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.

Holy mackerel!

Submitted by James on Sat, 11/01/2008 - 12:16pm.

Wow. Thanks for posting this ... and for putting yourself on the line for Senator Obama. You've made a lot of bold moves in your career - and this one may be the most important of all.

Thank you.

Every now and then I get discouraged

Submitted by James on Sat, 11/01/2008 - 12:29pm.

and then something like this comes along to show me how far our country and our state have come. This is a very exciting piece of news.

This is awesome!

Submitted by Linda on Sat, 11/01/2008 - 12:21pm.

Thanks for posting here, Junior! I'm going to send your post to all my friends who are racing fans.

Thank you for supporting Sen. Obama -- he really is our best hope for putting this country back on track.

__________________
My darling girl, when will you understand that 'normal' is not necessarily a virtue. It rather denotes a lack of courage. Alice Hoffman

Thanks, Junior

Submitted by scharrison on Sat, 11/01/2008 - 12:23pm.

It's refreshing to see evidence of what most of us feel to be true: a vote for Barack Obama is a vote for all of us, not just some of us.

Go Junior Go Obama

Submitted by gregflynn on Sat, 11/01/2008 - 12:32pm.

Good to see you here.

Outstanding!

Submitted by Calamitous Umbrage on Sat, 11/01/2008 - 12:36pm.

Very awesome!

Proud Educated Elitist With a Poison Pen

Proud Educated Elitist With a Poison Pen

Racing

Submitted by eeff on Sat, 11/01/2008 - 12:52pm.

I've worked at Rahmoc several times over the last 30 years. It's awesome you've decided that you should back Barack for Pres & are doing something to help.

Champions know what it takes to be a Champion & can spot them as you have proved in your career in nascar.

Thanks again for speaking out I think you can make a difference in the closing laps

Love the analogy

Submitted by loftT on Sat, 11/01/2008 - 12:55pm.

We really do better when we all pull together.

Progressive Democrats of North Carolina

Progressive Democrats of North Carolina

Sweeet!

Submitted by crowbar317 on Sat, 11/01/2008 - 1:02pm.

n/t

"You win the election, you run the country." Salman Rushdie

Thanks Junior

Submitted by BRahilly1 on Sat, 11/01/2008 - 1:04pm.

You're not the only Democratic supporter in NASCAR! Thanks for your support of Obama. I've already cast my vote for him. Bob Rahilly #75

I'm sending this to my family.

Submitted by Robert P. on Sat, 11/01/2008 - 1:08pm.

I've got a lot of family that are race fans and who have been racing on dirt and asphalt in PA for decades. See what they think.

Thanks for coming.

"You could say, 'Look, is this guy, Laden, really the bad guy that's depicted?' Most of us have never heard of him before." John McCain, following Clinton's strikes on al Qaeda camps

Jesus Swept ticked me off. Too short. I loved the characters and then POOF it was over.
-me

You have no idea...

Submitted by Blue South on Sat, 11/01/2008 - 1:40pm.

You have no idea how happy this makes me. To see THE Junior Johnson come out so forcefully for Barack Obama, and to do so in as many mediums as possible is a huge deal.

Thank you sir for this bump to make sure that Barack is first over the finish line.

"Keep the Faith"

"Keep the Faith"

Absolutely amazing...and thank you for speaking out.

Submitted by Stan on Sat, 11/01/2008 - 5:25pm.

We...all reasonable, well intentioned, and decent folks of all races, creeds and color...can and WILL win this race. In my mind there has never been a more important election in our lifetimes and I hope your words resonate with NASCAR fans everywhere.

Go OBAMA...Win North Carolina...we can do it!

Stan Bozarth

Is this really Junior

Submitted by Huh on Sun, 11/02/2008 - 6:20pm.

Is this really Junior Johnson? It's great if it is but before I go around telling my friends about this I'd like to know that it really is Junior, not somebody using his name. I don't want to have egg on my face. I'm a big NASCAR fan and most of my friends are too. This could be great last minute amunition.

I'm a moderate Democrat.

Really is Junior Johnson

Submitted by gregflynn on Sun, 11/02/2008 - 6:31pm.

This really is Junior Johnson. Betsy arranged it.

Tell 'em Huh!

Submitted by Brunette on Mon, 11/03/2008 - 8:58am.

You know you need to tell our good friends at TAP.

All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing
-Edmund Burke


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