Further to our news item about the making of a MotoGP movie, we learn of the imminent release of another motorsport film.

Following on from the success of the 1990 movie, Days of Thunder, which starred Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman and Robert Duvall, another NASCAR-theme movie is about to be released.

Talladega Nights - The story of a man who could only count to #1 - features Will Ferrell as the ludicrously named Ricky Bobby, in addition to Elvis Costello (!), Amy Adams, John Baker and Sacha Baron Cohen (aka Ali G). Innit.

The plot of the racing movie is the usual fodder - Ricky faces stiff competition in the form of his new teammate, Baron Cohen. Consequently Bobby partners with his buddy Cal Naughton (John C Reilly), to form Thunder and Lightning, "the most feared duo in the game".

OK, it all sounds a bit naff, and it should be stressed that the movie is a comedy - Ferrell is no Pacino or De Niro - but if Talladega Nights follows the example of Days of Thunder, it will be another massive PR boost for NASCAR, at a time when Bernie is trying to convince everyone that F1 doesn't need America.

Then again, perhaps Americans see Formula One in the same light as Hugh Laurie, currently enjoying tremendous success in the hugely popular American TV drama House MD.

Laurie was a guest at last week's Grand Prix at Indianapolis, and when asked what he thought of F1, the Englishman admitted that he prefers bikes, and regards cars as "a bit girly".

Talladega Nights: The Balad of Ricky Bobby is on release (USA) from August 6.