South Carolina Statehouse Blog

The premier NASCAR team in South Carolina, Phoenix Racing Inc. of Spartanburg, will support Andre Bauer’s campaign for governor by running his campaign logo at the Royal Purple 200 presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts at Darlington Motor Speedway on May 7th, 7:00pm EST. Rookie of the year contender James Buescher will be driving the #1 Phoenix Racing car wrapped with the Andre Bauer Republican for Governor logo.

“Phoenix Racing is a vital component of the NASCAR industry in South Carolina and I am very appreciative of the jobs and revenue they bring to our state and their support in my campaign,” Bauer said. “The NASCAR industry generates an annual benefit of $54 million to South Carolina’s economy and we are very grateful for it.”

“Phoenix Racing is proud to support Andre Bauer for Governor. He attended 14 races this past year and is persuading Sonic Automotive, a Fortune 500 Company and leader in NASCAR, to consider relocating their headquarters in South Carolina. Andre is by all means a true advocate for our industry,” said James Finch (team owner) “The unprecedented growth in NASCAR has provided Phoenix Racing with the resources to build a successful future in South Carolina and we are fortunate to have Andre Bauer on our side.”

In 2008, Sports Illustrated conducted a poll asking NASCAR drivers if they are Republican, Democrat, or Independent and 58% responded Republican. Furthermore, The National Journal reports that a study finds NASCAR as one of the top three sports among Republicans.

“I attend over a dozen races across the country every year and have found NASCAR fans, drivers, and owners to be hard working Americans and I will always support an industry that values a hard day’s work,” Bauer noted. “As a Republican running for Governor I will work tirelessly to bring new industries and jobs to South Carolina.”