Congressional Record, Volume 147 Issue 24 (Tuesday, February 27, 2001)

[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 27, 2001)]
[House]
[Pages H416-H422]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

RECOGNIZING AND HONORING DALE EARNHARDT

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
resolution (H. Res. 57) recognizing and honoring Dale Earnhardt and
expressing the condolences of the House of Representatives to his
family on his death.
The Clerk read as follows:

H. Res. 57

Whereas Ralph Dale Earnhardt was born in Kannapolis, North
Carolina, on April 29, 1951;
Whereas Dale Earnhardt was the son of Martha and the late
Ralph Earnhardt and brother of Danny Earnhardt, Randy
Earnhardt, Kaye Snipes, and Cathy Watkins;
Whereas his father, Ralph Earnhardt, a pioneer of the
National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR),
introduced Dale Earnhardt to the sport, and Dale began racing
Hobby-class cars in and around Kannapolis, working full-time
welding and mounting tires during the day and either racing
or working on his cars at night;
Whereas, upon the death of his father in 1973, Dale
Earnhardt followed in his footsteps, becoming a professional
race car driver;
Whereas Dale Earnhardt made his Winston Cup debut in 1975
and was named Rookie of the Year in 1979, his first full
season of racing;
Whereas Dale Earnhardt earned his first Winston Cup
Championship in 1980, becoming the first driver to win Rookie
of the Year honors and the Winston Cup Championship in
successive years;
Whereas Dale Earnhardt had an extraordinary career as a
NASCAR driver, was named Driver of the Year five times, and
is tied with Richard Petty for the most Winston Cup
Championships, with seven titles;
Whereas Dale Earnhardt won 76 career races, including the
1998 Daytona 500;
Whereas Dale Earnhardt lived and worked in Mooresville,
North Carolina, and his racing and related businesses
contributed much to the employment, business development, and
prestige of Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Davidson, Iredell,
Lincoln, and Rowan counties in North Carolina;
Whereas Dale Earnhardt, nicknamed the Intimadator, was a
fierce competitor, an exceptional driver, and a legend in his
sport;
Whereas Dale Earnhardt was always known for his kindness
and friendliness to his fans and community;
Whereas Dale Earnhardt was a loving husband to his wife,
Teresa, and an exemplary father to his sons, Dale Jr. and
Kerry, and daughters, Kelley and Taylor;
Whereas Dale Earnhardt was a man of strong faith and had on
his dashboard a citation from Proverbs 18:10, ``The name of
the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous runneth into it and
is safe.'';
Whereas Dale Earnhardt was one of the most respected
drivers for his achievements on and off the track and in the
words of his son, Dale Jr., ``stands as an example of what
hard work and dedication will achieve. He praises God, loves
his family, enjoys his friends.''; and
Whereas Dale Earnhardt died in a crash during the final lap
of the Daytona 500 on February 18, 2001, prompting Bill
France, Jr., Chairman of NASCAR's board of directors to
declare, ``NASCAR has lost its greatest driver in the history
of the sport.'' : Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes Dale Earnhardt as one of the greatest race
car drivers ever to participate in the sport of racing and
for his many contributions to the Nation throughout his
lifetime, and honors him for transcending the sport of racing
to become a role model as both a talented competitor and as a
loving husband and father; and
(2) extends its deepest condolences to the family of Dale
Earnhardt.

The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Stearns). Pursuant to the rule, the
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica) and the gentlewoman from the District
of Columbia (Ms. Norton) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica).

General Leave

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks
on H. Res. 57.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Florida?
There was no objection.
Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

[[Page H417]]

