Since NFL Doesn’t Want Him, Maybe NASCAR Will Take Limbaugh
Jerry Bonkowski
Rush Limbaugh is a very wealthy man, and as such, he wants to spread some of his wealth around – most likely to become even wealthier.
But the NFL says it doesn’t want Limbaugh or his money, even though the league graciously accepted singer/actress Fergie as a part-owner of the Miami Dolphins, even though the Fergster’s own background makes Limbaugh’s look like a choir boy at times.
I know where Limbaugh could take his money and likely be welcomed with open arms: NASCAR.
After all, he’s conservative, Republican, likes sports and hails from middle America (Kansas City, home of great steaks, the blues and Kansas Speedway, of course), all things that NASCAR seems to like in general terms.
For the money he was going to drop into the NFL, Limbaugh could buy or start a pretty good-sized (and well-financed) team in NASCAR.
Heck, he’d be a great money guy to bring an infusion to Richard Petty Motorsports, potentially avoiding the likely merger with Yates Racing. Think of it: Limbaugh-Petty Motorsports.
Or how about another merger: Earnhardt-Ganassi-Limbaugh Racing, a merger of the memory of one of NASCAR’s greatest drivers, one of Indy Car’s most successful team owners (but not as successful in NASCAR) and Limbaugh, who has 20 million listeners daily.
Or how about Rush starting his own team and throwing, say, $20 or $30 million Danica Patrick’s way? Now THAT would be one hell of a combination.
You don’t think the chubby (okay, he has lost weight), balding guy from KCMO (the town, not the radio or TV station) wouldn’t fit right in to NASCAR’s demographics – not to mention bring a healthy cash infusion with him?
Sure, he’s had his issues with racist comments and drug abuse in the past. But wouldn’t a converted and sober Limbaugh be a perfect poster boy for NASCAR’s Diversity Program and its Drug Testing Policy, to show not only he can change but also that he is graciously accepted after his own human failings?
And we all know how much Limbaugh likes to talk politics. Can you imagine the kind of political and philosophical discussions he’d have with the guy they call “the Senator” in NASCAR, Jeff Burton?
Or how about talking policy with Brian France or Mike Helton?
Or how about immigration policies or the merits of open-wheel racing or the lack of females in NASCAR with Juan Pablo Montoya or Danica Patrick?
Or, how about just chewing the fat with Dale Earnhardt Jr.? I can just imagine Rush asking Junior why he can’t win a race, even though he’s with the best team in the business. In turn, I can just imagine Junior telling challenging Rush to a race-off at the local go-kart track (my money’s on Junior).
Let’s face it, NASCAR has become a bit staid and over-homogenized in its approach. It needs somebody like Limbaugh in the game, someone that will not only get people listening, but also talking.
He’ll generate controversy, high ratings and likely bring some big sponsorships to the track with him. What’s not to like?
In fact, Brian France is always trying to follow the NFL’s lead. Now he has a golden opportunity to show the NFL just what it missed out on.
If we can’t get Larry King, Rush is the next best thing going.
What do you think? Drop me a line and let me know.
As for my weekly pick, I’ve picked two of the first four Chase winners (plus runner-up in a third) and am going for 3-for-5 this weekend.
My choice for Saturday night’s race at Charlotte: Jimmie Johnson. No surprise there. I think you’re going to see Johnson not only build upon last week’s win, but also win next week at Martinsville and maybe even Talladega two weeks from now, as well.
And if things go well for the No. 48 team, Jimmie will lock up the title by Texas, or at least Phoenix.
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