Days of Thunder

Is this the year of the grease monkey? Auto racing claims 70 million fans in the U.S. NASCAR sells $2 billion in merchandise a year (on tap: NASCAR-branded bikinis). And the sport isn't just a Middle America mania. It's inspiring movies and becoming part of the lifestyle of the rich and famous. Here's a look at some stars who feel the need for speed.

DRIVING A NEW COURSE Golfer Tiger Woods, in New Zealand last week for his caddie's wedding, won a charity stock-car race, despite crashing into the wall on the third lap. Gives new meaning to being in the rough.

SUMMER BET Talladega Nights, due in August, stars Will Ferrell as NASCAR driver Ricky Bobby. His competition: a Frenchman played by Sacha Baron Cohen (a.k.a. Ali G). Big ups!

THE ENGINE THAT COULD? Pixar and Disney hope their car-toon Cars, about a selfish race car (voiced by Owen Wilson) who learns humility, will steer fans to the box office.

MCDREAMY MCDRIVER Actor and racing aficionado Patrick Dempsey, co-star of TV's Grey's Anatomy, is now a co-owner of an Indy Racing League team. Va-va-va-vroom.

MALCOLM IN FRONT Frankie Muniz is on hiatus from acting to pursue race-car driving full time. He'll debut at a Formula BMW race this month. That's one child star who's trying to stay on track.