Is Tom Cruise a race car driver?

No—Tom Cruise is not a professional race car driver. He is an actor and producer who has trained extensively in high‑performance driving for film work, performed many of his own on-screen car stunts, and taken part in occasional exhibition and test sessions (including a widely publicized Formula 1 test). Below is a closer look at what he has—and hasn’t—done in motorsport.

What “race car driver” generally means

In motorsport, a race car driver typically competes in sanctioned events (for points, standings, or championships) under governing bodies such as NASCAR, IndyCar, IMSA, FIA Formula series, or national clubs. While many enthusiasts and celebrities take part in track days, tests, or demonstration runs, a professional race car driver maintains a record of competitive entries, results, and licensing tailored to those series.

Tom Cruise’s motorsport experience

Days of Thunder and NASCAR preparation

For Days of Thunder (1990), Cruise trained with professional instructors and worked closely with NASCAR teams to learn stock-car dynamics. He completed high-speed laps at NASCAR tracks under supervision and gained substantial seat time to portray driver Cole Trickle credibly on screen. This was rigorous film preparation rather than a professional racing campaign.

2011 Red Bull Formula 1 test

In 2011, Cruise tested a Red Bull Racing Formula 1 car at Willow Springs, coached by former F1 driver David Coulthard. Red Bull reported he reached around 181 mph (291 km/h) and eventually lapped within a few seconds of Coulthard’s demonstration pace after progressive runs. The session was a supervised test day—not an official F1 competition.

Television and exhibition laps

Cruise appeared on BBC’s Top Gear in 2010 and set a then-leading “Reasonably Priced Car” lap time, showcasing solid car control under TV test conditions. He has also turned exhibition laps at various circuits and participated in promotional driving segments. These appearances are non-competitive showcases, not entries in sanctioned races.

On-screen stunt driving

Known for doing his own stunts, Cruise has performed extensive high-speed driving in films such as the Mission: Impossible series and Jack Reacher, working with elite stunt coordinators and precision drivers. This work demands skill and discipline similar to certain motorsport techniques, but it remains part of film production rather than organized racing.

Has he competed professionally?

No. There is no record of Tom Cruise contesting a points-paying race in major sanctioned series (e.g., NASCAR Cup/Xfinity, IndyCar, IMSA, FIA World Endurance Championship, or F1), nor of him pursuing a sustained professional or semi-pro racing career. His driving résumé is best described as advanced training, stunt work, and high-profile test or exhibition sessions.

Quick facts at a glance

The following list distills the key points about Tom Cruise’s relationship with motorsport and where common misconceptions arise.

• Occupation: Actor/producer; not a professional race car driver.
• Training: Extensive high-performance driving preparation for films; supervised laps in stock cars and other platforms.
• Notable moments: Red Bull Racing F1 test in 2011; Top Gear lap that topped the board at the time.
• Competition record: No known starts, wins, or championships in major sanctioned racing series.
• Current involvement: Performs many on-screen driving stunts; frequent attendee at motorsport events and paddocks.

Taken together, these points show why Cruise is often associated with fast cars and skilled driving, while clarifying that he has not pursued a professional racing career.

Why the confusion persists

Cruise’s public image—precision stunts, immersion in roles, and widely shared clips of fast laps—blurs the line between acting and real-world competition. Add promotional narratives (such as the 2011 F1 test) and regular appearances in Formula 1 and other paddocks, and it’s easy to assume he races professionally. In reality, actors who made the leap to sanctioned competition include figures like Paul Newman, Patrick Dempsey, and Michael Fassbender; Cruise has not.

Summary

Tom Cruise is not a professional race car driver. He is a highly trained, skilled enthusiast who has completed notable tests and performs much of his own stunt driving, but he has not competed in sanctioned racing series. His reputation for speed comes from rigorous film preparation and high-profile demonstrations, not a professional racing record.

What famous actor was also a race car driver?

James Dean, Paul Newman, and Patrick Dempsey are among the most famous actors who also raced cars. Aside from having successful acting careers, Gene Hackman, Steve McQueen, and James Garner also participated in several races.

Did Tom Cruise actually race cars?

Tom Cruise has been a film star for more than 40 years and starred in one of the most memorable motorsport movies of all time in Days of Thunder, but prior to this he did actually race.

Is Tom Cruise a fast runner in real life?

Yes, Tom Cruise is a fast runner for an actor, having been clocked at speeds over 15 mph (24.6 km/h) in his movies and demonstrating impressive athleticism and endurance for his age, even performing complex stunts at high speeds. He runs often in his films, and his commitment to running himself, rather than using stunt doubles, makes his on-screen sprints particularly dynamic and noteworthy. 
This video shows Tom Cruise running and how his speed was analyzed: 1mRocket RileyYouTube · May 31, 2025
Evidence of his speed:

• Movie speed analysis: Using frame-by-frame analysis of a scene from Mission: Impossible III (filmed when he was 43), his average speed was estimated at around 15.3 mph (6.85 m/s). 
• All-out sprint: Coaches describe his running as a complete, all-out sprint with high cadence, high knees, and a straight, forward-leaning posture. 
• Sustained effort: He has been described as capable of sustaining his top-end speed for longer distances on screen. 
• Competitive past: Before his acting career, he was a competitive wrestler and a determined athlete who would train hard. 

Why his running is remarkable:

• Commitment to self-performance: Unlike many actors, Cruise often performs his own running, even when it involves complex movements, dodging explosions, or running in non-athletic wear like jeans or a suit. 
• Endurance and technique: He maintains excellent form, with a focus on a straight core and high cadence, which contributes to his ability to run fast and look dynamic on screen. 
• Age and context: His ability to run so fast and with such skill at an older age (he is 62 as of 2024) is a significant part of his athletic legacy in Hollywood. 

You can watch this video to learn more about his form and technique: 1mfind404YouTube · Feb 2, 2025

Is Keanu Reeves a race car driver?

Yes, Keanu Reeves does race cars; he made his professional auto racing debut in October 2024 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, competing in the Toyota GR Cup series. He participated in two sprint races as part of the amateur-focused series, where he qualified for the events and navigated the track, finishing 25th and 24th in the two races. He also previously competed in the Toyota Celebrity Race in 2009 and 2010.
 
This video shows highlights from Keanu Reeves’ race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway: 1mGTWorldYouTube · Oct 7, 2024
Keanu Reeves’ Racing Debut

• Event: Toyota GR Cup at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 
• Year: 2024. 
• Races: Two sprint races held over a weekend. 
• Results: Finished 25th in Race 1 and 24th in Race 2. 
• Notable Incidents: He spun out during the first race but re-entered the track and finished the race. 
• Car: Drove the No. 92 BRZRKR car, a reference to his graphic novel. 

Other Racing Experience

• Toyota Celebrity Race: Reeves also competed in the Toyota Celebrity Race in both 2009 and 2010. 
• Motorcycle Enthusiast: Beyond car racing, Reeves is a known motorcycle enthusiast and co-founded Arch Motorcycle.