Latest news with #TalladegaNights
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Look: Cincinnati Reds unveil NASCAR-inspired uniforms for Speedway Classic
Get ready to rev your engines, Cincinnati. The Cincinnati Reds are gearing up to face the Atlanta Braves for the 2025 MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee on Aug. 2. Since the teams will be playing on an actual motor speedway, it only makes sense that the Reds would rock NASCAR-inspired jerseys. The team released their exclusive threads on social media on Monday. The white jerseys are adorned with a checkered flag pattern and NASCAR-inspired numbers. Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson already gave a preview of what he'll be wearing during the matchup (hint: think "shake and bake"). "I was just like, 'Talladega Nights.' I have to have it," said Stephenson, who quickly reached out to his equipment company to see if it could be done. 'And they loved the idea. It's an unbelievable movie, so…" Stephenson had the name "Tyler Robby" inscribed on his movie-themed chest protector for the Speedway Classic. The back of his chest protector strap also includes the famous Ricky Bobby (played by Will Ferrell) line, "If you ain't first, you're last." This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Look: Reds stun in NASCAR-inspired uniforms for Speedway Classic
Fox Sports
6 days ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Who Is Marcus Armstrong? The Kiwi's Love For NFL, 'Talladega Nights' & Podcasting
"I knew that it would work out, and I was just trying to convince my parents just to let me go and give me that chance to leave school." Marcus Armstrong moved away from his native New Zealand as a teen to pursue his dream of racing. That dream eventually became a reality. The soon-to-be 25-year-old was on a Formula 1 path, having spent three seasons in Formula 2 before making the move to INDYCAR in 2023. Now in his third season of INDYCAR racing, the Meyer Shank Racing driver — who currently sits seventh in the standings — talked to FOX Sports about living abroad as a teenager, being a Kiwi here in the United States, his love of sports views on American football, why he no longer has a podcast and the quintessential NASCAR movie. Who is Marcus Armstrong? Who is Marcus Armstrong? It's a good question. Are we talking philosophically or ... How would your friends describe you? I would say that I'm a Kiwi. And Kiwis are generally very chilled out. And just like to hang out, especially when I'm not working. So I guess I am a Kiwi in that sense. I love sports — a big, big sports guy. I'm usually two, three, four hours a day in the gym and then just following sport in general. I love it. Tour de France is on at the moment, so I'm following that very closely. If I wasn't a racing driver, I'd probably be doing another sport. So that pretty much explains it all. Are the Tour de France competitors crazier than you guys? Yes, 100 percent. Tour de France guys are mental riding in that peloton together. They're all fighting for every inch, for every corner, and it's like 25-wide. Plus the extreme measures they have to take to be prepared for the race and to be fit enough to do it. I think it's the coolest, coolest thing ever. When we talked earlier, you mentioned the NFL and NBA. Did you always follow those in New Zealand? Or are you now immersed in American sports because you're here? I actually got into the NFL because I started listening to Colin Cowherd, like years ago. I love the NFL, especially. The NBA, I'm getting more into. I didn't know it quite as much. But there's just something about [the NFL], very glamorous. In New Zealand, we have rugby and it's not too dissimilar in many ways, but you have to admit that the NFL has nailed its marketing scheme and the glamor behind it is second to nobody. So it's kind of cool to follow. And whenever there's no NFL on, I kind of get a little bit sad. You also gave me a "Talladega Nights" Ricky Bobby reference before. It seems like you have a lot of American culture. Has it seeped its way into your Kiwi person? Yes. That movie is world-famous, so you can't just say it's because I'm into American stuff. However, it was on TV the other night, and it gave me some good ideas for some TV interviews later this week. How accurate do you think "Talladega Nights" is to actual NASCAR? It's 100 percent accurate. It's a documentary, is it not? You used to have a podcast. Why did you get rid of it? I didn't get rid of it. It's just one of those things where I did it for fun with my friends, a couple of other Formula 2 drivers and whoever wanted to come on, basically. And it was a little bit, how would you say, it's out there? We used to do like wine tasting and stuff like this on the podcast, which is probably frowned upon over here. But the main reason is logistically, we can't do it. I'm living in the States. My mates live in the UK. We did it because it was fun and we wanted to maintain a really high quality, so we wanted to do it in-person. We didn't want to do it over Zoom or anything like that. We always got overly dressed up. And it was also produced by my guy … who's with me full time now, but it was almost too good for the quality of the podcast. Because we were not good podcasters. I would love to do it again. But just logistically, it's tough and to maintain