House Concurrent Resolution 46

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE DISTINGUISHED AND ACCOMPLISHED CAREER OF MISSISSIPPI AND AMERICAN RACE CAR DRIVING LEGEND, MR. CHARLIE KEMP, AND ACKNOWLEDGING HIS PROFOUND CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SPORT OF RACING.

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that the Mississippi Legislature recognizes the extraordinary career and lasting legacy of one of the most remarkable race car drivers of all time, Mr. Charlie Kemp, a Mississippi native whose legendary prowess on the track forever changed the landscape of American motorsports; and

WHEREAS, born in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, Mr. Kemp's passion for racing ignited at the young age of 16 when he made his debut at the Speedbowl quarter-mile dirt track in Jackson, Mississippi, finishing third in his first race and embarking on a lifelong journey of unparalleled success in competitive racing; and

WHEREAS, demonstrating an innate ability to master speed and control, Mr. Kemp dominated Mississippi's racing circuits by securing back-to-back state championships in drag racing with his supercharged 1955 Thunderbird, achieving an unprecedented three-year unbeaten streak, and cementing his reputation as an elite competitor; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Kemp's transition to sports car racing through the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) in 1963 marked the beginning of an illustrious career that saw him competing against some of the greatest names in racing history, including A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, Stirling Moss, and Mark Donohue, among others; and

WHEREAS, his racing achievements include a historic tenure with the Shelby GT350 R, a vehicle that became the "winningest" Shelby in history under his command, setting an unmatched record of 17 consecutive victories, 32 overall wins, and an astonishing recorded top speed of 184 mph at Daytona — a feat praised by Carroll Shelby himself; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Kemp further solidified his racing legacy in the prestigious Can-Am series, where he piloted iconic vehicles such as the McLaren M8C, Lola T222, and Porsche 917/10, claiming a first-place victory at the 1973 Can-Am Mosport and earning a manufacturer's title for General Motors while continuing to break new ground in the highly competitive European Interseries; and

WHEREAS, his contributions to motorsports innovation extended beyond the driver's seat, as evidenced by his pivotal role in developing the Kemp Cobra II Mustang prototype, a revolutionary Bob Riley-designed IMSA race car that was so advanced in speed and performance that it was ultimately "outlawed" by the sanctioning body; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Kemp's impact on racing continued well into the modern era, as he remained an influential figure in motorsports through team ownership and development, fostering young talent and contributing to the advancement of the sport on both national and international levels; and

WHEREAS, Talladega Superspeedway recognized his legacy by naming its first sports car race the "Charlie Kemp Challenge" in 1970, an honor that reflects his lasting influence and the widespread admiration of his peers; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and celebrate the remarkable career and enduring contributions of Mississippi icons of Mr. Kemp's prestige, whose skill, tenacity, and pioneering spirit have left an indelible mark on the world of motorsports and bestowed immense pride upon the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the distinguished and accomplished career of Mr. Charlie Kemp, acknowledge his profound contributions to the sport of racing, and extend to him and his family deepest appreciation for his tireless dedication to the advancement of motorsports.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Charlie Kemp and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.