Filed under: Motorsports
Freemasons getting into NASCAR
If bestselling author Dan Brown ever decides to center a book around racing, the Freemasons, who figure largely in his symbology-driven novels, have served up a real-life scenario that he can draw from. Seth Stevenson, who writes Slate.com's Ad Report Card, delves into the details surrounding the Masons' NASCAR Busch Series #34 Scottish Rite Chevrolet (which is decorated with a giant two-headed Masonic eagle on its hood).
Stevenson ran across the machine when he saw it parked outside the Masonic Temple in Washington D.C. The seemingly incongruous combination has a purpose: the Masons are recruiting, and they think that the massive TV exposure the car will receive during race telecasts will help bring in new, younger members.
If I was a conspiracy nut, I'd carry on about about the subliminal messages ESPN will unwittingly be broadcasting as the symbol-covered racer makes the Busch Series rounds. The truth is, however, viewers who don't know better (I'm guessing this will be more than a few) are just as likely to look at "Scottish Rite" and the Masonic eagle and assume it's all a promotion for some sort of new deodorant or shampoo as they are to make the Masonic connection and investigate further at their local hall. You have to credit the Masons for thinking out of the box on this one, though.
Naturally, there are additional elements to the story -- the Scottish Rite apparently isn't paying the race team a dime, even though they're the car's primary sponsor -- that make the whole thing even more interesting. Especially if you put your tinfoil hat on. Read the whole thing.
Photo details: Left to right - Scottish Rite executive director William G. Sizemore, driver Brian Conz, team owner Frank Cicci
[Source: Slate.com]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
fizzandpop 1:48PM (1/30/2007)
Well this just proves how much NASCAR is bricking itself up in its fat, middle-aged white guy ghetto. Completely irrelevant sport, fans, concept, blah, blah, blah.
BTW. Did anyone see the DTM on Speed last night? Now that's a racing series.
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SSBR 1:51PM (1/30/2007)
The holy grail, the world.. and now NASCAR??
http://www.rolesor.com
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Chris 2:09PM (1/30/2007)
Ah yes, I can see how "relevant" the DTM series is. What time is that on? Midnight?
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fizzandpop 3:14PM (1/30/2007)
And what time is NASCAR on in the rest of the world? Er, NEVER!
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logiste 4:22PM (1/30/2007)
actually the Masonic Lodge is in Alexandria, VA. Close enough to DC sure, but not actually in DC...
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Peter 4:26PM (1/30/2007)
I wonder if they make beer helmets that look like Shriner fezs?
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Bill 5:47PM (1/30/2007)
#5
No, that is the creepy looking Scottish Rite temple on 16th St NW, not the temple on the hill at King St in Alexandria.
There's a lot more than just one Masonic lodge...
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Widows Son 7:13PM (1/30/2007)
Not all Freemasons are happy about having the Scottish Rite advertising on stockcars. Our article about the Scottish Rite sponsorship of NASCAR has garnered more comments on my Masonic blog than any topic ever. Check it out and tell us what you think.
Widow's Son
BurningTaper.com
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Widows Son 7:22PM (1/30/2007)
Oops. The link to the NASCAR-Masonic articles are:
http://burningtaper.blogspot.com/2007/01/scottish-rite-sponsors-nascar-driver.html
http://burningtaper.blogspot.com/2007/01/correction-scottish-rites-nascar-car.html
http://burningtaper.blogspot.com/2007/01/slate-fox-sports-weigh-in-on-bizarre.html
Widow's Son
BurningTaper.com
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Chris 8:28PM (1/30/2007)
Actually NASCAR is brodcast in Australia, Europe, and Asia. I have seen races while I visited China so get over yourself and save your anti-NASCAR rant for some who cares.
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paul34 10:44PM (1/30/2007)
Hmm... so what you're suggesting is that Jesus was actually a NASCAR driver, and that the disciple to his right side was Dale, Jr.?
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Masonic Facts 9:13AM (2/02/2007)
http://scottishrite.blogspot.com/
Nascars first sponsor that discriminates upon gender in all 50 states and color in 10 states.
Ask the Scottish Rite if they have women members?
Ask them do they have black members in AL,GA,FL,LA,MS,TN,AR,TX,NC,SC?
Ask them why they have done anything in these states to stop racism?
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