Racing enthusiasts deserve religious freedom too

NASCAR is always looking at ways to increase its fan base. Perhaps one way to do that is to be considerate of more than NASCAR’s stereotypical race fan.

Perhaps it is time to consider the ‘comfort’ level of fans who either attend races or watch them on television.

Not all race fans are Evangelical Christians. Some may even be uncomfortable participating in organized religion. Why must auto racing enthusiasts have to endure such a preachy invocation as was delivered by Joe Gibbs Sunday at New Hampshire?

Religious freedom is important—it is guaranteed in our constitution—even when it involves auto racing. While the exact definition and attributes of religious freedom is and has always been up for debate, it is pretty certain that what was heard on Sunday crossed the line.

It is one thing to begin a race by asking The Almighty to watch over drivers for safety’s sake. It is quite another to go on and on about Jesus dying for our sins.

Sick of religion and politics in NASCAR

Isn't there a little too much religion and politics in NASCAR?

I think Jamie McMurray's little speech in Victory Lane after his win at Atlanta Motor Speedway was totally uncalled for.

I like McMurray. He seems like a genuinely nice person. But to go into a diatribe about why he cried in Daytona months earlier and then to give credit to God for getting into Victory Lane was a bit much.

I never want to take anyone's religion away from them. But, I don't want it foisted upon me at a public venue either. What if I don't happen to share McMurray's religious beliefs? Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. What if I stood up and said, "Jamie, you fool, there is no God." I'm sure he would be offended by that. Well, I was offended at his religious remarks.

It would have been just offensive had he said he was a Buddhist, Muslim, Catholic or proclaimed that Karma, the Virgin Mary, or Allah pushed his car to the lead.

Enough is enough.

Why does NASCAR insist on an invocation before every race anyway? If the drivers want to say a prayer as they prepare for a race, that is not objectionable. But to force the paying public to sit through Joe Gibbs giving a sermon is a little much.

NASCAR wonders why they have empty seats. Maybe their lack of inclusion, due to their religious beliefs, not to mention their politics, has something to do with it.

With regard to religion, I think it was a little over-the-top to invite a candidate for governor to participate in the start of the race recently, just to give a political boost to the Republican non-incumbent candidate.

What's the matter NASCAR, hasn't the Obama Administration sent any earmark funding your way? Good, NASCAR should not receive public funding.