NASCAR Speedways to Political: Former NASCAR driver Austin Theriault, known for his sporadic appearances across all three national series, is transitioning into the political arena, eyeing a seat in the US Congress representing Maine. Stepping from the race track to the political platform, Theriault has been actively involved in Maines House of Representatives since 2022. He’s now seeking a significant political leap by aligning himself with the Republican Party, including former US President Donald Trump.
With his sights set on triumphing in the primaries, Theriault gears up for a fierce battle against incumbent Jared Golden. His aspiration? Securing the chance to represent Maine’s 2nd Congressional District on Capitol Hill. At 31 years old, the former driver turned politician believes his unique set of skills and past experiences can be channeled to serve the interests of the people.
Theriault boasts a commendable track record in NASCAR, navigating through all three series, clinching an ARCA championship along the way. His ARCA debut in 2014 with Venturini Motorsports swiftly led to victory at Michigan during the same year’s inaugural race. His pinnacle moment arrived in 2017, securing the championship with seven remarkable wins while racing for Ken Schrader Racing. Venturing into the Truck Series in 2015 with Brad Keselowski’s team at Daytona, he tallied over 12 starts in NASCAR’s third division, claiming a top finish of P4. In the Xfinity Series, he raced for Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s JR Motorsports in 2014, participating in three races, achieving his best finish at P15. His journey in the second-tier series includes six starts.
Transitioning to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2019 with Rick Ware Racing marked Theriault’s debut and final season in the sport. Steering the No:51 and No:52 cars part-time, his pinnacle moment in the series was a P32 finish, concluding his five-race stint that year. The 2019 Cup playoff race in Talladega marked the final chapter of his NASCAR career to date.
Also read: Kurt Busch Emotional Farewell: NASCAR Honors a 23-Year Legacy
Our Reader’s Queries
Why did NASCAR decline in popularity?
The decline of the sport can be attributed to several factors. The introduction of the Car of Tomorrow was met with criticism from both drivers and fans. The constant tinkering of the rules and the racing itself also contributed to the decline. Additionally, the race day experience has changed, and there is a perceived decline in the quality of the sport. These factors have all played a role in the sport’s decline.
Is NASCAR a Southern thing?
Back in the day, modified car races were all the rage in rural Southern United States, with the Wilkes County region of North Carolina being the hub of it all. These races were a popular form of entertainment, with most of them featuring street vehicles that were stripped down and reinforced for maximum speed.
Why is NASCAR slanted?
Typically, the rear axle is positioned at an angle in relation to the chassis. This angle provides aerodynamic benefits and lessens the amount of steering input needed to turn left on oval tracks. This results in cars that are easier to handle and, most importantly, faster.
Why does NASCAR turn left instead of right?
NASCAR, the popular stock car racing sport in the USA, has an “official” explanation for why the driver sits on the left side of the car. According to this explanation, this positioning allows for improved visibility, enabling the driver to see more of what’s happening around them. Additionally, it enhances safety, as any collision with the outside wall would impact the opposite side of the car from where the driver is seated.
