The upcoming sequel to Days of Thunder might draw heavily from the true story of NASCAR Cup driver Kyle Larson, according to insights shared by podcast host Corey LaJoie and Ryan Blaney crew member Ryan Flores on the Stacking Pennies podcast. Larson’s journey through adversity and triumph possesses many elements that could inspire a compelling film narrative.
Kyle Larson, who is part Asian and widely known for his versatility across NASCAR, IndyCar, and sprint car racing, encountered a significant career setback in 2020 when he was suspended for using a racial slur during an online race. This incident resulted in Larsons losing his ride with Chip Ganassi Racing. However, Larson’s comeback, marked by his signing with Hendrick Motorsports under owner Rick Hendrick and culminating in winning the Cup Series championship later, gives his story a powerful arc of redemption.
A Dramatic Fall and Remarkable Recovery in Racing
At 33 years old, Kyle Larson is seen by some, including LaJoie, as a potential real-life Cole Trickle—a character made famous by Tom Cruise in the original Days of Thunder. Larson’s experience involved losing everything within days of the incident, including his company car being impounded just ten hours after the fallout.
I don’t want to bring up old stuff, but you were like ‘What would your plot line be?’ And I was like, it had to be Kyle Larson,
said Flores.
Like Kyle Larson’s losing his ride (with Ganassi), obviously it was brutal for him. Like is there more of a down and up?
(Larson then was) cancelled. He starts on a Twitch stream during Covid, gets cancelled. Fired. They show up to his house with a flatbed 10 hours later to pick up his Tahoe (his company car with Ganassi). He lost at the top level, dude.
LaJoie added,
Yeah, he was building a house on Lake Norman, for sale (sign went up) in the front yard, got rid of that.
Despite this low point, Larson’s passion for racing did not wane, and he dominated the sprint car circuit, an arena he had experience in for over 15 years.
Unstoppable Spirit in Sprint Car Racing
During his absence from NASCAR, Larson focused on sprint car racing, earning multiple wins and maintaining his form as a top-tier driver. LaJoie explained Larson’s relentless streak during this time:
He literally gets in his bus, him and his family for the next four months, and wins every single race that there was,
including races in far-flung places.
There’s a sprint car race in Timbuktu, he shows up and wins that.
Even during this period, key figures in NASCAR were watching Larson closely. Tony Stewart expressed interest in signing Larson for Stewart-Haas Racing, a move that might have impacted SHR’s future following 2024.
Everyone was saying, ‘He’ll never get another ride. He’s done. Who’s going to take him on? Tony Stewart?’ And then Rick Hendrick calls. He goes on to win 10 races and the championship,
Flores said, highlighting the dramatic turn in Larson’s career trajectory.
A Comeback Rivaling the Greatest Stories in NASCAR
Kyle Larson’s journey from disgrace to champion is considered one of the most remarkable comebacks in NASCAR history. Reflecting on this Hollywood-ready storyline, LaJoie remarked,
There’s your Days of Thunder 2 plot line, ladies and gentlemen. There it is.
Flores emphasized the dramatic contrast that such a story offers:
You have the driver that’s like super, just a race car driver, and then you have the real stiff engineer. Yeah, it’s a great story. So I’m sure it’ll be something like that.
Speculating on Tom Cruise’s Role in a Potential Sequel
Questions remain about how Tom Cruise’s original Days of Thunder character, Cole Trickle, would fit into a sequel centered around Kyle Larson. LaJoie speculated on how the film might incorporate Trickle’s legacy, suggesting he could play the role of a veteran team owner involved in the sport’s business side.
But how do you weave in Cole Trickle now? Does he own a bunch of used car dealerships and he’s the one that owns this mega-team?
LaJoie asked.
Flores added reasoning for including such a plot thread, pointing to real-world examples:
Jeff Gordon won a couple championships and Rick just gave him the keys. Here. If you don’t use that plot line, you’re really missing it because it’s a hell of a story when you think about it.
The Impact of Larson’s Story on NASCAR and Popular Culture
Kyle Larson’s rollercoaster career encapsulates themes of human error, fallout, and revitalization, offering motorsport fans and moviegoers alike a powerful narrative of resilience. By potentially serving as the basis for the Days of Thunder sequel, this story highlights NASCAR’s evolving culture and the possibility of second chances.
Larson’s redemption under Rick Hendrick’s ownership demonstrates how a driver’s reputation can be repaired through perseverance and performance. This comeback could inspire broader discussions about accountability and growth within professional sports.
Looking forward, if Days of Thunder 2 embraces Larson’s story, it might redefine how racing films incorporate real-life drama, while providing a modernized tribute to NASCAR’s past stars like Cole Trickle and Jeff Gordon, all while reflecting the sport’s current landscape.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Kyle Larson’s wife?
A. Kyle Larson and Katelyn Sweet are now known as a strong couple in the racing world. Larson met Sweet during a race close to his home in Elk Grove, California. Sweet was raised in Grass Valley, and her brother Brad Sweet is also a professional race car driver.
Q. Is Kyle Larson better than Verstappen?
A. Larson may not defeat Verstappen in Formula 1, but overall, he’s the most adaptable driver around. Bianchi says Larson is chosen because his achievements cover a broader range. He’s winning races in many different kinds of cars.