News emerged this week that a sequel to the hit NASCAR movie Days of Thunder is reportedly getting closer, and some of the biggest stars in the Cup Series have had their say since.
Although not officially confirmed just yet, The Hollywood Reporter claimed this week that Paramount was 'finally putting the pedal to the floor' on a follow-up to the hit 1990s movie, even going as far as to pick out a director.
Jonathan Levine is now slated to handle the film, with the report revealing that Tom Cruise is set to star in the sequel after playing the protagonist of the original movie, alongside producing with Jerry Bruckheimer.
Naturally, this has created plenty of excitement in the garage this week, including from some of the biggest stars in the sport, some of whose opinions we have gathered below.
READ MORE: NASCAR Race Today: Indianapolis start times, schedule, TV channel and live stream
NASCAR stars on Days of Thunder sequel
Denny Hamlin: I think it's going to be great
“Yeah, I think that there's nothing but positives that certainly can come out of it," explained Hamlin.
"Any account of awareness, you can bring to the sport, even if it's dramatized, I think can really be a good thing.
"So, yeah, I've met with the directors and the writers, quite a bit on it, and felt like, yeah, they're on a really fun path, and I think it's going to be great for the screen.”
Kyle Larson: Another Days of Thunder will be pretty awesome
“Yeah, I have no clue on what conversations have been had about anything, but if there is a sequel, that's really exciting," said Larson.
"I think all of us in here can say that Days of Thunder is one of the best, if not the greatest, racing movie out there, so to have another one will be pretty awesome.
"Hopefully they can make a great story out of it and captivate how our sport is today compared to how it was back then.”
Ryan Blaney: It's great for the sport
“I think what they’ve been doing, especially Tom Cruise with bringing Top Gun back and the way they made that movie was incredible, so I’m excited to see what they do with Days of Thunder 2 because I know they’re gonna do it right," Blaney told the media.
"In talking with some of the writers about it, they feel really good about the direction they want to go. Mr. Cruise seems incredibly excited about doing a second Days of Thunder, so that part, I think, is gonna be good.
"It’s gonna be good for our sport and who knows? I think the next year or two is gonna be pretty fascinating seeing what they implement, what they want to do in the garage area and things like that, kind of like what they did with the first one.
"I think it’s great for the sport all around.”
Chase Briscoe: This will be huge for NASCAR
“Yeah, I’m excited. That will be something that is huge, truthfully, for the sport in general," said Briscie.
"Just to have a movie, whether that is a PIXAR Cars type movie or Talladega Nights, like a comedy, or something as serious as Tom Cruise coming to do Days of Thunder 2, it is just a great thing to move the needle in our sport. I’m excited to see what happens with it.
"I think we are definitely seeing upticks in people coming to the race track and being a part of that, even if they are just Tom Cruise fans and they want to see Tom Cruise at the track. I’m very interested to see the filming process of it.
"I’m assuming they are going to have to have a car on the race track when we are racing. Tom Cruise does all of his own stunts, so is he going to be ripping that thing at Daytona or wherever we are at. I’m excited for that piece of it, and just excited to be a part of the process whether I am just a car on the race track or I have a one-liner in it.
"I think it will be pretty cool to be a part of that process.”
NASCAR TODAY: Kyle Larson angers fans and Cup Series star opens up on retirement decision
