Poll Position: NASCAR Nation and National Politics (Mark Howell)

Part of an ongoing, larger body of research by Dr. Mark D. Howell, and explores the long, complicated, and often controversial relationship between NASCAR (the National Association for Stock Car Automobile Racing) and the American political system. From NASCAR founder “Big Bill” France’s campaign support of then-presidential candidate George Wallace, to former NASCAR Grand National driver Tighe Scott’s arrest for allegedly attacking police officers during the Capitol Riot on January 6th, 2021, the road to Washington, D.C. has often taken a detour (usually a hard right) through Daytona Beach.

Part of this paper looks at NASCAR’s connection to various political candidates, both during campaigns and after votes have been counted (and certified). Another section of this presentation examines the use of race cars as campaign promotional “vehicles” over the years. 

This paper explores the very public and very strategic alliance between political candidates and NASCAR Nation. From Jimmy Carter welcoming Grand National drivers to The White House to Ronald Reagan sharing Kentucky Fried Chicken with Richard Petty, the relationship between stock car racing and politics presents itself as a calculated  combination of regional identity and popular culture-driven stereotypes.

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00:00 Introduction and Sponsors

00:21 NASCAR and Politics: An Overview

01:27 Historical Political Connections

02:20 Recent Events and Controversies

04:11 NASCAR's Cultural and Political Influence

05:03 Origins of NASCAR and Political Ideologies

09:09 NASCAR's Evolution and Political Ties

16:04 Modern Political Engagements

21:12 NASCAR's Demographics and Future Challenges

25:51 Electric Vehicles and NASCAR's Future

33:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

33:25 Credits and Acknowledgements

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This episode is part of our HISTORY OF MOTORSPORTS SERIES and is sponsored in part by: The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Argetsinger Family - and was recorded in front of a live studio audience.