Kyle Larson recently sparked debate within the NASCAR community by criticizing the popular film ‘Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby’ for negatively impacting the sport’s image. Speaking on Julian Edelman’s Games With Names podcast, Larson expressed that the movie made NASCAR appear as a joke to the broader public.
I liked the movie. I think it did not do anything good for our sport. I think it turned our sport into like a joke, unfortunately,
Larson said.
That’s gotta be one of the most popular racing movies. But I feel like the rest of the world, that’s what they think of our sport now.
Kevin Harvick, a respected NASCAR Cup Series champion and veteran, offered a different perspective during his Happy Hour show, defending the film’s humor and entertainment value. Harvick stated,
I thought it was hilarious. I liked it,
emphasizing his enjoyment of the movie despite Larson’s critique.
Harvick’s co-host, Mamba Smith, suggested the need for a more serious racing film to represent NASCAR, proposing a sequel to the classic ‘Days of Thunder’ as an alternative. Smith commented,
I think that it’s time for us to have another serious movie. Days of Thunder 2 would be nice.
Harvick also hinted at the possibility of a ‘Talladega Nights’ sequel with a creative idea to revisit notable scenes. He remarked,
I know where we could re-enact the scene,
referring to a house featured in the original film where Will Ferrell’s character Ricky Bobby resided.
Kyle Larson Hopes for Future Movie Role Inspired by ‘Days of Thunder’
During the same podcast, Larson shared his aspiration to act in a racing movie, particularly a new installment of ‘Days of Thunder,’ the 1990 film starring Tom Cruise as fictional NASCAR rookie Cole Trickle. Known for its authentic NASCAR cameos, including appearances by Richard Petty and Rusty Wallace, the movie holds a special place in NASCAR culture.
Larson revealed his enthusiasm for the project, referencing a recent conversation with Jeff Gordon, a fellow NASCAR legend who is friends with Tom Cruise. Larson explained,
I was with Jeff Gordon the other night and he’s good friends with Tom, and he went to the premiere of ‘Mission Impossible’. He’s like, ‘We’re doing it. We’ve got to do another ‘Days of Thunder.’ I hope they do it,
adding,
I would absolutely be in it. I would like to be in it.
Implications for NASCAR’s Cinematic Image
The ongoing discussion between Larson and Harvick highlights contrasting views within NASCAR regarding how the sport is portrayed in popular media. While ‘Talladega Nights’ brought humor and widespread recognition, some, like Larson, worry it may oversimplify or undermine NASCAR’s serious aspects and competitive nature.
With calls for a more earnest film representation, possibly via a ‘Days of Thunder’ sequel, NASCAR’s relationship with Hollywood could evolve, potentially shaping public perception and fan engagement in the future. Larson’s expressed interest in participating underscores a growing desire among drivers to influence the sport’s portrayal on screen.
