[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 19 (Wednesday, February 6, 2008)]
[House]
[Pages H570-H571]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  DESIGNATING ``RACE DAY IN AMERICA''

  Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 931) expressing support for designation of February 
17, 2008, as ``Race Day in America'' and highlighting the 50th running 
of the Daytona 500.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 931

       Whereas the Daytona 500 is the most prestigious stock car 
     race in the United States;
       Whereas the Daytona 500 annually kicks off the National 
     Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (``NASCAR'') Sprint Cup 
     Series, NASCAR's top racing series;
       Whereas millions of racing fans have spent the third Sunday 
     of each February since 1959 watching, listening to, or 
     attending the Daytona 500;
       Whereas the purse for the Daytona 500 is typically the 
     largest in motor sports;
       Whereas winning the prestigious Harley J. Earl Trophy is 
     stock car racing's greatest prize and privilege;
       Whereas nearly 1,000,000 men and women in the Armed Forces 
     in nearly 180 countries worldwide listen to the race on the 
     radio via the American Forces Network;
       Whereas Daytona International Speedway is the home of ``The 
     Great American Race'', the Daytona 500;
       Whereas fans from all 50 States and many foreign nations 
     converge at the ``World Center of Racing'' each year to see 
     the motor sports spectacle;
       Whereas Daytona International Speedway becomes one of the 
     largest cities in the State of Florida by population on race 
     day, with more than 200,000 fans in attendance;
       Whereas well-known politicians, celebrities, and athletes 
     take part in the festivities surrounding the Daytona 500; and
       Whereas February 17, 2008, would be an appropriate day to 
     designate as ``Race Day in America'' because the Daytona 500 
     celebrates its historic 50th running on this day: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the United States House of Representatives--
       (1) recognizes the 50th running of the Daytona 500, ``The 
     Great American Race''; and
       (2) supports designation of a ``Race Day in America'' in 
     honor of the Daytona 500.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
Hampshire (Mr. Hodes) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Feeney) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Hampshire.


                             General Leave

  Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from New Hampshire?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, I yield to myself so much time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and 
Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleagues in the 
consideration of House Resolution 931, which expresses our support for 
naming a ``race day'' in America and recognizes the 50th running of the 
Daytona 500, which will occur on the 17th at the Daytona International 
Speedway in Daytona, Florida.
  House Resolution 931 was introduced by my distinguished colleague, 
Representative Tom Feeney of Florida, on January 17, 2008, and was 
considered by and reported from the House Oversight Committee on 
January 29, 2008, by voice vote.
  The measure, which has the support and cosponsorship of 68 Members of 
Congress, couldn't have been considered at a more fitting time as fans 
across this great country prepare for what is being called the most 
anticipated event in automobile racing history, the 50th running of the 
Daytona 500 on Saturday, February 17, 2008.
  With a history dating back to February 22, 1959, the Daytona 500 at 
the Daytona International Speedway is a

[[Page H571]]

500-mile motor sport international sweepstakes that draws the attention 
of millions of American racing fans and racing fans around the world 
every February.
  Often referred to as ``The Great American Race,'' the Daytona 500 is 
NASCAR's biggest, richest and most prestigious race and has been won by 
stock car racing greats such as Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon.
  Mr. Speaker, given the monumental occasion of the 50th running of the 
Daytona 500, I think it is only appropriate that we express our support 
of NASCAR and ``The Great American Race'' by passing this measure.
  I urge passage of this bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1500

  Mr. FEENEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge support for this resolution 
designating February 17, 2008, as ``Race Day in America.''
  Next Sunday over 200,000 people from all 50 States and around the 
world will convene at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, 
Florida, for the 50th running of ``The Great American Race,'' the 
Daytona 500.
  The most prestigious stock car race in the United States, the Daytona 
500 is a 200-lap, 500-mile grand opening to the NASCAR Sprint Cup 
Series. Boasting the largest purse and stock car racing's most coveted 
trophy, the Harley J. Earl Trophy, the Daytona 500 has become the 
``Super Bowl of Stock Car Racing.''
  Each year millions of fans, both at home as well as those serving 
overseas, tune in to the race by television and radio. Since 1995, the 
television ratings for the Daytona 500 have been higher than any auto 
race, and in 2006 the race drew the sixth largest television audience 
of any sporting event that year.
  For 50 years, the popularity of Daytona, and car racing in general, 
has grown throughout American society. I believe it is fitting that we 
celebrate this rising American tradition by passing this resolution in 
honor of the golden anniversary of its most prestigious event. I invite 
anybody who's free this Sunday to come to Daytona Beach and enjoy this 
great tradition with us.
  Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I reserve the balance of 
my time.
  Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from New Hampshire (Mr. Hodes) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 931.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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