Overview

• On Julian Edelman’s Games With Names podcast, Kyle Larson said he liked Talladega Nights but believed the 2006 comedy turned NASCAR into a joke and harmed the sport’s image.
• Hendrick Motorsports teammate William Byron reinforced Larson’s view by posting “100%. Should not be the first thing people think of” on social media.
• Several insiders and former drivers, including Dale Earnhardt Jr., have defended the film’s humor as harmless and credited it with exposing NASCAR to new audiences.
• Larson also relayed that Jeff Gordon told him Tom Cruise has indicated a Days of Thunder sequel is in development, sparking fresh interest in a more serious racing movie.
• The discussion highlights a broader rift in NASCAR over leveraging Hollywood portrayals to grow fan engagement without undermining the sport’s competitive integrity.