The Metal Mullisha Attemps to Invade Nascar

In a press conference at Charlotte Motor Speedway, under the attention of Nascar's All Star weekend, Metal Mulisha founder Brian Deegan announced his intention to invade the ranks of Nascar. Deegan, who has broken as many bones as Evel Knievel, has signed a developmental deal with NTS Motorsports. Deegan will began his Nascar career in the super fast and wild Super Late Model Division in June at Irwindale Speedway.

"When NASCAR chairman Brian France told the world that NASCAR is a contact sport, we're going to loosen it up, I'm not sure Mr. France knew what he was getting into." Said Deegan.

"I took that as a personal invitation for guys like me. I love racing, I love going fast, I love pushing the limit and that's what I'm going to bring to NASCAR. I have been designated as the General of the Metal Mulisha and so the Metal Mulisha army is going to march on NASCAR." Declared the 10 times X Game Freestyle Motocross Champion.

Brian Deegan is no stranger to bumping around on a race course, winning a Lucas Oil Off Road Championship in 2009 and currently sitting third in the points for that series in 2010, but although the reins in Nascar have been loosened, several feuds at the top level have drawn the attention of the Nascar police. Deegan's wild style might not be tolerated, especially from a rookie on four wheels.

There is no doubt that Deegan is a competitor and champion, but big names and big sponsorships from outside the Nascar family have not fared too well in recent years. Patrick Carpentier, Dario Franchitti and Jaques Villeneuve have all but abandoned their Nascar dreams, and Danika Patrick amid the hype, is off too a rough start at best.

Motocross riders and champions are not a new crossover crowd to Nascar either. Both Jeremy McGrath and Ricky Carmichael have ventured into Nascar. Carmichael currently drives in the Camping World Truck Series. He has showed some promise and sits in the top ten in points for 2010. McGrath four wheel career has lacked the thunder his motocross career had, but three time Sprint Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson has proven that a racer from a motocross background can make it to the top tier of Nascar.

There is no doubt that sponsor dollars will play a huge role in Deegan's run through Nascar. He brings with him his own Metal Mulisha clothing line as the top sponsor and MySmokinRide.com and Fountain Powerboats as big money co-sponsors.

"Our association with Deegan and Metal Mulisha is clearly the way to stand-out as a new NASCAR sponsor. MySmokinRide.com is designed to give every type of race fan a dynamic environment to interact, so traditional race fans can get to know Deegan's army and vice versa.", said Kel Bloomer, CEO of MySmokinRide.com.

Deegan will team with Brennan Newberry for the NTS Motorsports Program. "Brennan and Brian are on a path to the Cup Series, so what we are trying to do is accelerate Brian with Brennan's guidance." Announced team owner, Bob Newberry. "Brian is a winner and is going to bring the same commitment and passion that took him to the top of Motocross and the X Games world to our racing program."

There will be many who will argue both sides of this coin. Deegan is just another big name trying to capitalize on Nascar's popularity, while talented drivers struggle to come up through the ranks, but Deegan sees it a little differently. "I'm not going to come in if I'm not ready and I'll take my time in getting here. I'm excited to be here." Deegan said. "Trust me, my goal is to be here racing and I'm going to do whatever it takes."

Deegan was obviously making a reference to the struggles Ricky Carmichael has faced in his attempt in The Camping World Truck series. Carmichael is fighting hard to prove himself and has seen success this year currently sitting seventh, falling one spot in the points after a fourteenth place finish in the North Carolina Education Lottery 200 at Charlotte Motor Speedway last weekend.

"Brian Deegan is a fierce competitor..." said founder and President of Fountain Powerboats, Reggie Fountain, "...and clearly at the top of his game." It remains to be seen whether that game will fly high like his freestyle jumps or crash hard like the vicious wrecks he has barely survived. No matter what, Brian Deegan delivers action in anything he races and is guaranteed to keep race fans on the edge of their seats.