[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4194]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         TRIBUTE TO WINNER'S CIRCLE AWARD WINNER, RICHARD PETTY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RENEE L. ELLMERS

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 11, 2014

  Mrs. ELLMERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend sincere 
congratulations to Randolph County's very own Richard Petty, as he was 
one of five people selected statewide to receive the Winner's Circle 
award. The annual Winner's Circle award is given to individuals who 
have made significant and lasting contributions to North Carolina's 
tourism industry. Without a doubt, Richard Petty has been instrumental 
in enticing visitors from near and far to visit our great state.
  There is a reason that NASCAR is North Carolina's official state 
sport, and Richard Petty has played a significant role in contributing 
to the sport's popularity. As one of the founding families in stock car 
racing, and one of the most decorated drivers in NASCAR history, 
Richard Petty has remained committed to establishing both his race shop 
and race museum in Randolph County, North Carolina. Tourism is a 
powerful force to our state's economic well-being, and Richard Petty 
has been influential in bringing racing fans from across America to the 
Tar Heel state. We are fortunate to have a North Carolinian who remains 
so steadfast in promoting the uniqueness of our state and the sport at 
large.

                          ____________________