Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|2006 American sports comedy film}}

{{Infobox Film

{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2024}}

| name = Talladega Nights:<br />The Ballad of Ricky Bobby

{{Use American English|date = August 2019}}

| image = Talladega nights.jpg

{{Infobox film

| starring = [[Will Ferrell]]<br />[[John C. Reilly]]<br />[[Sacha Baron Cohen]]<br />[[Gary Cole]]<br />[[Michael Clarke Duncan]]|

| name = Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby

| director = [[Adam McKay]]

| image = Talladega nights.jpg

| writers = [[Adam McKay]]<br />[[Will Ferrell]]

| produceralt = [[Judd Apatow]]<br />[[Jimmy Miller]] =

| caption = Theatrical release poster

| distributor = [[Columbia TriStar]]

| director = [[Adam McKay]]

| release date= [[August 4]], [[2006]]

| producer = Jimmy Miller<br />[[Judd Apatow]]

| runtime = 110 minutes

| languagewriter = [[EnglishWill language|EnglishFerrell]]<br />Adam McKay

| ratingstarring = PG-13{{Plainlist|

* Will Ferrell

| music =

* [[John C. Reilly]]

| awards =

* [[Sacha Baron Cohen]]

| budget = $72,500,000

* [[Gary Cole]]

| preceded by = [[Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy]]

* [[Michael Clarke Duncan]]

| imdb_id = 0415306

}}

| music = [[Alex Wurman]]

| cinematography = [[Oliver Wood (cinematographer)|Oliver Wood]]

| editing = [[Brent White]]

| production_companies = [[Columbia Pictures]]<br />[[Relativity Media]]<br />[[Apatow Productions|The Apatow Company]]<br />[[Mosaic Media Group]]

| distributor = [[Sony Pictures Releasing]]

| released = {{Film date|2006|08|04}}

| runtime = 108 minutes

| country = United States

| language = English

| budget = $72.5 million<ref name="mojo" />

| gross = $163.4 million<ref name="mojo" />

}}

'''''Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby''''' is a 2006 American [[Sports film|sports]] [[comedy film]] directed by [[Adam McKay]] who co-wrote the film with [[Will Ferrell]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0415306/|title=Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby Martin|date=June 9, 2006 |work=[[Lowe's Motor Speedway]]<br>August 4, 2006 (United States)|access-date=February 10, 2018|via=www.imdb.com}}</ref> It features Ferrell as the titular Ricky Bobby, an immature yet successful [[NASCAR]] driver. The film also features [[John C. Reilly]], [[Sacha Baron Cohen]], [[Gary Cole]], [[Michael Clarke Duncan]], [[Leslie Bibb]], [[Jane Lynch]], and [[Amy Adams]] in supporting roles. NASCAR drivers [[Jamie McMurray]] and [[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]] appear in cameos, as do broadcasting teams from ''[[NASCAR on Fox]]'' ([[Mike Joy]], [[Larry McReynolds]], [[Darrell Waltrip]], and [[Dick Berggren]]) and ''[[NASCAR on NBC]]'' ([[Bill Weber]], [[Wally Dallenbach Jr.]], and [[Benny Parsons]]).

The film was released theatrically on August 4, 2006, by [[Columbia Pictures]] through [[Sony Pictures Releasing]] to critical and commercial success, grossing $163.4 million worldwide against a $72 million budget.

'''''Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby''''' is an [[Cinema of the United States|American]] [[comedy film]] about [[NASCAR]] racing. The film is directed by [[Adam McKay]], who co-wrote the film with actor and former ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' cast member [[Will Ferrell]], who stars in the title role. The film was released on [[August 4]], [[2006]]. Actors involved in the movie include [[John C. Reilly]], [[Amy Adams (actress)|Amy Adams]], [[Sacha Baron Cohen]] and [[Leslie Bibb]]. Various SNL alumni also make appearances.

==Plot==

The film was primarily shot in [[North Carolina]] including the [[Charlotte, North Carolina|Charlotte]] region, and [[Cabarrus County, North Carolina|Cabarrus]] and [[Gaston County, North Carolina|Gaston]] counties. Racetrack scenes at [[Texas Motor Speedway]] were shot at [[Lowe's Motor Speedway]] in [[Concord, North Carolina|Concord]], North Carolina, using a Chevy [[El Camino]] outfitted with camera mounts on all four corners of the car.

In rural [[North Carolina]], Ricky Bobby is born in the backseat of a speeding [[Chevrolet Chevelle]] when his father, Reese, misses the turnoff for the hospital. Ricky sees Reese only once after that, at age 10, for career day at his school. Reese tells Ricky, "If you ain't first, you're last", advice which Ricky takes to heart. Fifteen years later, Ricky works on the pit crew of Dennit Racing driver Terry Cheveaux. When last-placed Cheveaux decides to take a bathroom break, Ricky replaces him and finishes third. Larry Dennit Sr. gives Ricky a permanent seat and he quickly rises to be one of [[NASCAR]]'s most successful drivers. He meets his future wife Carley when she flashes her breasts after one of his wins.

Ricky persuades Dennit to field a second team for his best friend, Cal Naughton Jr., and they become an unstoppable duo using their "Shake and Bake" slingshot technique on the track. Ricky's newfound arrogance, however, irritates Dennit's alienated son, who retaliates by adding talented, openly [[Homosexuality|gay]] [[France|French]] [[Formula One]] driver Jean Girard to the team. Girard not only taunts Ricky, but outperforms him and becomes Dennit's top driver. Desperate to beat Girard, Ricky crashes at [[Charlotte Motor Speedway|Lowe's Motor Speedway]]. Although unscathed, he suffers an apparent [[mental health]] crisis on the track, thinking he is on fire, and is hospitalized. Fearful of wrecking again, his performance drastically declines and Dennit fires him. Carley leaves him for Cal, who still considers Ricky his best friend, but Ricky insists that their friendship is over.

==Synopsis==

''Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby'' tells the story of NASCAR stock car racing sensation [[Ricky Bobby]] (Ferrell) whose "win at all costs" approach has made him a national hero. He and his loyal racing partner and childhood friend Cal Naughton, Jr. (Reilly), are a fearless duo—dubbed "Shake" and "Bake" with the ability to finish so many races in the No. 1 and No. 2 positions, with Cal always in second place. When a gay French [[Formula One]] driver, Jean Girard (Baron Cohen), challenges "Shake" and "Bake" for the supremacy of NASCAR, Ricky Bobby must face his own demons and fight Girard for the right to be known as racing's top driver.

