Donald Trump is entering the world of NASCAR, sort of.
The Republican Presidential nominee will sponsor Reed Sorenson’s No. 55 car at this weekend’s Texas 500, according to Bloomberg. Sorensen’s vehicle is decked out with Trump slogans, including multiple “Trump/Pence” logos and of course, “Make America Great Again” prominently on the hood.
In perfect Trump form, there are conflicting reports whether the car — like the clothes he makes — is even American.
According to Jim Andrews, Senior Vice President at IGM, a one-race sponsorship package costs about $350,000. That’s money I’m sure is coming from Trump’s own pocket (wink wink). Trump’s targeting a very specific audience with the NASCAR ads, as the sport’s audience is generally southern and white, much like many of Trump’s supporters.
Trump’s choosing NASCAR to plaster his nom de plume makes perfect sense. I’m not sure more progressive leagues like the NHL or NBA would allow him to purchase sponsorship considering the heinous things he’s said publicly about women and immigrants.
The CEO of NASCAR Brian France hasn’t been shy about supporting the Donald for president, officially endorsing the former The Apprentice star back in February. France called Trump “a winner,” adding, “If the people that like and watch NASCAR vote for Donald Trump, they can cancel the election right now. Nobody [else] can win.”
Might want to check the polls, buddy.
Regardless, most NASCAR people will love the sponsorship. Will it be enough to swing the vote away from Hillary Clinton? It should at least give him some more pull in the South.
