Wal-Mart, NASCAR, and Me

Wal-Mart should pay me to drive a car for them in NASCAR. I can see your expression in my mind and hear your protests forming. I'm sure it's the same as the few people I have bothered to mention the idea to out-loud. I believe I'd be really good at it. I'd look really good doing it, too.

I can hear all the arguments brewing like a tornado. Why should I be so special? Or Wal-Mart has enough money to pay for a professional driver without having to train a newbie. Or girls have no business driving in NASCAR.

Well, first of all, yes I am a girl. So what? Each one of is really good at something. There is that one thing we excel at. What if this is mine? What if it's just wasting away? NASCAR can be dangerous, but I'm not scared. I don't say that in a stupid way. I think respect for the sport, the car, other drivers, and the track keeps a balance between stupidity and confidence. I'm sure it wouldn't take long to figure out if I would be any good or not once I was out there in a car. If I didn't meet the expectations, I'd be the first to admit it.

I love driving. I love driving fast. I know that's not exactly great requirements, but I have been an employee for Wal-Mart for over 4 years now. I like working for Wal-Mart. Why can't the two worlds come together and form the perfect job? I observe how some employees like working for Wal-Mart and some hate it. I watch how there are associates with the high morale and truly enjoy what they are doing. If they aren't enjoying themselves, they make sure you can't tell. Everyone has a bad day. Then there are the ones you will never please.

Would a race car in NASCAR with the Wal-Mart logo raise employee morale? I don't know. It would provide a common link among employees similar to stock ownership. You get two employees together who own stock, and they can discuss it through their whole break. Can you see it? Employees could be rooting for a driver other than Gordon, Harvick, Kasey, or the many other drivers. My husband and I personally like Dale Earnhardt Jr. I always have and always will. Oh, it would be great to be in NASCAR!

I love being in my car. I know my car. When I'm in my car, it becomes an extension of me. I know how it should sound and feel. If my tire pressure becomes low by 3 psi in one tire, I know it. I know how it feels when I press the accelerator and when I let off. I know how it should rumble. I know how it drives on wet pavement. Sure, NASCAR is a whole different ballgame, but I could learn. I'm a fast learner. I would, like a sponge, absorb every tiny bit of it too. I love rules. I love accomplishment.

I'm quite surprised Wal-Mart does not sponsor anyone. I see Bass Pro, Alltel, AT&T, and on and on. Is it possible NASCAR doesn't want Wal-Mart to have any part in their world? I don't know. I have been very curious this year though. I could have been racing in the Nextel Cup! Dreams keep us going, right? Wal-Mart, if you would like to consider NASCAR, please consider me too!