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Five NASCAR Drivers Turn Down Obama Administration White House Invite

 
4 17,857 views Sep 2, 2011

Jimmie Johnson's #48 during pitstop in 2008. Image via Hendrick Motorsports.

Jimmie Johnson's #48 during pitstop in 2008. Image via Hendrick Motorsports.

The White House has a long tradition of honoring champions from the world of sport, including racing. Following that spirit, President Barack Obama has invited 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson and the 11 other 2010 Chase For The Cup drivers to the White House next Wednesday. Five of them won't show up, citing "scheduling conflicts."

Those five are Greg Biffle, Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick, Kurt Busch and Carl Edwards.

Johnson, Denny Hamlin, Jeff Gordon, Kyle Busch, Clint Bowyer, Jeff Burton and Matt Kenseth will attend.

It's unclear if political views are behind the decision not to attend for any of those five who can't make it, but regardless of the reason, it seems odd that so many would pass up what might be a once in a lifetime opportunity. Yes, drivers have busy schedules that are packed with appearances in between test-sessions and race weekends, but by declining the invite, these drivers open themselves up to speculation that they've skipped out due to political reasons--especially since NASCAR is still stereotyped as a Southern sport with conservative roots.

We don't know whether these drivers are telling the truth. We do know that political differences have caused athletes to skip White House ceremonies before--and that may just add fuel to the fire.

[SB Nation]





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Comments (4)

  1. MalleusMaleficarum avatar Michael Carmichael Posted: 9/10/2011 12:38pm PDT

    The headline should read:

    NASCAR SPRINT CAR CHAMP, JIMMY JONHSON HEADS DELEGATION OF DRIVERS TO THE WHITE HOUSE

    Does the Tea Party control this website?

    Just askin'.
     
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  2. fb_100001875803468 avatar Albert Mahannah Posted: 2/29/2012 7:22am PST

    nice to know that there are a few people that still have the balls to say no to the upper crust.
     
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  3. fb_1668733339 avatar Gina Richardson Posted: 4/2/2012 5:07am PDT

    The MSM of America: Always looking to stir up sh1t, even when there isn't any. I'd like to know what 'fire' they are referring to when they wonder "...whether these drivers are telling the truth.". If I didn't know better, I'd think the media was a bunch of busy-body old ladies gossiping about everyone and manufacturing things to fit their imagination. Worthless media. I want some REAL news, based ON something.
     
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  4. fb_100000809404979 avatar Pat Draper Posted: 5/18/2012 6:37am PDT

    I just put five new drivers on the top of my list. Sorry to see Kyle is on the wrong list. I knew there was a reason i liked Carl. Enough said, I think you know where i'm going here.
     
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