John Mica: “Mr. Speaker, I doubt that there has ever been a day in American sports history as full of rapidly changing emotions as…”

“Mr. Speaker, I doubt that there has ever been a day in American sports history as full of rapidly changing emotions as we experienced at this year's Daytona 500 race. Millions of NASCAR fans watched as Michael Waltrip won his first victory in 463 starts as Dale Earnhardt, Jr. finished a very close second. Both cars were owned by racing legend Dale Earnhardt. But back coming out of turn four, the familiar black numbered car three of Dale Earnhardt himself was sitting motionless after striking hard into the wall in a multi-car accident. Jubilation for Michael Waltrip's victory rapidly turned to concern for Dale. Sadly, the worst fears of millions were confirmed that evening when NASCAR President Mike Helton announced, ``we've lost Dale Earnhardt.'' Mr. Speaker, the man NASCAR Chairman Bill France called NASCAR's ``greatest driver'' was dead. With this resolution today, the House of Representatives recognizes Dale Earnhardt as one of the greatest drivers ever to participate in the sport of racing and for his contributions to the Nation throughout his lifetime. It honors him for transcending the sport of racing to become a role model as both a talented competitor and also as a loving husband and father. The resolution also expresses our very deepest condolences to Dale's family.”