[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 57 (Tuesday, May 6, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E851]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     COMMENDING MRS. CLEO CHANDLER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. BOB RILEY

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 6, 1997

  Mr. RILEY. Mr. Speaker, when Jan and Dean wrote their 1963 classic 
hit song ``Little Old Lady From Pasadena,'' little did they know that 
nearly three decades later, Cleo Chandler would bring the familiar 
lyrics to life--racing not a ``Super Stock Dodge'' but a 1965 Chevy 
Chevelle in the International Hot Rod Association's stock eliminator 
class.
  Cleo began her drag racing career in 1983, at age 68, when her son 
gave her the car as a Christmas gift. Apparently, after receiving the 
car, Cleo was so determined to become a drag racer that she would 
practice starts in her driveway. However, rumor has it that because her 
driveway was so short, Cleo would have to immediately hit the car's 
brakes to bring it to a stop before speeding into oncoming traffic. 
Sure enough, when Cleo finally made it to her first race, she got to 
the starting line, hit the accelerator, took off-and, true to her 
conditioned response, immediately hit the brakes.
  Since then though, the 81-year-old great-grandmother has managed to 
score an impressive racing record. In 1992, at age 76, she won her 
first national event and has appeared in four more IHRA national event 
finals. Cleo has set three IHRA world records in stock eliminator class 
and was chosen Stock Car Driver of the Year in 1993 by Car Craft 
magazine.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to commend Cleo 
for all of her accomplishments. She is truly an inspiration and proof 
to us all that you never get old if you are young at heart.

                          ____________________