Language Not a Barrier in NASCAR

Today the LPGA announced a new policy, that all golfers on the tour must speak English.  Judy Rankin, spokesperson for the LPGA, advised that the policy was instituted because of the influx of Korean golfers, many of whom do not speak English at all. 

Rankin said that this has caused problems during Pro Am events, when the players need to interact with their partners.  The tour also needs their golfers to be able to do interviews with the press. 

But the issue has been especially problematic when it comes to the players “schmoozing” their major corporate sponsors.  With the economy the way it is and sponsorship of all sports in peril, the LPGA decided that this was a critical problem that needed to be addressed. 

Now, Rankin did clarify that “they did not have to be able to recite the Constitution”, but that the non-English speaking golfers at least had to be able to carry on a passable conversation.

Fortunately, the issue of language has not come up in the NASCAR garage.  Most drivers are "home grown" and can at least carry on a conversation, sure to meet Ms. Rankin’s criteria. 

Granted, the sport has some “good old boys” left, who still mix up their verb tenses and sometimes muddy up the English language.  Just ask Kenny Wallace, who is constantly correcting his own grammar. 

And yes, when Ward Burton was racing, the sport did have to use subtitles to inform the listeners just what he was saying, between his drawl and mumbling. 

But now that NASCAR does have more foreign-born drivers from other countries due to the influx of the Formula 1 and Indy series drivers, will this become a problem?   

Even with the more globally diverse driver pool, language has not been an issue.  In fact, most fans have been thoroughly enjoying the dare we say “sexy” accent of Juan Pablo Montoya or the wonderful “shrimp on the barby” manner of speaking by Marcos Ambrose.  For many, the fan favorite is undoubtedly the amazing brogue of Dario Franchitti.

In spite of the continuing exodus from the more global racing leagues to NASCAR, don’t expect the racing powers that be to institute the type of policy handed down by the LPGA any time soon.  Drivers may need to work on their interviewing techniques, but for the most part are fluent in the English language.    

Now the test will be if they can recite the Constitution.