UAW Chevy Wins Big at Brickyard (NASCAR), Nonunion Toyota Eats Exhaust

[Omaha Steve]

http://blog.aflcio.org/2010/08/21/uaw-chevy-wins-big-at-brickyard-nonunion-toyota-eats-exhaust/

by Berry Craig, Aug 21, 2010

Berry Craig

Berry Craig is a professor of history at the West Kentucky Community and Technical College in Paducah, a member of AFT Local 6010 and the author of "True Tales of Old-Time Kentucky Politics: Bombast, Bourbon & Burgoo" and "Hidden History of Kentucky in the Civil War."


The fact that a UAW-made engine powered Jamie McMurray’s Chevy Impala to victory at the Brickyard 400 didn’t grab headlines or make the TV news. But it caused this fan in the stands to whoop it up.

I’m a 60-year-old union card-carrying Chevy man.

The UAW has been part of NASCAR racing at the storied Indianapolis Motor Speedway and other tracks for as long as this motorhead can remember.

Chevy, Ford, Dodge and Toyota field specially made race cars in NASCAR’s premier Sprint Cup Series. Stateside, the UAW represents workers at Chevy, Ford and Dodge factories. Toyota’s American plants are nonunion.

So in my book, any union member rooting for a Toyota to win a NASCAR race (or owning a Toyota) would be like a chicken cheering for Col. Sanders.

Before the green flag drops at Indy, I always enjoy visiting Chevy’s big pre-race “Buy American” exhibition of race cars and the latest street machines in the infield. The UAW logo is prominently displayed. Says Joe Ashton, a UAW vice president:

The UAW appreciates the millions of NASCAR fans who passionately follow the sport and buy American products like our quality built vehicles. The UAW also appreciates the support that GM provides to NASCAR including our joint efforts at selective races like the recently run Brickyard 400.

Like a NASCAR driver and crew, the UAW and GM work together as a team to build quality cars and trucks right here in the U.S. Our Buy American exhibit is always a big hit with fans and offers them a chance to get up close with our members and the products they build.

FULL story at link.