew filmed at various locations, including Charlotte and Daytona, but the Phoenix raceway holds a special place in the movie’s history, especially given the iconic mock race that takes place there.

Filming for Days of Thunder started in 1989, a year before its 1990 release. The movie was originally known by temporary titles like Daytona and Top Run, but ultimately became Days of Thunder. In the film, Tom Cruise’s character is seen piloting the #46 car, which becomes part of a staged race with a number of actual Winston Cup drivers. As the movie progresses, Trickle’s car ends up in a dramatic accident, leading to his hospitalization—one of the film’s key turning points.

After filming wrapped, many fans flocked to the set, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Hollywood star. The film’s action-packed races, combined with Cruise’s star power, ensured the film would make waves beyond the racing world.

Though Days of Thunder received mixed reviews upon its initial release, over the years it gained a devoted following, particularly within the racing community. It became known affectionately as “Top Gun on wheels,” thanks to its director Tony Scott (who also helmed Top Gun) and composer Hans Zimmer’s high-energy score. While NASCAR’s popularity has fluctuated over time, Days of Thunder stands as one of Hollywood’s most significant efforts to bring the sport to mainstream audiences.

As for the future of NASCAR on film and television, the likelihood of a Days of Thunder sequel is still up in the air. There have been reports that Tom Cruise is in talks for a sequel, though the timeline for when it might hit theaters remains uncertain. Given that it took 36 years for Top Gun to get its long-awaited sequel, anything is possible in Hollywood.

For now, fans of NASCAR will have to turn their attention to the recent NASCAR: Full Speed documentary series, which premiered its first season last year to positive reception from both casual and hardcore fans. The second season is highly anticipated, and as the series continues, the NASCAR story is being brought to life once again on-screen.

While Days of Thunder remains one of the standout NASCAR-themed films, there has been a lull in racing movies since its release. The Herbie franchise, Cars (which introduced younger audiences to NASCAR), and Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby were highlights in the early 2000s. But, aside from documentaries, NASCAR-themed films have been sparse until Logan Lucky hit theaters in 2017.

Should Cruise manage to get the Days of Thunder sequel greenlit, it would not only be a significant moment for fans of the film but also a massive boost for NASCAR, bringing the sport back to the big screen in full force. Whether it’s through sequels or documentaries, the legacy of Days of Thunder continues to shape the way NASCAR is portrayed in pop culture.

 

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