FONTANA, Calif. -- NASCAR has been mentioned in everything from rap videos to daytime soaps. Its popularity among pop culture is widespread and often a target of humorous parodies.

That said, it was only a matter of time before South Park, arguably the most offensive comedic cartoon on cable, chose to have a go at NASCAR and its stars.

“

I'm a little worried about the Johnson guy -- he seems dumber than spit.

”

-- ERIC CARTMAN

The premise of the season-opening episode, entitled Poor and Stupid, aired this past Wednesday shows character Eric Cartman wanting to race with the pros in NASCAR and he's ready to do whatever it takes to make it happen. Although, according to Cartman, he's not poor or stupid enough to have what it takes.

First of all, while the show is all in good fun, the majority of NASCAR fans are not what is considered to be poor. Most are middle class and, just as affluent as the United States population, 45 percent earn $50,000-plus a year. The median household income in the U.S. is $46,326.

As for being stupid, well, that's not exactly measurable but also tends to be a misnomer.

Nevertheless, the South Park episode has been a topic of conversation this weekend at Auto Club Speedway, where the Sprint Cup Series is preparing for the fourth race in the Chase.

A handful of drivers were referenced in the episode, including four-time defending Cup champ Jimmie Johnson.

"I've had multiple text messages saying that I was on South Park, really, from all of my friends' kids. I've got to check it out. I haven't seen it, but I heard that Cartman's in a very entertaining sponsored car," Johnson said. "I haven't seen it yet and I can't wait to."

Spoiler alert: Cartman, whose car is sponsored by Vagisil female products, tells his crew chief that he is worried that Johnson is dumber than him. Recall Cartman believes to be successful in NASCAR you have to be stupid and poor.

After the drivers' news conference, Cartman says, "I'm a little worried about the Johnson guy -- he seems dumber than spit."

Jeff Gordon had not seen the episode this week, either, but nonetheless had his two cents to add.

"I read something about it and heard about it," Gordon said. "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. Even if you're making fun of it, I think it's still getting attention that's pretty cool for us."

Danica Patrick, for whom Cartman expresses his clear disdain during the drivers' news conference and later runs over her, said she was flattered.

"I think any time somebody takes the time to make fun of you is a compliment, so I was talking about it with [crew chief] Tony [Eury] Jr. on the truck and some other guys and everybody found it hilarious, so I don't think anybody takes offense to that," Patrick said. "I think we all made history being on South Park. It's pretty cool."

Patrick also joked that she also will be on an episode of The Simpsons later this year and had a reference on Hannah Montana.

"So it's a pretty big year for me," she said.

Related:
• Watch the 'South Park' episode