Commissioner Steve Phelps teases possible 'Days of Thunder 2' film

Commissioner Steve Phelps is really teasing NASCAR fans with a hint at a Days of Thunder 2 film being a possibility. In fact, there are multiple NASCAR films being written at this time, according to Phelps.

Phelps talked about possible NASCAR films with CNBC Sports’ Brian Sullivan. He couldn’t help but mention Days of Thunder.

“So, there’s a show, and I’m not suggesting this is where we are going, but back in the day, around Top Gun, same director Jerry Bruckheimer, and Days of Thunder. So, will there be a Days of Thunder 2? … We’ll see where all that goes. But there are other writers, content, screenplays that are being written now, and we’re excited about them being in the future for us.”

With the success of Top Gun: Maverick, I’m sure a sequel to Days of Thunder would do well. However, part of me thinks NASCAR has been chasing what’s cool instead of trying to define it themselves.

They got a Netflix docuseries after F1 had Drive to Survive. Prime Video was a great decision. Putting the Xfinity Series on The CW, also good. But would chasing Days of Thunder 2 off the back of Top Gun and the Tom Cruise resurgence actually be the best move?

‘Days of Thunder 2’ is a maybe, but other NASCAR films being written

The success of docuseries such as Netflix’s Full Speed and Prime Video’s American: Thunder and Earnhardt has NASCAR entering the pop culture conversation more often in recent years. Racing is still regaining popularity.

Commissioner Phelps wasn’t just talking about Days of Thunder 2. He outright said there are multiple screenplays being written related to NASCAR.

“Listen, we’re in some discussions right now,” Phelps said to Sullivan. “There’s some screenplays that are being written right now that are more drama-related. I can’t get into that.”

So, that probably means Talladega Nights 2 isn’t happening any time soon. But multiple films? That would be very interesting for fans.

Phelps went on to explain his thinking on a future film. There are many ways for NASCAR to reach out through movies and other content. In fact, he drew a connection between NASCAR and the new F1 film.

“So, I think for us, our content through the productions facility and the relationships that we’ve been able to do, whether it’s the Netflix show Full Speed or the Amazon shows. Or other places that we’ve been able to distribute through different outlets, that’s important for us.

“Would I like to have an F1-style movie? And it’s pretty cool, because we talked about IMSA very briefly before, I haven’t seen the movie, but the start of the movie in the first 15, 20 minutes is taking place at the Daytona 500, and it’s the 24 Hours of Daytona, or the Rolex. And that’s how, essentially, he qualifies apparently to then go [to F1].”