Mr. Speaker, I doubt that there has ever been a day in American
sports history as full of rapidly changing emotions as we experienced
at this year's Daytona 500 race. Millions of NASCAR fans watched as
Michael Waltrip won his first victory in 463 starts as Dale Earnhardt,
Jr. finished a very close second.
Both cars were owned by racing legend Dale Earnhardt. But back coming
out of turn four, the familiar black numbered car three of Dale
Earnhardt himself was sitting motionless after striking hard into the
wall in a multi-car accident. Jubilation for Michael Waltrip's victory
rapidly turned to concern for Dale. Sadly, the worst fears of millions
were confirmed that evening when NASCAR President Mike Helton
announced, ``we've lost Dale Earnhardt.''
Mr. Speaker, the man NASCAR Chairman Bill France called NASCAR's
``greatest driver'' was dead. With this resolution today, the House of
Representatives recognizes Dale Earnhardt as one of the greatest
drivers ever to participate in the sport of racing and for his
contributions to the Nation throughout his lifetime.
It honors him for transcending the sport of racing to become a role
model as both a talented competitor and also as a loving husband and
father. The resolution also expresses our very deepest condolences to
Dale's family.
Mr. Speaker, it is hard to overestimate the impact Dale Earnhardt had
on the sport of auto racing. He was well known as ``the Intimidator.''
He was a fiercely competitive driver who would, in the words of NASCAR
driver Jimmy Spencer, and I quote, ``race you just as hard for the 20th
as he would for the win.''
His accomplishments are familiar. He won seven NASCAR Winston Cup
titles and three IROC championships.
He was motorsports' leading all-time money winner, and sixth on the
career Winston Cup victories list, with 76, and was closing in on Terry
Labonte's record of 655 consecutive starts.
But this list of accomplishments really does not convey the respect
that other drivers and racing experts held for Dale Earnhardt's skill.
They talked about his so-called car control, about how he could save
his car when others would have wrecked. They said he was so good that
he could, as they have been quoted, ``see the air.'' Nor does it convey
the affection that so many held for this fierce competitor.
Jimmy Spencer has said ``there were two Dale Earnhardts; the Dale
Earnhardt that raced you for every inch on the track, and the Dale
Earnhardt who cared about making people happy.'' Dale Jarret called
Earnhardt ``the greatest driving talent NASCAR has ever seen,'' but
chose to remember him, as I would like to quote, ``for his caring and
giving personality.''
His popularity among those involved in NASCAR, as well as with racing
fans, was demonstrated when, after many years, Dale finally won the
Daytona 500, NASCAR's most prestigious race. The Intimidator drove to
the victory lane amidst the outstretched hands of virtually every
member of his competitors' teams as they lined up to cheer him.
Richard Childress, for whom Dale Earnhardt raced for almost 20 years,
reminded us that Dale, and I quote, ``was a loving husband and a proud
father and grandfather.''
Mr. Speaker, I have the great honor and privilege of representing the
most famous auto raceway in the world, the Daytona Beach Speedway. At
Daytona a week ago this past Sunday, racing fans and the Dale Earnhardt
family lost their hero.
From Daytona Beach to Kannapolis, North Carolina, from our Atlantic
to Pacific shores, Dale Earnhardt's sudden death made us all pause.
Over and over, millions of Americans and fans throughout the world have
viewed those television clips of that crash.
Having seen Dale Earnhardt survive much more ferocious-looking wrecks
made it even more difficult to accept his lost.

{time} 1415

While his legend still lives, Dale Earnhardt has taken his place in
history. Many may race, but no one will ever match the fame or
admiration this man has achieved. That admiration is reflected in the
tributes, not that I just cited, but the tributes I have seen across
our country in the past few days, not just the words of people in high
places, but in the small shop marquees, on local business signs and
handmade placards throughout our land.
Our only consolation is that, as Dale's son has said, his dad went to
be in a better place. I somehow know that this is true having
personally witnessed Dale and other race car drivers in their pre-race
gatherings and driver meetings. I remember them well, particularly in
Daytona.
What struck me as I observed these racing stars in these pre-race
sessions was not a rowdy, boisterous racing group, but a prayerful
gathering of gentlemen, many surrounded by their family. We saw this
past week that faith, those same family members and countless fans who
came most respectfully together to honor his memory.
I believe Dale Earnhardt would be as proud of the way he has been
remembered as we are as proud of his memory.
Mr. Speaker, our hearts go out today to Dale's wife Teresa and to
Dale's family as they grieve the loss of this remarkable man. I
encourage all Members to support this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
The Earnhardt family has a passion for race car driving. Dale
Earnhardt's father Ralph was a pioneer of the National Association for
Stock Car Auto Racing. Ralph Earnhardt died at age 45 of a heart attack
while working on a race car. Dale's son, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., is also a
race car driver. It sure runs in the family.
It is regrettable that Dale, Sr. died while pursuing his passion,
racing his familiar No. 3 black Chevrolet in a pack of cars in the
Daytona 500.
Earnhardt, known as the Intimidator for his blunt demeanor, his push-
broom mustache, and his steely, unrelenting driving style left behind
an extraordinary record of achievement: 76 career wins over 26 years, 7
Winston Cup championships, more than $40 million in career earnings.
Dale Earnhardt was one of the best known stock car drivers our
country has ever seen. He may become even better known as the catalyst
that made NASCAR driving a safer sport.
Earnhardt's death, which may have been attributed to a broken lap
belt, has led some drivers to question how NASCAR investigates
fatalities and addresses safety concerns. With NASCAR's fourth fatality
in 10 months, drivers seem eager to take an active role in making sure
stock car racing is as safe as it is enjoyable to millions of
Americans.
When hearing of Dale Earnhardt's death Bill France, Jr., Chairman of
NASCAR's Board of Directors, declared NASCAR has lost its greatest
driver in the history of the sport.
NASCAR and stock car racing fans have lost a legendary race car
driver, and they may gain inspiration to ensure that it never happens
again.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 minutes to the
gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Hayes), a sponsor of this
resolution.
(Mr. HAYES asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sorrow but with great honor
to rise before my colleagues today and to speak about a man that I had
the privilege of knowing. The North Carolina delegation has joined
unanimously together to honor the life and the accomplishments of Dale
Earnhardt, and we will hear from a number of our Members.
I was asked particularly by the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr.
Coble), who is unable to be here, to relay his best wishes, condolences
to the Earnhardt family. He has been detained at a charitable event.
I would like to identify myself with the remarks of the gentleman
from Florida (Mr. Mica) and thank the gentlewoman from the District of
Columbia (Ms. Norton) for her kind remarks.
Thousands and thousands of people were touched by Dale Earnhardt. One
of the things that has come out of this week of mourning and
memorialization are a number of facts. On Dale

