3 NASCAR drivers who have featured in Hollywood films, ft. Richard Petty

NASCAR has long been a spectacle of speed and skill, but its influence extends beyond the racetrack, including into the realm of Hollywood movies. Over the years, several NASCAR drivers have swapped their steering wheels for film scripts, taking their talents to the silver screen. Richard Petty, known as “The King,” headlined the list with his appearances in animated and live-action features.

Here's a closer look at three drivers who successfully brought their NASCAR persona to the big screen.

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Three NASCAR drivers who have featured in Hollywood films

#3 Frankie Muniz - Agent Cody Banks (2003), Big Fat Liar (2002)

Frankie Muniz has established himself as a versatile figure in motorsports, currently competing full-time in the ARCA Menards Series and making select appearances in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Joey Gase Motorsports.

Before stepping into the world of motorsports, Muniz was a celebrated actor, gaining fame for his starring role in the TV series "Malcolm in the Middle" and films like "Agent Cody Banks" and "Big Fat Liar." Moreover, Muniz also played a part in the 2015 movie, "Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!", where he was joined by RFK Racing's Brad Keselowski who played himself in a humorous cameo.

Muniz's journey from Hollywood to NASCAR reflects his drive to follow his passion and excel in a completely different arena.

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#2 Dale Earnhardt Jr. - CARS (2006), Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)

Two-time Xfinity Series champion Dale Earnhardt Jr. had a celebrated career in NASCAR. During his career, Earnhardt Jr. was approached by Pixar Studios to play the role of Junior, a name the 50-year-old is familiar with, in the movie "Cars." Several other active and retired drivers were employed by Pixar to play different roles, to maintain the authenticity of their story.

Moreover, Dale Earnhardt Jr. also appeared in "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby" the same year. Dale Jr. played himself in the movie, appearing in an iconic autograph scene with Will Ferrell. The movie also features Hollywood stars Amy Adams and Sasha Baren Cohen.

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#1 Richard "The King" Petty - CARS (2006), Swing Vote (2008)

Seven-time Cup Series champion Richard Petty created history in stock car racing while he was an active competitor. The King secured 200 race wins in the Cup Series in a career spanning 35 years. Richard Petty was hired to play the role of "The King" in the "Cars" movie franchise, in a nod to his nickname given to him for his unparalleled achievements in the sport.

Moreover, the 87-year-old also appeared as himself in the 2008 comedy-drama film "Swing Vote," a story centered on a unique premise wherein the entire U.S. presidential election hangs on the vote of one man. The movie featured a stellar cast with Kevin Costner in the lead role alongside Stanley Tucci and Nathan Lane.