Filed Senate Resolution 0033

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION memorializing the life of NASCAR racing legend Dale Earnhardt, Sr.

Whereas, on Sunday, February 18, 2001, the racing world lost one of it's all-time greatest drivers with the death of Dale Earnhardt, Sr.;

Whereas, Mr. Earnhardt, the greatest driver of the current era of NASCAR, died from injuries suffered in an accident during the running of NASCAR's most famous race, the 43rd annual Daytona 500;

Whereas, Mr. Earnhardt started his NASCAR Winston Cup career with great flair and distinction, becoming the only driver to win the Rookie of the Year (1979) and Winston Cup Points Championship (1980) honors in back-to-back years;

Whereas, following on his initial successes, Mr. Earnhardt won 6 more Winston Cup Points Championships between 1986 and 1994, equaling the points championships amassed by the legendary stock car driver, Richard Petty;

Whereas, Mr. Earnhardt's illustrious record also reflects 76 NASCAR Winston Cup victories, including prestigious victories in the 1998 Daytona 500 and the second running of the Brickyard 400 in 1995. His wins are supported by 268 career top 5 finishes and 404 top 10 finishes. He holds the

record for the most victories in Daytona International Speedway history, winning 34 races there in various motor sports events;

Whereas, in addition to his NASCAR success, Mr. Earnhardt also won 3 IROC Championships, and was named American Driver of the Year in 1987 and 1994;

Whereas, at $41,411,551, Mr. Earnhardt was the all-time leader in career earnings on the Winston Cup circuit;

Whereas, Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Tony George said about his good friend: "The loss of Dale Earnhardt is an unbelievable and devastating tragedy to his family, his many fans and to the sport of auto racing.... He personified what NASCAR is about, and the growth of motorsports during the last 20 years was attributable in many ways to him.... He was a man who loved the life, the sport and enjoyed every week of it. He was intense, focused and competitive in everything he did. Dale had a special love for the history and tradition of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and his name will always be a part of our racing heritage at the Brickyard.";

Whereas, NASCAR Chairman of the Board, Bill France, Jr., the son of the creator and long-time patriarch of NASCAR and the Daytona International Speedway, summarized the tragedy stating: "Today NASCAR lost its greatest driver in the history of the sport. I lost a dear friend.";

Whereas, despite his gruff exterior, Mr. Earnhardt was a loving and caring father, grandfather, and husband, seemingly inseparable from his lovely wife, Teresa;

Whereas, hundreds of thousand of racing fans will forever miss Mr. Earnhardt's steely eyes, trademark black moustache, and crooked smile, his exciting and intimidating

driving style, and his entertaining and fan-friendly personality; and

Whereas, Dale Earnhardt, Sr. exemplified the character and bravado of American motor sports, becoming a hero to many and a legend to all. Godspeed Dale Earnhardt. Therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate of the General Assembly

of the State of Indiana, the House of Representatives concurring:

SECTION 1. That the Indiana General Assembly memorializes the dynamic life of racing legend Dale Earnhardt, Sr., and it offers its most sincere condolences to his family.
SECTION 2. The Secretary of the Senate is hereby directed to transmit a copy of this Resolution to the widow of Dale Earnhardt, Sr., Teresa Earnhardt; children, Kerry, Kelly, Dale Jr., and Taylor; NASCAR Chairman Bill France, Jr.; NASCAR President Mike Helton; Daytona International Speedway President John Graham; and Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Tony George.