NASCAR rumors are swirling faster than a Talladega draft line that Days of Thunder 2 might actually happen. And honestly, I say bring it on.
But if Hollywood’s going to do this right, they’ll need to update more than just the sheet metal and sponsor decals. This time around, we need a cast that captures the real spirit of today’s NASCAR garage — the speed, the swagger, and the occasional Twitter meltdown.
So, in the spirit of absolutely unsolicited advice, here’s who I’d love to see play the modern NASCAR characters… except Dale Earnhardt Jr., of course, because let’s not kid ourselves — Junior plays himself. The man’s already halfway between driver, media mogul, and national treasure. No stand-in required.
Cole Trickle (Tom Cruise) — Now With More Mileage?
Let’s face it, Cruise is still in better shape than half the Xfinity grid and probably owns his own fireproof race suit. If he’s back, we expect him to still be defying physics, common sense, and probably the NASCAR rule book.
But the real fun is in the supporting cast…
Hollywood’s NASCAR Garage — Days of Thunder 2 Wish List
Ross Chastain – Played by Channing Tatum
Because if anyone’s going to drive straight into the wall, bounce off it, and still smile for the cameras, it’s Tatum. Plus, the guy’s already built like a watermelon farmer.
Kyle Busch – Played by Adam Driver
Tall, brooding, occasionally terrifying — Driver’s got the range to capture Rowdy’s loveable villain energy, with just enough simmering chaos under the helmet.
Chase Elliott – Played by Glen Powell
Hollywood’s favorite All-American good guy, with enough swagger to play NASCAR’s most popular driver… and maybe enough acting chops to survive being the plot device everyone else crashes into.
Ryan Blaney – Played by Ryan Gosling
Hear me out: same name, same dreamy eyes, and after The Fall Guy, we know Gosling can drive, get punched, and still look cool doing it. Blaney deserves no less.
Denny Hamlin – Played by Matthew McConaughey
Smooth-talking, always slightly amused, and probably three steps ahead of you — McConaughey is Denny Hamlin with a southern drawl. Alright, alright, alright… buckle up.
Kevin Harvick – Played by Josh Brolin
Even in retirement, Harvick’s lurking around the garage like a grizzled cowboy keeping the young guns in line. Brolin’s got that same “don’t poke the bear” energy.
Bubba Wallace – Played by John Boyega
Quick wit, undeniable charisma, and the ability to fire back at critics with a smirk? Boyega fits Bubba’s role both on and off the track.
Trackhouse Racing — Played by the Cast of Ocean’s Eleven
Because honestly, Trackhouse is the NASCAR equivalent of a heist crew. Young, flashy, unpredictable, and somehow always walking away with the prize.
Bonus Cameos We Deserve:
- Actual Dale Earnhardt Jr. — As himself, obviously. Possibly showing up mid-race in the NBC booth to narrate the chaos.
- Richard Petty — Leaning on a fence post, sunglasses on, reminding everyone he’s still cooler than all of them combined.
- Michael Waltrip — Sneaking into the background of every scene like some weird NASCAR Easter egg.
The Verdict?
Will Days of Thunder 2 capture the same magic as the original? Hard to say. But if Hollywood lets NASCAR’s weird, wonderful cast of characters shine — and maybe lets a few real ones slip in for good measure — we might just get the cinematic comeback stock car racing’s been waiting for.
Worst case? It’s still better than Talladega Nights pretending to be a documentary.
Greg was a writer for DriveTribe supporting Amazon's The Grand Tour and has been published in major publications across the country including the Los Angeles Times, the Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He was also a contributor to Chicken Soup for the NASCAR Soul, published in 2010, and the Christmas edition in 2016. He wrote as the NASCAR, Formula 1, Auto Reviews and National Veterans Affairs Examiner for Examiner.com and has appeared on Fox News. He holds a BS degree in communications, and a Masters degree in psychology. He is currently the weekend Motorsports Editor for Autoweek and a regular contributor to Forbes.