Gov. Scott plans a return to Thunder Road racing
MONTPELIER - Vermont's governor is gearing up for a return to stock car racing this weekend.
Gov. Phil Scott brightened up immediately when he was asked about his racing plans at a Montpelier news conference. Some observers had speculated that winning the governor's office would put an end to Scott's racing career — but Scott said he's not done in the driver's seat.
Scott said he hopes to practice at Thunder Road Speedbowl in Barre on Saturday and may race in Sunday's Merchants Bank 150 race. Scott placed fourth in the same race last year, when he was lieutenant governor.
"If I race, I want to be competitive," Scott said. "And if I'm not competitive, then I will probably sit Sunday out."
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Scott, 58, began his racing career in Barre in 1991 and competes in the Late Model division.
The first-term Republican brushed off a suggestion that his Vermont State Police security detail might object to him returning to the track.
Did Scott expect racing to be different as governor?
"I hope so, because I didn't win a whole lot when I was lieutenant governor," Scott said, laughing. "I don't know, we'll see."
Scott said he hoped to race multiple times during the season.
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Contact April McCullum at 802-660-1863 or amccullum@freepressmedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @April_McCullum.
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