For many drivers in NASCAR, it turns out that their steering wheel is the only one that tilts the left.
Last weekend I took my son to the NASCAR Hall of Fame guiding and had the joy of seeing our best friend, Carl Edwards, take his place in sports legends. His name is now forever solidified in the history of racing.
Unlike the bureaucratic diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives permeate other industries, NASCAR thrives with real merits. Skills and courage determine success.
Certainly, we were both a bit whimpering considering mixing with the NASCAR superstars. But that's not who we met – at least not at first. Sitting at our dinner table were three men and their wives who were engaged in conversations about fatherhood, the education model for the children, and the church we attend. Ever since dinner was over, I finally learned our tablemate identities: David Lagan, Trevor Bain and Michael McDowell.
Collectively, they have 103 top 10 finishes and two Daytona 500 wins. In fact, Bane is the youngest driver ever to win a race, earning the checkered flag one day after his 20th birthday. But for these men, success is not measured by the trophies or the celebration of the victory lane. It is defined by their faith, their family and the values they support.
Faith, family, and country – values often associated with conservative movements – occupy the position of Paul in NASCAR. All major American sports perform the national anthem before the competition, but NASCAR also opens each race with pre-race prayers.
The NBA works together to China, and the NFL attempts to “end racism” with endzone slogans, while NASCAR proudly embraces conservative values. The sport has a long history of welcoming Republican presidents. Ronald Reagan, George HW Bush, George W. Bush and Donald Trump are the only presidents to serve as president of the Daytona 500. Brandon Chant, and in 2016, then-chairman and CEO Brian France, publicly supported Trump for the president. He was standing with my dinner companion, David Lagan, and the other top drivers.
This Sunday, Michael McDowell returns to Daytona and is looking to win another NASCAR's most prestigious race. But his track victory isn't what he promotes most. To him Personal websiteUnder his career statistics, McDowell proudly cites himself as “Jesus and candid Christian athlete followers.” Masu. He also emphasizes his role as a “family man (father of five) and a strong advocate for adoption.” He might add “American.”
NASCAR deserves credit for allowing drivers to be very open about their worth. Unlike the NFL, Player fines NASCAR encourages athletes to support their beliefs by celebrating a presidential candidate or group of queer and drug performers who have been praised for major league baseball groups, and by honoring a group of drug performers.
As McDowell said, “NASCAR has always allowed me to live my faith organically inside and outside the racetrack. We are patriotic, with no imagination of faith, family, or country. It's a sport.” Hallelujah.
Faith, family and country were also central themes for Carl Edwards.” Hall of Fame speech. Looking back at his decision to retire at the peak of his career, he said, “Every awards have a price…and my family awards were just worth that price.” concluded the speech with a strong statement. “I realized all these miracles. I was not alone. God is real. He was by my side.”
On my podcast this week, “We The People,” Edwards shared another perspective on his personality and beliefs. Personal freedom and freedom. “Carl Edwards is more than just a Hall of Fame. He is a Hall of Fame person.
Faith, family and country reflect values, but to stand openly for them, you need the traits of certain characters. A must for a successful race: courage. We know that driving at speeds above 200 mph from our competitors takes extraordinary courage and that one wrong move can end in a disaster.
Unlike the bureaucratic diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives permeate other industries, NASCAR thrives with real merits. Skills and courage determine success. At the racetrack, the only DEI is important. Don't ignore it Rules – or you could die.
Nothing defines America more than courage. We will not have a nation without the courage of George Washington, and everyone will not be free without the courage of Abraham Lincoln. This freedom cannot bear it without the courage our military and women defend it. The example is endless, and it is now “courageous” to promote traditionally conservative values for athletes and entertainers.
Edwards said his speech was “about gratitude.” If you are looking for a sport to thank America and celebrate it, adjust this Sunday and cheer on NASCAR's finest to carry our value at the Daytona finish line. My son and I will do the same, but we will be a little more careful about our new favorite racer, Michael McDowell.