Ricky and his two unruly sons, Walker and Texas Ranger, move in with Ricky's disciplinarian mother Lucy, who is determined to reform the boys. Ricky takes a job delivering pizzas, but after he loses his driver's license he is reduced to delivering pizza by bus or by bicycle. When his life hits rock bottom, Reese returns and uses unorthodox methods (including putting a live [[cougar]] in his car) to help Ricky regain his confidence and get a new license. After causing trouble at an [[Applebee's]] restaurant, Reese abandons the family again. Before he does, he refutes his quote that has steered Ricky's life, confessing that it was nonsense because he was high on drugs at the time. Ricky's former assistant, Susan, persuades him to return to NASCAR and they quickly develop a romantic relationship. On race day at [[Talladega Superspeedway]], Ricky is reunited with his pit crew, who have emblazoned Ricky's unsponsored car with a cougar and the word "ME" to build his self-confidence. Ricky meets with Girard, who confesses that he came to America hoping to lose to a superior driver so he can finally retire. Ricky also makes amends with Cal.

==Plot==

{{spoiler}}

==="I wanna go fast"===

During the race, Ricky climbs from last to second behind Girard. In the final laps, however, Dennit orders Cal to knock Ricky out of the race. Cal refuses and instead helps Ricky pass Girard. Dennit then orders Ricky's replacement driver, Brian Wavecrest, to take Cal out, causing [[The Big One (NASCAR)|a massive wreck]] that eliminates everyone except Ricky and Girard. On the final lap, Ricky and Girard collide, wrecking their cars. They hastily exit their vehicles and run towards the finish line. Ricky dives across the line first, and Girard offers him a handshake, but Ricky responds by kissing him on the lips. Both drivers, however, are disqualified for exiting their cars. Cal, who was in third place, is declared the winner. Following his victory, Cal and Ricky reconcile, and Reese congratulates Ricky, who says that it was no longer about winning, since his family loves him no matter where he finishes. Ricky, his family and Susan leave to go to Applebee's.

Ricky Bobby was born to go fast. He was born in the back seat of his race car driving father's car in the fictional town of West River, North Carolina. He was raised by his mother ([[Jane Lynch]]). Reese Bobby ([[Gary Cole]]), his alcoholic, pot-dealing father, wasn't around. One morning, while his mother was at the grocery store, Ricky climbed into the driver's seat and, using a [[wiffle ball]] bat to press the pedals, took his mama's station wagon on a high-speed joy ride.

In a post credits scene, Lucy is shown reading a [[William Faulkner]] story to Walker and Texas Ranger, both of whom are now respectful, sophisticated children.

After ten years, Ricky finally met his father when he showed up for career day at Ricky's school. He told Ricky, "If you ain't first, you're last", a motto that stuck with Ricky for the rest of his life.

==Cast==

===From pit crew to No. 1===

{{Div col}}

* [[Will Ferrell]] as Ricky Bobby, the main protagonist, a [[NASCAR]] driver who only believes in winning throughout his career. He originally drove the #26 Laughing Clown Malt Liquor car until it became sponsored by [[Wonder Bread]] and [[Powerade]] during his soar to the top of NASCAR and the #62 ME car at the Talladega 500 at the end of the movie.

** Jake Johnson as 5-year-old Ricky.

** Luke Bigham as 10-year-old Ricky.

* [[John C. Reilly]] as Cal Naughton Jr., Bobby's best friend and teammate. He drives the #47 [[Old Spice]] car.

** Austin Crim as 10-year-old Cal.

* [[Sacha Baron Cohen]] as Jean Girard, the main antagonist, an openly gay French [[Formula One]] driver, Gregory's husband and Bobby's archrival. Girard's dream is to move to Stockholm and design a currency for use by dogs and cats. He is described as talented, eccentric and dominating in the Formula One circuit in a [[Speed (TV channel)|SPEED]] broadcast segment. While challenging Bobby, Girard drives the #55 [[Perrier]] car.

* [[Gary Cole]] as Reese Bobby, Ricky's father.

* [[Michael Clarke Duncan]] as Lucius Washington, Ricky's crew chief and close friend. After Ricky's firing, he and the pit crew started a [[car wash]], where they had a hard time adjusting to the career change. They eventually return as the pit crew of Ricky's ME car.

* [[Leslie Bibb]] as Carley Bobby, Ricky's [[trophy wife]], who eventually leaves him to marry Cal after she fears Ricky will not successfully return to NASCAR.

* [[Jane Lynch]] as Lucy Bobby, Ricky's mother.

* [[Amy Adams]] as Susan, Ricky's assistant and eventual love interest.

* [[Andy Richter]] as Gregory, Girard's husband and a world-class trainer of German shepherds.

* [[Molly Shannon]] as Mrs. Dennit, the younger Dennit's alcoholic wife.

* [[Greg Germann]] as Larry Dennit Jr., the current owner of Dennit Racing, who is concerned only with season point totals and winning sponsors, and dislikes Ricky and his antics.

* [[David Koechner]], [[Jack McBrayer]] and [[Ian Roberts (American actor)|Ian Roberts]] as Hershell, Kyle and Glenn, Bobby's three pit crew members. They join Lucius at the car wash before returning to be Ricky's pit crew. Though Glenn was initially claimed to have died while working on the car, he is revealed to still be alive, and had pretended to die as extra motivation for Ricky to win.

* [[Houston Tumlin]] and [[Grayson Russell]] as Walker and Texas Ranger Bobby, Ricky's and Carley's two sons.

* [[Adam McKay]] (the film's director and co-scriptwriter) as Terry Cheveaux, an apathetic driver who is replaced by Bobby at the beginning of the film.

* [[Pat Hingle]] as Larry Dennit Sr., original owner of Bobby's team, Dennit Racing who considers Ricky to be a son. After retiring, his son, Larry Dennit Jr., takes over the team halfway through Bobby's career.

* Ted Manson as Chip, Bobby's elderly, long-suffering former father-in-law.

* [[Rob Riggle]] as Jack Telmont, the [[Speed Channel]] commentator.

* C.J. Dornberger as Brian Wavecrest, who replaces Bobby in the 26 car at the end of the film.

* [[Elvis Costello]] and [[Mos Def]], guests at Girard's party.

* [[Jack Blessing]] as Jarvis, Cal's crew chief.

* [[Greg Biffle]], in a special feature but not credited.

* [[Frank Welker]] as vocal sounds of the cougar.

The broadcasters and various real-life NASCAR drivers and/or their cars from the [[2005 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series|2005 NASCAR season]] can also be seen, including:

Ricky Bobby never outgrew his love of racing. While working on a pitcrew as the jackman for a race team, he replaces an uninterested driver named Terry Cheveaux (McKay) and ends up finishing third in the race. Ricky soars to the top of NASCAR very quickly, achieving both fame and fortune with his ride at Dennit Racing. He is able to get a ride for best friend Cal, who he uses as the starter of a slingshot move which lets him pass cars easily.

