President Ronald Reagan was not only the first sitting president to attend a NASCAR race, but also the first president to give the command, “Start your engines, Daytona.” Because of Reagan’s love for the American sport, a red, white and blue NASCAR show car emblazoned with his name was unveiled Monday at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley. The #98 Chevy, delivered by Curb Records and the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma, will be part of a special temporary exhibit May 27 to Oct. 23 that will feature Reagan’s interest in car racing. “I am positive that President Reagan would’ve really enjoyed seeing his name on this car,” said John Heubusch, executive director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, as the car was unveiled inside Air Force One Pavilion in front of an audience that included children from local elementary schools. Also on hand were former California Lt. Gov. Mike Curb, national recording artist Tim Dugger, and Austin Dillon, a 20-year-old NASCAR driver and grandson of famed NASCAR driver Richard Childress. Twelve NASCAR and Indy 500 cars on display in the new racing exhibit at the Reagan Library. Also on display will be the #2 Chevy that Dale Earnhardt Sr. drove in his first Winston Cup Championship, along with personal items, artifacts, photos and videos that showcase Reagan’s interest in the sport.(vcstar.com) see images at that site or on my #98 Team Schemes page.(3-30-2011)
