Donald Trump has strong connections in the world of Motorsports. The former US President and current Republican Party nominee for the 2024 election cycle is known for his avid interest in motorsports, particularly NASCAR. He has attended the Daytona 500 while in office at the White House, and this year he was a special guest at the Coca Cola 600.
Recently, during an election rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, a city known for its passionate racing fans, Trump made some bold statements. He suggested the idea of replacing US military generals with NASCAR drivers or team owners, praising their leadership qualities.
Trump specifically mentioned billionaire NASCAR and IndyCar team owner Roger Penske as a good choice for this role. Penske has a successful track record as a team owner, with numerous championships and victories in both championships. Trump believes that if these individuals can achieve such success in motorsports, they can do the same in the military.
Not stopping there, Trump also suggested that football coaches could be excellent replacements for the generals. NASCAR has its own example of a great football coach in Joe Gibbs, a Hall of Famer and championship-winning team owner with JGR.
However, it is important to note that these remarks were likely made in jest by the former president, aimed at appealing to the passionate fan bases of both sports in the state. The leadership styles and systems required in the military and sports are vastly different.