Drivers: [[Dale Jarrett]], [[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]], [[Kasey Kahne]], [[Tony Stewart]], [[J. J. Yeley]], [[Jason Leffler]], [[Brian Vickers]], [[Jeff Gordon]], [[Jimmie Johnson]], [[Kyle Busch]], [[Boris Said]], [[Tony Raines]], [[Mike Wallace (racing driver)|Mike Wallace]], [[Kerry Earnhardt]], [[Jeff Green (racing driver)|Jeff Green]], [[Jamie McMurray]]

Cars only: [[Casey Mears]], [[Jeremy Mayfield]], [[Bobby Labonte]], [[Terry Labonte]], [[Travis Kvapil]], [[Mark Martin]], [[Carl Edwards]], [[Mike Bliss]], [[Scott Wimmer]], [[Jamie McMurray]], [[Rusty Wallace]], [[Kurt Busch]], [[Elliott Sadler]], [[Greg Biffle]], [[Matt Kenseth]], [[Michael Waltrip]], [[Ryan Newman (racing driver)|Ryan Newman]], [[Scott Riggs]], [[Joe Nemechek]], [[Sterling Marlin]], [[Jeff Burton]], [[Ken Schrader]], [[Kevin Lepage]], [[Mike Skinner (racing driver)|Mike Skinner]], [[Kenny Wallace]], [[Bobby Hamilton Jr.]], [[Hermie Sadler]], [[Robby Gordon]], [[Kevin Harvick]], [[Kyle Petty]], and [[Johnny Sauter]].

===Apres Girard, Le Deluge===

Broadcasters: [[Mike Joy]], [[Darrell Waltrip]], [[Larry McReynolds]], [[Dick Berggren]], [[Bill Weber]], [[Benny Parsons]], [[Wally Dallenbach Jr.]], [[Bob Jenkins]] and [[Rick Benjamin (announcer)|Rick Benjamin]]

{{div col end}}

==Production==

While on top of the racing world, Ricky is challenged by a Formula One driver named Jean Girard (Baron Cohen), who ends up becoming Ricky's teammate. Girard is an effete gay Frenchman who reads the French existentialist novel ''[[The Stranger (novel)|The Stranger]]'' by [[Albert Camus]] and sips macchiato as he races.

===Development===

[[Adam McKay]] and [[Will Ferrell]] first discussed a comedic film about a NASCAR driver while Ferrell was making [[Elf (film)|''Elf'']]. Shortly after that film had wrapped, co-producer Jimmy Miller invited them to a NASCAR race in [[Fontana, California]], after which McKay and Ferrell began writing the script.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://madeinatlantis.com/movies_central/2006/talladega_nights.htm|title=Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)|date=July 26, 2014|website=Made in Atlantis|language=en-US|access-date=August 19, 2019}}</ref> They presented the idea to studios using only a six-word pitch: "Will Ferrell as a NASCAR driver". Studios responded enthusiastically to the pitch largely due to Ferrell's recent commercial success as a comedic leading man in films like ''Elf'', ''[[Old School (2003 film)|Old School]]'' and ''[[Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy|Anchorman]]''. After a bidding war, the rights were won by [[Sony Pictures]]. McKay and Ferrell knew that in order to make the film they envisioned they would need cooperation from NASCAR. After meeting with the filmmakers, NASCAR agreed to provide assistance for the film's production.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2006-07-30-0608010379-story.html|title=With film, NASCAR steers itself into Hollywood|last=Dunne|first=Susan|date=July 30, 2006|website=[[The Baltimore Sun]]|language=en-US|access-date=August 19, 2019}}</ref> McKay and Ferrell sought to make a film that individuals involved with NASCAR would enjoy in the same way that people in the television news industry enjoyed ''Anchorman''. Ferrell stated, "We were real adamant up front that our goal wasn't to make fun of NASCAR. We wanted to have fun with NASCAR." Despite NASCAR's involvement, many teams and drivers were reluctant to participate largely due to the negative feelings they had for the 1990 film ''[[Days of Thunder]]''. Only two drivers ended up making cameos in the film: [[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]] and [[Jamie McMurray]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.espn.com/racing/nascar/cup/story/_/id/17218225/nascar-talladega-nights-10-oral-history | title='Talladega Nights' at 10: An oral history | date=August 4, 2016}}</ref> During development, the film's title changed from ''Talladega Nights'' to ''High, Wide and Handsome'' before eventually reverting to the original title.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2005/10/02/nascar-tosses-crew-chief-out-for-violations/ | title=NASCAR tosses crew chief out for violations|last=James|first=Brant|work=[[Tampa Bay Times]]|date=October 7, 2005|access-date=September 13, 2022}}</ref>

===Filming===

Girard outperforms Ricky on the track and overtakes Ricky's #1 standing. Ricky, desperate to regain his dominance, pushes himself too hard and ends up in a horrible wreck. Though he eventually recovers from his crash, he loses his ride at Dennit Racing after a disastrous testing session. His wife, yearning to be married to a top NASCAR driver, divorces Ricky within three hours of his firing and marries Cal, whom Ricky refused to let come first in races.

With the exception of shooting from April to November 2005 and one week of shooting at [[Talladega Superspeedway]] in [[Alabama]], the entire film was filmed in [[North Carolina]] with the majority of filming occurring in the [[Charlotte metropolitan area|Charlotte Metropolitan Area]]. Many of the racing scenes were filmed at the [[Charlotte Motor Speedway]] in [[Concord, North Carolina]] and [[Rockingham Speedway]] also known as The Rock. Various other scenes were filmed in the [[Gaston County, North Carolina]] area, including the Pizza Delivery, DMV Driving Test, and Church Choir scenes. The Pizza Delivery sequence began in Downtown [[Cramerton, North Carolina]] and concluded at the ''Midtown Motor Inn'' in [[Gastonia, North Carolina]]. Both the DMV Driving Test and the Church Choir scenes were filmed on the campus of [[First Baptist Church of Cramerton|First Baptist Church]] in Cramerton, North Carolina. Scenes at The Pit Stop, the bar the characters frequent and Ricky Bobby and Jean Girard first meet were filmed in a recently closed sports bar in [[Charlotte, North Carolina|Charlotte]].<ref name="Emanuel Levy Cinema 24/7">{{cite web |title=Emanuel Levy Cinema 24/7 |url=https://emanuellevy.com/interviews/talladega-nights-with-adam-mckay-4/ |access-date=April 11, 2022}}</ref> The scenes for the Bobby residence were filmed at a mansion on [[Lake Norman]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article175586726.html|title=Lake Norman mansion made Hollywood history. It can be yours.|last=Marusak|first=Joe|date=September 27, 2017|website=[[The Charlotte Observer]]|access-date=August 19, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/movie-guide-2006.htm|title=Post-blockbuster Summer Movie Guide|website=[[HowStuffWorks]]|date=July 10, 2001|language=en|access-date=August 19, 2019}}</ref>

