So Darrell Waltrip is Ricky Bobby? I don't think I'd ever seen the NASCAR champ on camera before-- I've seen him host, never an in car/action shot-- but if this guy wasn't the sole inspiration for Talladega Nights, I'd be shocked. Will Ferrell even sounds like him.
The video after the jump shows Mr. Waltrip going for a ride around the 4-mile long Mount Panorama (Bathurst) circuit. The turns and the speed certainly freak out Waltrip, but what really seems to bother Waltrip is the elevation. "This is a geological oddity! This is crazy! This is the dumbest thing I've ever done. We just left the ground again!" No, not a geological oddity, it's just not the midwest.
No idea how much of this is an act for the camera, but it doesn't matter, it's hilarious and probably the best commercial ever for when V8 Supercar Racing comes to the US.
stovt001 says:
12:48 PM, 10/18/11
I actually watched all 7 hours of Bathurst coverage, and that was easily the best part. I take a lot of shots at the "floor the gas in a RWD, V8 powered, tube framed, carburated "Camry" while continuously turning slightly to the left over and over again" crowd, but I can't top this. Yes, that's what racing in the rest of the world looks like folks. It is awesome.
revn says:
12:49 PM, 10/18/11
Real or not, that was hilarious.
v8vader says:
02:25 PM, 10/18/11
+1 stovt001
bkapps says:
03:23 PM, 10/18/11
I work for Mr. Waltrip, he is that awesome in person.
ralphhightower says:
04:37 PM, 10/18/11
Maybe that's why NASCAR drivers always turn left, except for the road courses.
evodad says:
07:38 PM, 10/18/11
haha, now that was good. It certainly is a completely different feeling as a passenger than as a driver
stovt001 says:
07:31 AM, 10/19/11
bkapps you are lucky. He does seem like a great guy.
noburgers says:
09:32 AM, 10/19/11
haaaaa! Oh God! Oh crap! I'm gonna die! eeeeeeeee! We're gonna die! Corkscrew! Mercy! Holy crap!
that's the funniest lap I've ever seen
agentorange says:
12:04 PM, 10/19/11
Darrell's fear even surpassed that of James May in one of his manic rally car rides.