Tom Cruise was back at where it all began. More than three decades after 'Days of Thunder' first roared onto the screen, the Hollywood star returned to Daytona International Speedway. However, it was not his appearance at the speedway that caught the fans' attention. 

During the Coke Zero Sugar 400, Cruise made an appearance at the Daytona International Speedway to announce the "Days of Thunder" sequel. He did this during the drivers' meeting on Saturday before the Cup race on Sunday. However, what stole the spotlight was the small gesture that the Hollywood star made. 

Cruise was seated next to an empty chair reserved for the late Kyle Busch during the drivers' meeting. Motorsports.com took to their X account to share a picture of the moment as the Hollywood star paid his tribute to the NASCAR legend. 

In the picture posted by Motorsports.com on their X account, Tom Cruise was photographed reaching over and placing his hand on the chair bearing Busch’s name, quietly acknowledging the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion more than three months after his death. 

The two-time NASCAR champion tragically passed away on May 21st after he was admitted to the hospital in North Carolina, citing severe illness. However, it was later revealed that he died of pneumonia that developed into sepsis. 

Kyle Busch had one of the most successful NASCAR careers across all three divisions of the sport, as he gained 234 wins, including 63 Cup wins and 69 Truck Series wins. 

As for Tom Cruise's tribute, it might have been a small gesture, but for NASCAR fans still mourning one of their own, it meant everything. 

Tom Cruise opens up about the "Days of Thunder" sequel

Moments before the heartfelt tribute, Cruise announced the sequel to "Days of Thunder" to the drivers during the drivers' meeting. 

The actor is set to reprise his role as Cole Trickle, more than three decades after the original film made him a household name in motorsports. 

Speaking to a room packed with NASCAR executives, fans, and drivers, Cruise made it clear the sequel isn't just about recreating the thrill of the racetrack. 

"It's not just about racing," Cruise said, as reported by HITC. "It's about the community and the people here. There's something very special about racers and the whole community. It's a culture, and I was very proud to be able to reflect that in the first 'Days of Thunder,' and I am honored to share it with the world.

He further expressed what he wants the audience to take away from the film. 

"That's basically what we're going to really go for with this one. Give the audience that opportunity to understand what it is as a team, as a community, what it is for NASCAR, and the speed, the excitement, and all that danger and stuff." 

The sequel is scheduled for release in 2028, with Anne Hathaway joining Cruise as a race team owner and engineer. 

Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco