On May 15, 2025, Chase Elliott surprised NASCAR fans and moviegoers by teaming up with Hollywood star Tom Cruise to promote Paramount Pictures’ blockbuster film, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. This unique collaboration took place in Los Angeles and combined the adrenaline-fueled worlds of stock car racing and Hollywood action just days before the movie’s theatrical release on May 23, 2025. The partnership has generated widespread excitement and sparked rumors about a potential Days of Thunder sequel, thrilling audiences with the idea of NASCAR’s rising star and an action legend joining forces both on and off screen.
Chase Elliott, known for his 2020 NASCAR Cup Series Championship and 19 career wins, has built a strong reputation not only on the racetrack but also through his genuine connection with fans. His collaboration with Tom Cruise, famous for performing his own daring stunts and intense acting, goes beyond typical promotional work. It acts as a bridge between top-tier motorsport and blockbuster cinema, partly inspired by NASCAR’s new Driver’s Incentive Program introduced in the 2025 season. This program encourages drivers to become ambassadors for the sport via podcasts, TV appearances, and high-profile events, sometimes offering incentives up to $1 million.
This announcement is particularly notable because Elliott has traditionally avoided promotional ventures. For example, he declined to participate in the second season of Netflix’s NASCAR: Full Speed series, preferring to focus on racing and fan engagement on his own terms. However, this new initiative seems to have shifted his approach, opening doors to major collaborations like this one with Cruise and bringing him into the Hollywood spotlight.
Elliott energized fans by posting on X (formerly Twitter) a photo of himself casually dressed-gray t-shirt, shorts, and sneakers-standing next to a huge Mission: Impossible poster, smiling broadly. His enthusiastic caption quickly trended across motorsports and entertainment communities, showcasing him not only as a racing champion but also as a passionate cinema fan eager to unite these two worlds.
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning carries a massive $400 million budget, making it one of the most expensive films in the franchise’s history. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, who has helmed several of the series’ boldest entries, the film is the grand finale of Ethan Hunt’s story. It has already drawn global attention with spectacular sequences, including a 20-minute car chase and a famous plane stunt performed by Cruise himself. Filming took place in international locations such as Tokyo and Cannes, where the movie premiered at the 78th Cannes Film Festival just a day before Elliott’s promotional announcement. The film is designed for IMAX screens to deliver an experience as intense and immersive as watching a NASCAR race live, mirroring Elliott’s own thrilling performances on the track.
The unexpected partnership has fueled speculation about a Days of Thunder sequel starring Chase Elliott. The original 1990 film starred Tom Cruise as Cole Trickle and became a cult classic among NASCAR and film fans for its authentic racing spirit and appearances by real-life legends like Richard Petty and Rusty Wallace. The story drew inspiration from actual racing heroics and had creative input from Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, where Elliott currently races. This shared heritage has intensified discussions about reviving the film for a new generation.
Jeff Gordon, vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports and longtime mentor to Elliott, acknowledged the growing excitement around the sequel in an interview with NASCAR.com. Gordon’s comments suggest that Paramount Pictures is exploring early development stages for a new installment, aiming to combine Cruise’s stunt expertise with the energy of NASCAR’s current stars.
For Elliott, the prospect of contributing to a Days of Thunder sequel is deeply personal. Having grown up watching the original film and now emerging as a leading NASCAR figure, he is uniquely positioned to connect the sport’s past and future. He respects the sport’s legacy, embraces mentorship, and pursues his career with humility and determination. Participating in a project that honors NASCAR history alongside Gordon and Cruise would bring his journey full circle.
Rumors of Elliott’s cameo or starring role in the sequel have electrified the NASCAR community. Fans see his involvement as a way to introduce the thrilling drama of racing to new audiences and add authenticity to Hollywood’s racing narratives. Social media buzz intensified after Elliott’s recent promotional post with Cruise, with many hoping this signals further collaborations and deeper ties to the film industry.
This promotional partnership’s impact extends beyond individual star power. By merging NASCAR’s high-octane culture with the globally popular Mission: Impossible franchise, Elliott’s involvement amplifies both racing and cinema, sparking conversations about crossover projects and expanding audiences for both. The financial stakes are immense-not only for the $400 million film but also for NASCAR, which aims to leverage this exposure to boost interest, ticket sales, and mainstream appeal. NASCAR’s leadership actively supports and rewards drivers who serve as visible ambassadors, and Elliott’s embrace of this role shows his willingness to innovate and seize new opportunities.
Looking forward, many predict Elliott’s promotional work with Cruise could set a new standard for NASCAR stars, inspiring others to take on ambassador roles that elevate the sport’s profile beyond its traditional fan base. As the May 23 release date approaches, the buzz continues to grow, especially with the possibility of a Days of Thunder sequel in development. This momentum could open doors not only for Elliott but for the wider NASCAR community, reinforcing the sport’s relevance among new fans and pushing it further into global pop culture.
Ultimately, Chase Elliott’s partnership with Tom Cruise for the Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning promotion represents more than a strategic career move. It embodies a shared spirit of risk-taking, perseverance, and showmanship-qualities admired by fans of both motorsport and action cinema. Whether this collaboration directly leads to a Days of Thunder revival or not, it broadens the possibilities for creative cross-industry projects, opening exciting new chapters for Elliott and the evolving world of NASCAR entertainment.
