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. We’re thrilled,” said Don Harris, executive vice president for distribution at Paramount Pictures, noting recent soft openings for the animated movies “Monster House” and “Ant Bully.”

Overall, box office revenue for the top dozen films was up 17 percent over the same week last year, said Paul Dergarabedian, president of Exhibitor Relations Co. Inc., which tracks box office performance.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Exhibitor Relations.

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.