that quality, you kind of have got to be there in person. And did you like kind of the showman aspect of it? It was a fun little distraction when I was in F2. It was just to sort of bro-down with everybody. Americans are very outgoing and social. Let's say over there, it's a bit less so like that. And to get to know people, you actually need to spend three, four times as much time with them, as opposed to Americans. So I don't know if that answers your question. But, yeah, it was good fun. You're a Kiwi, but when was the last time you lived in New Zealand? I haven't lived in New Zealand since probably 2013 when I was like, 12 or 13. As a Kiwi or an Aussie or even an American nowadays, you kind of need to go over to Europe really early if you want to fulfill that Formula 1 dream. I did karting over there for maybe three years, and then I moved to Formula 4 and F3 and F2 and all of that. I had to leave at a very young age, and I actually lived alone from when I was 13. So that was kind of interesting as well. I got to do all the stuff that 13-year-olds don't really think about. So did you like that? Or did that stress you out? Or did you embrace it? Definitely didn't stress out. I was there for a reason. My parents actually didn't want me to do it at all. They were very against it at the time. I got my way into a team because I did compete over there before I went over to live there. And basically I said I'll go over there for six months, and if it's not working out, and blah, blah, blah, then I'll come home. But I knew that it would work out, and I was just trying to convince my parents just to let me go and give me that chance to leave school. So it actually was a pretty crazy, crazy thing looking back at it, but I think it's worked out. So people say, well, Marcus left school at age 13 and moved, I can do that too, right? Would you recommend it? My little brother is 15 at the moment, and I wouldn't let him go to the shops on his own at the moment. It's one of those things where you really need to want it, and you need to have a passion. And my passion was racing karts at the time and being the best in the world at that. And that was my goal. So what do you miss most about not being home? I think the weather is really good in New Zealand. I always like it when I go back there for the summer. The food, as well, is good. I know everybody — that's a good thing and a bad thing, I suppose. It's almost like being a celebrity because you just know everybody, but not really a celebrity, if that makes sense. I don't enjoy going to a coffee shop or something and knowing like five or six people there. That's maybe the one con of going to New Zealand. You want to go to a coffee shop and sit by yourself? No. I just like to be incognito, like wear a cap around. I don't want people to recognize me at the best of times. But New Zealand is a very calm place. It's a great place to train, to recenter after a busy season. I think it's the perfect place. Bob Pockrass covers NASCAR and INDYCAR for FOX Sports. He has spent decades covering motorsports, including over 30 Daytona 500s, with stints at ESPN, Sporting News, NASCAR Scene magazine and The (Daytona Beach) News-Journal. Follow him on Twitter @bobpockrass. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! recommended Item 1 of 1 Get more from the NTT INDYCAR SERIES Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more in this topic
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Shake and bake: Why Cincinnati Reds' Tyler Stephenson went full Ricky Bobby for Bristol
Tyler Stephenson said he's never met Will Ferrell. But when NASCAR came calling on the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves, it didn't take the Reds catcher long to channel the star of some of his favorite movies. Advertisement 'I was just like, 'Talladega Nights.' I have to have it,' said Stephenson, who quickly reached out to his equipment company to see if it could be done. 'And they loved the idea. It's an unbelievable movie, so…' Tyler Stephenson took the fact the Reds will wear NASCAR themed uniforms when they play the Atlanta Braves at Bristol Motor Speedway a step further, having catching gear designed to salute the movie 'Talladega Nights.' Consider that the ballad of "Tyler Robby" – the name Stephenson had inscribed on his movie-themed chest protector for the Speedway Classic on Aug. 2, when the Reds play the Braves at Bristol Motor Speedway before what's likely to be a Reds franchise-record crowd. The Reds already will wear NASCAR-inspired font for the numbers on their uniforms for the game. But their catcher will stand out with the full Ricky Bobby on his gear from cleats to helmet. Advertisement That includes Ferrell character's line, 'If you ain't first, you're last' on the back of the chest protector strap. Three years ago, when the Reds met the Cubs in Iowa for the Field of Dreams game, Stephenson had themed gear for that game, too. But channeling Ferrell – whose 'Anchorman' version of 'Afternoon Delight' is his walkup music – is next-level stuff. 'It's going to be great. I'm pumped,' Stephenson said. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Why Cincinnati Reds Tyler Stephenson went full Ricky Bobby for Bristol
Sunday World
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- Sunday World
What are the top motoring movies of all time?
