By Jerry Jordan, Editor
WASHINGTON D.C. – Who knew that winning a NASCAR Championship could get you within inches of “a red button” that could change the world but that is exactly what happened to 2017 Champion Martin Truex Jr., who seemed overwhelmed Monday following his visit to The White House and meeting with President Donald Trump.
Truex said he had to win the championship to get to have the experience of being at The White House, which makes his desire to win the sport’s most coveted prize even greater than it was in the past. His time with President Trump could be summed up in a single word, “amazing.”
And, it appeared President Trump was also pleased to have the NASCAR contingent descend upon “the people’s house” as he called it, saying it was “truly fitting to celebrate NASCAR’s 2017 Champions here today.“
“Martin, I can tell you, we are so proud of you,” President Trump said. “This incredible NASCAR team bonded through tragedy, grew closer together and willed themselves on to the title. The motto was never give up. I’ve heard that motto before. Huh? That’s a great motto. You don’t lose with that motto. Never giving up is the story of the 78 team, it is the story that will forever be told in NASCAR and NASCAR’s incredible history with this team.”
Trump also honored Sherry Pollex, recognizing her as the love of Truex’s life and for her courageous battle with ovarian cancer. It is a fight President Trump said many Americans know all too well.
“You are an inspiration for millions of Americans, who know what you are going through,” said President Trump. “You’ve endured extremely tough treatments with grace and grit and a tremendous and beautiful smile. You are SherryStrong. We are praying for you and we are deeply honored to have you here today.”
Thank you my friend. 💙 I’ll fight for those kids & women like me everyday I’m alive. I think of Torie everywhere I go. 👼 #childhoodcancerawareness #ovariancancerawareness https://t.co/CQufeS1t99
— Sherry Pollex (@SherryPollex) May 22, 2018
Truex did not say much during the formal ceremony but he did present President Trump with replica helmet depicting moments throughout his career and special memories and accomplishments between himself and Polled. He thanked President Trump, recognized his sponsors and most importantly the “millions of fans” supporting NASCAR around the world.
Accompanied by Pollex, his entire crew, Bass Pro Shops founder and CEO Johnny Morris, as well as, a host of NASCAR executives including Brian France, Mike Helton and Brent Dewar, the group was given a behind-the-scenes tour of The White House by President Trump, himself, prior to the formal ceremony. It was a moment in his life that Truex said he would never forget.
“Oh my God, it was amazing, what an amazing day,” Truex said, as he spoke afterwards to a small gathering of reporters in what is called the “stakeout area” outside of the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room. “Mr. President treated us like family, showed us around and showed us things that most people don’t get to see. Just what an honor to be here and represent NASCAR and the entire industry of our sport and the race team. Really, just an unbelievable day. Again, just can’t say how honored we all are to be here for all of this and thankful for Mr. President recognizing our accomplishment from last season.”
Pollex told Kickin’ the Tires that the tour was incredible and she was in awe at what turned out to be a great lesson in history. In his remarks to the press, Truex discussed seeing the original Gettysburg Address, where it was written and the room and bed where Abraham Lincoln slept.
“I’m not sure I am supposed to tell,” Truex joked, when asked what cool things he saw during his time with President Trump. “Abraham Lincoln’s room where he slept, where he wrote the Gettysburg Address. The actual Gettysburg Address, I mean, seriously, to think about how long ago that was written and what it meant. Oh my God, it was amazing to see, so that was definitely a highlight. Just seeing it all, the whole White House behind-the-scenes tour from the President of the United States, I mean what an honor.
“I was within finger’s reach of a red button, is that important? I mean, literally, at his (President Trump’s) desk with him. It was amazing.”