In 1987, NASCAR saw a unique moment when two big-screen stars, Tom Cruise and Paul Newman, strapped into race cars at Daytona. The man who brought them there was Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. This wasn't just a publicity stunt; it was a chance for the Hollywood stars to feel the real speed of NASCAR.
Paul Newman, known for his roles in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" and "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, " was a speed lover. He'd even competed in professional races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Tom Cruise, famous for "Mission: Impossible" and "Top Gun, " was also a racing enthusiast. When Hendrick invited them to test Busch Series cars at Daytona, they jumped at the chance.
Newman clocked speeds over 190 mph, while Cruise hit around 178 mph before engine trouble cut his test short. Despite Cruise's car trouble, this test had a profound impact. It inspired the movie "Days of Thunder, " starring Cruise. The thrill of racing at Daytona sparked the idea for the film, with Cruise saying he had to make a movie about it.
Newman's love for racing didn't stop at Daytona. He narrated the documentary "Dale" and was part of the "Cars" franchise. He even attempted to qualify for a NASCAR race. His racing prowess was no joke; he won four national championships and finished second at Le Mans.
For Hendrick Motorsports, this test wasn't just a fun day. It played a part in their future success. Jeff Gordon's winning streak from 1995 onwards can be traced back to lessons learned from tests like these. The team's success continues with drivers like Jimmie Johnson and Chase Elliott.
But the real question is, will there be another NASCAR movie like "Days of Thunder"? With the success of "Top Gun: Maverick" and the upcoming F1 movie "Apex, " fans wonder if another NASCAR film is possible. However, NASCAR's COO, Steve O’Donnell, has said discussions haven't gone far. Fans are split; some want to preserve the original film's magic, while others are excited about new stories.
