NEW YORK -- The NASCAR Top 10 will join NASCAR president Mike Helton and the league's founding family, the Frances, Tuesday at a White House reception with President George W. Bush.

During the reception, President Bush will hold an outdoor luncheon, weather permitting, and five Winston Cup Series show cars will be parked on the South Lawn of the White House.

President Bush will also receive gifts from NASCAR and 2003 champion Matt Kenseth.

Many of Kenseth's colleagues will join him Tuesday, including NASCAR Top 10 finishers Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kevin Harvick, Ryan Newman, Tony Stewart, Bobby Labonte, Bill Elliott and Terry Labonte, as well as Raybestos Rookie of the Year Jamie McMurray.

Others slated to be in attendance Tuesday are former Winston Cup Series champions Richard Petty, Darrell Waltrip, Rusty Wallace and Dale and Ned Jarrett, as well as two-time Daytona 500 winner Michael Waltrip.

Several NASCAR owners will attend the event, as well, including Rick Hendrick, Richard Childress and Ray Evernham.

Many championship-winning sports teams are invited to attend White House receptions, and some of NASCAR's most recent champions, namely Bobby Labonte and Tony Stewart, have toured the grounds. But this is the first time an entire league will be on hand at once.

Linked off of the Support Our Troops page, March 29, 2003

NASCAR community voices support

Credit: NASCAR

NASCAR community voices support

By Dave Rodman, Turner Sports Interactive March 29, 2003
11:27 AM EST (1627 GMT)

FORT WORTH, Texas -- Many of the NASCAR drivers that are at Texas Motor Speedway this weekend for the Busch Series and Winston Cup events paused to voice their support for the coalition military forces that are currently engaged in the Middle East.

All five cars fielded by Richard Childress Racing will carry decals this weekend recognizing the plight of United States prisoners of war in Iraq.

"The men and women captured by the Iraqis are serving our country in the most honorable way possible," team owner Childress said. "They have put their lives on the line in the name of our country so we all have to keep them in our thoughts and prayers and hope that they will be returned safely."

Darrell Waltrip, FOX Sports commentator: "This is a great sport. We got a lot of fans in the armed forces that follow us week in and week out on armed forces radio and on television. Our hearts and prayers are with them. They know that we mean it -- it's not just lip service. Last week a man (Kurt Busch) won the race, then after the race is over they give him an American flag and he drives around the track with 160,000 fans cheering him. That's about as good as it gets if you ask me."

Kenny Wallace, No. 23 Stacker 2 Dodge: "I can tell you that I'm obsessed with the war. I go to bed watching it, and I wake up watching it. I caught myself the last couple of days getting tired watching it. I can't stand any negativity -- I'm a very positive person. We lost an Apache Helicopter and that really bummed me out."

Todd Bodine, No. 54 National Guard Ford: "I had the privilege of meeting Staff Sgt. Michael McNaughton a few weeks ago at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He stepped on a mine and lost his leg while participating in Operation Enduring Freedom. It's meeting people like him that makes you appreciate things and realize our country is in capable hands with the great young men and women who are out there to support us and fight for our freedom. We owe it to them to support them 100 percent. That's the least we can do."

Bobby Labonte, No. 18 Interstate Batteries Chevrolet: "To the U.S. Armed Services, I just want to thank everybody for what they're doing. I'd like for them to whip some butt and get back over here."

Jerry Nadeau, No. 01 U.S. Army Pontiac: "Obviously our hearts and minds are somewhere else. We've been on the television watching what's going on over there. We definitely need to support the president and the troops. We wouldn't have fun or go racing every weekend if it wasn't for our military. Hopefully we can get a good run this weekend."

Scott Riggs, No. 10 Nestle Nesquik Ford: "A lot of honor goes to those guys. Everybody over here is pulling for them and standing behind them. A lot of people say our job is tough having to drive these race cars, but having to go that far from home (is tougher). To put yourself on the line like that, takes a lot of guts and (I have) a lot of respect for those guys."

Michael Waltrip, No. 15 NAPA Chevrolet: "We say it every day. We're with them. We love them. We are thankful for them."

Lance Norick, No. 90 Express Personnel Services/Dr Pepper Dodge: "I am glad that I can be here at Texas Motor Speedway racing and having fun. But all my thanks go out to my friends and family that are defending our efforts overseas."

