Republican presidential candidate
Mitt Romney made a campaign visit to Daytona International Speedway Sunday,
just hours before the annual Daytona 500 and two days removed from an important
primary battle in Michigan.
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| Vickers and Romney toured Daytona |
Surrounded by a protective cadre
of Secret Service agents, Romney circulated through the NASCAR Sprint Cup
Series garage as teams prepared for the first race of the 2012 season, shaking
hands and posing for photos with team members and fans before addressing a
large crowd at the pre-race driver’s meeting. He spoke at length with Earnhardt
Ganassi Racing co-owners Chip Ganassi and Felix Sabates, and was accompanied
for much of his visit by driver Brian Vickers, who is still seeking a ride for
the 2012 season.
“I’m a supporter of his, and I
like his policies,” said Vickers, amid rumors that he is lobbying the Romney
campaign to back a possible Sprint Cup bid this season. Rival Rick Santorum is
sponsoring Tony Raines and the No. 26 Front Row Motorsports Ford in the Daytona
500. Asked if he would be rooting against Raines Sunday, Romney laughed, “I
hope all the cars have a good race.”
The Republican
frontrunner said his Daytona visit was less a campaign appearance and more “a
sign of a guy who loves cars. (Daytona) has always been a place where American
cars have shined,” he said. “(There is) a long history from Daytona being
connected with Detroit, Detroit cars and the spirit of America.
“I appreciate the spirit of the
men and women that are driving today,” said Romney. “This is a chance to look
at the determination and great qualities of the human spirit. This is
quintessentially American. I love what you’re doing, I’m happy to be here today
(and I) wish you all the very best and God bless this great nation of ours.”
Just another politician showing up to pander for votes. When was the last time he went to a race? Same for Santorum. It is simply bad to pander politics in NASCAR since the fans are supporters of BOTH parties and many are independents. It isn't a wise move to show blatant support for one party. Pander to one and you turn off many many other fans, and this isn't the time to turn off fans. Let him go back to Michigan and tell the good people of Michigan why the loans to GM and Chrysler weren't a good thing......he isn't a supporter of GM, Chrysler, OR Ford, he'd rather see them broken up into little pieces to sell off, leaving MILLIONS unemployed while his cronies reap millions.
ReplyDeleteGo away. NASCAR doesn't need this.
Doug from NJ
Say what you will about Rick Santorum (a politician I have serious issues with) but he's putting his money where his mouth is by sponsoring a car. What's Romney doing to help the sport or appeal to NASCAR fans?
ReplyDelete