S*1308 Concurrent Resolution, By Malloy and Ritchie
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE BELIEF OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY THAT
 NASCAR RACING IS AN INTEGRAL AND VITAL PART OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND
 ITS ECONOMY, TO RECOGNIZE DARLINGTON RACEWAY AS ONE OF OUR STATE'S MOST
 TREASURED ATTRACTIONS, TO IDENTIFY SOUTH CAROLINA'S RICH NASCAR HISTORY, TO
 ENCOURAGE FUTURE NASCAR EVENTS IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, AND TO NAME THE
 WEEK OF MAY 4, 2008 THROUGH MAY 10, 2008 AS DARLINGTON RACEWAY WEEK.

   04/17/08  Senate Introduced, adopted, sent to House SJ-3
   04/22/08  House  Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence HJ-23

TO EXPRESS THE BELIEF OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY THAT NASCAR RACING IS AN INTEGRAL AND VITAL PART OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND ITS ECONOMY, TO RECOGNIZE DARLINGTON RACEWAY AS ONE OF OUR STATE'S MOST TREASURED ATTRACTIONS, TO IDENTIFY SOUTH CAROLINA'S RICH NASCAR HISTORY, TO ENCOURAGE FUTURE NASCAR EVENTS IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, AND TO NAME THE WEEK OF MAY 4, 2008 THROUGH MAY 10, 2008 AS DARLINGTON RACEWAY WEEK.

Whereas, Darlington Raceway opened on September 4, 1950, with the inaugural running of the Southern 500, the first stock car race on a paved track; and

Whereas, since its inception, Darlington Raceway has served as a cornerstone in the development of stock car racing, one of the fastest growing and most popular spectator sports in the country; and

Whereas, Darlington Raceway still hosts its annual spring race events, which will be held this year during the week of May 4, 2008 on the track whose reputation has made it known worldwide as the track "Too Tough To Tame"; and

Whereas, South Carolina lays claim to many of the legends of NASCAR racing, including Rex White, David Pearson, Bud Moore, James Hylton, Tiny Lund, Cotton Owens, Harold Brasington, Bob Colvin, and Cale Yarborough; and

Whereas, the State of South Carolina is rich in historical references to the sport of stock car racing, as evidenced by the Historical NASCAR Museum, the Darlington Raceway Stock Car Museum, and the National Mortorsports Press Association Hall of Fame at Darlington Raceway, and

Whereas, the NASCAR events at Darlington focus our nation's attention and the attention of the world upon our great State as a sport and tourism destination each year; and

Whereas, Darlington Raceway has on a huge annual economic impact on South Carolina, as NASCAR fans from across the country visit the State each year to attend racing events and then vacation in communities throughout the Palmetto State; and

Whereas, Darlington Raceway participates as a good corporate citizen at the local, regional, and state levels, and is active in numerous community and charitable efforts in contributing to the improvement of the people and the State of South Carolina. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the members of the General Assembly, by this resolution, express the belief that NASCAR racing is an integral and vital part of the State of South Carolina and its economy, recognize Darlington Raceway as one of our state's most treasured attractions, recognize NASCAR racing as a significant part of our state's rich history, and encourage future NASCAR events in the State of South Carolina.

Be it further resolved that the week of May 4, 2008 through May 10, 2008 be officially recognized as, "Darlington Raceway Week" in South Carolina.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to NASCAR, Darlington Raceway, and the Directors of International Speedway Corporation.