[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S2441]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING VIRGINIA AMERICAN REVOLUTION 250TH COMMISSION AND LAND 
                          SPEED RECORD HOLDER

 Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, as we celebrate our Nation's 250th 
anniversary, I would like to recognize the Virginia American Revolution 
250th Commission, which was formed to celebrate the Commonwealth's 
contribution to the Nation upon the 250th anniversary of its 
independence from Great Britain, and the VA 250 Car Project, which is 
part of a national motorsports celebration in honor of the United 
States of America's semiquincentennial.
  The Virginia American Revolution 250th Commission is chaired by 
Delegate Terry Austin of Botetourt County, VA. Danny Turner, former 
mayor of Martinsville, VA, Joey Arrington of Henry County, VA, and 
former Congressman Virgil Goode of Rocky Mounty, VA, devised the VA 250 
Car Project.
  Additionally, on March 23, 2026, the car known as the ``Martinsville 
Missile'' broke the land speed record for stock cars at the Launch and 
Land facility in Cape Canaveral, FL. The top was 253.1 mph, breaking 
the former record of 244.9 mph set back in 2007. The ``Martinsville 
Missile'' is a 1969 Dodge Daytona Charger with a 358-cubic-inch engine 
generating over 1,000 horsepower at 9,500 rpm. The car and engine were 
built by Joey Arrington in Martinsville, VA. The car was driven by 
Tommy Hurley of Ridgeway, VA.
  I salute this thrilling record, the driver who set it, the long 
tradition of motorsports in Virginia, and the deep contributions of 
Virginia to America's history.

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