McKay was adamant about wanting to incorporate stunts in the movie, and even had Ferrell and Reilly take driving classes at the [[Richard Petty Driving Experience]] with Ferrell later stating that he was "terrified" while driving the cars. [[Andy Hillenburg]]'s Fast Track Enterprises and K4 Motorsports combined to provide race cars, hauler transportation and stunt coordination. Previously, the companies had assisted in promotion for ''[[Herbie: Fully Loaded]]'', ''[[3: The Dale Earnhardt Story]]'', and other [[stock car racing]] films. Within ''Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby,'' K4 Motorsports created custom wrapping for specific race cars, notably Bobby's "ME" car.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jayski's NASCAR Silly Season Site: NASCAR/Racing Movies|url=http://www.jayski.com/pages/media-movies.htm|website=Jayski's NASCAR Silly Season Site|access-date=February 9, 2015|date=September 29, 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.espn.com/racing/nascar/cup/story/_/id/17218225/nascar-talladega-nights-10-oral-history | title='Talladega Nights' at 10: An oral history | date=August 4, 2016|access-date=October 3, 2024}}</ref>

Ricky moves back home and takes a job as a pizza delivery driver for Hugalo's Pizza. With his life at a lowpoint, Ricky's father suddenly reenters his life. With the retraining and guidance of his father, Ricky gains his confidence back, but still refuses to race after Reese walks out - and then confesses that he was high when he told Ricky's class "If you ain't first, you're last!". Ricky then runs into his former assistant, Susan, at a bar. Susan convinces Ricky to get back into racing at the Talladega 500. Susan then professes her love for Ricky, and they end up having sex in the bar, as Ricky warns the other customers to look away, because "we're gonna start making animal noises". Ricky later meets with Jean Girard, who is having tea with [[Mos Def]] and [[Elvis Costello]]. Girard confesses that he wants to retire to [[Stockholm]] with his husband Gregory to "design a currency for dogs and cats to use", but before he does, he wants Ricky to beat him. However, he refuses to let Ricky win. Ricky returns to the track and tells Cal he's sorry for always making him come in second.

[[Image:Will_ferrell_at_premiere.JPG|thumb|250px|right|Will Ferrell at UK premiere of Talladega Nights, Leicester Square]]

===Back on track=Reception==

===Box office===

[[File:Will ferrell at premiere.JPG|thumb|Ferrell at the UK premiere of ''Talladega Nights'', September 12, 2006]]

The film grossed US$47 million in its first week, and was the {{Abbr|No.|Number}} 1 film at the box office, making it at the time, the largest opening weekend of Ferrell's career, before being passed by 2014's ''[[The Lego Movie]]''. The film grossed $148.2 million in the United States and Canada, and $15.1 million in other territories for a total worldwide gross of $163 million, at the time Ferrell's second highest-grossing film (behind [[Elf (film)|''Elf'']]) and McKay's highest.<ref name="mojo">{{cite web |url= http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=talladeganights.htm |title= Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby |website= [[Box Office Mojo]] |date=April 26, 2007 |access-date= April 26, 2020}}</ref>

===Critical response===

Despite being unsponsored, underfunded, and starting last, Ricky quickly climbs through the field and passes Cal, moving into second place behind Girard. As Ricky unsuccessfully attempts to pass Girard, his former owner orders Cal to wreck Ricky. Cal refuses, and does the traditional slingshot move to get Ricky side by side with Girard. Dennit, the owner of Girard and Naughton's cars, orders his third driver, Ricky's replacement, to wreck Cal. The ensuing wreck destroys the rest of the field, leaving only Ricky Bobby and Jean Girard. On the final lap, the two drivers have a long, spectacular wreck. So long, in fact, that the race goes to a commercial for [[Applebee's]] while the wreck is still taking place. The race's broadcasters, seeming disinterested, declare the race over.

{{anchor|Critics|Critical response}}

On [[Rotten Tomatoes]], ''Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby'' has an approval rating of 72% based on 186 reviews. The site's critical consensus reads: "Though it occasionally stalls, ''Talladega Nights''{{'}} mix of satire, clever gags, and excellent ensemble performances put it squarely in the winner's circle."<ref>{{cite web |title= Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006) |url= http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/talladega_nights_the_ballad_of_ricky_bobby |website= [[Rotten Tomatoes]] |access-date= July 30, 2025}}</ref> On [[Metacritic]], the film has a weighted average score of 66 out of 100, based on 33 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".<ref>{{cite web |title= Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby |url= https://www.metacritic.com/movie/talladega-nights-the-ballad-of-ricky-bobby |website= [[Metacritic]] |access-date= April 4, 2020}}</ref> Audiences surveyed by [[CinemaScore]] gave the film a grade "B" on scale of A+ to F.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.cinemascore.com/publicsearch/index/title/ |title= TALLADEGA NIGHTS: BALLAD OF RICKY BOBBY (2006) B |work= [[CinemaScore]] |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181220122629/https://www.cinemascore.com/publicsearch/index/title/ |archive-date= December 20, 2018}}</ref>

Robert Koehler of [[Variety (magazine)|''Variety'']] wrote: "Simultaneously teasing and loving a subject doesn't make for easy comedy, but writer-star Will Ferrell and director/co-writer Adam McKay pull it off with good-ol'-boy good nature in ''Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby''." Koehler was surprised by the racing aspects of the film, and praised McKay's direction and Oliver Wood cinematography, saying "he gets the grit, heat and feel of NASCAR racetracks with a near-documentary sensibility."<ref>{{cite web |date=July 31, 2006 |last= Koehler |first= Robert |title= Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby |url= https://variety.com/2006/film/markets-festivals/talladega-nights-the-ballad-of-ricky-bobby-1200514483/ |website= Variety|accessdate=November 23, 2021}}</ref> Owen Gleiberman of ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' found the film increasingly uneven as it progressed but praised the racing sequences: "The races are scorchingly shot, and they lend the movie a zest that was missing from ''[[Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy|Anchorman]]''".<ref>{{cite magazine |date= August 2, 2006 |author= Owen Gleiberman |author-link= Owen Gleiberman |title= Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby |url= https://ew.com/article/2006/08/02/talladega-nights-ballad-ricky-bobby-2/ |magazine= [[Entertainment Weekly]]}}</ref>

However, Girard and Ricky both race on foot to the checkered flag, to the tune of [[Pat Benatar]]'s "[[We Belong]]". They both dramatically dive for the finish line. Ricky's fingers cross the line, while Girard comes up a bit short. Girard wishes to shake Ricky's hand, but Ricky kisses him passionately instead. Both drivers are disqualified for leaving their cars during the race and Cal wins the race by finishing third. Ricky and Cal make up, again. Reese watches from the distance, and walks away, satisfied. The family, including Susan, Ricky's new "lady", meets Reese in the parking lot, and all climb into his old [[Chevrolet Chevelle |Chevelle]] to go get thrown out of Applebee's.

