PHOTO: The Most NASCAR Thing Ever

I often find myself in the position of defending NASCAR when non-fans label racing as a redneck sport that appeals only to Southerners.

"It's not like that anymore!" I'll say in protest. "If you have an open mind, you'll like it."

Well, something happened during Thursday's NASCAR preseason media tour that I can't defend (see photo below).

Yep. For the first time, Wal-Mart will sponsor a race car. If that's not the most NASCAR thing ever, I don't know what is.

Wal-Mart in NASCAR. How has this not happened earlier? You would have thought there would be a Wal-Mart car since Wal-Mart existed, but that's not the case.

Anyway, this car will be driven by semi-retired racer Bill Elliott around the week of July 4 at Daytona International Speedway. It's a No. 50 because Wal-Mart is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

NASCAR, Wal-Mart and July 4 week. God Bless America!