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Etheridge Pays Tribute to Dale Earnhardt as House Passes Resolution to Honor Racing Legend's Life

Statement of
The Honorable Bob Etheridge
Dale Earnhardt Memorial Resolution
February 27, 2001

"I want to thank Mr. Watt, Mr. Hayes and the Chairman and the Ranking Member for bringing this important resolution to the floor today. Just a little over a week ago our national conscience was shocked at the loss of a person who can only fittingly be described as a true legend. Our shock and dismay was increased by the untimely death of a man who had defied death so many times.

"Dale Earnhardt was more than a hero to world of racing, he was and will remain a true inspiration to countless people, many whose lives may be humble but who aspire to do great things. The story of Dale Earnhardt is the story of the "American Dream." Dale Earnhardt knew what every American is taught if you work hard, play by the rules and remain committed to your faith, your family and your community your dreams are only limited by the size of your imagination. Dale Earnhardt dreamed at an early age that he would race cars when he grew up just like his daddy had and on the dirt tracks of eastern North Carolina that dream came true.

"Dale Earnhardt dreamed that one-day he would join the Winston Cup series and in 1979 he did finishing that year with Rookie of the Year honors. Dale Earnhardt dreamed of winning and he did winning 76 times. He dreamed of winning the Winston Cup Championship the true test of season-long endurance for a stock car racer and that dream was fulfilled seven times. Dale Earnhardt dreamed of winning racing's version of the "Super Bowl" and Dale realized that dream in 1998 when he finally won the one big race that had eluded him the Daytona 500.

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"Dale also had big dreams for his family and he was proud of all his children but you know he must have been especially proud to have two of his sons follow him into racing just as he had followed his father into the sport. If you didn't know "The Intimidator," or if you don't follow NASCAR you may not fully understand the loss so many millions of Americans are feeling.

"Because of his humble roots, competitive drive, the size of his desire, his dreams and his personality and because of the success this combination brought to him, his family and his sport his loss has touched a chord throughout the nation much like the loss of Elvis Presley did to an earlier generation of Americans.

"Because our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the Earnhardt family, and because so many people want to express their sympathy and grief, I have placed a condolence book outside of my office at 1533 Longworth for those who wish to sign. Nearly 75 have signed the book since I set it out yesterday. I also have left a condolence book for members to sign in the Speaker's Lobby that will be available throughout the day.

"Much like the official state tree of North Carolina the Loblolly Pine Dale Earnhardt will always stand tall and proud as an inspiration to every American to dream big dreams, race to win and reach for the stars. I yield back the balance of my time."

 

   
   
   
   

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