[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 23684-23685]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                 COMMEMORATING 2001 DINNER OF CHAMPIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 30, 2001

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 2001 
Dinner of Champions being put on by the Central California Branch of 
the Mountain Valley California Chapter of the National Multiple 
Sclerosis Society. The first of these annual events will honor racing 
legends Blackie Gejeian, Joe Boghosian, and the late Fred Gerhardt.

[[Page 23685]]

  The Dinner of Champions made its national debut in 1972 and honors 
local public leaders and personalities for their efforts to champion 
the fight against multiple sclerosis. The National MS Society strives 
to reach out to those affected by the crippling disease and raise 
awareness for MS.
  Mr. Gejeian's involvement in racing began in 1949 and he won 
championships all over the Central Valley. Blackie was presented the 
Most Popular Driver award four years in a row. After his retirement in 
1958, Blackie continues contributing to racing by promoting auto races 
including the Autorama for the past 40 years.
  Mr. Boghosian was first exposed to racing in 1949. He earned many 
honors including the Northern California Championship. In 1965 he moved 
from California to Indianapolis. Joe actually built the engine that put 
Mario Andretti in the Indy 500 winner's circle in 1969. He is still 
building engines and anything else that needs reliable power today.
  Mr. Gerhardt was involved in auto racing from the 1930's until his 
passing. He and his good friend, the late Bill Vukovich, raced hot rods 
and midget cars in the 1930's and 40's. Fred built his first Indy car 
in 1956 and continued fielding Indy cars through 1976.
  Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to acknowledge and honor the efforts of 
the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and these honorees. I invite my 
colleagues to join me in congratulating and thanking this organization 
and these racing legends.

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