Dennis Quaid to Star in Upcoming AMC NASCAR Series ‘Thunder Road’ by John Fusco
Actor Dennis Quaid to Star in AMC’s NASCAR Drama ‘Thunder Road’
Multi-award-winning actor Dennis Quaid is set to headline AMC’s upcoming NASCAR drama, Thunder Road, penned by John Fusco, known for his work on Young Guns and The Highwayman.
Thunder Road narrates the multi-generational journey of the Whitlock family, whose deep-rooted legacy in stock car racing intertwines with their connections to the southern hill country. The series promises to explore intricate family dynamics, intense rivalries, and the untold stories behind one of America’s most celebrated sports. In this drama, Quaid will portray racing icon Duane Whitlock, affectionately nicknamed “The Wrecking Ball.” Whitlock is depicted as a formidable figure who has built a racing empire on a legacy of moonshine runs and local dirt tracks, fervently fighting to maintain his legacy as the family faces the impending threat of extinction.
This series marks a significant milestone as it is produced in association with NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing), representing the first long-form drama to depict the sport since films like Tom Cruise’s Days of Thunder and the Netflix docuseries Full Speed.
Fusco will serve as an executive producer alongside Taylor Elmore, known for his work on Justified, who will take on the role of showrunner. Other executive producers include Cliff Roberts, who previously worked on the Netflix series Untamed, and Mark L. Smith, a co-creator of Untamed renowned for his work on The Revenant and American Primeval. Tim Clark and John Dahl will also produce for NASCAR, with Gladys Cheng attached as a producer.
The project is being led by Dan McDermott, Chief Content Officer of AMC Networks and President of AMC Studios.
Quaid’s accolades include an Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male for his performance in Todd Haynes’ Far From Heaven, which also garnered him nominations for a Golden Globe and an Actor’s Award. He received an Emmy nomination for his portrayal of Bill Clinton in the 2010 miniseries The Special Relationship, and shared an ensemble cast Actor’s Award for the film Traffic. His recent work includes roles in I Can Only Imagine 2, War Machine, and Reagan. Quaid’s extensive filmography also features hits such as G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, The Day After Tomorrow, and Something to Talk About. He is represented by UTA and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, et al.
