Chase Stokes reveals ‘incredibly disrespectful’ experience ahead of ‘Thunder Road’ role

Chase Stokes is leaving his Outer Banks persona behind and undergoing a major transformation for his next role. The actor recently opened up about the intense preparation required to play a NASCAR pit crew member in AMC’s upcoming drama Thunder Road.

Stokes, 33, will portray Ronnie Whitlock, a rebellious NASCAR racer who is moved to the pit crew after getting into trouble. The series, which also stars Dennis Quaid, is expected to premiere in 2027. (EW.com⁠)

For Stokes, the role represents more than simply finding a new character. It is an opportunity to move beyond the image of John B., the teenage surfer and treasure hunter he played throughout Outer Banks.

The actor said he wanted to make sure his physical transformation respected the real athletes working in NASCAR pit crews. According to Stokes, many pit crew members are former Division I athletes, meaning the job requires exceptional strength, speed and coordination.

He explained that arriving on set with the lean physique associated with John B. would have been “incredibly disrespectful” to the professionals who perform the demanding work in a real pit lane. (Men’s Health⁠)

Stokes has therefore built a significantly more muscular frame for Ronnie. He has also grown a beard and embraced his changing appearance as part of his effort to establish himself as a more mature actor.

The transformation has an emotional side as well. During his years on Outer Banks, Stokes faced intense scrutiny over his appearance. He revealed that he has struggled with body dysmorphia and said online criticism about his body affected his mental health.

The pressure was particularly intense because John B. was frequently shirtless on screen. Stokes previously maintained a very lean physique for the character, even describing how he restricted his eating to maintain the look of a teenager.

Now, he is taking a different approach. Rather than focusing on maintaining a particular aesthetic, Stokes wants to concentrate on the physical demands of his new profession and the performance itself. (Men’s Health⁠)

That preparation is particularly important because pit crews operate under extraordinary pressure. Changing tires, lifting cars and completing precise movements in fractions of a second require athletic ability and extensive training.

Stokes has also been reflecting on the physical toll of his previous role. After Outer Banks ended, he revealed that years of demanding work had affected his health and that he had experienced injuries, including three concussions. (People.com⁠)

With Thunder Road, Stokes appears determined to begin again. The role gives him a chance to leave John B. behind and demonstrate that there is much more to his acting career than the image that made him famous.

For the actor, the biggest challenge may not simply be becoming Ronnie Whitlock. It may be proving to audiences that Chase Stokes is ready for an entirely new chapter.