[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 149 (Friday, September 7, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1223]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                    HONORING THE CALISTOGA SPEEDWAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 7, 2018

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
Calistoga Speedway in Calistoga, California for being a longstanding 
place for our community to gather together and enjoy racing.
  Calistoga Speedway is an important institution in our community. It 
is the home of a half mile dirt track loop, one of only several left in 
the United States. In 1937, the racetrack transitioned from hosting 
horse racing to car racing and since then has made a great impact in 
Calistoga and our surrounding community.
  In the middle of the 20th century, Louie Vermeil and others founded 
the Northern Auto Racing Club (NARC), now called the Golden State 
Challenge Series. The Calistoga Speedway was NARC's home for 25 years. 
Currently, drivers from associations including the Bay Cities Roadster 
Racing Association, the American Racing Association and the Golden 
State Challenge Series make a point to race at the classic racetrack at 
the Calistoga Speedway. Additionally, the Calistoga Speedway has been 
an incredible venue for local racers, including Rico Abreu, to develop 
their passions for racing and begin their careers.
  Numerous generations of racers and race fans have spent time at the 
Calistoga Speedway. During the two-day races, Calistogans and out-of-
town race enthusiasts fill the RV park at the Napa County Fairgrounds 
and pack the seats at the racetrack. The crowds that the Calistoga 
Speedway draw also strengthen our local economy. Visitors eat at our 
restaurants, shop at our stores and stay at our hotels. Other facets of 
our community, in addition to local businesses, benefit from the 
Calistoga Speedway. Profits from the Wildcat Boosters' snack bar at the 
racetrack fund sports and music programs in our community, which 
Calistoga children may not have access to otherwise.
  Mr. Speaker, the Calistoga Speedway is an important pillar of our 
community. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor it here 
today.

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