President Trump welcomes NASCAR champion to the White House; Lands subtle knock at the NFL
Martin Truex Jr, his longtime girlfriend Sherry Pollex and the entire Furniture Row Racing team were welcomed to the White House yesterday. The team received a congratulatory note from President Donald Trump.
In the introduction, Trump noted that the car looked amazing. “In fact, I wanna get in that thing and just drive it right away. Do you mind?”
“Where’s Brian?,” Trump called out for the NASCAR CEO from the podium. “Brian’s been with us since the beginning. Like so many others who love NASCAR. He’s been really supportive, right from the beginning. I want to thank you very much Brian. That was incredible.”
In 2016, Brian France gave his endorsement for the future president at a Trump Rally in Valdosta, GA. NASCAR legend Bill Elliott, his son Chase Elliott along with current drivers Ryan Newman and David Regan were in attendance at the same rally.
Related: NASCAR CEO endorses Donald Trump (Video)
“The entire NASCAR field spent 2017 chasing #78. I’ll tell ya. I’d be watching. They’re always chasing you.”
Trump asked Truex, “Does it get lonely being in front? Not at all. Right?”
Trump went on to tell the story to the national media about the tragedy the team suffered throughout the season. Jim Watson, crew member on the #78 died before Kansas Speedway playoff event. The team rebounded and battled through tragedy by winning the event.
Trump also discussed Sherry Pollex’s battle with cancer. “Sherry, your determination in the face of adversity has been an inspiration to millions of Americans.”
In addition, Trump gave a nod to team owner Barney Visser who couldn’t be in attendance at the White House yesterday. Visser witnessed Martin Truex Jr win the championship race at Homestead Miami Speedway from a hospital bed. He suffered a heart attack just days ahead of the final race of the season.
Related: Visser watched his team win the title from a hospital bed, Despite doctors recommendations not to
“The motto is ‘never give up.’ I’ve heard that motto before. That’s a great motto. You don’t lose with that motto.”
Trump on NASCAR and the National Anthem
Trump then went on to give a pretty awesome speech about the sport of NASCAR as a whole. Simultaneously, he sent anther knock at the NFL.
“As many of you know, NASCAR grew from the back roads of America’s south and the bright shores of Daytona Beach. To become one of the world’s most beloved sports. I love it. People love that sport.”
“Built by names like Allison, Earnhardt, Petty, Pearson, Waltrip. This lively sport reflects our national spirit and our ‘can do’ attitude.”
“At every NASCAR race you will see thousands of patriotic American’s. From the grandstand to the pit stalls proudly waving our flag. And roaring with joy at the words, ‘Start you engines!’ ”
“I will tell you — One thing I know about NASCAR… They do indeed Brian [France], stand for the playing of the national anthem.”
“Somebody said, ‘Maybe you shouldn’t say that. That will be controversial.’ I said, ‘That’s ok. NASCAR’s not going to mind it at all.’ Right fella’s? They don’t mind it at all.”
In September 2017, Donald Trump supported the comments of multiple NASCAR team owner on the National Anthem. Richard Childress stated that if employee’s kneeled for the Anthem they’d be taking the bus home. Petty made similar comments.
Donald Trump then took to twitter back in September to take a few shots at the NFL management for not cracking down on kneeling during the anthem. He simultaneously applauded NASCAR for their continued patriotism. That comment is in his speech is a continuation of that story.
“Fast cars, burnt rubber and great NASCAR champions thrill the American heart and excite the American soul. It’s true.”
“Congratulations again to these great great champions.”
Martin Truex Jr then took his stand at the podium. He kept it brief thanking his sponsors and his team.
“I’m just really proud to be here today to represent the sport,” Martin Truex Jr stated.
The 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion then brought out a gift. He created a replica of his championship helmet. He presented that helmet to President Donald Trump.
President Trump then invited the entire team up to the podium to get a group photo.
Martin Truex Jr visits Donald Trump at the White House
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