In honor of yesterday’s Brickyard 400 race at the world famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway – it’s time to revisit the lexicon of films that center around the very American sport of NASCAR. While I – a writer and newly minted NASCAR fan – have my favorite racing movie locked and loaded (Kachow!) – it’s worth hearing from someone who is quite literally in the driver’s seat.
For the ultimate NASCAR film recommendation – look no further than Team Valvoline driver William Byron. Currently in his 8th season of racing, Byron drives car Number 24 for Hendricks Motorsports. In an effort to learn what the pros are watching – PopViewers traveled with Team Valvoline out to the Sonoma Raceway in sunny California – and got the behind the scenes scoop on how they get the job done. The back of Byron’s car says Originals Never Stop – which makes sense, considering Valvoline had the original motor oil back in 1866. Now approximately 160 years later, that pioneering has had a hand in everything from the car you drive, to Formula 1 Races that are making headlines today – with Valvoline supporting the Aston Martin Aramco team. They are continuing to pioneer with their latest product – “Restore & Protect,” which they describe as “the first and only motor oil that removes up to 100% of engine deposits.”
So now that you’re in the mood for the smell of a corndog, the heat of the asphalt and the blaring whirr of the cars around the track – it’s time to get watching. Read below for what racing movie the professionals are watching – plus a few others that we think are worth your time.
1. “Days Of Thunder” – William Byron’s Pick
The 1990 classic has everything that a racing movie needs: fast cars, a legendary rivalry – and of course, Tom Cruise. Cruise stars as Cole Trickle – a newer driver that lands himself in a rivalry with a NASCAR legend, played by Michael Rooker. When a devastating accident shakes up their lives, the two form a friendship that goes beyond the track. The film, which comes from “Top Gun” director Tony Scott, also stars Nicole Kidman, Cary Elwes, Robert Duvall and Randy Quaid.
Where to Watch: Paramount Plus
2. “Talladega Nights” – The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
This Will Ferrell classic brings his closest collaborators together for this comedy classic. Ferrell plays Ricky Bobby, a NASCAR driver at the top of his game whose life does a 180 when an F1 driver (played by Sacha Baron Cohen) enters the scene. The movie was co-written by Ferrell and Adam McKay, and produced by comedy film extraordinaire Judd Apatow. Shake and bake!
Where to Watch: Peacock
3. “Cars”
When it comes to race car movies – this is the pièce de résistance. Pixar created a new way of looking at anthropomorphized cars that I think is nothing short of revolutionary. Eyes that are windshields? Perfection. The soundtrack on this movie is nothing short of a masterpiece. While Life is a Highway was originally released by Tom Cochrane in 1991, the Rascal Flatts 2006 version gave it a brand new life in pop culture. Plus, we now have Crocs shoes that look like Lightning McQueen. Crocs, are you listening? Our office is begging for matching pairs of shoes. Talk about sport mode.
Where to Watch: Disney Plus
4. Herbie: Fully Loaded
As we are in full Lindsay Lohan-assiance, it’s important to mention this seminal work of hers: Herbie: Fully Loaded. The story follows Lohan as Maggie Peyton, who dreams of racing cars – but she doesn’t have the support of her dad, played by Michael Keaton. But when she uncovers a Volkswagen Beetle named Herbie at a junkyard – everything gets turned upside down.
Where to Watch: Disney Plus
5. Logan Lucky – NASCAR Heist Movie
If you’re looking for a heist movie with a NASCAR twist – then Logan Lucky should be exactly your speed. The movie has a stellar cast of Daniel Craig, Adam Driver, Hillary Swank, Katie Holmes and Channing Tatum – to name a few. When Jimmy Logan (Tatum) is fired from his job at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina, he comes up with a scheme to rob it, with the help from some friends and family. This movie also has cameos from real NASCAR drivers, like Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards, Kyle Larson and more.
Where to Watch: Netflix – but act quickly, it’s leaving soon!
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