Sheri Linden of ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' wrote: "From its pitch-perfect title through just about every detail, this sendup of sports-triumph movies maintains the right parodic pitch, if not always the highest mph on the laugh speedometer."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr/reviews/review_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002914699|title=Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=August 11, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060811221136/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr/reviews/review_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002914699|archive-date=August 11, 2006}}</ref>

{{endspoiler}}

British magazine ''[[Total Film]]'' gave it a perfect five-star rating, with the following verdict: "Forget the recent blips; Ferrell is back in freewheeling form. More than just the year's funniest film, ''Talladega Nights'' is one of the best films of the year."<ref>{{cite web |author1=Total Film |title=Talladega Nights: The Ballad Of Ricky Bobby review |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/talladega-nights-the-ballad-of-ricky-bobby-review/ |website=gamesradar |access-date=November 23, 2021 |date=September 15, 2006}}</ref> Automotive journalist Leo Parente said, "the most accurate racing film ever, trust me," while emphasizing that he was not being sarcastic.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjPUWcAd2Ko Jackie Stewart / 'Weekend Of A Champion' Film] - Shakedown Trackdown (Region Blocked by NBC)</ref>

Filmmaker [[Christopher Nolan]] cited the film as a personal favorite of his, calling it "great".<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAUZKe4Sq2c |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/aAUZKe4Sq2c |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |url-status=live|title=Christopher Nolan on his favourite Comedy Movie|via=Youtube.com}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

==Principal cast==

*[[Will Ferrell]] as NASCAR driver Ricky Bobby

*[[John C. Reilly]] as NASCAR driver Cal Naughton Jr.

*[[Sacha Baron Cohen]] as gay French Formula One and NASCAR driver Jean Girard

*[[Gary Cole]] as Ricky Bobby's father Reese Bobby

*[[Michael Clarke Duncan]] as Bobby's crew chief Lucius Washington

*[[Amy Adams (actress)|Amy Adams]] as Susan

*[[Leslie Bibb]] as Ricky's wife Carley Bobby

*[[Jane Lynch]] as Bobby's mother Lucy Bobby

*[[Molly Shannon]] as Mrs. Dennit

*[[Greg Germann]] as Larry Dennit, Jr.

*[[Dale Earnhardt, Jr.]] as Himself (cameo)

*[[Ian Roberts (actor)|Ian Roberts]] as Kyle

*[[David Koechner]] as Hershell

*[[Jack McBrayer]] as Glenn

==Box office=Promotional===

[[V8 Supercars]] team [[Britek Motorsport]] incorporated the ''Talladega Nights'' logo into the paint scheme of their [[Ford Falcon BA]]s for the [[2006 Sandown 500]] and the [[2006 Bathurst 1000]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.supercars.com/news/championship/five-of-the-best-movie-themed-supercars/|title=Five of the best movie themed Supercars|publisher=[[V8 Supercars]]|date=August 15, 2017}}</ref>

The film grossed $47,000,000 in its first week, the eighth biggest opening gross of 2006. It is also the second-biggest opening weekend ever for an original comedy, after ''[[Bruce Almighty]]'', and the biggest opening for a film starring Will Ferrell. Production costs are $72,500,000. After eight weeks, the film has made an estimated $$157,263,846 worldwide.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=talladeganights.htm|title=Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby|publisher=Box Office Mojo|date=[[4 October]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2006-10-04}}</ref>

==DVD release=Accolades===

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"

The film will be released on DVD and Blu-ray on [[December 12]], [[2006]]. It will be presented on standard DVD in four different configurations, giving consumers the choice between either theatrical or unrated versions and anamorphic widescreen (2.40:1 aspect ratio) or pan & scan presentations. As for the audio, each standard DVD will carry Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks in English and French with optional English and French subtitles. The Blu-ray edition of the film will carry the unrated cut and present the film with an anamorphic widescreen transfer at its 2.40:1 theatrical aspect ratio and include Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks in English and French and an uncompressed PCM 5.1 audio track in English, along with English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Thai subtitles.

|-

Extras for the standard DVD editions will include a retrospective '25 Years Later' commentary track, deleted and extended scenes along with bonus race footage, featurettes, character interviews, a gag reel, a 'Line-O-Rama' feature with alternate dialogue from the film, and DVD-ROM content. The unrated discs will also contain additional deleted scenes, character interviews, and commercials.

! scope="col" | Award

! scope="col" | Date of Ceremony

! scope="col" | Category

! scope="col" | Recipients

! scope="col" | Result

! scope="col" | {{Abbreviation|Ref.|References}}

|-

! scope="row" | [[Teen Choice Awards]]

| [[2006 Teen Choice Awards|August 20, 2006]]

| [[Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Actor - Comedy|Choice Summer Movie]]

| rowspan="2" | ''Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby''

| {{won}}

|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Teen Choice Awards (2006) |url=http://www.imdb.com/event/ev0000644/2006/1/ |access-date=May 31, 2022 |website=IMDb}}</ref>

|-

! scope="row" rowspan="6" | [[Stinkers Bad Movie Awards]]

| rowspan="6" | [[2006 Stinkers Bad Movie Awards|2007]]

| Worst Movie Title

| {{won}}

| rowspan="6" | <ref name="stinkers-ballot">{{cite web|title=Stinkers Bad Movie Awards - 2006 Ballot|url-status=dead|url=http://www.thestinkers.com/2006ballot.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070504100403/http://www.thestinkers.com/2006ballot.html|archive-date=May 4, 2007|website=The Stinkers|access-date=February 2, 2020}}</ref>

|-

| rowspan="2" | The Spencer Breslin Award (for Worst Performance by a Child in a Feature Role)

| [[Grayson Russell]]

| {{nom}}

|-

| Houston Tumlin

| {{nom}}

|-

| rowspan="3" | Most Annoying Fake Accent (Male)

| [[Sacha Baron Cohen]]

| {{won}}

|-

| [[Will Ferrell]]

| {{nom}}

|-

| [[John C. Reilly]]

| {{nom}}

|-

! scope="row" | [[MTV Movie Awards]]

| [[2007 MTV Movie Awards|June 3, 2007]]

| [[MTV Movie Award for Best Kiss|Best Kiss]]

| Will Ferrell and Sacha Baron Cohen

| {{won}}

|<ref>{{Citation |title=Will Ferrell & Sacha Baron Cohen Win The 2007 Best Kiss Award - {{!}} MTV |date=June 3, 2007 |url=https://www.mtv.com/video-clips/dq4gc5/will-ferrell-sacha-baron-cohen-win-the-2007-best-kiss-award |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429000819/https://www.mtv.com/video-clips/dq4gc5/will-ferrell-sacha-baron-cohen-win-the-2007-best-kiss-award |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 29, 2022 |language=en |access-date=April 29, 2022}}</ref>

|-

! scope="row" | [[Teen Choice Awards]]

| [[2007 Teen Choice Awards|August 26, 2007]]

| [[Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Actor - Comedy|Choice Comedy Movie Actor]]

| Will Ferrell

| {{won}}

|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Teen Choice Awards (2007) |url=http://www.imdb.com/event/ev0000644/2007/1/ |access-date=April 29, 2022 |website=IMDb}}</ref>

|-

|}

===Home media===

==Other production information==

{{anchor|DVD|Video}}

;Title

The first one million 60GB and 20GB [[PlayStation 3]] units included a free theatrical promotional Blu-ray copy of the film.

