McCain finds friends at NASCAR race in N.H.
Says drivers are 'heroes' to forces in Iraq
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LOUDON, N.H. - As he concluded the drivers' meeting that takes place before each NASCAR Sprint Cup race, David Hoots, the NASCAR manager of series events, told the competitors to remain in their seats.
"We're waiting on a special guest," Hoots told the 43 drivers huddled yesterday in one of the garages at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Minutes later, Senator John McCain entered the garage to a standing ovation and was introduced by NASCAR president Mike Helton.
"On Nov. 4, we all get to go make a decision on who our leadership is. Thank goodness that doesn't happen in NASCAR," said Helton, prompting laughter.
"This group, I think, has always been incredibly aware of and very respectful of the men and women that, throughout the generations of America's history, have gone to defend that freedom and the ability we have to choose our own leaders," Helton said. "I'm very honored today to have a man that not only did that and made the sacrifices that he had, but also chose to help the country go forward."
McCain, joined by his wife, Cindy, Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling, and his wife, Shonda, spent approximately two hours at the racetrack with a crowd of more than 100,000 NASCAR fans, traditionally a GOP-leaning group. The Straight Talk Express took the tunnel under the track and was parked in the infield.
McCain was in friendly territory for several reasons. In 2000, McCain scored a New Hampshire primary win. Eight years later, after his rival Mike Huckabee won in the Iowa caucuses, McCain regained momentum in New Hampshire once again by recording his second primary victory in the state.
In September 2006, before he had declared his candidacy, McCain first visited the Loudon track (capacity 105,000). In May 2007, McCain spent time at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., for the
"I want to thank you for your support of the men and women of the military," McCain told the drivers yesterday. "It's uplifting to these young people."
"When I'm in Iraq and Afghanistan, they're watching you," he said. "You are their role models. You are their heroes, and they are ours. I just want to say that NASCAR heroes, competitors, and teams are supporting the men and women who are serving in a most exemplary fashion."
NASCAR icon Richard Petty, the seven-time champion, led McCain on a tour of the garage area. McCain made stops in front of the haulers transporting the machines sponsored by the US Army (the No. 8 Chevrolet of Aric Almirola) and the Air Force (the No. 21 of Bill Elliott). Before the race, McCain shook the hand of each driver during introductions.
"It's great to be back in the state I love so much," McCain told the crowd.
Yesterday's Sylvania 300 was the first race of the 10-event Chase for the Cup that determines NASCAR's champion. The Chase ends on Nov. 16, a march toward a championship that roughly parallels the presidential campaign.
While touring the garage area, McCain furnished a signature for race fan Henry Noonkester.
"I feel our country should be run by a military man," said Noonkester, 45, of Acton, Maine. "Definitely McCain. With the way the world is today, I feel the military is important background for our president."
