[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 137 (Friday, August 19, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E865]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING BUDDY ARRINGTON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 19, 2022

  Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Buddy 
Arrington, a native of Martinsville, Virginia, who died on August 2, 
2022. He was a popular racecar driver who throughout his career did 
things his way.
  Mr. Arrington was born on July 26, 1938, in Franklin County, 
Virginia, to Love Glenwood Arrington and Louise Walker Arrington. He 
began his NASCAR career as an independent driver and owner in 1964. A 
mechanic at a Chrysler dealership at the time, he continued to drive 
Chryslers and Dodges even when they were less associated with racing. 
He bought used equipment from Richard Petty, supported his racing with 
other jobs, and had a volunteer crew to keep his number 67 on the 
track.
  In 560 Cup Series races, Mr. Arrington finished in the top five 15 
times and in the top ten 103 times. His best finishes were third at 
Nashville Speedway on July 31, 1965, and at Talladega Superspeedway on 
May 6, 1979. At the latter race, driving a Chrysler bought from Richard 
Petty, he led until the pit crew left a gas can attached, requiring him 
to stop again and costing him first place.
  Mr. Arrington retired from racing in 1988. Although his 560 Cup races 
without a win are the second most by a driver, he later said, according 
to the Martinsville Bulletin: ``If I was 24 years old, and I started 
racing today, and I knew what I'd just done, I would do the same thing 
I just did, even if I knew I wasn't going to win a race. I'd keep on 
going and keep on trying, and we made a bunch of fans over the years.''
  Among Mr. Arrington's survivors are his wife, Patsy Ann Chitwood 
Arrington; son, Joey Rogers Arrington; stepson, Todd Arrington; 
brother, Jimmy Arrington (Marie); nephew, Ronnie Arrington; niece, 
Angela Arrington; step-grandson, Danny Goad; and step-granddaughter, 
Amber Arrington. I offer my condolences on the loss of this proud 
independent racer.

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