* NASCAR officials objected to the original title of ''Talladega Nights'', so the working title was then changed to the name of the production company, ''High, Wide, and Handsome''. ''Loud and Proud'' also was considered. Following a brief phase in which the movie did not have a title, the film eventually reverted to its original title.

The [[Blu-ray Disc|Blu-ray]], Standard [[DVD]] and [[PlayStation Portable|PSP]] [[Universal Media Disc|UMD]] versions were released on December 12, 2006 by [[Sony Pictures Home Entertainment]]. When viewing, the opening menu gives viewers choices for Super Speedway (with footage of the film used as introductions for special features, scene selection, etc.) or Short Track (without video introductions). The film is presented on standard DVD in four different configurations, giving consumers the choice between either theatrical or unrated versions in either its theatrical 2.39:1 anamorphic widescreen aspect ratio or in 1.33:1 pan and scan fullscreen. As for the audio, each standard DVD carries [[Dolby Digital]] 5.1 tracks in English and French with optional English and French subtitles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Talladega-Nights-The-Ballad-of-Ricky-Bobby-Blu-ray/215/|title=Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby Blu-ray|access-date=February 10, 2018}}</ref>

;Goofs

* {{spoiler}} When the final crash at Talladega ends, Ricky's car is upside down. However, when the car is shown on Lucius' laptop computer, it is right-side up.

* In the very last shot, as they drive away from the race track in Reese's Chevelle, you can see that the road they are on is barricaded at the far end for filming purposes.

* After the big wreck in the final race that leaves only Jean and Ricky, Cal's car is totaled. However, in victory lane after the race, the car is completely intact.

* In victory lane at the end of the movie, Cal's earring appears and disappears between takes. {{endspoiler}}

* When Ricky and Susan are talking at "The Unfriendly Possum" bar, Susan's hair changes from on the side of her face to pulled back in various shots.

* In the race at Lowe's Motor Speedway, Ricky Bobby has a "Fig Newtons" sticker on his windshield, taking up practically the entire windshield. But when he crashes, the sticker is gone.

*Jean Girard, an ex-Formula One driver, is depicted as an expert blocker, even though in F1 blocking a faster car that is at least a lap behind is illegal.

* When Ricky is being held down on the pool table by Girard, at one point he has a beer in his hand. But in the next shot the beer is gone.

* Ricky Bobby's driver's license was issued on July 16, 2002. However, the film clearly takes place in 2005, because all the NASCAR vehicles in the film are 2005 versions.

* When five-year-old Ricky steals his mother's station wagon outside the convenience store, the same maroon-colored '72 [[Ford Mustang]] is shown twice. First, it spins out from the left as Ricky exits the parking lot (viewed from the store), and in the very next shot, the Mustang swerves again as Ricky navigates the busy street (long view).

* When Ricky is talking to Cal on the phone, a pillow behind Ricky disappears then reappears in different positions several times during the conversation.

* When young Ricky Bobby reverses his Mom's station wagon, he steers with both hands, but in the next scene he drives with one hand on the wheel and one hand holding his bat to the gas pedal. He could not reverse without one hand pushing on the gas.

Extras for the standard DVD editions include a retrospective "25 Years Later" commentary track featuring most of the main cast, [[Deleted scene|deleted and extended scene]]s along with bonus race footage, features, interviews with Bobby, Naughton, and Carley, a gag reel, a 'line-o-rama' feature with alternate dialogue from the film, and DVD-ROM content. The unrated disc contains additional deleted scenes ("Cal Calls Ricky" and "What'd You Do Today?"), an interview with Girard and Gregory, and commercials and public service announcements by Bobby and Naughton. The "Unrated & Uncut" DVD omits two scenes that were in theaters: Bobby, as a child, steals his mother's station wagon and the happenings of Bobby's pit crew. The scenes are not present in the deleted scenes either.

;Details

*At "The Pit Stop" restaurant, the sign is deliberately misspelled "''Delicieus'' Foods & 25 TV Screens".

*Reese Bobby drinks Laughing Clown Malt Liquor throughout the movie, which was the first sponsor Ricky's team had.

*A cardboard cutout of Dale Earnhardt wearing Mardi Gras beads can be seen briefly in the infield during the final race at Talladega.

*Reese Bobby drives a black and gold #13 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle, an apparent homage to [[Smokey Yunick]], who campaigned similar Chevelles with driver [[Curtis Turner]] in NASCAR in the mid 60's.

*There is a hidden scene after the credits featuring Walker and Texas Ranger reading with Ricky Bobby's mom.

*Some of the race cars used in the film were housed in a warehouse in Charlotte, North Carolina that formerly held the Interstate Brands Corporation plant, owner of Wonder Bread. As the cars were wrecked, pieces were given to a local shopping center to display.

*Ricky Bobby's driver's license was issued on July 16, which is Will Ferrell's birthday.

*Jean Girard is said to have dominated the Formula One circuit, followed by a clip of the sport. The black F1 car which is supposed to be Jean is [[Giammaria Bruni]]'s [[Minardi]] Cosworth PS04B (now [[Scuderia Toro Rosso]]) and a backmarker, while the blue car following closely is the Mild Seven [[Renault F1]] R24 of [[Jarno Trulli]] coming around to lap him at the [[2004 Hungarian Grand Prix]] at the [[Hungaroring]]. Ironically, Minardi was the weakest team of 2004.

*Cal, Ricky and Girard were all actually introduced during driver introductions at the 2005 [[UAW-Ford 500]] at Talladega. Ricky and Cal were cheered, but when Girard was introduced as a driver from France driving the Perrier car, the entire crowd started booing without any prompting.

*[[Ben Stiller]] and [[Steve Carell]] were originally cast in the film, but they couldn't accept because of scheduling conflicts.

