NEW : Sponsorship comes during gun control debate in Washington . We salute our flag , volunteer in our churches and communities , cherish our families , and we love racing . '' For the first time , the NRA will sponsor a top-level NASCAR event . The NRA has been criticized for its ties to the National Rifle Association and other conservative groups that have pushed for stricter firearms laws. More than 190,000 fans expected to attend the race planned for prime time .
NEW : Sponsorship comes during gun control debate in Washington . For the first time , the NRA will sponsor a top-level NASCAR event . The NRA has been criticized for its ties to the National Rifle Association and other conservative groups that have pushed for stricter firearms laws. More than 190,000 fans expected to attend the race planned for prime time .