WHEREAS, in 2023, National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR), celebrates its 75th anniversary of providing exciting and competitive stock car racing experiences for both fans and drivers; and

WHEREAS, NASCAR was founded by Washington, D.C. native Bill France, Sr. on February 21, 1948; and

WHEREAS, stock car racing has a rich history in Virginia dating back to 1947 when racing began in Martinsville; and

WHEREAS, Martinsville Speedway is known as the shortest track in the NASCAR Cup Series at just over a half mile in length; and

WHEREAS, today, Martinsville Speedway is the only NASCAR racetrack to host NASCAR Cup Series races every year since the series’ inception in 1948; and

WHEREAS, racing began at the track known today as the Richmond Raceway in 1946, and the track is noted for having sold out an incredible 33 consecutive NASCAR Cup series races; and

WHEREAS, Virginia remains the only state to host four NASCAR Cup Series races per year between Martinsville and Richmond; and

WHEREAS, Virginia is also home to other tracks associated with the NASCAR circuit including Dominion Raceway, Langley Speedway, and South Boston Speedway, as well as dozens of other racing facilities around the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, NASCAR events attract millions of fans viewing on broadcast television and thousands of spectators to the Commonwealth year after year, many of whom stay on-site or in hotels throughout Virginia to be part of the excitement, camaraderie, and world-class racing experience; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth has long partnered with NASCAR to support the sport through innovative marketing partnerships; and

WHEREAS, Virginia is the birthplace of many current and former NASCAR drivers; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth commends the entire NASCAR family on this important milestone and looks forward to growing and enhancing our partnership;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize the 75th ANNIVERSARY OF NASCAR in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.