Racing pros revved up for GOP

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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Here's a challenge: Try finding a Democrat in the NASCAR garage.

Richard Petty looked around and smiled.

"You'd be hard-pressed," said Petty, the winningest driver in Nextel Cup history and -- oh, yeah -- a hard-core Republican.

If President Bush were looking for a friendly audience in this vitriolic election season, he sure picked the right place. He is assured of getting a warm welcome -- especially from those on the track -- when he attends tomorrow's Daytona 500.

"He's just a great American," said Terry Labonte, a Bush supporter and fellow Texan. "In times like this, I'm glad we've got someone like him in office."

Without question, this is Republican Country.

Ronald Reagan came to Daytona during his 1984 re-election campaign. Mr. Bush's father stopped by while running -- unsuccessfully, by the way -- for a second term in 1992. And now comes another Bush, hoping to tap into a loyal voting bloc.

Why do the Republicans seemingly have such a one-party hold on this sport?

"We're all individuals," explained Petty, who once held political office in his native North Carolina. "When the guys in here go to lobby NASCAR, most of the time it's what can they do for me? It's not for anybody else. This is not a very socialistic operation in here, that's for sure."