[[Page H418]]

Earnhardt's dashboard was Proverbs 18:10, which says, ``The name of the
Lord is a strong tower. The righteous run to it and are safe.'' This
was on his dashboard, placed there by another driver's wife. This is
what Dale Earnhardt believed. As the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica)
said, his faith was a tremendous part of his life, his career, and his
witness to the public.
He has left unmatchable marks on history for his skill as a driver,
his reflexes, his coordination. He could do things with an automobile
that no one else could do. He was said to be able to manage an ill-
handling race car better than anyone else who has ever driven. It has
been remarkable this week in Kannapolis and Concord, the home of Dale
Earnhardt, the outpouring of sympathy, of grief, but again of
celebration for what this man, his family and the sport stands for.
Last week, a memorial service was held in Charlotte for the NASCAR
family. It was very, very remarkable. The chaplain of Motor Racing
Outreach, which is the ministry of NASCAR, gave a wonderful testimony
about the man who is often known as the Intimidator, but the man whom,
when he met the first time, he met as the father, the father of a
daughter Taylor, son Dale, Jr., Kelley. Also he has a son who was at
the memorial service on Sunday night, Kerry, in Kannapolis.
But, again, telling the story about Dale Earnhardt gave more about
the life of the man than any of his racing career, which is remarkable
in and of itself. He knew the Father. As Dale Beaver said, he has gone
to a better place to be with that Father because he knew the Son. The
Son was the relationship that he had that made it possible for him to
be with the Father.
As that service closed, Dale Beaver said to the audience, which
covered millions by television, do you know him, the Son that Dale
knew? Hundreds, thousands of people have come to know Christ because of
Dale Earnhardt's witness even in his passing.
One sports writer even said many, many people are going to want to go
to heaven now so they can get to meet Dale Earnhardt.
It was a remarkable service Sunday night. 5,000 people gathered at
the Kannapolis baseball stadium to pay homage to a fallen NASCAR hero.
A man whose son said he praises his God, he loves his family, and he
enjoys his fans, a remarkable, remarkable witness.
The gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton) was here a moment ago. As I
left the stadium that night, a man and his wife in the parking lot next
to me were from the district of the gentleman from Missouri (Mr.
Skelton). The folks on the other side were from Florida. They came from
everywhere, again, to pay homage to a man whose honesty, integrity,
straightforward speaking of the truth speaks volumes of his life, but
gives us examples as we go forward regardless of who we are and what we
do, examples of the kind of leadership we can exhibit because we have
either known him or known of him.
My sympathies to his family and my regards to all of those who know
and remember Dale Earnhardt.
Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
North Carolina (Mr. Etheridge).
Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me
this time and the chairman for bringing this resolution forward. Mr.
Speaker, let me thank the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Watt) and
the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Hayes) and other Members of our
delegation who have worked on it. It is important.
Just a little over a week ago, our national conscience was shocked at
the loss of a person who can only fittingly be described as a true
legend and a great North Carolina son. Our shock and dismay were
increased by the untimely death of a man who had really defied death
many times.
Dale Earnhardt was more than a hero to the racing world. He was and
will remain a true inspiration to countless people, many whose lives
may be very humble but who aspire to great things.
The story of Dale Earnhardt is a story of the American dream. Dale
Earnhardt knew what every American is taught: If one works hard, plays
by the rules and remains committed to one's faith, one's family and
one's community, one's dreams are only limited by the size of one's
imagination.
Dale Earnhardt dreamed at an early age that he would race cars when
he grew up, just like his daddy had, and on the dirt tracks of eastern
North Carolina, that dream came true. Dale Earnhardt dreamed that one
day he would join the Winston Cup series; and in 1979 he did, finishing
that year with rookie of the year honors.
Dale Earnhardt dreamed of winning, and he did, winning 76 times. He
dreamed of winning the Winston Cup championship, the true test of
season-long endurance for a stock car racer; and that dream was
fulfilled seven times.
Dale Earnhardt dreamed of winning racing's version of the Super Bowl,
and he realized that dream in 1998, when he finally won the big one
that had alluded him, the Daytona 500.
Dale also had big dreams for his family, and he was proud of all of
his children. But, you know, he must have been especially proud to have
had two of his sons follow him into racing, just as he had followed his
father into the sport.
If my colleagues did not know the Intimidator and do not know him, or
if they do not follow NASCAR, they may not understand the loss that so
many millions of Americans are feeling today. Because of his humble
roots, competitive drive, the size of his desire and his dreams, and
his personality, and because of the success this combination brought to
him, his family and his sport, his loss has touched a chord throughout
the Nation much like the loss of Elvis Presley did to an earlier
generation of Americans.
But our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the Earnhardt
family. Because so many people want to express their sympathy and
grief, I placed condolence books outside my office just yesterday, and
over 75 people have signed it. I will do another one in the Speaker's
lobby for the Members, Mr. Speaker.
Much like the official State tree of North Carolina, the Loblolly
Pine, Dale Earnhardt will always stand tall and proud, an inspiration
to every American who dreams big dreams, races to win, and reaches for
the stars.
Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to yield 2 minutes to the
distinguished gentlewoman from North Carolina (Mrs. Myrick).
Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleagues, the
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica) and the gentleman from North Carolina
(Mr. Hayes) for bringing this forward.
I rise today in sorrow like everyone else, but, yes, also to honor
one of North Carolina's greatest citizens, Dale Earnhardt. He was a
true original. There was only one of him. A lot of people said that
about him. He probably will go down in history because he has been
known throughout the world as one of the greatest race car drivers ever
to get behind the wheel of a stock car.
His talents may never be matched and his achievements may not be
paralleled, but his winning attitude both on and off the track is one
that really was contagious for so many people. His glory in race cars
was important, but I think the fact that he was such a fantastic role
model for so many people is what we really need to focus on.
I did know Dale Earnhardt, and I saw him touch many lives. He
inspired so many people because he showed them that you can, with
perseverance and determination, become anything you want in today's
world. You can live your dreams. You can accomplish your goals.
He never let his fame get in the way of his work ethic or in what he
did for the community. He did have enormous success, but he did not
forget his roots where he came from, and he never compromised his
beliefs.

