[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 140 (Friday, August 22, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E783]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LIFE AND CAREER OF LARRY McCLURE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 22, 2025

  Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and 
work of Southwest Virginia racing icon Larry McClure, who passed away 
on June 25 at the age of 81.
  On March 21, 1944, Mr. McClure was born in the Harmon, Virginia, 
community, located in Buchanan County. After moving to Chilhowie in 
Smyth County during his childhood, Mr. McClure began to develop a 
passion for automobiles and racing.
  His years-long interest in cars eventually culminated in the co-
founding of McClure Motor Sales. Along with his brother Ed, the 
McClures started the automobile business with great spirits and 
motivation.
  In 1980, Mr. McClure helped lead an effort with Tim Morgan to open 
Morgan McClure Chevrolet in Coeburn, Virginia. Later in 1983, Mr. 
McClure joined forces with his brothers and Mr. Morgan in the founding 
of legendary auto racing team Morgan-McClure Motorsports.
  Many long-time residents of Southwest Virginia remember the era of 
dominance under Mr. McClure's leadership in the 1990s.
  Morgan-McClure Motorsports secured its very first win close to home, 
at none other than the Bristol Motor Speedway. Despite legendary driver 
Dale Earnhardt leading the pack for a majority of the Busch 500, 
Morgan-McClure racer Ernie Irvan pulled ahead for the win.
  Following this 1990 victory, Morgan-McClure Motorsports continued to 
win.
  The next year, Morgan-McClure Motorsports won NASCAR's ``Crown 
Jewel'' by finishing in first place at the Daytona 500 and beating some 
of NASCAR's finest.
  Most notably, Morgan-McClure Motorsports took home back-to-back 
Daytona 500 titles in 1994 and 1995, cementing the team as a powerhouse 
in the sport.
  Between 1990 and 1998, Morgan-McClure Motorsports won 14 races at the 
NASCAR cup level. Mr. McClure favored drivers that were not afraid to 
take risks and captivated audiences with the famous No. 4 Kodak 
Chevrolet. Despite most teams being based around Charlotte, Mr. McClure 
was proud of his roots in Virginia and found great joy in running his 
team out of Washington County.
  While many associate Mr. McClure with racing excellence, others 
remember Mr. McClure for his compassion and humility. In 2004, fellow 
Virginian and opposing driver Hermie Sadler's only engine gave out at 
Chicagoland. Without hesitation, Mr. McClure gave Sadler a spare 
engine.
  Sterling Martin, who spent multiple years driving for Morgan-McClure 
Motorsports and won the 1994 and 1995 Daytona 500 events, attributed 
his racing success to Mr. McClure. After McClure's passing, Martin 
shared how much Mr. McClure meant to him. He described McClure as 
``innovative, smart and a hell of a guy.''
  Mr. McClure is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Ginny; 
brothers Ed (Lee), Teddy (Sarah), Jerry (Sue), and Gerald (Ruth), all 
of Abingdon; Jim of Chevy Chase, Maryland; and Michael of Florida; 
sister Betsy (Roy) of Las Vegas; sister-in-law Wilma; along with many 
aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and special friends. He also leaves 
behind his cherished fur baby, Prissy.
  Today, we recognize Mr. McClure's impact on NASCAR and his influence 
in Southwest Virginia. As a lifelong native of the region, we will 
forever celebrate the accolades and feats of a NASCAR legend from 
Southwest Virginia.