Although this wasn’t the first time NASCAR champions were honoured by the President of the United States, it might be the most important due to the critical condition of the US auto industry.
While the stated purpose was to honour current and three-time defending NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion, Jimmie Johnson, President Barack Obama had bigger issues on his mind.
"NASCAR is the quintessential American sport. Its fan base is now worldwide,” said the President.
“When you think of its' roots and fans' attachment to drivers (and) the US auto industry is going through a tough time, we want to make sure we highlight a great sport, a great brand not just for NASCAR itself, but America."
Along with Jimmie Johnson, his wife Chandra, his team owner, Rick Hendrick, NASCAR president, Mike Helton and many other title contenders made the trek to Washington, DC ahead of this week’s Bristol night race.
Obama added NASCAR is “about as good of an advertisement as you can get. If someone is excited about NASCAR they’re excited about cars."
Earlier this year US auto makers, Chrysler and General Motors went through bankruptcy. GM officials announced a pull back of Nationwide series support and told owners of Sprint Cup teams of sponsorship and technology cutbacks.
“We want to make sure the people know at a time GM has gone tough times they may have to cut back sponsorships briefly, but, if you look at five or ten years out they will come back stronger than ever and their sponsorship makes a great difference.”
On a lighter note, the President watched Johnson, wearing a business suit, slide through the driver’s side window of a replica of his Chevrolet Impala race car and commented “I saw him getting into and out of the 48 (Johnson’s car number). I would have strained something. I would have torn my suit.”
photo:Official White House Photo
 |
While the stated purpose was to honour current and three-time defending NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion, Jimmie Johnson, President Barack Obama had bigger issues on his mind.
"NASCAR is the quintessential American sport. Its fan base is now worldwide,” said the President.
“When you think of its' roots and fans' attachment to drivers (and) the US auto industry is going through a tough time, we want to make sure we highlight a great sport, a great brand not just for NASCAR itself, but America."
Along with Jimmie Johnson, his wife Chandra, his team owner, Rick Hendrick, NASCAR president, Mike Helton and many other title contenders made the trek to Washington, DC ahead of this week’s Bristol night race.
Obama added NASCAR is “about as good of an advertisement as you can get. If someone is excited about NASCAR they’re excited about cars."
Earlier this year US auto makers, Chrysler and General Motors went through bankruptcy. GM officials announced a pull back of Nationwide series support and told owners of Sprint Cup teams of sponsorship and technology cutbacks.
“We want to make sure the people know at a time GM has gone tough times they may have to cut back sponsorships briefly, but, if you look at five or ten years out they will come back stronger than ever and their sponsorship makes a great difference.”
On a lighter note, the President watched Johnson, wearing a business suit, slide through the driver’s side window of a replica of his Chevrolet Impala race car and commented “I saw him getting into and out of the 48 (Johnson’s car number). I would have strained something. I would have torn my suit.”
 |
photo:Official White House Photo