Going after the NASCAR vote, Republican gubernatorial candidate Jerry W. Kilgore will sponsor a car in the Oct. 23 Nextel Cup Subway 500 at Martinsvillle Speedway. NASCAR driver Hermie Sadler of Emporia will drive the #92 Kilgore for Governor Chevy. The Democratic candidate, Timothy M. Kaine, also is chasing the NASCAR fans. He is holding a fundraiser in the infield before the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond International Raceway tomorrow. He also will attend the race. The Kilgore campaign will pay almost $100,000 to sponsor the car, campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh said yesterday. Kilgore announced the sponsorship yesterday at RIR. A sponsorship costs about $200,000. Sadler has contributed part of the fee as an in-kind campaign contribution, Murtaugh said. Kilgore said he and Sadler have been acquaintances for about seven years, after meeting at the fiddler’s convention in Galax. In addition to driving the race car, Sadler will make several appearances with it. He will wear a Kilgore for Governor driving suit during the Martinsville race and members of his pit crew also will wear Kilgore-touting apparel. Democratic Gov. Mark R. Warner sponsored a racing truck when he ran four years ago.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(9-9-2005)
