NASCAR Drivers And Officials Who Lean to the Left
Dale Earnhardt, Jr. hasn't declared any political affiliation, but he often takes to Twitter to share his seemingly left-leaning views. In response to President Donald Trump's travel ban, Earnhardt tweeted, "my fam immigrated from Germany in 1700s escaping religious persecution. America is created by immigrants."
He also stood up for NFL players taking a knee during the national anthem in protest of police brutality, tweeting, "All Americans R granted rights 2 peaceful protests. Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable-JFK."- Age: 50
- Birthplace: USA, North Carolina, Concord
Danica Patrick largely keeps her political views to herself, but some 2012 comments on contraceptives led many to believe that she had liberal leanings. When asked whether she was concerned about Obama's mandate that healthcare plans must cover contraceptive devices, she said, "I leave it up to the government to make good decisions for America."
In 2013, she spent Easter Sunday with the Obama family as part of the annual White House Easter Egg Roll, furthering speculation that she holds liberal political views.
- Age: 42
- Birthplace: Beloit, Wisconsin, USA
In 2017, Leilani Munter actually openly declared herself liberal via social media. She supported Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'s statement regarding peaceful protests by tweeting, "This lefty, liberal, biology graduate, hippie, vegan ARCA driver with a Tesla in garage & solar panels on roof agrees 100% with @DaleJr! :)."
- Age: 51
- Birthplace: USA, Rochester, Minnesota
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In 2008, former NASCAR driver Junior Johnson penned an open letter voicing his support of then-candidate Barack Obama. In the letter, he wrote:
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.
- Age: 93
- Birthplace: Wilkesboro, North Carolina
While Brad Keselowski defended athletes who opted to stand for the national anthem amid protests, he has some more left-leaning views as well. When asked about his thoughts on a gay NASCAR driver, he said sexual orientation shouldn't be an issue for teams, adding, "If you can win, you'll have a ride with NASCAR."
- Age: 41
- Birthplace: Rochester Hills, Michigan, USA
Brett Jewkes
NASCAR Vice President Brett Jewkes wrote a statement for the official NASCAR website regarding Indiana's Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The act would allow businesses to refuse service to customers for religious reasons, which critics point out could lead to discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals. Jewkes wrote that NASCAR was disappointed by the legislation and would continue to advocate for diversity in the sport.