[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 114 (Thursday, August 5, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1794]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PEPSI SOUTHERN 500

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                        HON. JOHN M. SPRATT, JR.

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 5, 1999

  Mr. SPRATT. Mr. Speaker, on September 5th of this year, the 
Darlington Raceway will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Southern 
500 stock car race, now known as the Pepsi Southern 500.
  The Darlington Raceway, I'm proud to say, is located in my district. 
It was built in 1949, and unlike most stock car tracks of its day, it 
was paved with asphalt, giving the track its name, ``The Lady in 
Black.''
  Harold Brasington, a native of Darlington, attended the Indianapolis 
500 in 1933, and brought home with him a dream, a vision of some day 
having a race track in his home town, Darlington, South Carolina. 
Harold Brasington's dream had to wait out the Depression and World War 
II, but he nurtured it and in 1949 he made it come true.
  The first Southern 500 was held on September 1, 1950, and sanctioned 
by ``Big Bill'' France and NASCAR, the National Association of Stock 
Car Auto Racing. Strom Thurmond was the Governor of South Carolina at 
the time, and he and his lovely wife, Jean, cut the ribbon and 
christened the race the ``Southern 500,'' to the delight of 25,000 
fans, an unexpected overflow crowd.
  The Southern 500 was an instant success. It soon grew into the 
largest sporting event in South Carolina. This Labor Day Weekend, over 
100,000 people are expected for the 50th anniversary. Millions more 
will enjoy the race by television or radio.
  The great success of the Darlington Raceway started with the vision 
and skills of two great entrepreneurs, Harold Brasington and ``Big 
Bill'' France, both now gone. But their leadership has been carried 
forward by Jim Hunter, who has made Darlington Raceway bigger and 
better than ever, and who has won recognition as South Carolina's 
``Economic Ambassador.'' Because of his skills as a manager and sports 
promoter, the Pepsi Southern 500 and the TranSouth 400 now generate 
over $50 million, making the Darlington Raceway a top source of tourism 
income for South Carolina.
  Other race tracks have been built since 1949, some larger, some more 
glamorous than Darlington. But the Darlington Raceway remains world 
famous, and an attraction fans everywhere, because it remains the 
genuine article.
  The Darlington Raceway has never forgotten its roots and the people 
who helped make it what it is. Every year, the Darlington Raceway makes 
a substantial contribution to Darlington's schools. It recognizes a 
Darlington County Teacher of the Year, and awards a scholarship to a 
Darlington County high school senior; and every year, it cosponsors a 
gala honoring 1500 county educators.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent the Darlington Raceway. As we 
approach the 50th Anniversary of the Southern 500, I think 
commendations are in order for Jim Hunter, President of the Darlington 
Raceway; for Bill France, Jr., CEO of International Speedway 
Corporation and President of NASCAR; and for everyone involved in 
bringing us 50 years of the finest, most exciting stock car racing in 
the world.

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