Who Is Marcus Armstrong? The Kiwi’s Love For NFL, ‘Talladega Nights’ & Podcasting

NTT INDYCAR SERIES: Who Is Marcus Armstrong?

The Kiwi’s Love For NFL, ‘Talladega Nights’ & Podcasting

Updated Jul. 18, 2025, 12:57 a.m. bk8 việt nam – đăng nhập trang chủ bk8 nhanh nhất 2024 ET

Bob Pockrass – FOX Motorsports Insider

“I knew that it would work out, and I was just trying to convince my parents just to let me go and give me that chance to leave school.” Marcus Armstrong moved away from his native New Zealand as a teenager to pursue his dream of racing. That dream eventually became a reality. The soon-to-be 25-year-old was on a Formula 1 path, having spent three seasons in Formula 2 before making the move to INDYCAR in 2023.

Now in his third season of INDYCAR racing, the Meyer Shank Racing driver — who currently sits seventh in the standings — spoke with me about what it’s like to be a Kiwi in the United States, his love for American football, the quintessential NASCAR movie, and more.

Who is Marcus Armstrong?

That’s a good question. Are we talking philosophically or…?

How would your friends describe you?

I would say that I’m a Kiwi. Kiwis are generally very chill and enjoy hanging out, especially when I’m not working. risk free online So, I guess I embody that. I love sports — I’m a huge sports guy. I usually spend two, three, or even four hours a day in the gym, followed by keeping track of various sports. Right now, Tour de France is happening, and I’m following it closely. If I weren’t a racing driver, I’d probably be involved in another sport. So, that kind of sums it up.

Are the Tour de France competitors crazier than you guys?

Yes, 100 percent. The Tour de France guys are absolutely mental riding together in that peloton. They’re all battling for every inch, every corner, and it’s like 25-wide. Plus, the extreme measures they take to be fit and ready for the race is truly impressive. 8k8 casino login I think it’s the coolest thing ever.

When we talked earlier, you mentioned the NFL and NBA. Did you always follow them in New Zealand, or are you now a part of American sports because you’re here?

I actually got into the NFL years ago because I started listening to Colin Cowherd sports latest news philippines. I really love the NFL. The NBA is something I’m getting more into, but I didn’t know much about it before. There’s something glamorous about the NFL. In New Zealand, we have rugby, which in some ways isn’t too different, but you have to admit that the NFL has nailed its marketing. The glamour is second to none, making it appealing to follow. Whenever the NFL season is over, I do feel a bit sad.

You also referenced “Talladega Nights” and Ricky Bobby. It seems like you embrace a lot of American culture. Has it seeped into your Kiwi identity?

Yes, that movie is globally recognized, so it’s not just because I enjoy American culture. It was on TV recently, and it sparked some ideas for TV interviews later this week.

How accurate do you think “Talladega Nights” is to actual NASCAR?

It’s 100 percent accurate. It’s practically a documentary, right?

You used to have a podcast. Why did you stop it?

I didn’t stop it; it was just one of those things I did for fun with friends, some fellow Formula 2 drivers, or anyone who wanted to join. We had wine tasting and similar segments, which probably wouldn’t fly here, but the primary reason was logistics. I’m based in the States, while my friends are in the UK. We wanted to maintain high quality, which meant doing it in person. Zoom just doesn’t cut it for that. We also got overly dressed up for it, and the production quality was almost too good for our podcasting skills. I’d love to bring it back, but it’s tough to manage that kind of quality unless everyone is there in person.

Did you enjoy the showman aspect of it?

It was a fun distraction while I was in F2. It just allowed me to hang out with everyone. Americans are very outgoing and social, whereas back home it’s somewhat more restrained. Developing friendships here takes a lot less time, which is nice.

You’re a Kiwi, but when was the last time you lived in New Zealand?

I haven’t lived in New Zealand since around 2013 when I was about 12 or 13. Nowadays, Kiwis, Aussies, or even Americans have to go over to Europe early to pursue that Formula 1 dream. I did karting there for about three years before moving on to Formula 4, F3, and F2. I left at a very young age and lived alone from 13, which was quite a journey. I ended up experiencing things that most 13-year-olds wouldn’t usually think about.

So did you find that enjoyable, stressful, or did you embrace it?

I definitely didn’t feel stressed. I had a purpose. My parents were initially against it, but I was determined. I had some experience beforehand that allowed me to join a team. ssbet77 download apk I promised them I’d give it six months, and if things didn’t work out, I’d come back. But I was confident it would work out, and I just wanted to convince my parents to let me take the leap and leave school. Looking back, it was a wild move, but I think it’s worked out well.

People might say, “Well, Marcus left school at age 13, so I can do that too, right?” Would you recommend it?

My younger brother is 15 now, and I wouldn’t even let him go to the shops alone. It takes a lot of commitment and passion to take that kind of step. My goal was to excel in kart racing, and that’s where my focus was.

What do you miss most about being home?

The weather is fantastic in New Zealand, and I love visiting during the summer. The food is also great. Knowing everyone can be a double-edged sword; it’s somewhat like being a celebrity because you recognize so many faces, but it’s not quite the same. I don’t enjoy going to places like coffee shops and seeing numerous familiar faces. That’s perhaps a downside of going back to New Zealand.

You want to go to a coffee shop and sit by yourself?

Not really. I prefer to remain incognito, maybe wearing a cap. I don’t want to be recognized most of the time. New Zealand is a very peaceful place, and it’s a great spot to train and recenter after a hectic season. I believe it’s the perfect place to recharge.

Bob Pockrass covers NASCAR and INDYCAR for FOX Sports. He has spent decades in motorsports journalism, including over 30 Daytona 500s, with previous experiences at ESPN, Sporting News, NASCAR Scene magazine, and The (Daytona Beach) News-Journal. Follow him on Twitter @bobpockrass.

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