[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 109 (Thursday, June 27, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E855]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SPORTS ASSOCIATION (IMSA)

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MICHAEL WALTZ

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 27, 2019

  Mr. WALTZ. Madam Speaker, since the 1940s, Daytona Beach has been the 
premiere destination for auto racing.
  Fifty years ago, Bill France, Sr. and John and Peggy Bishop laid a 
foundation that today supports one of the most prominent auto racing 
organizations in the world--the International Motor Sports Association. 
What began as a sanctioning body for a Formula Ford and Formula Vee 
race at Pocono Raceway has grown to become an international powerhouse 
specializing in world-class sports car competition.
  This year, IMSA, based in Daytona Beach, turns 50. It comes from 
humble beginnings. The IMSA started as a race with fewer than 330 
attendees has expanded by leaps and bounds over the last 50 years now 
boasts some of the largest attendance numbers in its history.
  Here in my district, we understand the excitement and the benefits of 
our car racing. IMSA has been an important piece of our community, 
debuting its Grand-Am road racing circuit in 2000 at Daytona.
  This year, the IMSA will lead seven motorsports platforms and deliver 
live coverage to racing fans all over the world.
  It's an honor to recognize the IMSA and their contributions to our 
district and the racing community. I'd like to congratulate them on 50 
years worth being proud of. Here's to many more.

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