The Most Important Race of All

If you asked a pollster, they'd probably tell you I'm the last person they'd expect to speak out for a Democratic presidential candidate a few days before the election. I live in a rural part of a conservative state. I'm an avid hunter and fisher. I've voted for many Republicans over many decades. And let's face it -- NASCAR car drivers and Democrats don't usually mix.

But then again, no one expected my state of North Carolina to be a toss-up a few days before the election, either. And yet here we are. So what's going on?

Well, I'm a small businessman and a farmer, and in this economy it's getting harder everyday to get ahead. I know too many hard working folks around here who are worried about keeping their homes, losing their jobs, or struggling to send their children to school.

I respect John McCain and those who support him. But I'm focused on my children, Robert and Meredith. I'm worried about their future. And after the last 8 years, I just don't think we can't afford more of the same.

Barack Obama understands what we're going through and he has a real plan to turn things around. He shares our values -- including strong protection for second amendment rights. And he has the kind of steady hand that we need on the wheel in times like these. I believe that's why North Carolina is finally ready to vote for change -- and it's why I'm ready to do whatever I can to help.

So what can we do? Well, I'm certainly no expert when it comes to politics. But I do know a thing or two about winning close races. Maybe it can help here.

Back in 1960, I had a problem. Corporate sponsors were shelling out big bucks on my opponents' cars -- me and my old Chevy just couldn't keep up. But then one day I discovered "drafting". It turns out that when two cars line up together, they both go faster than they ever could alone. And that's how I won my first Daytona 500.

Now in 2008, America has a problem. Corporate lobbyists are shelling out the big bucks to rig the rules in Washington. Small businessmen like me and regular Americans everywhere are finding it harder and harder to keep up. But this campaign has already shown that what works in racing also works in life: when we line up and move forward together, we can go farther and faster than we ever could alone. And that's exactly how you and I can help win this race.

In these final few days, I'm going to speak out however I can about why I support Barack Obama. And wherever you are, I hope you'll do the same. Maybe you can spend a few hours talking to your friends or neighbors. If you're not in one of the toss-up states, then consider driving over to North Carolina or another state where the election is close. We could sure use the help.

I've been in a lot of races in my life. But I do believe this may be the most important one yet. Because if we put the pedal to the mettle for this final turn, when that checkered flag waves on November 4th we'll win something far greater than any trophy -- we'll win the change our beloved country needs, and the future all of our children deserve.

Junior Johnson is a Hall of Fame NASCAR driver and team owner, named as one of NASCAR's 50 best drivers of all time. He currently resides with his wife and two children in Yadkin County, NC.

This post originally appeared at BlueNC.com.

Comments

[dutchgirl55]

Thank you, Mr. Johnson! My husband is an avid racer, and I've been having trouble getting him to vote for Obama. This may be the thing he needs to hear to convince him.

[guillotine]

Junior Johnson, I'll be damned if anyone could say better than you have just what we need to heal this country and get it back on track and overtaking the competition!
Your NASCAR "drafting" analogy, where we'd fall in line in support of commonsense programs to make life better for most Americans, and, by doing so, get there faster. . . ., well, that's full of pragmatic genius. If we'd stop this ideological tug-of-war and grab the same end of the rope, we can get out of the ditch we've drifted into.
And it comes from a guy who has always stayed "real," which makes it that much more appealing.
Thanks for taking the time to say your piece. This does seem like "the most important race of all."

[RedneckDem]

As a NASCAR fan in Virginia and one vote for Obama, its good to see a true "Country First" person from an unexpected arena.
Another person I am working on is my wife. She is a Realtor and for some reason it is hammered into their heads that Republicans help Realtors more than Dems, yet whenever I asked for some proof that a political party helps or hurts them, I hear nothing. These deep rooted falsehoods need to stop.
I am a progressive and would vote a progressive Repub over a far left Dem, just as I now vote for a progressive Dem over a far right, flip floppin' panderer who gave up all resemblance to a "Maverick" when he caved to the radicals in his party. We should all be Americans first.

[tmbrinkley]

...Courage is a key distinction...Bobby Kennedy, Dr. King, Jack Kennedy, Fred Hampton...the list, oh to long to do it justice...

...I'm a white man from Cobb County, GA., I understand why I had to make the point of being white, I understand why people of color always do, I understand indifference looking back and forward, I understand trying not to cry while I write this song, I understand Auburn Ave., I understand;

...thank you Mr. Johnson, you understand quite a bit as well;

-tmb

[canucklivinginUSA]

I also live in Cobb County and I have dreams to see that county turn blue, what about you?

[Martha601]

I like how you expressed that. Nice.

[proudliberal4truth]

Well said...and I'm a white man living in Montgomery County, AL. I feel your pain and it's great to know we're not alone. Oh...and "War Eagle" :)

[Clavis]

Thanks, Mr. Johnson. One of the things this campaign has done is call my attention to all the different and equally beautiful parts of our nation! Now I have to add North Carolina to my list -- I'm going to have a lot of traveling to do over the next couple of years!

[Indepatriot]

Mr. Johnson is an American First. How refreshing. Thanks Junior, although you've nothing to prove to any NASCAR fan, it takes no small amount of courage to stand proud in a sea of red and truly put 'Country First". Hopefully, this will help lay waste to the cliche that all NASCAR fans vote Republican all the time. If that was the truth,why wouldn't they change the sport so they always "turn right" rather than left.?

[blucollarworkingmom]

Thank you, Mr. Johnson, for doing what you can to make a difference and for trying to make the world a better place.

[got2Bkidding]

A few television ads of Mr. Johnson repeating these words, broadcast in NC would definitely move some people.

[ChristianWright]

I've read many posts here today Junior, but yours really struck me. I appreciate your courage for speaking your mind. Great analogy with drafting- it's going to take working together along with a good dose of smarts, but we can change for the better. Thank you.

[pdrew]

great comment, I am glad people are standing up and taking a position in life and just asking themselves. this isn't the way it used to be or heading anywhere near where it should be.
Hopefully there will be one big victory lap tomorrow.

[tomas0808]

Right on Junior. I'd chip in but I'm too far away, Seattle

BTW, Nascar just isn't the same without you, Cale, David Pearson, The Allisons.

[redford]

"Pedal to the mettle"...what a great line! Four words which should be used to motivate the NASCAR world.

I wish there was a NASCAR race today, so this line could be plastered around the track. Thanks for the post Mr. Johnson and this Indy native is hopeful for a Turbine-quiet election and an Offy-loud Obama win.

Milk for everyone!

[PC Sailin]

Thanks Junior...Well Said... You are the Man!!!

[pzdoff]

I am speechless...........................happy speechless................thanks, Junior

[sandiegodreamer]

Thank you Junior. I'm not a NASCAR fan,but I think you're a real stand up guy. I live here in what is quite possibly the bluest of the deep blue states and am frustrated watching the back and forth of the"toss up" states. Your post really brightened my day.