It seemed like everyone was poking fun at us North Carolinians back when NASCAR legend Richard Petty ran for Secretary of State. People weren't too thrilled when King Richard took his rubbin' is racin' attitude to the highway during his campaign. From that debaucle we learned that popular sports stars don't always make the best politicians. Apparently, North Carolinians are now learning that the popular politicians don't always make the best sports stars, either. According to an article in the Triangle Business Journal:

Gov. Mike Easley escaped an accident uninjured Friday morning after the race car he was driving at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte "brushed a retaining wall" in turn two, his office announced.

The most interesting parts of the story in my opinion: (1) It was Jimmie Johnson's ride (owned by Jeff Gordon) that Governor Easley crashed, and (2) after the crash, Terry Labonte and Rick Hendrick let the Governor jump in the Number 5 car and take it for a spin. You've got to question the wisdom of that decision.

Kids, don't try this at home.
- posted by Anonymous @ 4:52 PM