NASCAR Chairman & CEO Brian France stumped for GOP Presidential Candidate Donald Trump at a rally Monday in Valdosta, Ga. France said the following in support of “The Donald”, “I’ve known Donald for over 20 years. I’m going to tell you one thing about him. You know about his winning in business and success. I’m here to tell you he wins with his family. Any of his children, you’d be proud to have them as part of your family. That’s how I judge a winner, how somebody manages their family, raises their family.” NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott was also at the rally joined by drivers Chase Elliott, David Ragan and Ryan Newman.
One has to wonder how this may be viewed by the sports media and casual sports fan. How would they react if NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell or NBA Commissioner Adam Silver had done the same?
NASCAR CEO Brian France Endorses Donald Trump: Is It A Mistake?
While it is totally within France’s right to support whomever he wants, should it have been done so publicly? Trump is no doubt a very polarizing figure. One may argue that while Trump appeals to the ‘stereotypical NASCAR fan’, those who are casual fans could be turned off by what could be considered NASCAR’s support of the candidate.
NASCAR spokesman David Higdon quickly tried to distance the sanctioning body from France’s appearance at the rally. “Private personal decision by Brian.” Higdon said in an email to ESPN.
Fallout and reaction has already begun. Camping World CEO Mark Lemonis tweeted the following after the rally, “There is no place for politics/any political endorsements in any business. Your customers and employees should have their own mind. #period“. Camping World is the title sponsor of NASCAR’s truck series.
Trump said at the rally, “If the people that like and watch NASCAR vote for Donald Trump, they can cancel the election right now. Nobody else can win. Nobody.” Trump also remarked that he is “proud to receive the endorsement of such an iconic brand.” Sounds like Donald did not get the memo that this is allegedly only an endorsement by Brian France and not by NASCAR.
