Tom Cruise Drove 200 MPH With Pregnant Sister

The actor reached high speeds at Daytona International Speedway while filming the 1990 movie Days of Thunder.

Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Action/Adventure

Tom Cruise Drove 200 MPH With Pregnant Sister

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During the 1990 production of Days of Thunder, Tom Cruise drove a racecar at 200 mph at the Daytona International Speedway. His sister, Cass Mapother, was six months pregnant while riding as his passenger during the high-speed laps.

Why it matters

The reveal offers a behind-the-scenes look at the high-stakes filming process of the original racing film. It comes as anticipation builds for the upcoming sequel to the cult classic.

Tom Cruise drove a racecar at 200 mph at the Daytona International Speedway during the 1990 production of Days of Thunder. The sequel to the film is currently set for a theatrical release on June 2, 2028.

The players

Tom Cruise

He is an American actor known for performing his own stunts in high-budget action films.

Cass Mapother

She is the sister of actor Tom Cruise.

Anne Hathaway

She is an Academy Award-winning actress who joined the cast of the Days of Thunder sequel as a team owner and engineer.

The details

While on the track, the pregnant passenger held onto the vehicle rails as Cruise navigated the speedway. The actor is now confirmed to reprise his role as Cole Trickle in the upcoming franchise continuation.

1990 marked the original release of the film Days of Thunder.
September 18, 2026, was the date of the New Heights podcast appearance.
June 2, 2028, is the scheduled release date for the movie sequel.

Industry Dynamics

This retrospective account provides context for the production intensity of the 1990 Days of Thunder film. The upcoming sequel marks a strategic expansion of the racing franchise into the modern era of Hollywood blockbusters.

Fans can look forward to the return of the franchise when the sequel hits theaters in 2028. Anne Hathaway is set to join the cast, playing the role of a team owner and engineer.

The takeaway

Legacy racing films often rely on practical stunts that remain impressive even decades later. Modern audiences should expect similar intensity when the high-profile sequel arrives in theaters.