Outer Banks star Chase Stokes (Outer Banks, Valiant One) is heading to AMC’s next major drama project. According to Deadline, Stokes has signed on to join Dennis Quaid (The Substance, The Day After Tomorrow) in Thunder Road, AMC’s upcoming NASCAR-focused series.

The drama is scheduled to begin production this summer ahead of a planned 2027 debut on AMC and AMC+. Created by John Fusco (Marco Polo, Young Guns), Thunder Road follows the fictional Whitlock family, whose history in stock car racing stretches across multiple generations.

The series explores both the family’s racing legacy and its deep roots in the American South. Stokes will portray Ronnie Whitlock, a former racing prospect known for his rebellious personality and reckless streak.

According to Deadline, Ronnie was once viewed as a promising professional driver before his behavior pushed him out of the sport. He now finds himself working on the pit crew of his cousin, Trey, while attempting to rebuild his future.

The actor joins a cast led by Quaid, who will play Duane Whitlock, a legendary racer known as “The Wrecking Ball.” Deadline describes the character as a larger-than-life figure who built a racing empire from humble beginnings tied to moonshine running and dirt-track racing.

The casting news comes as Outer Banks enters its fifth and final season, mxdwn recently covering Netflix’s release of the first teaser for the upcoming ending. That report focused on the Pogues preparing for one last adventure as the long-running hit moves toward its conclusion.

The teaser also highlighted the emotional stakes facing John B. and his friends as they enter their final chapter. While Stokes prepares to say goodbye to the character that helped make him a breakout star, Thunder Road gives him his next major television role.

The project marks NASCAR’s first partnership on a long-form scripted drama series, making it a significant venture for both AMC and the racing organization. With production beginning this summer and Outer Banks nearing its end, Stokes is set to shift from treasure hunting on the Carolina coast to the high-speed world of professional stock car racing.