{time} 1430

He encompassed the whole sport. And today, with what goes on in
sports, we do not see NASCAR drivers who are in and out of drug rehab,
or who are fighting over contracts or some of the other things that go
on. They live good lives and are good role models for most of the
people in this country, and they also dedicate their lives to their
passion. They have taught the rest of us about what it is to have true
devotion not only to sports but to our faith.
Dale Earnhardt was a leader, and the memory of his Number 3 black
Chevrolet is going to inspire fans for years

[[Page H419]]

to come. But I think ultimately his greatest legacy may be that he
inspired so many people who never have attended an automobile race or
maybe never will. But today they have been inspired by Dale Earnhardt.
Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
California (Mr. George Miller).
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman
for yielding me this time.
Mr. Speaker, 10 days ago, America lost one of its legends with the
death of Dale Earnhardt at the Daytona 500. In the best tradition of
NASCAR racing, in the tradition of Junior Johnson and King Richard,
Richard Petty, we lost a hero. We lost a person who understood
competition maybe better than anyone we have ever seen; a person who
understood that every day was about going out and seeing whether or not
he could be a winner.
Dale Earnhardt won 76 times over these 26 years. He won seven Winston
Cup championships. And it was for that reason that he was called ``the
Intimidator,'' because everyone knew, if they tuned in to a NASCAR
race, if the Number 3 was still on the track toward the end of the
race, he was going to spend all his time trying to figure out how to
win that race. It did not matter if he was down a lap or if he was in
the back of the pack; everyone knew he was going to try to edge his way
forward. Sometimes he did it by bumping people gently, sometimes he
bumped people roughly; but the fact was he felt it was open for anyone
to win that race.
He was not a great fan of managed competition or people deciding the
rules and the regulations under which NASCAR would be run. He did not
like the restrictors, the aerodynamic restrictions on design. He
thought it ought to be just raw competition, as those people who went
before him in the NASCAR races. That is why he was a hero to millions
and millions of people in this country and all over the world.
That is why when I called my son to talk about the accident
afterwards, he talked of how he and his wife sat there with tears in
their eyes as they realized that he had died. And other members of our
family who had been great fans of his over many, many, many years
suffered the loss along with his family and all of his fans.
Yes, we truly lost a great hero. We truly lost a wonderful role model
and example for so many people about playing every day for real and
about competing in the best form and with great gusto. We will miss the
Number 3. We will miss the Intimidator. But we know he leaves us a
legacy, and all of those drivers who follow him, as with his son, Dale
Earnhardt, Junior.
Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Virginia (Mr. Goodlatte).
Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me
this time.
The loss of Dale Earnhardt, Mr. Speaker, is a devastating tragedy to
his family, his fans, and the sport of auto racing. The seven-time
Winston Cup champion's death cuts deeper because he died while trying
to be a good friend, father, and boss.
Dale personified what NASCAR is about. His career spanned more than 2
decades and included 676 races, 76 victories and 70 second-place
finishes. He ran his first Winston Cup race at Charlotte Motor Speedway
on May 25, 1975, starting 33rd and finishing 22nd. He got his first
full-time ride in 1979 and scored his first victory on April 1 of that
year at Bristol, Tennessee. Earnhardt was rookie of the year that year
and its champion the very next season.
Dale helped move the sport of auto racing from a Southern tradition
to a mainstream American sport. It will continue that way. His presence
in the sport set a standard of excellence that may never be reached
again. His spirit will dwell on the race tracks and the garages and
with the fans forever.
Dale Earnhardt will likely go down as one of the greatest competitors
and drivers throughout NASCAR history; but he was also a husband, a
father, and grandfather, as well as a friend to many. He will be
greatly missed and all of our deepest sympathies are with the entire
Earnhardt family.
Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the
gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Watt), the author of the resolution.
Mr. WATT of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for
yielding me this time, and let me correct at the outset her statement.
This has been a joint effort from the very beginning; and I want to
thank my colleague, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Hayes), from
