NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. is revving up excitement for a Days of Thunder sequel, and he’s got one non-negotiable: Tom Cruise must stay behind the wheel. In a recent conversation, Dale Jr. expressed that Cruise’s portrayal of Cole Trickle was more than just a movie role—it became a cultural symbol for racing fans. For a sequel to recapture the original’s magic, Dale Jr. insists that Cruise can’t take a backseat as a team owner or mentor—he needs to drive.
“People want to see Cole Trickle do what he does best,” Dale Jr. emphasized. “The car, the speed, the fire—that’s what made Days of Thunder legendary.” He also hopes the sequel will bring back iconic rivals like Rowdy Burns and Russ Wheeler, played by Michael Rooker and Cary Elwes. Their intense on-track battles and personal tensions fueled the story’s drama and defined racing rivalries for a generation.
With Hollywood increasingly leaning into nostalgic reboots, Days of Thunder could be due for a high-octane return. But for it to truly capture hearts again, Dale Jr. believes it needs more than just fast cars—it needs its original soul.
Could Tom Cruise still pull off Cole Trickle decades later? Dale Jr. thinks so. “Cruise doesn’t age like the rest of us,” he joked. “He’s still got it.
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