As Brad Pitt's new F1 film hits cinemas, Daragh Keany picks his favourite motoring movies from over the years As Brad Pitt speeds onto our cinema screens for the highly-anticipated new F1 movie it got us wondering where it will sit in the rankings for the best motor movies of all time. Some of the early reviews would suggest it is worthy of a podium finish and is certainly better than some others that are out there. Let us never speak about Speed Racer again, deal? Here are the best big screen car movies in no particular order. The only criteria I applied is that they had to be set on a race trach and they had to be good. Matt Damon in Le Mans 66 Le Mans '66, also known as Ford v Ferrari (2019) This is a classic car movie dressed as a modern-day blockbuster and tells the story of Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) and Ken Miles's (Christian Bale) early '60s attempts to build an American race car that could beat Ferrari at the 24-hour race at Le Mans. Bale gives one of his best performances as a mouthy, brilliant, no-bullshit engineer and driver, and Tracy Letts's turn as Henry Ford II alternates breathtakingly between macho bluster and weak-kneed awe, but the real stars of the show are the cars, often shot from the inside to create an incredibly immersive work. Cruise in Days of Thunder Days of Thunder (1990) Tom Cruise is no stranger to high-speed thrill seeking, having driven the Infiniti Red Bull Racing show car back in 2011, but his first major experience behind the wheel of a race car was in his 1990 film Days of Thunder. The American star played Cole Trickle, a young racing driver looking for success in NASCAR. Movie critics now describe it regularly as 'Top Gun on wheels'. Hemsworth and Bruhl in Rush Rush (2013) Ron Howard's biopic about the '70s rivalry between Formula One racers Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl) and James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) is over the top in every way. And I am here for it. As their rivalry and friendship develops the high-octane film takes viewers on a crazy journey that perfectly captures the danger (and allure) of racing. Ferrell and Reilly in Talladega Nights Talladega Nights (2006) Don't come at me because it's a comedy. One of Will Ferrell's biggest and best movies was this hilarious racing spoof, which followed the rise and fall and rise of a smug NASCAR champion racer, his complicated friendship with best pal and fellow racer John C. Reilly, and his rivalry with a pompous Frenchman played by Sacha Baron Cohen. Senna documentary Senna (2010) Successful, charismatic and with a career that ended in tragedy, Ayrton Senna's story was always going to be perfect for the silver screen. The beautifully-shot documentary depicts the career of the three-time Formula One World Champion from his early days at the karting track to his untimely death at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. The film won multiple awards including two BAFTAs and currently has an impressive 92percent score on Rotten Tomatoes. Grand Prix Grand Prix (1966) One of the first, and still one of the best motor racing films around today, Grand Prix tells the story of American driver Pete Aron, who becomes romantically involved with an ex-team-mate's wife. However, it's the racing scenes that really make this movie great. Cars were fitted with some of the earliest onboard cameras to capture some incredible racing footage from Monaco, Spa-Francorchamps and Monza. It also features cameos from F1 legends such as Juan Manuel Fangio, Jim Clark, Jochen Rindt, Jack Brabham and Graham Hill. Last American Hero The Last American Hero (1973) In Lamont Johnson's screen adaptation, Junior Johnson becomes Junior Jackson, a moonshine-running NASCAR pro played by a very young Jeff Bridges, hot off his career-making turn in The Last Picture Show (1971). An underappreciated Hollywood gem, The Last American Hero says more about the culture of the Deep South as it does about NASCAR racing. Gary Busey, Ned Beatty and Ed Lauter headline a top-notch supporting cast of character players too. Adam Driver as Enzo Ferrari in Ferrari Ferrari (2023) Michael Mann's biopic about Enzo Ferrari (Adam Driver) is less about cars and more about racing and one's self-destructive drive to be the best. Enzo juggles life with his long-suffering wife (Penelope Cruz) and the woman with whom he's started another family (Shailene Woodley) and totally unhinged, deafening, and breathtaking racing sequences on the other end.