the adjoining congressional district, for placing the marker that
brings this resolution to the floor today and for working with us to
get the resolution in a form where both of us thought that it was
worthwhile and a good idea.
I also want to thank the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Coble) in
particular. Because while Dale Earnhardt was born in the district which
the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Hayes) represents, and lived in
my congressional district, he had his primary place of business in the
congressional district of the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr.
Coble). So this has really been a joint effort of the three of us.
But that is also an understatement, because all of our colleagues,
from North Carolina in particular, have a special feeling about what
this is all about; and we want to thank all of the representatives from
North Carolina for joining as cosponsors of the resolution, and I want
to thank all of my colleagues who have come to the floor and/or have
called to express support for the resolution.
I want to start, however, with another facet, because several people
have also called me and said why is this important enough to come to
the floor of the House. I want to address that issue, because I am not
sure that people really understand why this is so important. It is
obviously important, and we extend our sincere condolences to Dale
Earnhardt's mother, Martha, to his wife and to his brothers and their
children. This is important to them. Our hearts go out to them because
they have lost a member of their family.
My colleagues would never have believed the other people around this
family who, once they heard about the accident, lined up at the place
of business, went to the Charlotte Motor Speedway and were just there
building impromptu memorials to this hero. So in a special sort of way
Dale Earnhardt has an extended family that is unbelievable.
If my colleagues look at the contents of the resolution, they can see
that he lived in Mooresville, North Carolina, which is in my
congressional district; but his racing and related businesses
contributed much to the employment, business development, and prestige
of Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Iredell, Rowan, Davidson, and Lincoln
Counties in North Carolina.
Think about this sport, which has become such an exciting sport for
so many people all across America. There is not another single event
that brings the number of people to our area of the State as the World
600 race, with 160,000 to 180,000 people coming to observe this sport
and that race; coming into the neighborhood, coming into these counties
that surround the Charlotte Motor Speedway and making a major financial
contribution to our geographic area.
A lot of people have thought of racing as having a singular kind of
appeal to one group of people. But let me tell my colleagues that I
attended my first race more than 20 years ago and I found out what
attending a race of this kind is like. I have sat in the stands with
the fans, where everybody around me has become a part of my family for
that afternoon while participating in that event. I have sat in the
box, where there is an air of excitement there that is just
unbelievable, in addition to the business that it brings to the
community.
But we need to go beyond even that. Because for those people who
think that this sport is raw and for the unsophisticated, I have also
visited the shops of some of these race drivers where these cars are
prepared. There I found the most exquisite, advanced technology and the
tightest specifications that NASCAR imposes on these automobiles in
those shops. So while the perception may be out there that this sport
is for the good old guys, let me dissuade my colleagues of that notion.
This is fast becoming America's sport, much like basketball, much like
football. It has taken its place alongside of these, and this is an
important event.

[[Page H420]]

Of all of that background, now, let me take this one individual and
elevate him, because along with Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt was kind
of the superstar of this sport. Much like Michael Jordan and Wilt
Chamberlain became the superstars of basketball or there are
recognizable names in football, Dale Earnhardt became the hero and
recognizable name in this sport. And so we honor him particularly for
that reason.
But then there is another component to it. I picked up a newspaper,
The New York Times, over the weekend, and on the sports page there was
this touching article about how Dale Earnhardt had touched the life of
Rodney Rogers, who is a professional basketball player with the Phoenix
Suns when Rodney Rogers was attending Wake Forest University in North
Carolina. Dale Earnhardt reached out to him and they became friends. So
there is a special feeling between sports that this hero has generated.

