News-Record.com

From the governor's office:

RALEIGH - Gov. Mike Easley will take the wheel of Casey Mears' No. 25 National Guard/GMAC "American Heroes" Car Saturday (May 19) to raise money for the North Carolina National Guard Family Readiness Program. The Governor, who will race a few laps around the track prior to the start of the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, has already received numerous pledges for the program from private donors.

"The men and women in the North Carolina National Guard make significant sacrifices being overseas serving our country," said Easley. "Their families feel their sacrifice and our National Guard Family Readiness Program helps out with such things as car repairs, late mortgage payments, or things that families with an unexpected drop in income would experience. I am asking every citizen and business to join in giving a little bit back during race week."

Click here for the full release, which includes how to donate.

A worthy charity, no doubt. But don't these folks know what happens when the governor gets behind the wheel?

Our friends at the Associated Press remind us:

Easley has had his share of adventures _ and misadventures _ behind the wheel of a stock car.

In May 2005, the governor kicked off a legislative session by driving Jimmie Johnson's No. 48 Chevrolet from the Executive Mansion to the Legislative Building less than two blocks away. As he drove away from his official residence, Easley fishtailed and nearly hit a parked car, but caused no damage.

Two years earlier, he wrecked another of Johnson's cars while driving at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

Can someone please move the Lt. Governor to a safe location with plenty of water, a bible and judge until this little adventure is over? Just in case, you know.