Cindy McCain Visits Tenn., Rides In Pace Car

wsmv.com ^ | 07/13/08 | wsmv

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Cindy McCain, wife of Republican presidential candidate, Sen. John McCain, Ariz., gets ready for a ride in the pace car before the IndyCar Series Firestone Indy 200 auto race in Gladeville, Tenn., Saturday, July 12, 2008.

GLADEVILLE, Tenn. -- Cindy McCain spent her Saturday getting up close and personal with the IndyRacing League at the series' stop at the Nashville Superspeedway, taking a spin around the track in the pace car with Johnny Rutherford and checking out Danica Patrick's car in the garage.

"It was great," McCain said of her laps around the 1.33-mile concrete oval with Rutherford driving. "Oh my God."

Wearing a short-sleeved denim shirt and designer jeans with heels, the wife of likely Republican presidential nominee John McCain visited with IRL drivers during their pre-race meeting and spent time talking with Phoenix resident and 2004 Indianapolis 500 winner Buddy Rice. She also held the Gibson guitar trophy for the winner of Saturday night's Firestone Indy 200, saying "I wish I knew how to play."

After waiting out a rain delay from a thunderstorm, McCain finally climbed into the pace car at least 30 minutes later than planned. She then walked over to the garage, stopping to take photos with a couple of fans, before going through the garage, the IRL's inspection area and even the officials' trailer. Later, she had a private chat with Patrick.

"It was a thrill for me, and she lives in Phoenix," McCain said. "It was just wonderful to meet her. I've been a huge fan of hers, and I wished her well the remainder of the year."

McCain, a racing fan who does something called drift racing with her son, planned to watch the 266-mile race from a luxury suite.

Recent Poll Taken About Cindy McCain

The Tennessean reported that most Americans don't know enough about Cindy McCain to have formed an opinion of the possible first-lady. Fifty-six percent of Americans said they had no opinion about her, according to a recent Associated Press poll.

During a June visit to southeast Asia, Cindy McCain showcase her charity work and got a close-up look at relief efforts for victims of May's devastating cyclone in Myanmar.

While visiting Asia, she blasted Myanmar's military regime and vowed to make improving human rights there a priority if she becomes America's next first lady.

Cindy McCain has made several trips to Vietnam, where her husband was shot down during the Vietnam War and held for more than five years as a prisoner of war.

Tennessee Primary, Recent Elections

In this year's Tennessee presidential primary, neither John McCain or Democratic candidate Barack Obama won the state. Mike Huckabee won the Republican side, while Hillary Clinton won for the Democrats.

Tennessee voted Republican in both the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections but went Democratic in 1992 and 1996, helping elect Bill Clinton to two terms in the Oval office.

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