Hey, how about a little political talk to liven up your day? (If you're one of those who doesn't like to mix politics and NASCAR, take this post off.)

It's no secret that NASCAR leans predominantly right. There's even a demographic classification -- "NASCAR dads" -- that is, like "soccer moms," politicospeak for middle-class white guys who tend to go Republican. And at this past weekend's race in Atlanta, you'd have had an easier time finding a sparkly-clean bathroom than an Obama supporter. (Signs ranged from the professionally-printed "NOBAMA" to a scrawled "OBAMA SUX'S" with a caricature that I can't even describe here, it was so bad.)

Which makes the latest NASCAR/political news so surprising. Junior Johnson, he of the legendary moonshining and early-NASCAR dominance, has formally endorsed Barack Obama for president. In a mass email, Johnson wrote:

Our country is in a rough spot, and we’re going to need some serious change. There’s only one candidate ready to deliver it — and that’s Barack Obama.

Every day I talk to someone else who’s never voted for a Democrat, but now they’re voting for Barack Obama. They realize that Barack understands what we’re going through here in North Carolina. And they’re ready for change.

So I’ve made up my mind, and I’m ready to get involved. I know that I could never have won a race without my pit crew, and I know Barack can’t win this one without us.

There's more to it than that, but I'll let you follow the link yourself if so inclined. (Thanks to reader Sheri for the tip.)

Some pundits are calling this a "game-changer" in North Carolina. Johnson is, of course, a NASCAR immortal and the subject of Tom Wolfe's iconic "Last American Hero," one of the finest pieces of sportswriting ever. He may or may not sway votes, but he'll at least get people to think more about the process, which is never a bad thing.

Around here, we're staunchly avoiding endorsing either the hot lady or the Tiger Woods guy:

Heck, if it were up to us, we'd nominate David Palmer for president. Things were always falling apart on his watch, but only for 24 hours at a time.

But regardless of which candidate you favor, we do recommend you get out and vote. Even if it's a write-in for Jeff Gordon.