[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 51 (Thursday, March 23, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E374]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING INDUCTION OF RICHARD CHILDRESS INTO THE NASCAR HALL OF FAME

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                             HON. TED BUDD

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 23, 2017

  Mr. BUDD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the racing legend 
Richard Childress upon his induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
   Richard Childress' iconic career began 50 years ago when he bought 
his 1947 Plymouth for $20 at the age of 17. That simple moment in time 
was a pinpoint in history that would ignite Childress' passion for 
motorsports leaving an imprint on NASCAR fans across the country. As a 
driver, Mr. Childress laid claim to (6) top 5 and (76) top 10 finishes. 
In 1981, Mr. Childress climbed out of the driver's seat and into the 
owner's role full time.
   Beginning as a one-man operation, Childress has grown his 
organization to more than 500 employees. His cars have compiled over 
100 victories and 2,588 major series starts. In 1981 he kicked his 
team's performance into overdrive when he paired up with late great 
Dale Earnhardt, who was part of the inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame 
class. The duo would become known as one of the most successful 
partnerships in NASCAR, winning a total of six Cup championships 
together. Mr. Childress has a total 11 Cup Championships and counting, 
putting him second on the all-time list for owners.
   Childress' legacy is not exclusive to NASCAR. Following his racing 
career, he remains an active member of the North Carolina community. In 
2008, the Childress family began working with Wake Forest Baptist 
Medical Center and subsequently founded the Childress Institute for 
Pediatric Trauma after discovering that pediatric trauma was the number 
one killer of children in the United States.
   Mr. Childress' contributions and accomplishments to the sport and 
his community deserve to be celebrated and honored. Mr. Childress' 
induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame not only speaks to his 
incredible achievements in stock car racing, but also to his character, 
business acumen, and his drive to succeed and win. Mr. Speaker, please 
join me today in congratulating Richard Childress and his entire family 
and organization on his induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

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