When it comes to Rudy Giuliani’s effort to win the Nascar vote, the national press corps just can’t resist stereotypes.
The latest example comes from today’s Washington Post: “On Sunday, the Giuliani campaign came to the Homestead-Miami Speedway, past a handful of Confederate flags flying in the parking lot and beyond the Jack Daniel’s tent, to attend NASCAR’s Ford 400.”
There’s so much more to this picture than fast cars, bourbon and the Southern Cross.
For starters, there’s a huge nationwide audience. Nascar reports a fan base of 75 million people.
Just as important, Nascar is big business, attracting investors with pots of money to throw at political campaigns.
Members of Nascar’s first family, founded by the Bill France Sr., and later led by his sons, Jim France and the late Bill Jr., are longtime contributors to the GOP. Brian France, son of Bill Jr., is a Giuliani donor.
Team owners also bring money and connections.
Jeff Gordon, a champion driver and now team owner, and owner Richard Childress have both given money to Giuliani.
Roger Penske, chairman of the Penske Corporation and Penske Automotive Group and owner of Penske Racing, also has contributed to Giuliani and Mitt Romney. His wife, Kathy, has supported Romney.
Racing team owner Felix Sabates, who also has a minority stake in the Charlotte Bobcats, is another loyal Republican. Last year, he gave $26,700 to the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
Solidly In the other camp is John W. Henry, co-owner of Roush Fenway Racing, the Boston Red Sox and Fenway Park. Over the past decade, Henry has given nearly $1 million to Democratic committees and candidates.
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