Police siren or roaring engine? Rita Goulet, a 40-year-old Police Sergeant, is set to cause a stir on the racetrack. She’s just been confirmed to drive full-time in the ARCA Menards Series East in 2024. Goulet’s venture into high-speed racing won’t just be behind any car but the No. 31 for Rise Motorsports. 

And guess who’s funding her? A Facebook announcement from Sept. 19 unveiled the National Police Association as the primary sponsor. Could we be seeing more blue on the race track next year? Can racing lines draw the line between love and hate?

Controversy Erupts Over Rita Goulet’s Racing Skills

As recently confirmed by Frontstretch, Goulet is set to dominate the ARCA track in 2024. Driving the No. 31 for Rise Motorsports and having the National Police Association as her primary sponsor, Goulet is bringing more than just her racing skills to the circuit; she’s bringing a potent message—#supportthepolice. 

With this blend of racing and rallying for police support, the NASCAR and ARCA community’s pit lane chatter has never been louder. The Rise Motorsports Facebook post illuminating the collaboration mentioned their excitement in “partnering with police-related community and fundraising efforts.” 

It’s not just about racing. It’s about rallying for a cause close to Goulet’s heart. Having debuted in ARCA in 2022 and contested six out of eight East events in 2023, Goulet’s ARCA journey is only beginning to hit its stride. The Reddit community is notoriously known for not holding back, and this time, they’ve got their eyes set on Rita. 

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Voices Clash Over Goulet’s ARCA Aspirations

Reddit turned into a virtual demolition derby of opinions. Comments ranged from doubting Goulet’s skills and questioning the National Police Association’s funding to speculations on taxpayer dollars. 

“It’s pretty sad that this is bad news for the series,” bemoans one user. 

At the same time, another goes a step further, pointing fingers at Goulet’s competence, “Rita Goulet has no business driving a race car. I’ve hardly ever seen anyone as bad as her and her husband Tim. 🤦🏻‍♂️”.

The National Police Association’s involvement didn’t escape Reddit’s eagle-eyed users either. “The NPA is a shady ‘non profit’ but it isn’t using tax dollars.” 

Another chimes in, seemingly bemused at the career change, “She’s a police officer, she’s using her pay to fund her abysmal racing career.”

“She’d be better off doing her job than making a fool of herself in ARCA,” an unimpressed user shared, only to be met with a zingy retort, “You’d be better off getting a job rather than making a fool of yourself on Reddit.”

Of course, some can’t help but poke fun at the financing with quips like, “Taxpayer money hard at work to run 5 laps down.”

Amidst the critics, some voices rose in defense. “Yo u/notanothermiata, don’t listen to these idiots. They’re jealous. You’re doing what we all wish we could do. You’re busting your a** and knuckles and doing what you love.” 

Another adds, “It’s her money to do with what she wants. Just because you have a job funded by taxpayers doesn’t mean you have to answer to the taxpayers for how you spend your paycheck.”

As the ARCA community awaits the 2024 East schedule, one thing is certain: Rita Goulet’s presence on the track is already causing ripples, both of excitement and skepticism. Will the Police Sergeant emerge as a surprise champion, or will the critics get the last laugh?

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