Overview

• Kyle Larson told Julian Edelman’s Games With Names podcast that he enjoys Talladega Nights but believes it “turned our sport into a joke” and harmed NASCAR’s image.
• William Byron publicly echoed his Hendrick Motorsports teammate’s critique, tweeting that the comedy “should not be the first thing people think of” when they hear NASCAR.
• Bubba Wallace added that the film’s satire felt like mockery of the sport, recalling he first saw it as a teenager and viewed it as making fun of racing.
• NASCAR insiders recount repeated encounters with celebrities who assumed the series mirrored the movie’s outlandish stereotypes.
• Early production hints from producer Jerry Bruckheimer and Jeff Gordon’s remarks about Tom Cruise’s interest have fueled speculation over a Days of Thunder sequel.