The Associated Press

Barack Obama made an unannounced visit to Ellis Pop Soda Shoppe in Abingdon.

ABINGDON, Va.  -- Having legendary drag racer "Big Daddy" Don Garlits stop by Abingdon's old-style soda shop Tuesday was a big deal for shop owner Doug Ellis.

Then in walked Barack Obama.

The Democratic nominee was headed to a southwestern Virginia campaign event when he stopped unannounced to order a burger, sweet potato fries and a vanilla shake at the Ellis Pop Soda Shoppe & Grill.

Obama was checking out antique Coca-Cola memorabilia when he met Garlits, who had come by for ice cream while in Abingdon visiting his daughter.

Garlits, 76, pioneered the sport from 1950 until his 2003 retirement and now lives in Ocala, Fla.

Garlits said afterward he's a lifelong Republican frustrated with Washington and is undecided between Obama and John McCain.