Moviegoers everywhere will see the name of NASCAR's Most Competitive Track in marquee lighting this summer, as Talladega Superspeedway officials announced today that the much-anticipated comedy starring Will Ferrell will be titled Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby and is set for release by Columbia Pictures on Aug. 4, 2006.

The movie, written by Ferrell & director Adam McKay, tells the story of NASCAR racing sensation Ricky Bobby (Will Ferrell), whose "win at all costs" approach has made him a national hero. He and his loyal racing partner and childhood friend, Cal Naughton, Jr. (John C. Reilly), are a fearless duo who thrill their fans by finishing most races in the No. 1 and 2 positions - with Cal always in second place. When a flamboyant French Formula One driver, Jean Girard (Sacha Baron Cohen), challenges him for the supremacy of NASCAR, Ricky Bobby must face his own demons and fight Girard for the right to be known as racing's top driver.

Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby was produced by Judd Apatow and Jimmy Miller. The executive producers are Ferrell, McKay, David Householter, Richard Glover and Sarah Nettinga.

The production of the film has received a great deal of media coverage since crews began shooting scenes here during the UAW-Ford 500 event weekend and in weeks following. Fans attending the Oct. 1 ARCA RE/MAX Series race last year watched and participated as select scenes were filmed on the frontstretch of the 2.66-mile track prior to the start of the event.

"We have enjoyed being part of this project and are thrilled to have our facility figuring so prominently into the film," said Talladega Superspeedway Vice President/General Manager Rick Humphrey. "A lot of buzz has been generated about this movie, and we are as excited as everyone else about the final product. We know it will bring a lot of exposure to our facility and hope it will encourage new fans to visit us for what is going to be one of the most exciting years to date at Talladega Superspeedway."