Jamie McMurray, No. 1 Yellow Freight Dodge: "Yes, I've been watching a lot about the war on television and to see some of the things they are doing to us is disgusting. I really don't know what to say. I don't know how to express my emotions to them. I'm just ready for them to get back over here."

Bobby Hamilton Jr., No. 25 U.S. Marines Ford: "There is not really anything you can say to our troops. They are taking care of business over there. You can watch TV all day long and feel proud of them because they are over there."

Hermie Sadler, No. 54 Toys R Us Chevrolet: "We would like to let everybody know that is overseas fighting for us that we are thinking about you and are proud of you. We are keeping an eye on what you are doing, and we hope you come home safe."

Ed Whitaker, co-owner No. 54 Toys R Us Chevrolet: "I would like to tell all the guys of the Armed Forces in Iraq that they are doing a great job, and we really appreciate that. We hope this is over as soon as possible."

Chris Bingham, No. 49 bgnracing.com/Ocean Potion Ford: "Yes, I appreciate what you guys are doing for us over there. Take care, (and) hopefully we will see you back home soon."

Tony Raines, No. 33 Outdoor Channel Chevrolet: "I am sure like everyone else, we are following what is going on over there. It is kind of hard to describe all that you feel, but I'm definitely in support of everybody that is involved in this and especially everybody that is involved in this overseas. I hope that things go well, that everybody stays safe and comes back home in good shape."

Matt Kenseth, No. 17 Alka-Seltzer Morning Relief Ford: "I appreciate that they are defending our freedom, obviously, and I hope everyone gets back safely."

Randy LaJoie, No. 7 Kleenex Chevrolet: "To all the men and women in our armed forces, I want to thank you. Our prayers are with you and you do a service to this country that is second to none. Keep up the good work, and we hope everybody comes home safely."

David Green, No. 37 Timber Wolf Pontiac: "We just want everyone to know we are thinking about you guys every day, every lap we make on the race track. It's been very inspiring to watch television and see how it is unfolding. We wish we could be over there lending some form of support. Without you guys and gals, doing this for us, we wouldn't be here doing what we do. God bless, and we are thinking about you."

Johnny Sauter, No. 21 PayDay Chevrolet: "We just want to let our military know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We want everybody to return home as soon as possible."

Morgan Shepherd: No. 0 Eagle Jet International Chevrolet: "I would just like to say how much I appreciate the people over there that are fighting for our country, keeping this country free. Remember that our country was built on God's name. I'm praying for you, and I pray that every man and woman that is there remains safe."

Scott Wimmer, No. 23 Stacker2/Stamina RX Chevrolet: "We just appreciate the men and women of the Armed Forces and what they are doing for everybody overseas and defending our freedom. They are the reason we are here racing, keeping us safe and making America proud."

Joe Nemechek, No. 25 UAW/Delphi Chevrolet: "I want to thank the military for doing a good job for us and I support them. I support everything we are doing and hopefully we will get this done quickly. I have to thank them for defending our freedom."

President Bush shows off a championship jacket presented to him by Matt Kenseth during the reception. Credit: AP

President's remarks at NASCAR reception

FROM WHITE HOUSE REPORTS -- The following is a transcript of President George W. Bush's remarks to 2003 Winston Cup champion Matt Kenseth and other members of the NASCAR community during a reception at the White House, December 2, 2003:

Good to see you all. Welcome. Please be seated. Thanks for coming. Welcome to the White House. Congratulations on a great NASCAR Winston Cup Series. We're honored you all are here. I see a lot of the Bubbas who work in my administration who have shown up. I wonder why. I've hosted champions from many sports here at the White House -- the first time, however, we ever parked stock cars in the South Lawn. We're proud you all are here.

I'm proud to be here with such an outstanding group of NASCAR drivers. I didn't realize you all dressed up so well. The NASCAR owners, the crew members, and the executives of this fine sport.

I appreciate the members of Congress who are here. I see Senator John Kyl of Arizona. I didn't realize you were such a race fan, Senator. Helped us get the Medicare bill through the Senate, by the way. I appreciate Bart Gordon of Tennessee for joining us. Congressman Mac Collins -- I knew he was a race car fan -- good to see you, Mac. You are a Bubba. I'm glad you all are here. I thought you might be here just because you were looking for a fast ride back up to the Capitol.

