On media day, the full grid of 16 Cup finalists convened to preview the long‑anticipated film 2028 Days of Thunder 2, headlined by Tom Cruise and Anne Hathaway.
Early reactions from the Chase lineup
Carson Hocevar, the Talladega victor and 12 th seed, said: “My input meant a lot. I got to share ideas and real‑life footage from 20 years of racing. The color fits.”
Kyle Larson, the double champion and 7 th seed, acknowledged the opportunity: “Meeting Tom was a rare moment. I’m excited to see how Hendrick Motorsports might help shape the story.”
Denny Hamlin, 1 st seed and 64‑win veteran, added: “It’s the first racing movie I saw that truly reflected the sport’s lifestyle. I’m keen to see the final rendering.”
Insight into the film’s development
Chase Briscoe, 5 th seed and Southern 500 winner, reported: “Tom Cruise walked in, sat with us for half an hour, and spoke about blending Top Gun parallels into Days of Thunder. He was very approachable.”
Joey Logano, 3 time champion and 9 th seed, expressed enthusiasm: “It would be a memorable milestone to appear. I think it’s a good opportunity for all of us.”
William Byron, 13 th seed and two‑time Daytona 500 champion, observed: “Seeing Tom Cruise at Daytona last weekend has stirred interest. I look forward to what the film has in store.”
Move toward a shared vision
Drivers noted the behind‑the‑scenes collaboration: Hau the NASCAR series’ leadership and the guiding executive team are poised to align the movie’s storyline with authentic racing culture. They plan to incorporate driver reels, real‑world incidents, and the personalities that define the sport’s rhythm.
As the six‑hour production schedule continues, the drivers’ joint enthusiasm signals a solid fan‑friendly foundation for the next installment of NASCAR’s cinematic legacy.
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