NASCAR driver says ‘Let’s Go Brandon’ movement hinders sponsor search

Brandon Brown also says that NASCAR consulted with him on how to handle the viral chant

In October 2021, Brandon Brown drove to victory lane at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama. It was his first career victory, with an underfunded family-owned operation.

Brown climbed from his car on the frontstretch, still basking in adrenaline for a front stretch interview. His life was about to change, forever.

In the background, fans chanted, “Fuck, Joe Biden.” The phrase had become popular in the weeks leading to the victory, especially at sporting events.

The reporter speaking with the race winner misheard and re-quoted the chant as, “Let’s Go Brandon.” Instantly, a new chant with a subliminal meaning was born.

Related: NASCAR fans chant: “F*** Joe Biden!” (VIdeo)

Since, Brown has remained mostly quiet on the popular chant that features his name. Just before Christmas, the driver opened up on the use of the phrase and noted he plans to speak up on issues during the 2022 season.

Related: NASCAR driver Brandon Brown breaks silence on ‘Let’s Go Brandon’ chant

Now, Brown has provided further details on the life changes. Sponsorship is the heart of all NASCAR teams. And for the man with his name in a politically charged phrase, it’s not easy…

Brandon Brown - NASCAR Xfinity Series driver
HAMPTON, GEORGIA – JUNE 06: Brandon Brown, driver of the #68 Jabs Construction Chevrolet, walks the grid prior to the NASCAR Xfinity Series EchoPark 250 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on June 06, 2020 in Hampton, Georgia. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Brandon Brown comments

“It got extremely difficult for us,” Brown opened in an interview with the Sports Business Journal.

“If you’re a national corporation, that means you sell to all consumers … and unfortunately, when you get dragged into the political arena, people want you to take a side.

He added, “I’ve never been put in a position where it’s, ‘OK, what side are you on? Left or right?’ “

“If I’m going to divide Coca-Cola, why would they want to talk to me? So the short answer is it’s been tough to connect with partnerships just because it’s kind of viewed as a ticking time bomb: ‘What is he doing to choose or say and how would that effect our consumer base?’ “

“It’s too much of a risk. I understand it on their side but it’s made it really hard to tie everything down.”

Brown also stated that he received some advice from NASCAR itself on how to handle the situation. He noted that he was mostly on the same page as the sanctioning body regarding the phrase.

“NASCAR and I are kind of in the same boat about what to do here, but I don’t think anyone has the right answer.”

“Even a career in NASCAR if I didn’t make it as a driver, trying to get another job in the community, I’m always going to be the “Let’s Go Brandon” guy. I’m always going to be known for that and how I handled this situation.”

Related: NASCAR driver Matt DiBenedetto feels guilt after Phoenix actions (Video)

Joe Biden says Let’s Go Brandon

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Brandon Brown | Joe Biden | Talladega SuperSpeedway | NASCAR

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