I want to congratulate Matt Kenseth, the 2003 Winston Cup Points Champion. Like all champs, he succeeded because of his dedication and his hard work. He started racing late-model cars in his home state of Wisconsin before he was 20 years old. He worked his way up the ranks to the Busch Series. I kind of like the name of that series. This year, he drove his Number 17 Ford all the way to the Winston Cup title. He's a great driver, and, like me, he married well. We appreciate Katie coming here today. Thanks for being here, Katie.

But every NASCAR fan knows that behind the -- the talent behind the wheel is not just enough, that NASCAR is a team sport. When you hear these drivers talk after a victory, they're always talking about how well their team performed, how well the team did. He had a great group in the pit, obviously -- otherwise, he wouldn't be the champion -- starting with the Cat in the Hat, the team owner, Jack Roush. Thank you for coming, Jack, and congratulations. Every team needs a strong crew chief, and Matt had a great one in Robbie Reiser. Robbie, thank you for coming. I appreciate you being here.

Some of the other members of the crew are here, as well. Where are they, Robbie? Where are the members of your crew? Well, they must have -- couldn't pass the security check. Let them in the gate. But all of you have earned your right -- earned the right to call yourselves champs. I congratulate you, welcome you to the White House. I'm really proud of the job you've done.

One of the reasons for the success of NASCAR is the strength of its leadership. I want the thank Mike Helton, who is the president of NASCAR, for coming today. Mike, you're doing a great job. But there's no doubt NASCAR is where it is today because of the great entrepreneur, a person who understands the consumer, the customer, and built this sport up to what it is, and that is Bill France, Jr. We're honored you're here, Bill. Thank you for coming.

I appreciate Betty Jane coming, as well. It's great to see you again, Betty Jane. I'm also so pleased that Lisa Kennedy, who is the President of the Daytona International Speedway, is with us. Brian France, who's taken over his Dad's position at NASCAR. You know, there's nothing wrong, Brian, with following your father's footsteps. The France family is a great American family, and we're really proud you're here. We're proud some of the members of the board from NASCAR are with us today. I'm glad my friend, former Governor Bill Graves, is here. Thank you all for coming.

We also have some former Winston Cup champs -- Tony Stewart -- I had the honor of greeting Tony at the Oval Office last year. Bill Elliott is with us. Some pretty fine Texans are up here, too -- the Labonte boys, Bobby and Terry -- from Corpus, right? That's what I thought. You still from Corpus? They still claim you in Corpus.

Mark Martin is not on the stage with us, but he's one of the fine drivers on the NASCAR circuit. Mark, we're proud you're here. Thank you for coming. Some of the young drivers are with us today. These are the ones that are attracting some of the young fans to this fantastic sport -- Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Kevin Harvick and Ryan Newman. I'm really glad you all are here. Thanks for coming. It's such a thrill to have you on the South Lawn.

NASCAR is one of the fastest growing sports in America today -- 75 million Americans now count themselves as fans. And NASCAR has followers around the world who listen to your races in 21 languages and a hundred different countries. It's a fantastic international sport. And it's easy to figure out why the sport is so popular -- the competition is intense, the drivers and their crews are skillful, the finishes are oftentimes dramatic.

NASCAR has a proud history, dating back to 1948. And today you're carrying on the tradition set by some of the great legends of American sport -- Richard Petty and Cale Yarborough and Dale Earnhardt.

It's a time of change for NASCAR. It's one of the reasons why the sport is continuing to attract a lot of fans. Yet the values long held by the drivers in this sport endure. It's one of the things I like most about NASCAR. You know the work you do away from the track is really what makes the NASCAR drivers the true champs.

After Hurricane Isabelle and the California wildfires, Jimmie Johnson worked with Lowe's and the American Red Cross to raise money for the victims for those disasters. Tony Stewart donated $1 million to the Petty family for the Victory Junction Gang Camp, which is a great facility in North Carolina where seriously ill children can have fun while undergoing treatment. Jeff Gordon has run a foundation to benefit children and families in need. These champs are champs on the race track, and they're champs off the race track, for which this country is grateful.

I also appreciate the strong support that NASCAR's drivers and crew members and executives continue to give to our Armed Forces. By reminding your millions of fans that America's heroes are the men and women who defend our nation, you're reminding us all about the importance of serving a cause greater than ourself.

I want to thank you all for coming today. I want to congratulate you all for being such great champs. Good luck in the upcoming year. May God bless you all, and may God continue to bless our great country. Thanks for coming.

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