[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 146 (Tuesday, September 19, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1808]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO EARL BALTES

                                 ______


                          HON. JOHN A. BOEHNER

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 19, 1995

  Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize Earl Baltes for his 
past and present efforts as a race track owner and promoter. Earl has 
been a promoter of auto racing for most of his life, providing race 
fans with the excitement of sprint car racing for more than 40 years.
  Earl's racetrack, Eldora Speedway is just north of Greenville, OH, 
and has hosted veteran drivers such as Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt, 
Johnny Rutherford, Roger McCluskey, and Bobby and Al Unser, Sr. just as 
they were beginning their careers. More recently, up and coming racers 
including Jeff Gordon, Ken Schrader, Ernie Irvan, and Jeff Purvis have 
competed at Eldora. Certainly, Eldora Speedway and the name Earl Baltes 
is familiar throughout the auto racing industry. While there may be a 
few who have raced at Eldora and do not have fond memories, they all 
fondly remember Eldora Speedway and Earl.
  Earl's hard work and perseverance have come to fruition. Eldora 
Speedway ranks among the premier short-track facilities in the nation--
attracting auto racing drives and fans from across the country and 
throughout the world. His dream of turning a cornfield into a top 
ranked race track has become a reality.
  At age 74, when many have settled down to a life of retirement, Earl 
continues to thrill race fans with some of the greatest sprint car 
racing in the world. The sport has changed a great deal since Earl 
built Eldora Speedway in 1954, and only through determination and hard 
work has Earl remained successful.
  Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize Earl Baltes and thank 
him, on behalf of my district and on behalf of race fans everywhere for 
giving race car drivers the opportunity to excel and for providing fans 
the thrill of auto racing.

                          ____________________