The CEO of NASCAR and several top drivers endorsed Republican front runner Donald Trump Monday night, giving the candidate a whole new group of voters.
On stage in Georgia with Trump, Brian France, Chairman and CEO of NASCAR, drivers Chase Elliott, Ryan Newman, David Lee Regan, and the retired Bill Elliott backed the candidate.
STATEMENT: CEO of #NASCAR enthusiastically offers endorsement and support for Donald Trump. https://t.co/B59w8oaCot https://t.co/f69NhD0Xbd
— Adam Longo (@adamlongoTV) February 29, 2016
Trump joked that with NASCAR voters, he’s not only in the driver’s seat, but is headed to the checkered flag. NASCAR is popular in several states voting Tuesday.
Once a largely white group, NASCAR voters are much more diverse. According to pollster John Zogby, 63 percent are white while the percentage of Hispanics has tripled to 22 percent and African Americans has grown to 11 percent.
Trump released NASCAR’s statement:
DONALD J. TRUMP ENDORSED BY NASCAR CEO AND DRIVERS
(Valdosta, GA) February 29th, 2016 – Today Donald J. Trump was endorsed by Brian France, Chairman & CEO of NASCAR, popular retired driver Bill Elliott, and active drivers Chase Elliott, Ryan Newman, and David Lee Regan. France, Elliott, and the drivers endorsed Mr. Trump at a rally attended by thousands in Valdosta, Georgia just one day before the Super Tuesday primary.
Mr. Trump said, “I am proud to receive the endorsement of such an iconic brand and a quality person such as Brian. Brian has a wonderful family and is an incredibly successful business person. I have great respect for Brian and I am grateful for his support and that of Bill Elliott, one of the best drivers in history, and active stock car racers, including his son Chase Elliott, Ryan Newman and David Lee Regan.”
Brian France added, “Mr. Trump is changing American politics forever and his leadership and strength are desperately needed. He has had an incredible career and achieved tremendous success. This is what we need for our country.”
Bill Elliott said, “It is my great honor to endorse Mr. Trump for President of the United States. He is a leader representing strength and common sense solutions.”
These influential endorsements come just days after former Presidential candidate and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, and Senator Jeff Sessions, recognized by many as the conservative soul of the U.S. Senate, offered their endorsements of the republican frontrunner.
Mr. Trump continues to dominate in state and national polls with the most recent survey from CNN showing Mr. Trump with 49% support nationwide.
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected]
