Published 11/12/2022, 5:15 AM EST
Sports and politics may seem like an unlikely combination yet when it comes to NASCAR in particular, it seems that this relationship just keeps on intensifying. May it be cars supporting political personalities, or be it a politician attacking NASCAR drivers. The bond keeps getting more intense.
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And now, a former NASCAR driver Hermie Sadler has decided to run for the Virginia State Senate. Sadler who drove for Richard Childress Racing did not have an exceptional driving career. However, it seems that he is excited to start his new career in politics. Since his retirement in 2006, Sadler has been vocal about the issues in his state.
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Specifically, the state’s ban on electronic betting machines. Running against Del. Emily Brewer for the 2023 Republican nomination, Sadler will run for Senate in the 17th district. Sadler’s party line reads; “life, the Second Amendment, and traditional values.” But this is not the first time that a driver has announced a political liaison.
Austin Theriault too entered the realm of politics. And reacting to the news of another NASCAR driver making a political debut, NASCAR fans shared their opinions online.
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Sadler would be running in the 2023 elections. However, apart from him, the other NASCAR driver turned politician Austin Theriault has witnessed success in the current 2022 elections.
Former NASCAR driver Austin Theriault’s Political career
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During his career as a driver, Austin Theriault competed in all three NASCAR National series. However, he never competed in a full season. However, soon after his departure from the sport, Theriault directed his endeavors toward politics. In the latest mid-term elections of the United States, Theriault defeated Democrat Dana Marie Appleby.
Austin Theriault walks through his garage prior to a NASCAR Cup Series auto race practice at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, N.H., Friday, July 19, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
The former NASCAR driver ran as a Republican for District #1 in the Maine House of Representatives. Glad about the win, Theriault tweeted; “I’m humbled Maine District # 1 voted for me to represent them in the Legislature.”
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He further wrote, “The voters are frustrated with both parties and I hope to play a tiny part in reminding them it’s not about politics, ego or conspiracies, but government for the people. It’s time to move forward.”