During a recent discussion, Kevin Harvick addressed remarks made by Kyle Larson regarding the influence of the movie Talladega Nights on NASCAR, responding on his podcast after Larson called the film detrimental to the sport. This reaction places the focus on
“Kevin Harvick on Talladega Nights verdict,”
as both drivers reflect on how the comedic portrayal affected NASCAR‘s reputation and popularity.
Kyle Larson Critiques Talladega Nights’ Impact on NASCAR
Kyle Larson, representing Hendrick Motorsports, joined Julian Edelman’s Games with Names podcast to share his thoughts about the 2006 comedy-action film Talladega Nights. While the movie is recognized for its thrilling sequences and humor, Larson expressed concern that it contributed negatively to how the wider public views NASCAR. Despite enjoying Talladega Nights as a film, Larson suggested it hindered the sport’s image rather than helping it.
“I liked the movie. Think it did not do anything good for our sport. I think it turned our sport into a joke, unfortunately. That’s gotta be one of the most popular racing movies. … But the rest of the world, I feel like that’s what they think of our sport now.”
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR Driver
Larson’s candid remarks highlight his belief that the mainstream exposure from Talladega Nights may have caused people outside the racing community to underestimate, or even ridicule, NASCAR‘s level of professionalism and competition.
Kevin Harvick Responds to Larson’s Comments
Kevin Harvick provided his perspective on the issue during the latest episode of his Happy Hour podcast. Referencing Larson’s verdict, Harvick shared that he personally found the film entertaining and didn’t interpret its humor as a slight to the sport. Harvick mentioned the possibility of recreating scenes from the movie and seemed to acknowledge its lighthearted nature rather than viewing it as truly damaging.
“I thought it was hilarious. I liked it. I mean Talladega Nights 2, I know where we could re-enact the scene.”
—Kevin Harvick, Former NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Harvick also revealed he is moving into a house featured in the film, located on Lake Norman in North Carolina. However, he admitted that restoring the property has required both significant time and financial resources, which added a layer of reality to his involvement with Talladega Nights memorabilia.
Kyle Larson Assesses the American Thunder Movie’s Portrayal of Motorsports
Beyond his thoughts on Talladega Nights, Kyle Larson previously provided his take on the American Thunder film, which chronicles Hendrick Motorsports’ path from the world of stock car racing to participating in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The film spotlights a key moment in motorsports history, as HMS partnered with Chevrolet, Goodyear, IMSA, and NASCAR, dedicating over two years to prepare the Camaro ZL1 for the prestigious endurance race’s innovative class.
During the 24 Hours of Le Mans event, the effort paid off—the car outperformed some established GT-class competitors. Larson’s teammate, Jimmie Johnson, who holds seven NASCAR Cup Series titles, joined notable drivers Mike Rockenfeller and Jenson Button, a Le Mans and Formula One champion respectively, to represent the team. The focus was not just on drivers such as Johnson, Jeff Gordon, and Larson, but also on the broader team, who successfully managed to adapt a stock car for one of the world’s oldest and most challenging endurance races.
Hendrick Motorsports achieved a finish of 39th out of 62, besting several competitors from the GTE Am class. This accomplishment, as portrayed in American Thunder, provides additional context to the high-profile and technical demands involved in transitioning NASCAR stock cars to international racing events, showcasing teamwork, innovation, and the legacy of key figures like Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson.
The Ongoing Discussion: NASCAR’s Image and Film Influence
As Kevin Harvick and Kyle Larson continue to debate the cultural impact of films like Talladega Nights and American Thunder, their perspectives highlight the complex relationship between motorsports and popular media. High-profile drivers like Jimmie Johnson, Mike Rockenfeller, and Jenson Button, along with organizations such as Hendrick Motorsports and Stewart-Haas Racing, remain at the forefront of efforts to promote NASCAR‘s history and evolution. The conversation reflects ongoing concerns about public perception and the need to balance entertainment with respect for the sport’s competitive spirit. Fans, teams, and industry insiders will likely keep this dialogue active as new films and media projects emerge, ensuring NASCAR’s legacy remains both entertaining and respected.
