It’s not often that President Obama gets a shoutout from NASCAR Nation, but his attention to the racing sport, and especially retiring future Hall of Fame driver Jeff Gordon, are getting noticed by drivers.
Michael Waltrip, who drives #55, took time out of a trip to Washington for the Auto Care Association last week to heap praise on Obama for inviting Gordon and the #24 driver’s family to the annual Easter Egg Roll and giving the four-time NASCAR champion a private tour.
Great time in DC today with the family & on Kelly & Michael Show. #whitehouseeastereggroll pic.twitter.com/bzIAjuhBOM
— Jeff Gordon (@JeffGordonWeb) April 6, 2015
“He’s pretty smart,” Waltrip said of Obama. “I’m sure he appreciates what we do.”
Waltrip said the president embraces the sport because it “is Americana,” adding that Obama is drawn to the athleticism involved in driving 200 mph.
“I want them, the presidents, and they all have, to appreciate our sport,” he said, explaining that it helps racing when drivers such as Gordon and last year’s NASCAR champ Kevin Harvick visit the White House. “Obviously those guys coming to town and being honored by the president reflects positively on our industry.”
Egg Roll at the White House pic.twitter.com/mR37Igt84V
— Ingrid Vandebosch (@ivandebosch) April 6, 2015
The driver and team owner also gave Gordon credit for changing racing when he became one of the youngest to win, opening the door to future young drivers.
Driver Michael Waltrip was in Washington to promote the Auto Care Association.
“He changed things and anytime a sport that’s 65 years old and one person comes in and makes a difference that’s significant,” said Waltrip, brother of Fox racing broadcaster Darrell Waltrip. “His contribution to the sport will be greater than just what he accomplished on the track.”
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected].
