SENATE CANDIDATE SHOWING OFF NASCAR CHAMP’S CAR AT SATURDAY MEET AND GREET

With a Dale Earnhardt-like mustache and a personality that exudes a blue-collar wrapped around a red neck, it’s no wonder that State Senate District 13 candidate Shane Martin (above left next to Rusty Wallace) manages the NASCAR Busch Nationwide Series and oversees the Craftsman Truck Aerodynamic Program for Chevrolet. Which means that while other candidates are holding events in stuffy old houses, rec centers, retirement homes and other lame places, Martin gets to raise money the awesome way.

By “awesome way” I mean he gets to have NASCAR show cars at his fundraisers. And not crappy washed-up drivers or guys who barely qualify. He gets the real deal.

Like on Saturday when back-to-back Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson will lend a replica of his No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet to Martin’s campaign from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a meet and greet at the Lowe’s and Tractor Supply parking lots in Spartanburg, 2091 East Main St. Martin’s campaign said they are also expecting 100 classic cars and music by Sam Brooks — whoever that is.

This is probably the best campaign event we will see this year, but I still can’t help but be disappointed that Martin is buddy-buddy with Johnson and Hendrick Motorsports. I mean, his name is Shane Martin so wouldn’t it be more appropriate for him to team up with Dale Earnhardt Incorporated, which is the home stable of both Mark Martin and my favorite driver, Martin Truex Jr.?

It sure would be a lot cooler if he was…