The 2006 film ‘Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby’ achieved major box office success, grossing $163 million worldwide and elevating Will Ferrell’s profile. However, Kyle Larson, a current NASCAR Cup Series champion, believes the movie negatively affected how NASCAR is perceived, particularly by those outside the sport. Speaking on Julian Edelman’s Games With Names podcast, Larson expressed concern that the film made NASCAR seem like a joke to many viewers.
Drivers Reflect on NASCAR’s On-Screen Representation
Larson stated,
“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.”
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver
This viewpoint resonated with fellow driver William Byron, who supported Larson’s opinion on social media by adding,
“100%. Should not be the first thing people think of.”
—William Byron, NASCAR driver
Larson’s Aspirations for a Role in a New Racing Film
Despite his criticism of ‘Talladega Nights,’ Larson remains interested in the intersection between NASCAR and Hollywood, particularly in relation to the upcoming sequel of the 1990 film ‘Days of Thunder,’ starring Tom Cruise. Larson revealed that he spoke with NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon, who shared optimism about the sequel moving forward. Larson enthusiastically hopes to participate in the project.
He explained,
“I would absolutely be in it. I would like to be in it.”
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver
Potential Casting Ideas Among NASCAR Stars for a ‘Days of Thunder’ Sequel
While Larson is eager to appear in a racing movie, he has reservations about the role he might play, specifically the antagonist. He admitted,
“The bad guy? I don’t know, I don’t feel like I’m the bad guy yet in real racing so I don’t feel like I could be the bad guy.”
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver
Instead, Larson suggested Cup Series rival Denny Hamlin would be a natural fit for the villain role, praising Hamlin’s competitive edge and personality. He remarked,
“Well Denny Hamlin is definitely the heel right now. And he plays it up so great. He’s good, he’s with a good team so he can back it up too.”
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver
The Implications for NASCAR’s Image and Future in Film
Kyle Larson’s observations highlight a tension within NASCAR’s cultural portrayal, where popular media can both boost visibility and potentially undermine respect for the sport. However, Larson’s enthusiasm for a new racing movie role signals a hope for more authentic and serious depictions of NASCAR competitors. As discussions regarding the sequel to ‘Days of Thunder’ progress, the involvement of current stars like Larson and Hamlin could help shift public perception and bring greater depth to NASCAR’s representation on screen.