The Blu-ray release is available on a dual-layer disc with the majority of features presented in high definition. These include: nine deleted/extended scenes, three interviews, gag reel, line-o-rama, bonus race footage, Bobby & Naughton's Commercials, Bobby & Naughton's public service announcements, Walker & Texas Ranger, Will Ferrell Returns to Talladega and a theatrical trailer. Three non-high definition extras include: [[Daytona 500]] Spot, NASCAR [[Chase for the Nextel Cup]] Spot, and Sirius and NASCAR Spot. In terms of technical aspects, this edition carries the unrated cut and presents the film with a widescreen transfer at its 2.39:1 theatrical aspect ratio and includes Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks in English and French and an uncompressed [[Pulse-code modulation|PCM]] 5.1 audio track in English, along with English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, Korean and Thai subtitles.

;Sequels

* In an interview, Ferrell stated that ''Talladega Nights'' is the second part of his "Mediocre American Man Trilogy" which began with ''[[Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy]]'' ([[2004 in film|2004]]). Ferrell's ''Talladega'' and ''Anchorman'' characters share the initials "R.B."

In October 2016, the film was re-released on Blu-Ray to coincide with its 10th anniversary. The 2-disc set includes all new bonus features, as well as both versions of the film and the features found on the original releases of the film.

;Product placement

* [[Wonder Bread]], [[Old Spice]], and [[Perrier]] were not charged for their [[product placement]] in the movie. Old Spice and Wonder Bread promoted the movie through backend deals while Perrier was not required to take any action despite its presence in the movie. In addition, Ferrell showed up to many public appearances in his Wonder Bread uniform at no additional charge to the company. [http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr/marketing/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002949783]

*Just like the cars which it depicts, the movie is covered with advertisements and product placements. Aside from from the obvious decals on the cars of the main characters (including a [[Fig Newtons]] sticker on Ricky Bobby's windshield), copious references to [[Powerade]] are made, and several companies and products play an integral role in the plot. In particular is Applebee's, where the characters eat repeatedly; in addition, during the climactic final crash of the film, as the cars tumble in slow motion, one of the commentators announces that the race will take a short commercial break. The movie cuts to an Applebee's commercial, and after the ad finishes, the film resumes with the cars still flipping end-over-end.

==Real-world homages==

;NASCAR details

[[File:Derek Thorn 2017 Carneros 200 car.jpg|thumb|[[Derek Thorn]]'s 2017 [[NASCAR K&N Pro Series West]] car with a hood decal referencing Ricky's "ME" car]]

* This film correctly displays the [[NEXTEL Cup#Winston Cup|Winston Cup Series]] logo when the [[NEXTEL Cup]] was known by that name. In addition, it also transitions correctly into using the Nextel Cup logo, which was first used at the beginning of the 2004 season. However, near the beginning of the movie, when the flagman waves the flag at the Talladega, the Nextel Cup logo is seen painted on the wall.

[[File:Talladega Nights - Ricky Bobby Race Car.jpg|thumb|A [[Historic Sportscar Racing]] car based on Ricky's Wonder Bread car in 2021]]

* In the same light, the broadcast team calling races at the start of the film work for FOX, which held early season NASCAR rights under contract at the time of the filming (during the 2005 season). But by the end of the film, the broadcast team is from NBC and TNT, which held late season rights for the contract between 2001 and 2006.

On the final lap of the [[2009 Aaron's 499]] (one of two [[NASCAR Cup Series|Sprint Cup Series]] races at [[Talladega Superspeedway]]), [[Carl Edwards]] crashed after [[Brad Keselowski]] made contact with his car on the final lap. His car turned backwards, went airborne, bounced off and crushed [[Ryan Newman (racing driver)|Ryan Newman]]'s hood, flew into the catch fence, and came to a stop on the track apron. At this point, his car was just beyond the pit-road exit, as Keselowski and [[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]] crossed the finish line. Edwards climbed out of his car and jogged to the finish line. He received a standing ovation from the crowd. Fox play-by-play commentator [[Mike Joy]] commented on how it was "shades of Ricky Bobby".<ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7lfK7IOmk4 |title=Carl Edwards goes airborne into fence as Brad Keselowski scores first Cup Series win |author=[[NASCAR]] |publisher=[[YouTube]] |date=February 1, 2012 |access-date=September 26, 2023}}</ref> Although Edwards did cross the finish line but on his feet, he was still handed a DNF since his car did not cross the line and Edwards finished in 24th. Edwards was later asked about this on ''[[Larry King Live]]''; he responded, "I'm kind of a Will Ferrell fan. He did that at the end of ''Talladega Nights.''"<ref>{{cite news| url=http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0904/28/lkl.01.html | work=[[CNN]] | title= CNN LARRY KING LIVE - Aired April 28, 2009 -Joseph Ellis loved it, he giggled and wet his pants! 21:00 ET, CNN Transcripts}}</ref>

* The end crash-scene which is interrupted with an Applebee's commercial may have been a nod to the criticism that some NASCAR fans have had with the broadcasts of the sport, in which similar instances have occurred. However, both NASCAR producers at the time, Neil Goldberg and Sam Flood, were known to interrupt commercial breaks for incidents, especially if it involved ten or more cars, or the leader.

* Ricky Bobby drives the No. 26 car in the film, which was unused at the time the movie was being filmed. Since the filming wrapped, [[Jamie McMurray]], who has a cameo in the film (filmed in the 2005 season), joined [[Jack Roush]]'s racing team. The number of the Roush Racing car McMurray drives was changed from 97 to 26.

At the [[2012 Aaron's 499]] at Talladega, [[Kurt Busch]]'s unsponsored No. 51 [[Phoenix Racing (NASCAR team)|Phoenix Racing]] [[Chevrolet Impala]] used Ricky Bobby's "ME" paint scheme. Busch and his team were heard reciting movie lines over the team radio.<ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81oj_IQSvIk |title=Ricky Bobby aka Kurt Busch takes the lead at Talladega |author=[[NASCAR]] |publisher=[[YouTube]] |date=May 7, 2012 |access-date=September 26, 2023}}</ref> He was running up front when contact from behind sent him spinning, he went on to finish 20th. In October 2013, Busch's No. 78 [[Furniture Row Racing]] Chevrolet was sponsored by [[Wonder Bread]] for the [[2013 Camping World RV Sales 500]] at Talladega. Its paint scheme was based on Ricky's original No. 26.<ref>{{cite magazine|author-link=Bob Pockrass|last=Pockrass|first=Bob|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nascar/story/2013-10-18/kurt-busch-wonder-bread-car-talladega-nights-ricky-bobby-furniture-row-sponsor|title=Kurt Busch part pitchman, part showman with Wonder bread car|magazine=[[Sporting News]]|date=October 18, 2013|access-date=October 28, 2013|archive-date=October 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131026173201/http://www.sportingnews.com/nascar/story/2013-10-18/kurt-busch-wonder-bread-car-talladega-nights-ricky-bobby-furniture-row-sponsor|url-status=dead}}</ref> He finished 18th in the race.

