Political Quotes

“The loss of Dale Earnhardt, Mr. Speaker, is a devastating tragedy to his family, his fans, and the sport of auto racing. The seven-time Winston Cup champion's death cuts deeper because he died while trying to be a good friend, father, and boss. Dale personified what NASCAR is about. His career spanned more than 2 decades and included 676 races, 76 victories and 70 second-place finishes. He ran his first Winston Cup race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 25, 1975, starting 33rd and finishing 22nd. He got his first full-time ride in 1979 and scored his first victory on April 1 of that year at Bristol, Tennessee. Earnhardt was rookie of the year that year and its champion the very next season. Dale helped move the sport of auto racing from a Southern tradition to a mainstream American sport. It will continue that way. His presence in the sport set a standard of excellence that may never be reached again. His spirit will dwell on the race tracks and the garages and with the fans forever. Dale Earnhardt will likely go down as one of the greatest competitors and drivers throughout NASCAR history; but he was also a husband, a father, and grandfather, as well as a friend to many. He will be greatly missed and all of our deepest sympathies are with the entire Earnhardt family.”