Though the South Park character Cartman ripped NASCAR drivers in this week’s season premiere as being “poor and stupid,” the drivers portrayed in the episode said they were pleased to have been featured – though none had actually viewed themselves on the show yet.
NASCAR Drivers Flattered By South Park Portrayal In ‘Poor And Stupid’ Episode
Danica Patrick said she’s been “trying like heck” to see it, even though her character was run over by another car during the show.
"I think anytime somebody takes the time to make fun of you, it's a compliment," she said. "I don't think anybody takes offense to that."
Patrick said she didn’t even mind that Cartman mowed her down with his Vagisil-sponsored car.
“I got killed, I was told,” said Patrick, who will also be on The Simpsons later this year. “Well, you know, some days I feel like that might be the easy road.”
Jimmie Johnson’s No. 48 car won the race on South Park – clearly a case of art imitating life – though Johnson was carjacked during the race by another character.
Cartman said during the episode that Johnson was “dumber than spit.” Johnson laughed when asked about the show, but said he hadn’t watched it yet.
“I’ve had multiple text messages saying that I was on South Park, really from all of my friends’ kids,” he said. “I’ve got to check it out. I heard that Cartman is in a very entertaining sponsored car. I haven’t seen it yet, and I can’t wait to.”
The episode featured Cartman trying to become a NASCAR driver by believing he should be “poor and stupid,” but the show’s writers didn’t portray race fans or the drivers in a negative manner. If anything, it seemed positive for NASCAR in that the show debunked some stereotypes.
“To me, regardless of what the positive or negative spins are that all these shows put, I think it’s still good publicity for the sport,” said Jeff Gordon, who was also portrayed in the show but hadn’t seen it yet. “Even if you’re making fun of it, I think it’s still getting attention that’s pretty cool for us.”
As for the sport’s most popular driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr. insisted he had no idea he was even on the show.
“I didn’t know I was on South Park,” he said. “I didn’t! No shit? Nobody told me about that. Was it good?”
Earnhardt Jr. said it was “weird” when told he was portrayed in his old Budweiser uniform instead of his current Amp/National Guard gear, but said he was happy to hear about the appearance.
“Well damn it,” he said. “I’m proud of the milestone.”
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