INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – Many fans are quick to insist that they dislike politics in their sports: without kneeling, without raised fists, without T-shirt messages. Only the game or event, please and thanks.
That has not been the case in recent memory as the nation goes through a race and racism trial following the death of George Floyd in police custody. In NASCAR, the colorful paint schemes on stock cars have taken a decidedly political turn in the past few weeks, and will do so again this weekend.
Corey LaJoie’s car will carry out a plan promoting President Donald Trump’s reelection bid during the Brickyard 400 on Sunday. The Patriots of America PAC spent $ 350,000 for the political announcement that will be seen by anyone who sees the No. 32 Ford on NBC
Political announcements are not unheard of in NASCAR, but the movement still garnered attention in part because Trump is a polarizing figure to many and because the series itself is struggling on how to boost diversity.
“Let’s say there have been a lot of stories from Corey LaJoie this week,” said Tom Jensen, curatorial affairs manager for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. “Historically, I can tell you that sponsorship (NASCAR) is a mix of brand awareness, brand friendliness, and, in some cases, to move product directly.”
In February 2004, President George W. Bush attended the Daytona 500 Miles while actively courting a group of influential voters his advisers called “NASCAR parents.” President Ronald Reagan celebrated Richard Petty’s final victory in the Cup at a drivers’ picnic after the race on July 4, 1984, and exactly eight years later, President George HW Bush witnessed the final start of the Cup for Petty. It all came during the reelection season, and few were surprised when Trump attended the Daytona 500 in February.
This year’s messages, however, have taken some sharp turns, perhaps reflecting the divided nation.
Bubba Wallace, the only black driver in the Cup Series, helped persuade NASCAR to ban Confederate flags from its events less than two months ago. He also directed Petty’s famous No. 43 car in a Black Lives Matter paint scheme that had no sponsor. He also wore a T-shirt with the words “I can’t breathe,” the last words Floyd spoke when he died with his neck pinned by the knee of a police officer.
Mike Harmon Racing recently added the phrase #BackTheBlue, a reference to supporting police officers, to one of his Xfinity series cars after relaying the Blue Lives Matter message earlier this season.
On Saturday, Harmon’s two Xfinity cars will carry #StandForTheFlag and We Stand, a move that comes less than a month after NASCAR removed a rule calling for race teams to stand up, during the national anthem.
Harmon said this week’s topic is about patriotism and is not a criticism of NASCAR, which must approve of all paint schemes or any other point of view. Repairedvehicles.com is the sponsor.
“It is just our belief,” Harmon said Friday. “I have met many people who have been injured, who have life-long injuries because they were fighting for our country, fighting for the flag, and this is the least we can do for them.” and for our country. “
LaJoie’s red, white and blue car for Go FAS Racing will carry Trump 2020 in white letters. The PAC also sponsored a Trump-themed Xfinity car earlier this year and appeared in LaJoie’s car last weekend as an associate sponsor. Now, however, they will have a more prominent place for the next nine races.
Critics have pointed out that Trump has called the Black Lives Matter movement a “symbol of hatred.”
“These cars will have a lot of talking value beyond just showing up in a car,” said Jeff Richards, professor of advertising and public relations at Michigan State, who was referring specifically to cars driven by Wallace and LaJoie. “We also need to be aware that one or both are likely to be subject to some negative comments as well.”
All teams survive on sponsorship money, a strained relationship due to the pandemic and closure. LaJoie has not commented publicly on Trump’s paint scheme, although she may have hinted at it this week on her podcast: “My team is doing some necessary things. I’m doing a few necessary things to support myself as a relative as a race car driver and support my family. ”
Go FAS Racing owner Archie St. Hilaire is a Trump follower who has seen social media posts hoping his car will crash on the first lap of every race or maybe the garage will burn out. He pointed to the relationship between LaJoie and Wallace, who has been criticized by supporters of the Confederate flag and then saw the FBI investigate a garage door drop rope designed as a rope that was found in his garage in Talladega two weeks ago.
“You know, he and Bubba are great friends and I hope those two can get together with this and get everyone to register to vote,” said St. Hilaire. “I will register them to vote with a Trump shirt on, but I just want them to register. We think most of these people are going to be Trump supporters, but if they are not, that’s fine. Just go vote.”
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