NEW YORK, NY – April 29, 2026 – AMC Global Media today announced at its Upfront Content Showcase that it has greenlit the scripted drama series, Thunder Road, from AMC Studios and NASCAR Studios, with award-winning actor Dennis Quaid in the lead role. Centered on family dynamics, fierce rivalries, and the untold stories behind one of America’s most iconic sports, the series is set to begin production this summer and will debut on AMC and AMC+ in 2027.
Thunder Road follows the multi-generational saga of the fictional Whitlock family, whose legacy in stock car racing is as deep as the family’s ties to the southern hill country roots that shaped them.
Quaid will play racing legend Duane Whitlock aka “The Wrecking Ball,” a towering figure who built a racing empire from a legacy of moonshine runs and dirt tracks and refuses to let it die. With ruthless competitors who will stop at nothing to dethrone and destroy them, The Whitlocks are a blue-collar dynasty at the edge of extinction – and the old king is fighting to hold onto the crown.
“We are thrilled to team up with NASCAR, a world class partner that continues to engage and entertain their deeply loyal fans for nearly 80 years,” said Dan McDermott, Chief Content Officer of AMC Global Media and President of AMC Studios. “And in the ultimate dream casting, we’re fortunate to have the legendary Dennis Quaid lead this captivating series. This show will be a nonstop thrill ride for viewers.”
Thunder Road is created and executive produced by John Fusco (Young Guns, The Highwaymen) with Taylor Elmore (Justified, Tulsa King) on board as showrunner and executive producer. Additional executive producers include Cliff Roberts (Untamed) with Syndicate Entertainment and Mark L. Smith (Untamed, The Revenant, American Primeval), along with NASCAR Studio’s Tim Clark and John Dahl (The Last Dance) with Gladys Cheng as producer.
Thunder Road further extends AMC’s sports programming slate on the heels of its successful partnership with NFL Films, Skydance Sports and Tom Brady’s Religion of Sports on Rise of the 49ers, which became the most-watched new original on AMC and AMC+ since The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live. The company also announced today it is once again partnering with the NFL, Skydance Sports and Eli Manning’s Ten Till Productions on a new installment, Rise of the Saints. AMC also became the home of Thursday Night iMPACT! earlier this year in collaboration with TNA Wrestling.
About AMC Global Media
AMC Global Media (Nasdaq: AMCX) is home to many of the greatest stories and characters in TV and film and the premier destination for passionate and engaged fan communities around the world. The Company creates and curates celebrated series and films across distinct brands and makes them available to audiences everywhere. Its portfolio includes targeted streaming services AMC+, Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now, ALLBLK, HIDIVE and All Reality; cable networks AMC, BBC AMERICA (which includes U.S. distribution and sales responsibilities for BBC News), IFC, SundanceTV and We TV; and film distribution label Independent Film Company. The Company also operates AMC Studios, its in-house studio, production and distribution operation behind acclaimed and fan-favorite original franchises including The Walking Dead Universe and the Anne Rice Immortal Universe. AMC Global Media is headquartered in the United States, with international operations in Iberia, Latin America, Central Europe, the U.K., Australia and New Zealand.
Press Contacts:
Jim Maiella / Jim.Maiella@amcnetworks.com
Olivia Dupuis / Olivia.Dupuis@amcnetworks.com