{time} 1445

That feeling, that persona, that individual, that father, that
brother, that son, has permeated this whole sport. The loss of this
individual is a tremendous loss to our area. From everything I am
hearing from my colleagues now, they also recognize that it is a
tremendous loss to America. We honor Dale Earnhardt. We extend our
condolences to his family and to the racing family through this
resolution.
Farewell, Dale Earnhardt.
Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I want to express the sorrow and condolences of this side of the
aisle, and I know that Dale Earnhardt's family has the condolences of
this entire House. I want to express that sentiment especially to
Dale's family and to his millions of fans.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I want to commend both the gentleman from North Carolina
(Mr. Hayes) and the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Watt) for
introducing this resolution. I also want to take a moment to thank the
chairman of our full Committee on Government Reform, the gentleman from
Indiana (Mr. Burton); the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Scarborough), who
is chairman of the Subcommittee on Civil Service and Agency
Organization; as well as the ranking members of the full committee and
subcommittee, the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman) and the
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), for expediting consideration of
the resolution today.
Mr. Speaker, there is really little that we can do to ease the pain
of the Earnhardt family, but I hope they will look upon today's House
action as well as the outpouring of support from fans and friends
across the Nation as evidence of how the man they loved and who loved
them elevated this sport to new levels and touched the lives of so many
who never even met him. I hope it will offer some consolation to them
in their time of grief and help them to look back on their life with
Dale with pride on his many accomplishments and also the knowledge that
he meant so much to so many. I urge all Members to support this
resolution.
Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, as cochair of the Congressional Motor Sports
Caucus, I want to express my strong support for the resolution before
the House today, which honors the life and accomplishments of Dale
Earnhardt, Sr., who lost his life on the last lap of the Daytona 500 on
February 18.
Dale Earnhardt was arguably the greatest driver in NASCAR history. He
was Rookie of the Year in 1979, won his first Winston Cup Championship
the very next year, and won six more championships by 1994, tying the
record held by Richard Petty for most career titles. He won a
remarkable 76 races in his lifetime, yet it wasn't until 1998 that he
finally conquered the Daytona 500.
Known by such names as Ironhead, the Man in Black, and the
Intimidator for his take-no-prisoners style of driving. Dale Earnhardt
was a force to be reckoned with on race tracks across America. I
recently saw an excerpt from an interview he gave, where he commented
on the dangers associated with stock car racing. He said, ``Do you want
to race, or don't you? I want to race.'' These 12 words sum up Dale
Earnhardt's philosophy about his sport.
Stock car racing continues to be one of the most popular spectator
sports in America, and no one had more to do with that than Dale
Earnhardt. His black number 3 Chevy Monte Carlo and distinctive
signature are known not only in the United States, but worldwide. Fans
across this Nation have been honoring Dale Earnhardt's achievements and
mourning his tragic death. It is appropriate that the House of
Representatives join them as we pass this resolution today.
As we commemorate the life of a NASCAR legend, I offer my condolences
to the family, friends, and many fans of Dale Earnhardt. I urge all my
colleagues to join me in supporting the resolution.
Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to join my colleagues in
expressing sadness over the loss of racing legend, Dale Earnhardt. My
district has the honor of having the California Speedway in Fontana,
CA, a $120-million state-of-the-art facility that participates in the
NASCAR Winston Cup Series.
Dale Earnhardt was a true legend in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series
where he won seven titles. I join California Speedway President Bill
Miller in expressing deep sadness in this tragedy and send my thoughts
and prayers to his family and friends.
I also wish to send my regrets to the millions of racing fans in
California and throughout the world. It is apparent by the makeshift
memorial at the site of the crash and the outpouring of grief since the
accident, that Dale Earnhardt made an impact on the sport of racing and
its fans.
I think we all agree that a true American hero was lost on that final
lap of the 2001 Daytona 500.
Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, one week ago, the Nation watched stunned
as one of its favorite sons, Dale Earnhardt, died in a tragic accident
at the Daytona 500.
Representing a small portion of the city that hosts the famous
Daytona 500, I have witnessed the coming of age of racing, as it spread
from rural America to the suburbs to the cities. Daytona Beach
entertains more than 8 million visitors every year, and no small number
of them comes to the city to see the most famous NASCAR speedway.
While racing has only recently mushroomed in popularity, bringing new
and vibrant personalities into everyday lives, Dale Earnhardt has been
legendary in racing circles for more than 25 years. He was a pioneer in
a pastime that has become as much a part of popular culture today as
baseball.
I had the pleasure of meeting Dale Earnhardt when I served as Grand
Marshall for the Pepsi 400 in 1994. Though known as the Intimidator, I
found him to be easy-going and warm. Before the race, he took the time
to show my daughters and me all the fun, behind-the-scenes secrets of
racing. And, afterward, when he had won the race and had even collapsed
from heat and exhaustion, he put me immediately at ease with his
friendly sense of humor.
Racing fans have watched Dale Earnhardt nurture his family before
their eyes, passing his love of racing along to his son, Dale, Jr., who
now carries on his father's legacy. His skill on the racetrack and his
easy-going charm will be sorely missed. His family is in our thoughts
and prayers.
Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the resolution
that pays tribute to the seven-time NASCAR Winston Cup Champion, Dale
Earnhardt. Not was Mr. Earnhardt one of the most talented drivers
NASCAR has ever seen, he was also a strong role model for our country's
youth. His untimely death was a shock to our constituents and a great
loss to our country and the NASCAR community.
Dale Earnhardt's recent death has deeply saddened the people of our
community as it has the people from across the country. On February 22,
2001, more than 500 citizens of my district gathered at our local
NASCAR facility, the Sears Point Raceway, in Sonoma, CA, to pay tribute
to his memory. Braving both thunderstorms and hail, these fans honored
his life and his achievements. This service included an eight-by-four-
foot poster board that was signed by race fans from all over Marin and
Sonoma. In addition caps, pictures, flowers, and notes were left by
fans in his honor. Future events have been planned at the raceway to
honor his memory and they will contribute all of the proceeds from the
sale of his souvenirs this season to Speedway Children's Charities in
Mr. Earnhardt's name.
The loss of a legend like Dale Earnhardt will be felt by members of
Marin and Sonoma counties for many years to come. I believe the words
of Sears Point Raceway president and general manager Steve Page best
sum up the sentiments of our local community:

