[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 91 (Thursday, June 17, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1143]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO LES RICHTER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 17, 2010

  Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 
life of Leslie Alan Richter, an accomplished athlete, successful 
businessman, outstanding community member and close personal friend of 
mine. On June 12, 2010, Les passed away at the age of 79. Though Les 
has passed on from this life, he leaves a lasting legacy of generosity 
and accomplishment that will never be forgotten.
  Born in Fresno, California, on October 6, 1930, Les attended the 
University of California, Berkeley, where he played football and 
graduated as valedictorian of his class in 1952. Before starting a 
career in professional football, Les served 2 years in the U.S. Army 
during the Korean War. In 1954, he started with the Los Angeles Rams, 
who traded a record 11 players in order to get Les. He played 
linebacker and place kicker for the Rams for nine seasons--eight of 
those being All-Pro. In 1982 he entered the College Football Hall of 
Fame, and he is still considered one of the greatest linebackers in 
professional football.
  After retiring from football, Les' interests turned to auto racing, 
and from 1963 to 1984 he ran the Riverside Raceway in Riverside, 
California. He then moved to Daytona Beach, Florida, where he worked 
for NASCAR for 10 years, and was named executive vice president of 
competition in 1986, and the senior vice president of operations in 
1992. He is largely recognized as one of three key race track 
executives that helped guide and advise NASCAR founder ``Big Bill'' 
France, who made NASCAR the success it is today. Les built various 
tracks around the NASCAR circuit and was influential in helping expand 
the sport's national appeal. After leaving NASCAR, Les returned to 
Riverside, where he oversaw the development of the Auto Club Speedway.
  Aside from his professional endeavors, Les was known for contributing 
to the community of Riverside. In fact, Les was an original member of 
the Monday Morning Group, a group of civic and business leaders who 
come to Washington every year to meet with legislators from southern 
California to further the goals of the Inland Empire region. 
Additionally, Les chaired the board of the Greater Riverside Chambers 
of Commerce and also served on the Riverside Community College District 
board of trustees.
  Les is survived by his wife, Marilyn; daughter, Anne Guerrucci; and 
three grandchildren.
  Although Les was known for his great success in his profession, he 
will be remembered for his gentle manner, humility and great sense of 
humor. I have personally been influenced by Les, and consider him one 
of my most valued mentors.
  On behalf of all those who knew him, it is an honor to offer these 
remarks as a tribute to the life and legacy of my friend Les Richter. 
His life and presence will be sorely missed and I extend my condolences 
to his dear family and friends.

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