The Irish Sun
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
BMW M5 is so good I had to test it twice and jumped at the chance to drive this Bumblebee Beast again
NOW the dust has finally settled on Bumblebee 1000's Talladega Nights road trip and life has returned to normal. I can reflect on another amazing adventure and an awesome time spent behind the wheel of the ballistic new BMW M5. 6 BIG, BEAUTIFUL, BALLISTIC, 727BHP BUMBLEBEE WEAPON: The M5 once again was the perfect choice to take part in Bumblebee 1000's latest charity road trip Credit: Jacob Liggett I drove the M5 at Bumblebee's first road trip of 2025 in April, and was trying to source the new M2 for this one in June, but that didn't work out. However I was more than happy to be back behind the wheel of this beast again as it's the most powerful M5 ever, producing a supercar-rivalling 727bhp and impressive 1,000Nm of torque. And it's also the first plug-in hybrid M5 ever, with a huge 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 crammed under the bonnet that works alongside a 145kw electric motor and 18.6kWh battery. But all of the above adds weight, a lot of it, making it the heaviest M5 ever too — weighing in at 2,510kg — so with a full tank of petrol, four passengers on-board plus the driver, you could be tipping the scales at three tonnes. 6 SOUND OFF: Despite its quad exhausts the M5 could do with being lot louder Credit: Jacob Liggett Key Facts: BMW G90 M5 Cost: From €137,055 Engine: 4.4-litre, twin-turbo V8, 145kW electric motor Power: 727bhp Torque: 1,000Nm 0-100kph: 3.5 seconds Top Speed: 305kph Economy: 48.7mpg Real world: 30.2mpg Emissions: 43g/km Rivals: Mercedes-AMG E53, Audi RS7, Porsche Panamera 6 SUPERCAR POWER: M5's 4.4-litre, twin-turbo V8 and hybrid system produces 727bhp Credit: Paddy McGrath It can launch from 0-100kph in just 3.5 seconds, and with the optional M Drivers Package fitted, max out at 305kph, which makes the new M5's performance figures all the more impressive. BMW has done a great job trying to hide the weight, and it's only when cornering hard or under heavy braking that you really notice its heaviness. My test car came fitted with the optional M Carbon-Ceramic Brakes that are incredible, as is the Adaptive M Suspension with electronically controlled dampers and Integral Active Steering. This allows the rear wheels to turn by up to 1.5° allowing the M5 to become a lot more nimble and sure-footed than you'd think for a heavy, five-seater saloon. Most read in Motors 6 BOOT SIZE: The M5's boot offers 466 litres of luggage space Credit: Jacob Liggett 6 THE KING OF CARBON: The M5 is available with carbon fibre mirrors, carbon boot spoiler, carbon ceramic brakes Credit: Paddy McGrath On Bumblebee 1000 you cover a lot of miles, so being very comfortable over long distances is another plus point for the M5. The battery takes 2 hours 30 minutes to fully charge providing you with a handy 70km electric-only range too, plus as the M5 is a PHEV, the annual road tax is only €140. BMW quote a 148.7mpg figure, and impressive stats like those are possible with a fully charged battery and very gentle driving. But with so much power available and when driving in an environment like Bumblebee, the big Beemer is a thirsty beast. 6 COOL SEATS: BMW's curved dual screens take centre stage and there's heated and cooled front seats Credit: Paddy McGrath After the road trip ended, the fun was over and I returned home from the Portlaoise Plaza at a more leisurely pace. And here I recorded 30.2mpg, not bad for a car that has a top speed of over 300km. It could be louder though. That big V8 should really be allowed to sing, but sadly the M5 is too quiet for its own good. Inside, BMW's brilliant curved dual screens dominate the dash, and like the exterior, there is carbon trim everywhere. Read more on the Irish Sun The front sports seats are superb, heated and air-cooled, with an illuminated M badge and there are heated seats in the back. The M5 saloon starts at €137,055 and the Touring model is €139,515 but that's before you start ticking boxes and there are loads of options to choose from.