Dale Earnhardt may have been the most talented driver ever
to climb in a stock car, but his loss will be felt well
beyond the racing community. Dale was one of the most
distinctive personalities in the world of sports. His image
as a fierce competitor, as the relentless pursuer in the
black car personified the qualities that have characterized
history's greatest athletes. These were no fans more
passionate or loyal than Dale Earnhardt fans.

[[Page H421]]

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all NASCAR fans across the nation, and
especially those who have enjoyed Mr. Earnhardt's time racing at Sears
Point Raceway, I send our deepest sympathies to his family.
Mr. RILEY. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to one of racing's
greatest heroes, Dale Earnhardt, who was tragically killed in the last
lap of the Daytona 500.
Dale Earnhardt is tied for the most Winston Cup Championships with
seven. A five-time Driver of the Year, Earnhardt also won a total of 10
Winston Cup victories in my district at Talladega Superspeedway.
A tenacious competitor, he was loved by his fans and respected by
all.
But more important than his achievements on the track was his
commitment to his faith and to his family. He was a loving father and
grandfather, and was known for his caring and giving personality. Our
prayers go out to his family and friends in this difficult time.
I'm sure you will agree, Mr. Speaker, along with racing fans around
the world, that Dale Earnhardt nudged and bumped his way to the front
of our hearts.
Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Dale
Earnhardt. His untimely death last week at age 49 has shocked not only
the racing world but the world at large.
A native of Kannapolis, NC, Earnhardt was born into a racing dynasty.
His father, Ralph, was a legendary race car driver who won NASCAR's
1956 national championship in the Late Model Sportsman division, and
Earnhardt dropped out of high school to follow in his father's
footsteps.
He started on the short dirt tracks in the Carolinas that made his
father famous, working his way up through the ranks of NASCAR. He ran
his first Winston Cup race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 25,
1975, and by 1979 he was driving full-time. His first victory came on
April 1, 1979, at Bristol, Tenn.
That year proved to be a banner year for the man who would later come
to be known as ``The Intimidator.'' Named the Winston Cup rookie of the
year in 1979, Earnhardt became its champion the following season.
During the next 15 years, he continued to amass Winston Cup titles,
eventually tying racing legend Richard Petty with seven.
But Earnhardt's accomplishments weren't measured by titles alone. He
was a successful team owner, who died fending off the pack at Daytona
so that his friend Michael Waltrip--who was driving an Earnhardt car--
could win the race. He raised four children, and passed his love of
racing onto his two sons, Kerry and Dale, Jr., both of whom compete
today. And his trademark black No. 3 Chevrolet became synonymous with
all the adrenaline and excitement of a NASCAR race.
Off the race track, Earnhardt's contributions often went unheralded.
Rarely did anyone learn about the seed he bought for destitute farmers,
the car parts he loaned to rival racing teams or the comfort he gave to
other racers in times of despair.
Colleagues, please join me in celebrating the life of Dale Earnhardt,
a cultural icon whose impact on the world of racing may never be fully
known.
Mr. WICKER. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues and the millions of
fellow Americans who mourned the loss of NASCAR Racing legend Dale
Earnhardt in extending my condolences to the family, as well as to his
racing crew and fans. Dale was from Kannapolis, NC, but could have
lived in any small town in America as your next door neighbor. His
departure from racing will no doubt be felt in the NASCAR community,
for years to come. The nation lost a sports superstar on February 18,
2001.
Much has been written about Dale Earnhardt. Indeed, his life was one
of triumph over tremendous odds. He met Americans in their living rooms
each Sunday and gave them opportunities to cheer; we all knew that if
Dale was in the lineup he would be at the front of the pack at some
point during the race. His passion for racing, love for the sport,
seven-time Winston Cup Points champion and 76 race wins made him simply
the best.
A constituent in Mississippi may have summarized Dale when he said
``. . . he made you smile, made you laugh, made you shout for joy, and
broke your heart.''
Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this
resolution to honor the life of Dale Earnhardt and express Congress'
condolences to his widow, Teresa, his four children, and the rest of
his family.
On Sunday, February 18, 2001, at the age of 49, Dale Earnhardt died
as a result of injuries sustained in a crash on his final lap of the
Daytona 500. Throughout his stellar career as one of the most beloved
NASCAR drivers in history, Earnhardt shared his gift and entertained
millions of Americans. On behalf of the thousands of Delawareans who
are NASCAR and Dale Earnhardt fans, I am grateful to have this
opportunity to recognize Dale Earnhardt for his many accomplishments,
including his many races in Dover, Delaware.
Considered an international hero in the world of race car driving,
Earnhardt won the Winston Cup championship seven times, tying for the
