Bump-Draft Blog Index
April 01, 2009
Obama did NOT order GM and Chrysler out of NASCAR

If you have read or heard that Obama was ordering GM and Chrysler out of NASCAR, it's a hoax, folks. It was a stupid April Fools' joke.

I cannot imagine how anyone could be so distasteful to write such an article given the economy being what it is -- the auto industry is on edge as it is. But alas, someone was.

Car and Driver posted a story, "Obama Orders Chevrolet and Dodge Out Of NASCAR - Car News." They have since removed the story from their Web site and left a note that read:

Sorry! - Car News

April 2009

Car and Driver has a proud tradition of April Fools' Day jokes stretching back 30 years. We regret if this year's went too far.


If you didn't get a chance to read the FAKE story and want to, you can find it here on Orlandosentinel.com.

Racing PR representative Denny Darnell of Darnell Communications had this to say:

"I've been in this business more than 30 years and I have never seen a story so irresponsible. It cannot be passed off as a joke. Lighten up? There's a time for jokes. Not with the issues our country faces today. Serious damage was done here. The auto industry. NASCAR. Our profession. I urge you to voice your opinion to the publication, pro or con."

Let me know what you think. Do you think it was distasteful or just a funny April Fools' Day joke?


Posted at 03:15 PM

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Comments

You guys are a bunch of non-funny cry babies! What is wrong with a little fun with all that has been going on. Lighten up please.

Posted by Dennis
April 1, 2009 03:46 PM

Lighten up, you're showing your small child mentality by getting so offended. Who cares? they pulled the article and said they're sorry so alls well, right kids?

Posted by Kenny
April 1, 2009 07:48 PM

I think the reason that it's so 'un-funny' is because it's exactly the type of thing that we would expect from the government right now.

GM and Chrysler are in a tough spot. And as long as they are taking bailout dollars they are at the mercy of the government. Not 'wasting' money on NASCAR would certainly fall under that realm of possibility. On the one hand, I can't imagine the government would be that stupid.. but frankly.. they have been getting stupider every day...

Posted by 3Steps
April 2, 2009 07:35 AM

This is something he *should* do! Why should hundreds of billions of taxpayer funds support companies that are engaged in massively expensive sports sponsorship schemes? Ridiculous.

Posted by Dave
April 2, 2009 08:26 AM

The problem with this hoax is too many idiots are going to believe it's true.

Posted by stevie
April 2, 2009 09:12 AM

Besides being totally unfunny, it gave all of the Obama bashers fuel to add to the fire. By the time it was learned this was a joke, the man had been skewered by most of NASCAR nation. How sad.

Posted by Kelli
April 2, 2009 12:54 PM

Nascar is a great marketing tool for auto manufacturers. Many people buy a brand because their driver has the same manufacturer. It's a better use of money than billboards or magazine ads. We are stupidly invested in GM and Chrysler now. I want them to sell lots of cars so I don't lose money.

Posted by son of racefan
April 2, 2009 06:12 PM

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Jennifer is the newsroom
administrative assistant and executive
assistant to the editor for the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram. She is married, lives in Pownal with her husband and son, and has been following NASCAR for many years.

About this blog:
I am hopeful that this will be a place where people can air their two cents' worth about a race, catch up on the gossip and share their opinions on the rules and regulations of NASCAR. I have always felt that there has been a need for such a place in Maine and that this blog helps to fill the void.



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