Fans React to Tom Cruise’s Interest in Running a NASCAR Race
· Yahoo Sports
During his appearance at Front Office Sports “Tuned In” media day on Tuesday, NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell revealed that actor Tom Cruise has expressed interest in competing in an ARCA Menards Series race. Cruise, 64, is set to star in “Days of Thunder 2,” a sequel to the hit racing movie, in June 2028.
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In order to make the movie as authentic as possible, Cruise is eyeing an opportunity to run a legit NASCAR race. O’Donnell’s bombshell revelation has NASCAR fans buzzing about whether or not the well-renowned actor can actually get behind the wheel for a race.
Fans React to Tom Cruise’s Interest in Running a NASCAR Race
Jeff Gluck, motorsports writer for The Athletic, shared a quote from O’Donnell about Cruise’s desire to run a legitimate NASCAR race via X.
“Tom wanted to go race in one of those. I’m not sure that’s going to happen. But he wants (Days of Thunder) to be as authentic as it can be,” O’Donnell said at Front Office Sports “Tuned In” media day.
Gluck’s X post sparked a number of reactions from NASCAR fans. Many noted that Cruise previously raced stock cars in non-NASCAR events, insinuating that the idea the actor could run an ARCA Menards Series race is not as insane as it sounds on the surface.
“The comments on here crack me up. I am not a big fan of Cruise. That said y’all know he used to race cars before right? He drove for Newman/Sharp racing For those commenting on Tom’s age.. Paul Newman raced, and won, well into his 70’s,” one user wrote.
Another X user pointed out that Cruise was raced with late actor Paul Newman, writing:
“Tom Cruise raced with Paul Newman in some races at Summit Point, W.Va., Raceway in the late-1980s.”
“He’s raced before. It was alongside Paul Newman and I believe it was in Trans-Am or the IMSA series in the ’80s. Wouldn’t be surprised if he could still wheel it,” wrote another user.
Other users took the opportunity to throw shade at other drivers, believing that if they are qualified to race in NASCAR, there is no reason Cruise cannot be, either.
“They let Decker run trucks, least they could do is let tom run arca,” wrote one user.
“Dude let him. I’ve watch the ARCA race a few times. He ain’t far off,” opined another user.
“They let Cleetus run, I’m sure Tom could hold his own,” wrote a third.
Fans Express Excitement in Tom Cruise, Cleetus McFarland Race
Garrett Mitchell, known on the internet as Cleetus McFarland, is a well-known YouTuber with nearly 5 million subscribers. Over the last year-and-a-half, McFarland has ventured into a part-time NASCAR career alongside his friend George Siciliano, who goes by the internet name Squirrel McNutt.
McFarland has competed in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Craftsman Truck Series, and ARCA Menards Series. Despite having no prior stock car racing experience, McFarland has managed to compete at some of NASCAR’s top levels.
With Cruise potentially running an ARCA Menards Series race in the future, fans expressed excitement in the possibility of both of he, McFarland, and McNutt all being on the track at the same time.
“Tom Cruise on the same track as Cleetus McFarland and Squirrel McNutt is a license to print money. NASCAR would be foolish to chicken out on this opportunity. Also, the memes would be glorious,” wrote one user.
“Tom Cruise, Cleetus and George all in an ARCA race at Daytona or Dega would pull more views than a Cup race. Tom does have some racing experience competing in the SCCA. Including a few wins and even co-drove an endurance race with Mr. Hendrick at road Atlanta,” wrote another X user.
Cruise starred in the original “Days of Thunder” as “Cole Trickle.” The movie was released in 1990 and grossed over $157 million worldwide. “Days of Thunder 2” is slated to release on June 2, 2028.