LOS ANGELES — Will Ferrell's NASCAR spoof "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby" enjoyed life in the fast lane with a No. 1 finish in the weekend box office race, taking in $47 million, according to studio estimates Sunday.

"It's one of those movies — pardon the pun — firing on all cylinders. When you have Will Ferrell and NASCAR, you just know you are going to have a crowd pleaser. But this was way beyond expectations," said Rory Bruer, president of distribution for Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Also entering the box office race with a surprising debut was the animated movie "Barnyard: The Original Party Animals," placing second with $16 million.

"It was at the high end of anybody's expectations," said Don Harris, executive vice president for distribution at Paramount Pictures.

1. "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby," $47 million.

2. "Barnyard: The Original Party Animals," $16 million.

3. "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest," $11 million.

4. "Miami Vice," $9.7 million.

5. "The Descent," $8.8 million.

6. "John Tucker Must Die," $6.05 million.

7. "Monster House," $6 million.

8. "The Ant Bully," $3.9 million.

9. "The Night Listener," $3.6 million.

10. "You, Me and Dupree," $3.6 million