The new movie brings Cruise back as Cole Trickle, the talented NASCAR driver who became the center of the original Days of Thunder story.

This time, the world around Trickle has changed dramatically. Modern NASCAR relies much more heavily on data, simulation, aerodynamics and advanced engineering than it did when the first movie was released.

Hathaway will play a team owner and engineer, giving the sequel an opportunity to explore the technical and strategic side of modern racing alongside the action on track.

Modern NASCAR Cup racing looks very different from the machines featured in the original film. Current Next Gen Cup cars use technology designed to create more consistent performance and bring the cars closer to modern racing standards.

Major changes include independent rear suspension, composite body panels and a five speed sequential transmission. These systems replace several traditional components used during earlier generations of NASCAR.

The combination of modern race cars and IMAX production could give the sequel an opportunity to capture NASCAR speed, sound and close racing in much greater detail than the original movie could achieve.

Modern racing teams depend on far more than horsepower. Engineers analyze telemetry, aerodynamic performance, tire behavior and large amounts of vehicle data to find small advantages over competitors.

Race strategy has also become increasingly technical. Teams constantly evaluate fuel use, tire wear, track conditions and pit stop timing while making adjustments throughout an event.

Hathaways role as a team owner and engineer could place this side of motorsport closer to the center of the story, showing audiences how much work happens away from the drivers seat.