NASCAR Stars Say No Disrespect for Obama

HAMPTON, Ga. (AP) - NASCAR stars Tony Stewart and Greg Biffle say they can't attend next week's visit to the White House because of scheduling conflicts. Both insist they mean no disrespect toward President Obama.

Both drivers have been to the White House before and met the president. In fact, Biffle says he has a picture shaking hands with Obama on display in his office.

Biffle says he couldn't get out of a two-day appearance for main sponsor 3M in Minnesota next week. Stewart won't reveal where he will be but says he would have accepted the invitation if possible.

The president invited NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson and 11 other drivers who made the Chase last year. Kevin Harvick and Carl Edwards also say they can't attend.