Buckle up for a thrilling weekend as Shane van Gisbergen, the Supercars champion turned NASCAR rookie, takes on Las Vegas in the Xfinity Series. But it’s not just because of his on-track promise that the 34-year-old driver is the talk of the town right now.
As Van Gisbergen revs up for his Vegas debut, his unexpected take on Talladega Nights hinted at a deeper narrative. Join us as we explore how his bold statements reshape NASCAR’s cultural landscape.
Shane van Gisbergen challenges Talladega Nights’ genre perception
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In a recent episode of the popular NASCAR podcast, Stacking Pennies, with host Corey LaJoie and co-host Ryan Flores, New Zealand native and NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Shane van Gisbergen dropped a bombshell revelation.
When questioned about the most mind-blowing things that he has come across off-track in NASCAR, van Gisbergen surprised the hosts with an unexpected response.
“Man, there’s so many things but I guess Talladega Nights, it’s not a comedy it’s a documentary,” he asserted.
The declaration elicited incredulous reactions from the hosts, with Flores exclaiming, “Oh my God, that’s crazy, amen.”
Van Gisbergen elaborated, noting the lavish lifestyle depicted in the movie, remarking on the “massive house” and its portrayal of NASCAR culture.
LaJoie, echoing van Gisbergen’s viewpoint, candidly shared his journey, recounting his initial disbelief at the movie’s depiction of the racing world he revered as a young fan. He expressed, “I’ll give you my full TGA nights review. It came out I think I was probably 13 or 14 right and all I wanted to do was be a race car driver so I go and we get four or five buddies we go to the movie theater and I watch it and I’m just offended how dare they make fun of the profession that you know I’m watching Dale Jr and Jeff Gordon and car like these guys are Idols.”
.@shanevg97 is so real for this. 😂 #NASCAR@CoreyLaJoie | @SkipFlores pic.twitter.com/lBo0zF8EQO
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 28, 2024
Following the viral discussion sparked by van Gisbergen’s revelation, contrasting reactions emerged across platforms like Reddit. While some fans echoed Corey LaJoie and SVG’s sentiments, acknowledging the movie’s accuracy, others defended its comedic portrayal of NASCAR culture.
One Reddit user noted, “all the uptight fans hate that movie…everyone in the sport says the same thing,” while another highlighted the movie’s influence in drawing new fans to the sport, stating, “Talladega Nights was so damn funny it got me into NASCAR.”
Such diverse perspectives underscored the ongoing debate surrounding the film’s impact on NASCAR’s image.
Racing in Sin City: SVG’s Vegas Debut
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As Shane van Gisbergen gears up for his next Xfinity race in Las Vegas, anticipation brews not just for the competition but also for his first-time experience in the vibrant city. Reflecting on his upbringing in New Zealand, SVG draws a connection to The Hangover movie when contemplating Las Vegas.
When asked by Ryan Flores about his thoughts on the city, SVG immediately responds, “Like the Hangover movie, yeah,” hinting at the wild and unpredictable adventures associated with the iconic film.
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With a blend of excitement and curiosity, SVG admits, “never been” to the city renowned for its vibrant nightlife and iconic Strip. Amidst the banter with hosts Corey LaJoie and Ryan Flores, SVG receives some tongue-in-cheek advice, including LaJoie’s recommendation to “stay in your room” unless celebrating a victory.
As SVG prepares to make his mark on the Vegas racetrack, his debut in Sin City promises an intriguing juxtaposition of racing action and newfound exploration.
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As SVG’s journey unfolds, one thing becomes clear: his unorthodox perspectives and bold statements are reshaping the narrative of NASCAR. From challenging the genre perception of Talladega Nights to offering candid insights into his Vegas debut, van Gisbergen’s presence in the NASCAR sphere is anything but conventional.