LIPSTICK, RELIGION AND RACING

FOR HEAVY PEDAL....

    It’s bad enough that prior to the start of nearly every NASCAR race you’re made to feel left out if you’re not Christian. Invocations aren’t necessary, but if forced on us then keep them generic instead of catering to those who believe Jesus Christ is “our Lord.”
    Many of us go to races for racing and not to be converted.
    Politics is no different.
    NASCAR’s right-wing political nightmare began this week when Atlanta Motor Speedway extended the life of a remark made by Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama. “You can put lipstick on a pig and it’s still a pig,” he said. It’s a comment his opponent, Sen. John McCain, has used.
    But conservatives allege it was an affront to Republican vice presidential candidate Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.
    The Atlanta track is trying to extend the life of the remark by issuing a press release to tout lipstick has been added to its Family Four Pack for the Oct. 26 Sprint Cup race.
    "When you put lipstick on a pig, it's still a pig. But when you add it to our ticket package, you get an attractive value to one of the year's best NASCAR races on the circuit's fastest track," Atlanta Motor Speedway president and general manager Ed Clark was quoted in the release.
    "I'm sure the hockey moms, female fans and others will enjoy the extra addition to the Pep Boys Family Four Pack.”
    I doubt this will help fill seats at the track. Nothing else has. It’s just a political shot at Obama and Democrats.
    And guess who’s coming to New Hampshire Motor Speedway?
    McCain, of course.
    He’s expected to attend Sunday’s Cup race and get a ride in the pace car. McCain likely will force the driver to go clockwise around the track so the car makes severe right turns instead of customary lefts.
    He’s attended races at Phoenix International Raceway to wave to the crowd and speak to the media. And then leave.
    We don’t need this in racing, even it were Democrats making glad-handing visits.
    NASCAR and its tracks need to leave politics and religion in the pits, like the legitimate sports do.
    Until NASCAR does that it will continue to be perceived as a redneck, right-wing entertainment option.