Speaking of NASCAR and Hollywood in the same sentence, the first thing that comes to mind is Days of Thunder. The 1990 Tom Cruise starrer featured three main characters, Cole Trickle, Rowdy Burns, and Russ Wheeler. The trio drove #46, 51, and #18 cars, respectively.
Recently, it turned out that a fan stumbled upon a NASCAR car that closely resembled Russ Wheeler’s #18 car.
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The name Russ Wheeler was in the car. But of course, no one really knows if this is the real car. The livery is the same, though the yellow has faded drastically. Additionally, the car is slightly rusty but still recognizable.
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Apparently, it was found in a scrap yard in Port Orange, Florida. In the film, Cary Elwes was driving the number 18 car when she played the role of Russ Wheeler, a young NASCAR hotshot.
What will happen to this NASCAR car?
Naturally, many fans are hoping that someone will take the car and return it to its former glory. According to them, although it is a movie car, it is still part of NASCAR history.
Some even want Dale Earnhardt Jr. to buy the vehicle and restore it to its former glory.
@DaleJr you need to buy it and return it right away. Love the cemetery, but it’s embarrassing to see this one in that collection.
– 712racing (@712racingia) June 16, 2022
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True, the #18 NASCAR car will likely only sit as a showpiece if it is restored. However, it is important for an iconic machine to be rescued, if in fact it is the real deal.

Sure, it may not be as iconic as Cole Trickle’s #46 or Rowdy Burns ’ #51 car, but #18 is well known. In fact, Days of Thunder is probably one of the best depictions of NASCAR on the big screen.
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Because he may be perceived as a bit of an adrenaline junkie, Cruise enjoys himself in cars. Most fans already know that Cruise is a big motorsport fan. Not only was he seen in the Mercedes F1 garage, but in the past, he also drove a Red Bull F1 car.