[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 38 (Thursday, March 6, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E315]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING RYAN NEWMAN OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, FOR WINNING THE DAYTONA 
                                  500

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE DONNELLY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 6, 2008

  Mr. DONNELLY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the success 
and triumph of Ryan Newman, winner of the 2008 Daytona 500. Born and 
raised in South Bend, Indiana, Ryan serves as a shining example to 
young men and women who aspire to achieving great successes after long 
hours of work and sacrifice. His younger years were spent learning 
about cars at the elbow of his father and developing the team spirit he 
treasures to this day.
  Supported by his family, his community, and a great team, Ryan won 
the 50th running of the Daytona race in an exciting last-lap finish. In 
a race with 16 different leaders and 42 lead changes, Ryan started in 
7th position and fell as far back as 23rd in the field of 43 drivers. 
However, he managed to lead eight laps in his first victory since 2005, 
earning 190 points and collecting over $1.5 million for Penske Racing.
  An honor student at LaSalle High School, Newman graduated from Purdue 
University in 2001 with a B.S. in vehicle structure engineering. By 
excelling academically and in racing, Newman exemplifies how youths 
should always pursue education along with other passions.
  Ryan serves as the consummate example of what competitors should be. 
This is evident from his work, along with his wife, Krissie, with the 
Newman Foundation. This charity primarily focuses on assuring that 
adequate care is provided for unwanted dogs and cats in shelters and 
pounds. He also helped needy animals by supporting construction of the 
Catawba County, North Carolina Humane Society shelter in the county 
where he lives. The treatment of animals is just one of Ryan's concerns 
along with the safety of his fellow racers.
  In 2003, Ryan overcame adversity by bouncing back from an accident in 
which he flipped end over end in Daytona. He suffered only bruises but 
gained a strengthened resolve. In August of that same year after a 
practice crash in Watkins Glen, NY, Newman chastised NASCAR for what he 
perceived as lax safety efforts in fire prevention, soft walls, and 
race procedure. His professional manner and eloquent words lent 
credibility to his cause.
  Even the victory itself at Daytona is an example of teamwork and 
sportsmanship. Newman was given extra momentum by a friendly ``push'' 
from teammate Kurt Busch who selflessly gave his partner an extra boost 
rather than seek the prize himself.
  It is my pleasure to pay tribute to the many years of hard work and 
dedication that have paid off for this model citizen. The South Bend 
and Mishawaka Communities are proud of the success of one of their 
hardest working sons, a man who serves as a role model for our youth.

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