Since NFL Doesn’t Want Him, Maybe NASCAR Will Take Limbaugh
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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.
Limbaugh Would Drive NASCAR Diversity Crazy
Any NASCAR team that entertained the thought of Limbaugh as an investor or sponsor would have more than Michael Vick’s PETA chanting and picketing outside their facility. It would toss Brian France into politics and his last foray was a mess when he mailed the “bail-out GM” letters to the Senators. That was a minefield that he should have stayed out of. This would divide, and shrink NASCAR’s total audience. Not what he needs right now.
But can Brian France tell a financially strapped group of race teams they can’t accept sponsorship from a radio personality? Does he have that power?
Jerry, I expect better from you. Your idea takes many of the problems with NASCAR that have turned off the fan base and condenses them into one plan.
A celebrity, with no known interest in racing, throwing money at yet another not-ready-for-prime-time celebrity driver. Maybe he can get Tom Cruise, and then we can promo “Days of Thunder II” Sounds like great fun. All in a lame attempt to attract more media hype.
Midwest roots do not a race fan make. And more money doesn’t translate to better racing. Which is NASCAR’s biggest issue.
Why not just bring in WWE and let them run the sport?
Matthew Mark
Darnestown, Maryland
Why are you giving away the title to Johnson so soon? I don’t think he’s going to pull away and blow out the competition.
I think Mark Martin and Johnson will go toe-to-toe all the way to Homestead, and Martin is going to come out on top, vanquishing the three-time defending champion to finally fulfill his elusive quest for the title.
That’s more drama than a TNT “We Know Drama” weekend marathon.
Jerry, since NASCAR usually turns left, I don’t think the pompous ass from KC will fit in. Let’s let him lead the GOP into further oblivion.
Nascar has been proud of the fact that over the past 2 decades they have expanded their sport far beyond the reaches of the south.
Being the founder of Q4G – I know that bringing “diversity” in the Nascar world is an uphill battle. I think that the traditional Southern Nascar fans probably listen to Rush during the week – and then they listen to the race on MRN during the weekend – in a lot of towns both are carried on the same AM station. These people would open Rush with open arms.
But when it comes to other team owners that may want investors - I don’t think they would trade the quick check that Rush could write for head ache that would follow. Rush stays in the news by saying controversial things and it would be a constant distraction.
I just have to hope that Jerry is way off base on this one - I normally love to read his stuff and this one kinda riled me up.
Back in April I had the pleasure of driving over to Richmond Virginia on a visit to the USA.
During ther drive I heard one of Limbaughs broadcasts, the show was so asinine I thought I’d look to see who this plonker was, turns out he was drawn number 152 in the army draft and classified 1Y fit to go before his big time layer family stepped in and had him reclassified 4F unfit to serve.
NASCAR seems to pride it’s self on those who serve and have served in the forces and would be doing it’s self a huge disservice by even entertaining the idea of having anything to do with Limbaugh.
This man is only fit for sitting in some god forsaken studio making smart alec comments about your president that most 11 years olds would be contemptuous of.
NASCAR might be going through hard times but it is far from desperate so lets hope NASCAR sends Limbaugh packing before he gets his foot in the door.
Hope all is well Jerry :-)
Jerry- I stand corrected, you are a genius. All you need to do is put the name “Rush Limbaugh” on a column, and it attracts huge attention.
Can’t wait to see how you transition to “Jon & Kate”.
Matthew Mark
Darnestown, Md
1-How about the RUSH ‘N JERRY HAPPY HOUR politics and nascar
2- Martin’s not going to let Jimmie take Charlotte this week and neither are going to win the race Watch for the suprise of the chase
