Talladega Nights released in theaters
Talladega Nights The Ballad of Ricky Bobby an irreverent comedy based in the outlandish (fictionalized) world of American stock car racing premieres in movie theaters around the United States on this day in 2006.The comedian Will Ferrell (who also co-wrote the screenplay with director Adam McKay and served as an executive producer) starred as Ricky Bobby a leading driver on the National Association for Stock Auto Car Racing (NASCAR) circuit.Macho and arrogant Ricky Bobby is known for his motto If youre not first youre last and has no problems with the fact that his winning record is based on the willingness of his loyal friend and fellow driver Cal Naughton Jr.
(John C.Reilly) to always come in second to Rickys first.This arrangement is upset by the arrival of Jean Girard (Sacha Baron Cohen) a flamboyant French star of Europes Formula One racing.
After a devastating crash Ricky Bobby loses his job and his wife (both to Cal) and is forced to work his way back up in the NASCAR world.The climactic scenefeaturing an explosive kiss in the middle of the tracktakes place during the famous Talladega 500 race at Alabamas Talladega Superspeedway.Talladega Nightsoffered an unapologetically exaggerated version of the NASCAR world repeatedly poking fun at the stereotypical image of car-loving good old boys from the American South in the style of shows like The Dukes of Hazzard.
It also satirized NASCARs affection for product placement The cars in the movie are covered with advertisements for brands such as Wonder Bread and Old Spice and the characters are constantly singing the praises of Dominos Pizza PowerAde and other products.On the more authentic side the vehicles used in Talladega Nightswere made with the cooperation of NASCAR and the movie was partially filmed at the Talladega Superspeedway known to fans of stock car racing as the largest fastest and most competitive speedway in the world.Opened in 1969 the complex was built on an expanse of farmland next to two abandoned airport runways it has the capacity to accommodate more than 143000 seated spectators with thousands more packed into the 212-acre infield.
Talladega is also home to the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and Museum.
