Forget the 200-mph chaos on the track—stock car racing has always been about the drama off it. Generations of drivers, family dynasties, bitter rivalries, and enough behind-the-scenes scandal to fuel a dozen TV series. AMC is betting big on that rich history with its new show, Thunder Road, and it's already rolling cameras.
AMC Global Media has confirmed that production is underway in Georgia for Thunder Road, a high-octane family saga set in the world of NASCAR. The series stars Dennis Quaid (The Substance) and Chase Stokes (Outer Banks), and is created by John Fusco (Young Guns), with Taylor Elmore (Justified) as showrunner and executive producer. The show is slated to premiere on AMC and AMC+ in 2027.
The story centers on the fictional Whitlock family, a multi-generational stock car racing clan whose legacy stretches back decades. It's a potent mix of adrenaline-fueled racing, Southern family dysfunction, and the complex relationships and rivalries that emerge as each new generation tries to carve its own path in one of America's most beloved sports.
Who's in the Cast?
Quaid leads the ensemble as Duane Whitlock, the family patriarch, with Stokes playing Ronnie Whitlock. Maggie Grace (Taken) takes on the role of Laney Whitlock, while Matt Barr (Hatfields & McCoys) plays Calvin Whitlock. West Duchovny (Saint X) appears as Cassie Whitlock, Shane McRae (Silo) as Scooter Jakes, and Jake Manley (My Life with the Walter Boys) as Zak Farley.
The supporting cast is equally impressive, featuring Michael Rooker (Guardians of the Galaxy), James Wolk (Mad Men), Mackenzie Porter (9-1-1: Nashville), Aspen Kennedy (The Forge), musician Devon Allman, Josh Macqueen (Motorheads), Sandra Ellis Lafferty (The Hunger Games), and Haley Dillon (Blue Ridge: The Series).
Real NASCAR Credentials
Behind the camera, the series has genuine NASCAR involvement. Fusco executive produces alongside Elmore, Cliff Roberts (Untamed), Mark L. Smith (The Revenant), and NASCAR Studios' Tim Clark and John Dahl (The Last Dance). Gladys Cheng serves as producer.
This isn't just a show about racing; it's a deep dive into the culture that surrounds it—the families, the fans, and the relentless pursuit of victory. With a cast this strong and a setting this rich, Thunder Road is shaping up to be a must-watch for both racing enthusiasts and drama lovers alike.
While we wait for the 2027 premiere, there's plenty of other drama to catch up on. If you're looking for a crime drama that blends family and chaos, or want to see how another Sheridan-style show is dominating streaming, we've got you covered. And for those who can't get enough of the Yellowstone universe, Luke Grimes has teased what's next.
Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for all the latest updates on Thunder Road and more.
