Racer Mike Wallace has been running with Goodyear tires for years – and now he’ll also be running with a politician as U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek has signed on as a lead sponsor for Wallace’s No. 01 J.D. Motorsports Chevrolet at the Feb. 13 NASCAR Nationwide Series Race in Daytona Beach.
Meek is taking a bold approach as he seeks a U.S. Senate seat in Florida’s next election, attracting national media attention as pundits ponder whether a liberal Democrat can successfully garner votes from the traditionally conservative “NASCAR Nation” legions of racing fans. In 2001 a Republican sponsored a NASCAR car, but this is reportedly the first instance of a Democrat taking that route.
“I’m thrilled to sponsor the race car driven by Mike Wallace, a member of one of America’s top racing families,” says Meek. “The NASCAR Nation experience is a family affair, and my family will be together on pit road cheering Mike onto victory in Daytona.”
Meek expresses personal admiration for Wallace’s efforts to aid those who are less fortunate. “I am especially proud to sponsor a man of faith who is dedicated to community service,” he notes. “I know that Mike Wallace supports Double Harvest and the charity/relief work they are performing in Haiti. These relationships make my involvement in this race all the more significant.”
A longtime NASCAR fan, Meek reports that while in the state legislature and now in Congress he has sponsored several bills in support of the Sunshine State’s auto racing industry. A “tax extender package” that includes a seven-year accelerated depreciation schedule for motorsports entertainment complexes was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in late 2009.
“The legislation will have a positive direct economic impact in the Daytona Beach area and throughout racing communities in Florida,” Meek points out.
“NASCAR has deep roots in Florida, and the NASCAR family is hurting right now, as are Florida families,” he says. “I’m running for the Senate to get Florida’s economy working again for the NASCAR Nation and all families throughout this state.”
For more information, visit www.kendrickmeek.com, www.mikewallace.com, www.jdavismotorsports.com and www.goodyear.com.
