Senate Concurrent Resolution 640

(COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE GREAT PROFESSIONAL SPORT OF NASCAR AND ITS POPULARITY IN MISSISSIPPI AND REMEMBERING THE SPORTS LEGACY OF DALE EARNHARDT, SR.

WHEREAS, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) held its first sanctioned race in 1948, and since that time, NASCAR has grown into a national sport with an estimated 75 million fans; and

WHEREAS, from 1990-2006, NASCAR joined the ranks of the four major professional sports, bringing even more attention to the sport and its champion. The 1990s will go down in history as one of the most exciting decades the sport has seen. Attendance skyrocketed, TV ratings boomed and some memorable championship moments were forged in our memories; and

WHEREAS, as great as the sport of NASCAR is today, it only got that way by standing on the shoulders of the giants who pioneered the sport. Their stories are part of the American dream; and

WHEREAS, it's no accident that NASCAR has evolved into the major sport it is today. The secret to its success can be found in its complex plan to create opportunities for all its fans, including many in Mississippi, teams, drivers, manufacturers, promoters and sponsors; and

WHEREAS, NASCAR racing legend Dale Earnhardt, Sr., was born on April 29, 1951; and

WHEREAS, with 76 victories during his career, including seven Winston Cup Championships, four International Race of Champions (IROC) Championships, 10 wins at Talladega Superspeedway and 34 wins at Daytona International Speedway, Dale Earnhardt was truly the face of NASCAR, inspiring fans throughout Mississippi and the nation with his skill on the track; and

WHEREAS, known as "The Intimidator," Dale Earnhardt, at the wheel of the No. 3 car, created a legacy in Mississippi amassing so many wins; and

WHEREAS, Dale Earnhardt changed the sport of racing, bridging past, present and future generations of fans by upholding the finest NASCAR traditions while remaining a cutting-edge competitor throughout the entirety of his career; and

WHEREAS, Dale Earnhardt's tragic death on February 18, 2001, deeply touched countless people, including many Mississippians, and the loss of this great icon of auto racing and his presence at tracks across the country will be missed for generations to come; and

WHEREAS, this Legislature commends the work of NASCAR and the NASCAR Foundation in bringing together drivers, teams, fans, industry partners and others to serve the causes and charities that reflect the core values of the entire NASCAR Family:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do recognize the great professional sport of NASCAR and its importance to the State of Mississippi, and urge NASCAR fans throughout Mississippi to remember the sports legacy of Dale Earnhardt, Sr.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be forwarded to Mississippi NASCAR affiliates and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.