Five NASCAR Drivers Decline President Obama's White House Invitation

[R.Zaragoza]

by Jeff Gluck • Sep 1, 2011 10:37 PM EDT

President Barack Obama will honor NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson and the 11 other Chase drivers from last year in a White House ceremony on Wednesday – but nearly half of the 2010 playoff contenders won't be there.

NASCAR said Thursday that five drivers – Greg Biffle, Kurt Busch, Carl Edwards, Kevin Harvick and Tony Stewart – will not be attending the White House visit due to "schedule conflicts."

They must be very busy people. Regardless of one's political views, the president is still the president – and an opportunity to speak with the leader of the free world is a rare and special one.

You'd think whatever photo shoots or sponsor appearances these drivers have lined up on Wednesday afternoon – if that's indeed the reason – could be rescheduled. After all, this is the President of the United States we're talking about here.

For a sport that prides itself on patriotism, having so many drivers turn down the president's invitation simply seems strange.

Johnson, Denny Hamlin, Jeff Gordon, Kyle Busch, Clint Bowyer, Jeff Burton and Matt Kenseth will attend.

Five NASCAR Drivers Decline President Obama's White House Invitation - From Our Editors - SBNation.com

[vetteman9368]

not shocked at all to see Kevin Harvick and Smoke on that list, one more reason to like those two

[6spdC6]

I doubt this asshole even knows what NASCAR means!

Many people would rather watch paint dry than listen to or get anywhere around that POS commie! Too bad the other drivers decided to show up for what will be his dog and pony show!

[DAB]

how many of those who declined run their own team, and how many of those who will attend work for a large owner (boss says you are going, you are going)?

know Smoke runs his own gig, so he answers to no one, not sure of the others. be interesting to know.

[RedLS1GTO]

Greg Biffle, Kurt Busch, Carl Edwards, Kevin Harvick and Tony Stewart – will not be attending the White House visit due to "schedule conflicts."

Never in my life have I been a Greg Biffle, Carl Edwards, or a Kurt Busch fan... until now.

[RedLS1GTO]

Originally Posted by DAB

how many of those who declined run their own team, and how many of those who will attend work for a large owner (boss says you are going, you are going)?

know Smoke runs his own gig, so he answers to no one, not sure of the others. be interesting to know.

Bif and Edwards drive for Roush, Bush for Roger Penske, and Harvick for Richard Childress.

If these 5 declined, that leaves these 7 on the accept list:

Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch - Joe Gibbs Racing
Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson - Hendrick Racing
Matt Kenseth - Roush
Jeff Burton and Clint Bowyer - Childress

Interesting that some Roush and some Childress drivers are going and some aren't. Definitely seems like it isn't coming down from the owners if that is the case.