President Obama welcomed NASCAR Spring Cup champion Tony Stewart and his team to the White House today, quipping that he actually brought the driver there for tips on how to handle the media.
“He’s got that quiet, reserved personality,” Obama said, “and I was figuring I’d stay out of trouble if Tony gave me some advice on that.”
The president noted the No. 14 car parked on the South Lawn. “Every year I try to take a lap; nobody lets me do it,” he said. “But I am still holding out hope that, at some point, I’m going to be able to get behind the wheel.”
Chatting a bit about various racers, Obama added, “Underneath the helmets, behind all the trash talking — and I notice it seems to be picking up quite a bit lately — these are some outstanding men.”
He congratulated the NASCAR drivers for their work with military families and wounded soldiers.
“Thanks to everybody at NASCAR for what you do for our country,” Obama said. “Thank you for not tearing up my grass.”
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