all-time record as he accumulated 76 career wins including the Daytona
500 in 1998. At Dover Downs International Speedway in Delaware, he
finished in the Top 10 in 25 of his 44 races, and earned first place
three times, including a sweep of the 1989 events. This past weekend
Dover Downs opened its gates to give Delaware fans the opportunity to
gather at the Start-Finish line, pit area, and Victory Lane, along with
a special prayer service in honor of Earnhardt. Earnhardt's personal
appeal stems from his humble beginnings, as he worked his way up by
tinkering with cars in the garage his father had built in the barn
behind the family's home in Kannapolis, NC. Innate ability and pure
determination earned him the nickname ``The Intimidator'' on his way to
conquering the racing world.
Unlike other superstars, Earnhardt was a man to whom dedicated NASCAR
fans could relate. He was a regular guy, driving a pickup truck and
always seen sporting jeans and sunglasses. By his appearance, one would
never know he was one of the most financially successful athletes in
the nation.
Mr. Speaker, Dale Earnhardt's death is a great loss not only to the
world of NASCAR, but to everyone who admires hard work and
determination. However, we can take solace in his own words. He told
reporters once, ``I'm a lucky man. I'm telling you, I have it all. The
Lord's looked after me, I reckon.'' Race fans in Delaware and across
the Nation will never forget Dale Earnhardt.
Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my
colleagues in honoring the legacy of Dale Earnhardt. The death of Dale
Earnhardt is heartbreaking for millions of racing fans around the
world. My district is home to the Michigan International Speedway which
is located in Brooklyn, MI, and I speak for thousands of my
constituents in expressing my deepest sympathy to Dale's wife Teresa,
his mother Martha, and his children--Kerry, Dale, Jr., Kelley, and
Taylor Nicole.
In countries all over the world, the name of the man referred to as
``The Intimidator'' is known. To some in the United States, he
represented what this country was all about. He came from the barest of
essentials in his hometown of Kannapolis, NC, and grew up doing what
his dad did--race cars. He came from having almost nothing to having
most everything he could ever want. He was proof of the American dream.
But as we all know, Dale was more than just a racing legend. He was
an individual respected by all who ever came in contact with him--a
role model who inspired thousands of young Americans. Athletes in other
sports would be wise to follow Dale's model of what a champion is
supposed to be. Our society needs more role models like Dale Earnhardt
and while the racing community will never fill the void left by the
loss of Dale Earnhardt his legacy will be carried on by the thousands
of Americans he inspired over the years.
Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life
of NASCAR hero Dale Earnhardt. Mr. Earnhardt had one of the most
remarkable careers in the history of motor sports. I join my colleagues
to express my deepest sorrow at his untimely passing. Our thoughts and
prayers go out to his wife Teresa, as well as his mother, Martha, and
his four children: Kerry, Kelley, Dale, Jr., and Taylor Nicole; and to
all of his family, friends and fans at this difficult time in their
lives.
``The Man in Black'', ``The Intimidator'', ``Ironhead'' all of these
nicknames for a man who lived the American Dream by rising to the top
of his field from humble beginnings. He was a man who seemed destined
to become a race car driver. Dale Earnhardt was born April 29, 1951, in
Kannapolis, NC, where the streets were actually named after
automobiles--the Earnhardts lived on Sedan Street. The son of NASCAR
champion Ralph Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt began his own pro racing
career in 1975 at the age of 24. He was named NASCAR's rookie of the
year in 1979. The following year he won his first Winston Cup
championship, the only driver in history to win a series championship
following his rookie year.
Mr. Earnhardt won an impressive seven NASCAR Winston Cup Series
titles and had 76 Winston Cup victories, making him sixth on the list
of all-time wins. He also has the distinction of being motor sports
all-time leading money winner.
I was proud to help bring the great Texas Motor Speedway to my
hometown of Fort Worth, Texas in 1997. Since this tragedy, the Texas
Motor Speedway has commissioned a special Dale Earnhardt flag. The flag
is designed around his famous number ``3''. That flag now flies in
memoriam as thousands of NASCAR fans leave cards, flowers and balloons
as they mourn their fallen hero. Again, my heart goes out to Dale
Earnhardt's family and to all those who are grieving his passing. Mr.
Earnhardt will truly be missed, but his spirit will live with us
forever.

[[Page H422]]

The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Stearns). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica) that the House suspend
the rules and agree to the resolution, House Resolution 57.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of
those present have voted in the affirmative.
Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a
quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not
present.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8, rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.

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