Minnesota Congresswoman Betty McCollum wants to put the brakes on the military's sponsorship of NASCAR. The Virginian-Pilot reports that McCollum has introduced an amendment to the proposed federal budget to stop branches like the Army, Air Force, and National Guard from sponsoring NASCAR drivers. The military apparently uses the NASCAR tie-in as a recruiting tool. Right now...
As it so happens, there's an entertaining back-and-forth going on between the supporters of the amendment and the opponents. This is from Bill Harper, who serves as McCollum's chief of staff:
Shockingly, NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston thinks Harper is full of it:
Even if this amendment passes, the military would still be able to set up recruiting booths at NASCAR events. And Harper admits there's no guarantee the amendment is going anywhere.
For a little background, here's an interview with Army car driver Ryan Newman after he won a race last year, talking about meeting up with soldiers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnS-5TyQWoM
