“They’re Making Fun of Our Sport!” – Bubba Wallace & Chase Elliott Rip Talladega Nights, NASCAR Fans Divided
When Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby hit theaters in 2006, it quickly became one of the most well-known NASCAR-themed movies ever made. The film starred Will Ferrell as Ricky Bobby, a fictional stock car racing champion, and featured real-life NASCAR icons like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jamie McMurray in cameo roles.
With a mix of comedy and high-speed action, the movie was a box office success, earning over $163 million worldwide. Critics praised its humor, and fans loved its ridiculous yet entertaining take on the sport. However, not everyone in the NASCAR world appreciated the film. Bubba Wallace and Chase Elliott, two of the most popular modern-day NASCAR drivers, have voiced their disapproval, arguing that Talladega Nights makes a mockery of their profession.
“They’re making fun of our sport!” – Bubba Wallace’s brutal take on Talladega Nights leaves fans divided.
Why Bubba Wallace Thinks Talladega Nights is “Not Right”
During an episode of the Rubbin’ is Racing podcast, Bubba Wallace did not hold back his thoughts about the film. He made it clear that he doesn’t see Talladega Nights as a proper racing movie but rather as a comedy that disrespects the sport.
“It’s not like a good racing movie. It’s just a comedy. I remember watching it. I think I was in high school, maybe a freshman or something. I saw that come out, and I was like, ‘They’re making fun of our sport.’ I was like, ‘That’s not right.’”
Wallace believes the film distorts NASCAR’s image, portraying drivers as exaggerated, cartoonish figures rather than professional athletes. He also takes issue with the fact that many people call it their favorite racing movie, which, in his eyes, suggests they don’t take NASCAR seriously.
Chase Elliott Joins Wallace: “That’s Pretty Far Off Base”
Chase Elliott, the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion, echoed Wallace’s sentiments. While he acknowledged that comedy films can help introduce people to the sport, he believes Talladega Nights does more harm than good.
“If you’re a driver and that’s your favorite racing movie… I don’t know about that. That’s pretty far off base.”
Elliott pointed out that while such films make NASCAR more accessible to casual viewers, they often fail to capture the true essence of the sport. Instead of showing the dedication, strategy, and athleticism involved in stock car racing, movies like Talladega Nights reinforce stereotypes that NASCAR is just a bunch of guys driving in circles.
“That’s pretty far off base!” Chase Elliott slams NASCAR drivers who love Talladega Nights!
Not Everyone Agrees: NASCAR Stars Who Love Talladega Nights
While Wallace and Elliott dismiss the film, other NASCAR personalities embrace its over-the-top humor. In 2023, Chase Briscoe and Ryan Preece drove Talladega Nights-themed race cars at the Talladega Superspeedway, paying tribute to the movie in a grand way.
Additionally, former NASCAR champion Kevin Harvick has expressed his love for the film and even pitched the idea of a sequel. Speaking on the Harvick Happy Hour podcast, he said:
“I think we should have Ricky Bobby or Will Ferrell and Talladega Nights 2. I know where we can film it… We’re going to film it in a modernized Ricky Bobby home…”
If a sequel were ever made, it would likely be another commercial hit. But one thing is certain—Bubba Wallace and Chase Elliott won’t be first in line to watch it.
How NASCAR is Represented in Pop Culture
NASCAR holds a special place in American culture, and its influence extends far beyond the racetrack. The sport has been referenced in music, television, and movies for decades.
- Eminem mentioned Dale Earnhardt Sr. in his 2013 song “Rap God,” proving that NASCAR legends are known even in hip-hop.
- The legendary driver Dick Trickle was referenced in an episode of That ‘70s Show, further cementing his name in pop culture.
- The Tom Cruise blockbuster Days of Thunder (1990) gave NASCAR its Hollywood moment long before Talladega Nights. Cruise played Cole Trickle, a young driver making a name for himself in stock car racing.
From Days of Thunder to Talladega Nights—NASCAR’s Hollywood journey is full of hits and misses!
Can Hollywood Make a Realistic NASCAR Movie?
With NASCAR’s rich history and dramatic storylines, many fans and drivers have long hoped for a serious, well-made racing movie that captures the intensity and strategy of the sport. While Days of Thunder comes close, most other films rely on stereotypes and comedic exaggeration.
Is it time for a real NASCAR movie? Wallace and Elliott want Hollywood to stop making a joke out of their sport!
Could a future film strike the right balance between entertainment and authenticity? With the success of recent motorsports movies like Ford v Ferrari (2019), there’s hope that Hollywood will one day produce a truly great NASCAR film—one that Bubba Wallace and Chase Elliott would actually approve of.
Final Thoughts: NASCAR Drivers Divided Over Talladega Nights
Talladega Nights remains a cult classic, loved by many fans but disliked by some of NASCAR’s biggest stars. While Bubba Wallace and Chase Elliott see it as a mockery of the sport, others like Kevin Harvick and Chase Briscoe embrace its humor and entertainment value.
Regardless of where you stand, one thing is clear—NASCAR’s presence in Hollywood isn’t going anywhere. Whether it’s in music, TV, or film, the sport continues to captivate audiences worldwide. But the question remains: Will we ever get a NASCAR movie that drivers actually respect?
