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http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/26/mitt-romney-nascar-team-owners_n_1303029.html

Mitt Romney: 'I Have Some Friends Who Are NASCAR Team Owners'

After spending much of the week in Michigan defending his opposition to the 2008 auto bailout, Mitt Romney got acquainted with a different side of the car industry during a visit to Florida's Daytona International Speedway.

Asked Sunday if he follows racing Romney replied, "Not as closely as some of the most ardent fans, but I have some friends who are NASCAR team owners," the AP reports.

The comments come after Romney set off a media firestorm on Friday when, following a speech on the state of the economy, he told a Detroit audience that his wife drives "a couple of Cadillacs."

Romney, who also attended the event last year, spoke with racers and fans a few hours before the Daytona 500 on Sunday, telling them the event "combines a couple of things I like best, cars and sports.''

He said his decision to leave Michigan just days before the state's February primary wasn't a sign he was confident he'd win.

"No, it's a sign of a guy who loves cars,'' he said. "And this has always been a place where American cars have shined. And a long history from Daytona being connected with Detroit, with Detroit cars, and with the spirit of America.''

Romney declined the opportunity to trash talk a car sponsored by his rival, Rick Santorum.

"I just hope they all have a good race,'' Romney said.

AP audio below:

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