[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 168 (Wednesday, November 19, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2320]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E2320]]
      END OF R.J. REYNOLDS' SPONSORSHIP OF THE WINSTON CUP SERIES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RICHARD BURR

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 18, 2003

  Mr. BURR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to note the end of an era in 
motorsports. Sunday's race at Homestead, Miami marked the last NASCAR 
race that will be run under R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company's sponsorship 
and the Winston banner.
  Winston Cup and NASCAR have been synonymous for 33 years. Under R.J. 
Reynolds sponsorship, stock car racing has grown from a regional sport 
with little national exposure to one with a loyal and global following 
of millions of fans. More than six million fans attended 39 Winston Cup 
events this year in 19 states; millions more followed the races, 
practices, and qualifying sessions on television, radio, and the 
Internet.
  One of the best places to look for examples of the astronomical 
growth in the sport over the years is in driving winnings: in 1971, 
Richard Petty won 21 races and took home roughly $300,000. The last 
Winston Cup Champion, Matt Kenseth, won one race this year--and will 
take home more than $8 million. Those numbers tell only part of the 
tale, however. Since its initial involvement with NASCAR, Winston has 
contributed more than $100 million in point fund money, with $32 
million earmarked for the Cup Champions. And perhaps no one can measure 
the contribution the company's sponsorship has made to the families and 
communities associated with the sport and its tremendous growth.
  Names like Petty, Jarrett, Waltrip, Yarborough, Allison, and 
Earnhardt. Towns like Bristol, Darlington, Rockingham, and Talladega. 
Some carried the sport until Winston came along; others owned it while 
Winston was there; and still others will carry the Winston tradition 
into the future. The sport under the Winston banner had its heroes, and 
its heartaches. Some occupy both categories. Fans everywhere will carry 
their memories of the Winston Cup with them for years to come.
  On behalf of NASCAR fans everywhere, Mr. Speaker, I would like to 
extend my thanks to the men and women of R.J. Reynolds for everything 
they have done for the sport over the last three decades. It truly was 
a family affair, and the drivers, the teams, and the fans will miss 
their love for and commitment to the sport.
  Time, however, marches on. NASCAR existed before Winston's 
sponsorship, and it will continue next year with a new Cup Series 
sponsor. In the eyes of this Member, though, and countless fans across 
the country, it will always be the Winston Cup.

                          ____________________