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TO EXPRESS THE BELIEF OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY THAT NASCAR RACING IS A VITAL AND INTEGRAL PART OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND SOUTH CAROLINA'S ECONOMY, AND TO RECOGNIZE THE DARLINGTON RACEWAY AS ONE OF OUR STATE'S MOST FEATURED ATTRACTIONS WHICH SHOULD CONTINUE TO HOST TWO NASCAR WINSTON CUP RACES EACH YEAR.
Whereas, the Darlington Raceway opened in 1950 with the inaugural running of the Mountain Dew Southern 500, and the Labor Day tradition has grown to become the "Granddaddy" of all NASCAR stock car races; and
Whereas, since 1957, it has hosted NASCAR's premier series twice annually, and the track serves as one of the pillars on which the sport is built; and
Whereas, Darlington counts among its winners NASCAR's greatest racers: Dale Earnhardt, Sr., South Carolina natives, David Pearson and Cale Yarborough, Jeff Gordon, Darrell Waltrip, Richard Petty, Bobby Allison, Bill Elliott, Fireball Roberts, Buck Baker, Buddy Baker, Jeff Burton, Ward Burton; and
Whereas, with its unique egg-shape and distinct turns, the Darlington Raceway has earned its tagline of "Too Tough To Tame"; and
Whereas, the NASCAR events at Darlington focus national and international spotlights on South Carolina as a sports and tourism destination twice every year; and
Whereas, it generates an annual economic impact in the tens of millions of dollars with its guests visiting for racing events spilling out of South Carolina's Pee Dee region into the Midlands, Grand Strand, and communities throughout the Palmetto State, and it attracts a great number of its attendees from other states, representing a twice-per-year influx of substantial revenue for South Carolina; and
Whereas, the Darlington Raceway participates as a good corporate citizen at the local, regional, and state levels and is active in numerous community and charitable efforts, contributing to the betterment of the people of South Carolina; and
Whereas, it is home to the Joe Weatherly Stock Car Museum and National Mortorsports Press Association Hall of Fame; and the planned expansion and renovation of the track when complete in the summer of 2003 will further enhance the track and community's status as a year-round tourist destination. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the General Assembly, by this resolution, express the belief that NASCAR racing is a vital and integral part of South Carolina and South Carolina's economy, and recognize the Darlington Raceway as one of our state's most featured attractions which should continue to host two NASCAR Winston Cup Races each year.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to NASCAR and the Darlington Raceway.
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