* Ricky Bobby drives a [[Ford Taurus]] in the climactic race at Talladega (which only won three races at the track in real life). For the 2006 season (after filming ended), Ford retired the Taurus from NASCAR and is racing the new [[Ford Fusion (North American)|Ford Fusion]] instead.

* On career day, young Ricky Bobby wears a [[Darrell Waltrip]] T-shirt to school. Waltrip also appears in the film as one of the Fox broadcasters, calling the race at Lowe's Motor Speedway alongside [[Mike Joy]] and [[Larry McReynolds]].

During qualifying at the [[2013 United States Grand Prix]], [[Sebastian Vettel]] and his race engineer Guillaume "Rocky" Rocquelin made reference to the movie over team radio when Vettel posted the fastest lap and gained pole position. The pair referenced the movie in saying "shake and bake" over the team radio, the same phrase used by Bobby and Naughton.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/sebastian-vettel-shouts-shake-and-bake-after-winning-the-pole-at-the-us-grand-prix-2013-11|title=VIDEO: Sebastian Vettel Says 'Shake And Bake!' After Winning The Pole At the US Grand Prix - Business Insider|author=Cork Gaines|date=November 16, 2013|work=Business Insider}}</ref>

* When asked to be in the film, one Nextel Cup team read the script and declined to participate. "It'll set the sport back 25 years," a teammember said.<ref>[[The Charlotte Observer]], October 14, 2005</ref>

*When [[Michael Waltrip]] left [[Dale Earnhardt, Inc.]] to form his own Nextel Cup team for the 2006 season, he took up the number 55, which is used by Baron Cohen's character, Girard, in this movie.

During his victory lap and postrace interview following the [[2021 Quaker State 400]], driver [[Kurt Busch]] exclaimed "Shake and Bake!" in reference to his teammate [[Ross Chastain]], who assisted Busch in holding off his brother [[Kyle Busch]] for the victory.<ref>{{cite web|last=Albert|first=Zach|date=July 11, 2021|title='Shake and bake!' Ganassi teamwork, Chastain assist foil Kyle Busch's Atlanta bid|url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2021/07/11/atlanta-2021-cup-series-kyle-busch-ross-chastain-ganassi/|website=[[NASCAR]]|accessdate=July 13, 2021}}</ref>

* In an odd coincidence, a few weeks before the film's release, Formula One driver [[Juan Pablo Montoya]] announced he would drive in the Nextel Cup Series in 2007 for his old Champ Car and IRL team owner, [[Chip Ganassi]]. Even stranger, both Montoya's first stock car testing session and first stock car race took place at Talladega.

* When Ricky flips off Jamie McMurray, he says, "It's real nice. I got it at Target, it was on sale". At the time the movie was being filmed, McMurray was teammates with [[Casey Mears]], who then drove the #41 Target Dodge.

For the [[2023 YellaWood 500]] at Talladega, the [[Stewart-Haas Racing]] No. 14 [[Ford Mustang (sixth generation)|Ford Mustang GT]] of [[Chase Briscoe]] sported Cal Naughton Jr.'s [[Old Spice]] paint scheme while the No. 41 Mustang of [[Ryan Preece]] used Ricky Bobby's Wonder Bread paint scheme.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.jayski.com/2023/09/25/shake-and-bake-for-chase-briscoe-and-ryan-preece-at-talladega/ |title="Shake and Bake" for Chase Briscoe and Ryan Preece at Talladega |website=[[Jayski's Silly Season Site]] |publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC |date=September 25, 2023 |access-date=September 26, 2023}}</ref> Preece ran a similar Wonder Bread scheme at Talladega the following year.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Albino |first=Dustin |date=October 2, 2024 |title=Wonder Bread sponsoring Ryan Preece at Talladega |url=https://www.jayski.com/2024/10/02/wonder-bread-sponsoring-ryan-preece-at-talladega/ |access-date=January 28, 2025 |website=Jayski's NASCAR Silly Season Site |language=en-US}}</ref>

==References==

{{reflist}}

<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">

<references />

</div>

==External links==

{{wikiquote}}

* {{IMDb title|0415306|Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby}}

*[http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/talladeganights/ Official Talladega Nights Website] from Sony Pictures

* {{mojo title|talladeganights|Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby}}

*[http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/rickybobby/index.php Sony Pictures' RickyBobby.com website]

* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090918162748/http://www.countingdown.com/movies/3825672/news?item_id=3897591 Counting Down: Talladega Nights Car Auction! (Featuring the makes and models of the cars)]

*{{imdb title | id=0415306| title=Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby }}

* ''[httphttps://dmozwww.orgsonypictures.com/Arts/Movies/Titles/T/Talladega_Nights_-_The_Ballad_of_Ricky_Bobbymovies/talladeganightstheballadofrickybobby Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby]'' at [[DMOZSony Pictures]]

*{{rotten [https://www.movieinsider.com/m976/talladega-nights-the-ballad-of-ricky-tomatoesbobby |Everything id=talladega_nights_the_ballad_of_ricky_bobbyYou |Need to Know About title=Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby}} Movie (2006)] at [[Movie Insider]]

* [https://screenrant.com/talladega-nights-ballad-ricky-bobby-behind-scenes-facts-adam-mckay-will-ferrell-nascar-comedy/ If You Ain't First, You're Last!: 10 Behind-The-Scenes Facts About Talladega Nights] at [[Screen Rant|Screenrant]]

*{{metacritic film | id=talladeganightstheballadofrickybobby | title=Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby}}

*{{mojo title | id=talladeganights | title=Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby }}

*[http://www.sportsinmovies.com/auto-racing/talladega-nights.asp ''Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby''] at the Sports Movie Database

*[http://www.nascar.com/2006/news/headlines/cup/07/30/ricky.bobby.talladega.nights/index.html Q & A with Ricky Bobby] From NASCAR.com

*[http://www.chicagosportsreview.com/inprint/contentview.asp?c=182233 Interview with Ricky Bobby] From the Chicago Sports Review

*[http://filmforce.ign.com/articles/723/723427p1.html Interview with Carley Bobby] From IGN FilmForce

*[http://filmforce.ign.com/articles/722/722915p1.html Arch Nemesis: Jean Girard] From IGN FilmForce

*[http://filmforce.ign.com/articles/719/719677p1.html Speed Freak: Ricky Bobby] From IGN FilmForce

{{Adam McKay}}

{{Judd Apatow}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Talladega Nights: The Ballad Of Ricky Bobby}}

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